cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in the mental content of work exemplified by lumber sorting operationst

Jobs in the Forest Products Industry, and in particular those associated with the process of lumber sorting, are used to illustrate the effects of technological change on the physical and mental contribution required from operators on their job. The mental effort of men sorting lumber by hand is compared to that of other workers operating mechanical sorting equipment. The measures used for this purpose are derived from a model which calculates the amount of information, in the Information Theory sense, which is transmitted in the human communication channel during the performance of processes of various degrees of complexity called “mental therbligs”. In order to evaluate the effects of technological change on the requirements of work, comparisons are made in terms of information processing rates, cycle repetition rates and other entropic measures. It is concluded that the changes brought about by mechanization and automation must be considered in the context of the total worker's contribution to his job, that is, in terms of physical as well as the mental demands made upon him. Otherwise, only a partial view of the impact of the redesign of work is obtained.
Micro-Signals and Modal Potentials of Nonlinear Deep and Shallow Conical Shells

Conventional sensors, such as proximeters and accelerometers, are add-on devices usually adding additional weights to structures and machines. Health monitoring of flexible structures by electroactive smart materials has been investigated over the years. Thin-film piezoelectric material, e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymeric material, is a lightweight and dynamic sensitive material appearing to be a perfect candidate in monitoring structure’s dynamic state and health status of flexible shell structures with complex geometries. The complexity of shell structures has thwarted the progress in studying the distributed sensing of shell structures. Linear distributed sensing of various structures have been studied, like beam, plate, cylindrical shell, conical shell, spherical shell, paraboloidal shell and toroidal shell. However, distributed sensing control of nonlinear shell structures has not been carried out rigorously. This study is to present the microscopic signals, modal voltages and distributed micro-sensing components of truncated nonlinear conical shells laminated with distributed infinitesimal piezoelectric neurons. Signal generation of distributed neuron sensors laminated on conical shells is defined first. The dynamic signal of truncated nonlinear conical shell consists of microscopic linear and nonlinear membrane strain components and linear bending strain component based on the von Karman geometric nonlinearity. Micro-signals, modal voltages and distributed sensing components of two different truncated nonlinear conical shells are investigated and their sensitivities discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Encyclopedia of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans

With so much information just a keystroke away on the World Wide Web, is there still a need for encyclopedias? I think so. Yes, the Web provides access to a plethora of information, if you only know what to look for. It presupposes that you know enough to navigate the maze. An encyclopedia lays out information in neat alphabetical order. One can look up a specific item, as one can search the Web; this is, perhaps, the traditional way in which an encyclopedia is used. But the pages of an encyclopedia can be browsed more casually than can the Web, and perhaps more importantly, without a specific topic in mind, which provides more of a learning exercise. I have spent many hours randomly flipping through pages of an encyclopedia, always fascinated and absorbed by subjects I didn't know existed.
The role of metastable species in the thermosphere

Metastable excited states of various ions and neutrals in the thermosphere provide reservoirs for the temporary storage of a large portion of solar EUV energy, and permit the conversion of this photon energy by kinetic or vibrational heating, ion formation metastable species formation and nonlocal energy deposition. The present paper reviews current understandings of the chemistry of O(1D), O(1S), O(+)(2D), O(+)(2P), N(2D), N(2P), N(+)(1S), N(+)(1D), NO(+)(a), O2(+)(a), N2(A) and the vibrationally excited states of O2, N2, O2(+) and N2(+). The role of these species in the overall thermospheric energy budget and ionization balance is also quantified. It is noted that of the species considered, O(1D), O(1S), O(+)(1S), O(+)(2D), N(2D), N2(A) and the vibrationally excited states of the oxygen and nitrogen molecules are most significant, with a major fraction of the kinetic heating of the thermosphere taking place through O(1D).
The Impact of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on China’s Destination Brand A U.S.-Based Examination

This study investigates the impact of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on China’s destination brand perception—in terms of destination image and personality—held by American leisure travelers. The results show that although American travelers’ collective perception of China as a travel destination did not change substantially before and after the Games, various subgroups within this population appeared to have different levels of susceptibility to perception change during this process. Furthermore, the study confirmed that event media could influence respondents’ destination perceptions. The findings emphasize the importance of media in image development, and market segmentation in international destination marketing. The results also illustrate the challenge of changing a destination’s brand perception, particularly in long-haul source markets.
WLC42-2: Spatial Multiplexing with Opportunistic Scheduling for Multiuser MIMO-OFDM Systems

In this paper, we investigate the subcarrier allocation problem in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems (also known as MIMO-OFDMA) with spatial multiplexing. Due to the numerous advantages of OFDM schemes, this type of system is becoming increasingly popular for deployment in next generation wireless systems. We first consider the problem of maximizing the capacity of the downlink channel, which results in a joint optimal subcarrier allocation and power loading problem. However, the computational complexity involved in this joint optimization problem is of order 0(KN), where K is the total number of users and N is the total number of subcarriers in the system. We next propose a new suboptimal scheme of low complexity and extend our framework by incorporating spatial multiplexing. Finally, we evaluate the performance in terms of bit error rate (BER) and capacity of the system via simulation and give some analytical bounds.
MsDetector: toward a standard computational tool for DNA microsatellites detection

Microsatellites (MSs) are DNA regions consisting of repeated short motif(s). MSs are linked to several diseases and have important biomedical applications. Thus, researchers have developed several computational tools to detect MSs. However, the currently available tools require adjusting many parameters, or depend on a list of motifs or on a library of known MSs. Therefore, two laboratories analyzing the same sequence with the same computational tool may obtain different results due to the user-adjustable parameters. Recent studies have indicated the need for a standard computational tool for detecting MSs. To this end, we applied machine-learning algorithms to develop a tool called MsDetector. The system is based on a hidden Markov model and a general linear model. The user is not obligated to optimize the parameters of MsDetector. Neither a list of motifs nor a library of known MSs is required. MsDetector is memory- and time-efficient. We applied MsDetector to several species. MsDetector located the majority of MSs found by other widely used tools. In addition, MsDetector identified novel MSs. Furthermore, the system has a very low false-positive rate resulting in a precision of up to 99%. MsDetector is expected to produce consistent results across studies analyzing the same sequence.
Subspace-based Tracking of Multipath Channel Parameters for CDMA Systems

In this paper, we evaluate several issues in the application of subspace-based methods to tracking channel parameters in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication systems, in the presence of multipath fading. We focus on two aspects of the problem - the performance of Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) based schemes while tracking the time variations in the signal subspace, due to fading, and, the performance tradeoff involved in using several complexity reducing approximate schemes. The performance benefits to be obtained from application of subspace-based methods to channel estimation has been well studied. The aim of this work is to lay the groundwork for real time implementation of this computationally complex problem.
Contact Fatigue of a Silicon Carbide with a Heterogeneous Grain Structure

A comparative study of cyclic fatigue damage from Hertzian contacts in silicon carbide ceramics with homogeneous microstructure (fine, equiaxed grains, strong grain boundaries) and heterogeneous microstructure (coarse, contiguous elongate grains, weak interphase boundaries) is presented. Observations of the surface and subsurface damage patterns using optical microscopy reveal fundamentally different cyclic fatigue mechanisns: in the homogeneous material, by slow growth of a well-developed cone crack outside the contact area; in the heterogeneous material, by progressive mechanical degradation within a distributed damage zone below the contact area. Scanning electron micrographs of the latter material show copious fine debris in the damage zone, consistent with a degradation mechanism by frictional attrition by forward-reverse sliding at the weak interphase boundaries. Acoustic emission is recorded during both load and unload half-cycles, confirming hysteresis in the sliding process. Flexure tests indicate initially slight strength losses from the cyclic contact damage in both microstructures, followed by accelerated losses at higher numbers of cycles. The underlying basis for establishing an analytical model of damage accumulation in the heterogeneous microstructure in terms of shear-fault sliding, and for designing micro-structures for optimal properties in fatigue and wear applications, is foreshadowed.
On the nature of communication and language impairment in autism

The social and communication disturbance of autism is characterized by a syndromespecific pattern of strengths and weaknesses, rather than a pervasive lack of responsiveness to others. In children with language, this pattern is manifest as relatively well-developed phonological, syntactic, and semantic facilities, but impaired or deviant pragmatic capacities. In preverbal children, communication for instrumental or attachment functions may be observed, but joint attention, as well as other more purely socially oriented bids, are often lacking. Three neuropsychological models have been proposed that explicitly address elements of this pattern of social communication disturbance in autism. These models differ in the mechanisms of impairment proposed to explain the social-communication disturbance of autism. Nevertheless, these models converge to suggest that the specific pattern of social communication disturbance displayed in autism results from a dysfunction that involves frontal neurological processes. A discussion of the similarities and differences among these models is presented. In the final analysis, this discussion leads to two conclusions. First, it may be necessary to adopt a developmental and dynamic systems perspective to gain a complete understanding of the complexities of the social-communication pathology of autism. Second, the study of autism raises many important observations and hypotheses regarding the ontogeny of the quintessential human capacity for communication and social cognition.
Pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab for previously untreated advanced stage, low-grade B-cell lymphomas.

Summary We conducted a prospective phase II trial of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab as initial therapy for patients with previously untreated advanced stage low-grade or indolent B-cell lymphomas (iNHLs). Of 83 evaluable patients, 91·6% attained an overall response and 86·8% a complete or unconfirmed complete response. The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates were 73% and 93%, respectively. The 3-year PFS rate was significantly different for different diagnoses (P = 0·01): 83% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·72, 0·96] for follicular lymphomas, 73% (95% CI: 0·54, 1·0) for marginal zone lymphomas and 61% (95% CI: 0·46, 0·81) for small lymphocytic lymphomas. The most common adverse events were haematological. Of 509 cycles of chemotherapy administered, grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was reported in 68 cycles (13% of cycles administered) and most frequently occurred during cycles 4–6. This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab in patients with previously untreated iNHLs, including those over 60 years of age.
A decomposition-based approach for the selection of standardized modular containers

The standardisation of packaging and containers for product handling has potential benefits from transportation, material handling and environmental perspectives. Likewise, standardised modular containers play an important role in the Physical Internet (PI). To support implementation of standard modular containers, we introduce a mathematical model to select a requisite number of modular containers to pack a set of products to maximise space utilisation. A decomposition-based solution methodology is developed and presented. Computational results from industry-based problem instances indicate that using standardised modular containers results in increased space utilisation at the unit load level. This finding substantiates the use of modular containers in moving toward the PI.
Performance characteristics of brushless DC drives

A simulation model for the performance prediction of brushless DC drives is used to investigate the speed control obtained from modulation index and commutation advance variations for a motor of complex magnetic circuit geometry powered by a sine-coded PWM (pulsewidth modulation) inverter. The results of the study show the effects of motor model complexity on voltage and torque. Optimum performance conditions in the field-weakening mode are determined, and the value of motors using sinusoidal induced voltages is explored. >
Gait and neuromuscular learning effects through the use of a gait monitoring system

The repetitive nature of walking can lead to joint stress and associated complications due to the rate of loading (ROL) experienced with each step. Previous research suggests that an individual's gait kinematics at initial contact gives rise to the ROL, and a repetitive, high ROL may lead to several disorders, including osteoarthritis. In this study, we investigated the short-term learning effects of using a gait monitoring system to change an individual's gait pattern and reduce the ROL. Twelve healthy women participated in the study, and we analyzed the gait characteristics pre- and post-training with the gait monitoring system. Subjects also underwent a pre-post assessment to explore the short-term changes in proprioceptive acuity that resulted from this type of training. Our results indicate that using a gait monitoring system can effectively change the gait kinematics, leading to a reduced ROL experienced, and can increase proprioceptive acuity. These findings suggest that a gait monitoring system has the potential to decrease the risk of certain joint degenerative diseases, and future long-term studies are needed to explore the gait adaptations that occur through this type of training.
Influence of Sympathetic Nerve Stimulation on Right Ventricular Outflow-Tract Pressures in Anesthetized Dogs

Stellate ganglion stimulation in the anesthetized, open-chest dog consistently resulted in the generation of pressure differences which averaged 20 mm Hg across the infundibular region of the right ventricle. Before stimulation, peak systolic pressures in the sinus and conus were closely matched. Peak sinus pressure showed an average increase of 184 and 162% during stimulation of the left and right stellate ganglia, respectively. Simultaneously, peak conus pressure showed average increases of 88 and 61% during left and right stellate ganglion stimulation, respectively. In addition, the maximal rate of intrasinus pressure development (dP/dt) was usually elevated above conus dP/dt, and this change contributed to the generation of early systolic pressure differences. Cervical vagosympathetic nerve stimulation following atropine administration also resulted in the generation of infundibular pressure differences, but the latter were less marked than those elicited during stellate ganglion stimulation. Elevatio...
The ultrastructure of the "prismless" enamel of permanent human teeth.

Abstract The ultrastructure of the scale-like “prismless” enamel of fifteen permanent, erupted, human premolar teeth was investigated by polarized light and electron microscopy, microradiography and X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystallites in the “prismless” enamel were arranged parallel to each other with their c- or optic axis perpendicular to the line of the striae of Retzius as they reach the enamel periphery. The increased negative birefringence of this enamel compared to that underlying it was attributed partly to its parallel crystallite arrangement contrasting with three dimensional spread of crystallites in the underlying enamel; and partly to its increased mineralization deduced by microradiography. Unlike its counterpart in the deciduous dentition, only single arcs (002) were recorded in diffractograms when the outer “prismless” and underlying prismatic enamel were collimated together indicating that the crystallites in the “prismless” zone lie withing the range of spread of those in the underlying enamel. This was confirmed by electron microscopy.
YIELD OF BANANA GROWN WITH SUPPLEMENTAL DRIP-IRRIGATION ON AN ULTISOL

SUMMARY A three-year study was conducted on an Ultisol to determine the water requirement, yield and fruit-quality traits of three ratoon crops (RI, R2, R3) of 'Grande Naine' banana (Musa acuminata Colla, AAA group) subjected to four levels of irrigation. The irrigation treatments were based on Class A pan factors ranging from 0.0 (rainfed) to 1.0 in increments of0.25. When needed, drip irrigation was supplied three times a week on alternate days. Results showed significant (p < 0.01) irrigation treatment and crop effects on bunch weight, yield, bunch mean hand weight, weight and fruit diameter of the third and last hands, and length offruits of the third hand. Highest marketable yield (47.9 t ha-I) was obtained from the R2 crop with water application according to a pan factor of 1.0. It was concluded that irrigating the crop according to a pan factor of 1.0 was sufficient to justify the investment ofa drip-irrigation system for a farm in the mountain region.
Fuzzy logic based fault detection of PMSM stator winding short under load fluctuation using negative sequence analysis

A negative sequence analysis coupled with a fuzzy logic based approach is applied to fault detection of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM). First, the fundamental components of the motor terminal currents and voltages are separated effectively, based on which the negative sequence components are calculated. A fuzzy logic based approach is implemented to generate a robust detection using the adjusted negative sequence current and negative sequence impedance. The adjusted negative sequence current is obtained by separating the high frequency components caused by the load fluctuation from the total negative sequence current. The adjusted negative sequence current provides a qualitative evaluation on severity of the stator fault. Validation of the method is performed online using a PMSM experimental setup with dSPACEreg and Matlabreg/Simulinkreg environment. The use of fuzzy logic improves the sensitivity of fault detection while reducing false alarm rate under load fluctuations.
Resource Use and Ecosystem Services in a Forest Park Landscape

Dependence upon forest fragments and wetlands by local people outside Kibale National Park in western Uganda illustrates the challenge for rural communities in meeting resource needs, while also controlling overuse and degradation. Using a new geographically stratified, random sampling technique to select study sites, 130 households outside Kibale were interviewed to understand how local uses (e.g., firewood, water) and importance of such fragments (e.g., ecosystem services) depend on household location, size of fragment, and demographic characteristics. While a large majority of households derived material benefits from both wetland and forest fragments, only a minority perceived fragments as providing ecosystem services. Households that derived benefits from fragments tended to live farther from the park, though benefits were largely unrelated to the size of the nearest fragment. An understanding of the importance of these areas is critical for conservationists and park managers when developing cooperat...
Facial Paralysis: Traumatic Neuromas Vs. Facial Nerve Neoplasms

Traumatic neuromas (TN) are benign proliferations of neural tissue that may occur without disruption of the facial nerve. The clinical presentation, as well as the radiographic appearance, may suggest neoplastic involvement of the facial nerve. Histologically, they may closely resemble neurilemomas (Schwannomas) or neurofibromas. Three cases of TN of the facial nerve associated with facial paralysis are presented here. Unlike previously reported cases, these tumors were not associated with chronic inflammatory middle ear disease. TN must be considered in the differential diagnosis and treatment of facial paralysis.
Decrease of Fertility in a Broiler Breeder Flock Due to Testicular Atrophy

Abstract Two weeks after spiking, a decrease in fertility from 96% to 82% was observed in a 48-week-old broiler breeder flock. Hatchability in the flock was about 86%. Necropsy of 25 males revealed severe testicular atrophy in 60% of the birds. Histopathology of the testes demonstrated no spermatogenesis in most of these birds. No evidence of infectious disease was discovered, and no infectious agents were isolated. Further investigation on the farm revealed standing water in the house, due to heavy rains, and wet and caked litter; this resulted in decreased feed consumption, for at least 5 days prior to submission to the diagnostic laboratory, and a corresponding decrease in body weight of the birds. In conclusion, a combination of a recent introduction of replacement (spiking) males, poor environmental conditions, and decreased feed consumption led to the loss of weight, testicular atrophy, and decreased or no spermatogenesis in individual birds, collectively resulting in decreased flock fertility.
The Japanese Judiciary: Maintaining Integrity, Autonomy and the Public Trust

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the distinctive features of the Japanese judiciary, its structure, and its administration by senior career judges assigned to the General Secretariat of the Supreme Court. The paper describes in detail the career paths of career judges as well as the prevailing pattern of appointments to the Supreme Court, both of which preclude significant political intervention. It argues that Japanese judicial organization, the mentoring and monitoring role of senior judges, and the decisions on promotion and assignment by judicial administrators has resulted in an extraordinary record of judicial integrity and an equally remarkable level of institutional autonomy. These features of the Japanese judiciary in turn help to explain the high level of public trust in the integrity and competence of the judiciary.
Angular Parallelization of a Curvilinear Sn Transport Theory Method

In this paper a parallel algorithm for angular domain decomposition (or parallelization) of an r-dependent spherical S{sub n} transport theory method is derived. The parallel formulation is incorporated into TWOTRAN-II using the IBM Parallel Fortran compiler and implemented on an IBM 3090/400 (with four processors). The behavior of the parallel algorithm for different physical problems is studied, and it is concluded that the parallel algorithm behaves differently in the presence of a fission source as opposed to the absence of a fission source; this is attributed to the relative contributions of the source and the angular redistribution terms in the S{sub s} algorithm. Further, the parallel performance of the algorithm is measured for various problem sizes and different combinations of angular subdomains or processors. Poor parallel efficiencies between {approximately}35 and 50% are achieved in situations where the relative difference of parallel to serial iterations is {approximately}50%. High parallel efficiencies between {approximately}60% and 90% are obtained in situations where the relative difference of parallel to serial iterations is {lt}35%.
Microstructure of Sputter Deposited TiO2/SiO2 Multilayer Optical Coatings

The microstructure of TiO2/SiO2 multilayer optical filters has been investigated in detail by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and related to their optical properties and stability. The amorphous TiO2 layers in the as-deposited multilayers are found to consist of nanocolumns and intercolumnar regions with non-stoichiometric or lower density material. In humid ambients this microstructure absorbs moisture which causes a shift in the absorption edge of the filters. Upon annealing the TiO2layers are found to recrystallize into the low-temperature anatase modification which leads to significantly improved stability of the optical properties of the filters.
Tracking paleodeformation fields in the Mesozoic central Sierra Nevada arc: Implications for intra-arc cyclic deformation and arc tempos

In this study, structures in plutons and host rocks are coupled with geochronology to track paleodeformation fields from the late Paleozoic to Late Cretaceous in the central Sierra Nevada. Regional NW-striking host-rock foliation, NE- or SW-vergent thrust faults, and associated folds developed from the early Mesozoic to Early Cretaceous. Dextral transpressional shear zones developed in the Late Cretaceous. Strikes of steep-dipping magmatic foliations in Mesozoic plutons temporally vary from approximately NW (Triassic–Jurassic) to WNW (Late Cretaceous), displaying a progressive counterclockwise rotation. Joint interpretation based on combining host-rock and magmatic structures suggests that intra-arc paleodeformation fields were dominated by coaxial and arc-perpendicular contraction from the early Mesozoic to Early Cretaceous, becoming increasingly dextral transpressive in the Late Cretaceous. The switch from contraction to transpression was likely caused by oblique convergence between the Farallon and North American plates. Based on observations in the study area and other host-rock pendants in the central Sierra Nevada, we propose that the intensity of intra-arc deformation is cyclic. To some extent, it mimics the episodic pattern of arc magmatism: Stronger deformation coincides with magmatic flare-ups. Magmatism promotes intra-arc deformation, which in turn causes crustal thickening during transfer of materials downward to the magma source regions, potentially fertilizing source regions with supracrustal materials and resulting in increased magma generation. Thus, models addressing continental arc tempos should include intra-arc processes. Evolution of continental arcs may be influenced by linked cyclic processes within the arcs accompanied by noncyclic processes driven by events external to the arcs.
H. Charlton Bastian on Kinaesthetic Centers and Concepts of Aphasia (S59.003)

Objective: To describe Bastian9s views on kinaesthesia and aphasia. Background H. Charlton Bastian (1837-1915), a distinguished neurologist at the National Hospital, Queen Square, was an astute clinician, innovative theoretician, and prolific expositor on a variety of neurological topics. Design/Methods: Focused review and synthesis of Bastian9s scientific writings on aphasia, kinaesthesia, and related topics. Results: In 1869, eight years after Broca9s seminal reports on aphemia, Bastian published two extensive articles, the themes of which he revisited often during his long career. The first was on “muscle sense” and its relation to the “physiology of thinking” and speech (Brit. Med. J.). In time, Bastian rejected outright the notion of a motor cortex. Volitional movement depended on kinaesthetic centers concerned with sensory impressions consequent to movement. Paralysis after cortical injury reflected an inability to revive “muscle sense” images. The second article concerned “various forms of loss of speech” (Brit. Foreign Med. Chirurg. Rev.). Here, Bastian proposed an innovative conceptual framework for disorders of speech, reading, and writing. Words were revived as sounds, not motor processes. He anticipated better known works by Kussmaul on alexia and by Wernicke on sensory (Wernicke9s) aphasia. Later Bastian proposed four left hemisphere centers for word memories: an auditory word center (temporal lobe), a visual word center (occipital lobe), and kinaesthetic word centers for spoken language (glosso-kinaesthetic center, third frontal convolution) and written language (cheiro-kinaesthetic center, mid Rolandic region). Although highly regarded, Bastian came to be marginalized through repeated clashes with scientific luminaries. At the National Hospital, these included colleagues John Hughlings Jackson and David Ferrier. In research on the origin and evolution of life, these included Louis Pasteur and Thomas Huxley. Conclusions: Bastian was influential in early discussions of functional representation within the cerebrum, but iconoclastic views detracted from his lasting influence. Disclosure: Dr. Henderson has received research support from Cambridge University Press.
Coupled Flow and Deformation Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Migration in the Presence of a Caprock Fracture during Injection

Understanding the transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) during long-term CO2 injection into a typical geologic reservoir, such as a saline aquifer, could be complicated because of changes in geochemical, hydrogeological, and hydromechanical behavior. While the caprock layer overlying the target aquifer is intended to provide a tight, impermeable seal in securing injected CO2, the presence of geologic uncertainties, such as a caprock fracture or fault, may provide a channel for CO2 leakage. There could also be a possibility of the activation of a new or existing dormant fault or fracture, which could act as a leakage pathway. Such a leakage event during CO2 injection may lead to a different pressure and ground response over a period of time. In the present study, multiphase fluid flow simulations in porous media coupled with geomechanics were used to investigate the overburden geologic response and plume behavior during CO2 injection in the presence of a hypothetical permeable fractured zone in a caprock, exis...
A novel approach for estimation of the natural mortality of the common whelk, Buccinum undatum (L.) and role of hermit crabs in its shell turnover

Abstract Analysis of simultaneously occurring live molluscs and empty shells of the whelk Buccinum undatum indicated similar abundance on the seabed making possible the estimation of recent natural mortality. Nearly all empty shells were occupied by hermit crabs Pagurus bernhardus and most of the remainder by Pagurus prideaux. P. bernhardus is highly selective for robust whelk shells, whereas anemone-protected P. prideaux use a range of smaller and thin-walled shells. Application of age size keys based on age reading of opercula surfaces permitted a tentative estimate of natural mortality of M = 1.34 on trap fishing grounds for brown crab in the southwest North Sea (whelks aged 4–7 years) and M = 0.85 and M = 0.63 for the fishing grounds on the Western Waters (whelks aged 4-7 years and 4-9 years respectively). Estimates of total mortality (Z), based on size-frequencies of live whelks, were Z = 1.35 (North Sea) and Z = 1.46 and 1.23 (Western Waters, aged 4-7 years and 4-9 years). Estimates of M for the North Sea might be biased by differences in trap selectivity between hermit crabs and live whelks. This is a novel approach that might be developed for whelk fisheries assessment and management, particularly using better age determination techniques.
Depression and Anxiety

Treatment-seeking patients with fibromyalgia have significantly more psychiatric co-morbidity compared with fibromyalgia non-patients or healthy controls. Fibromyalgia patients should be routinely screened for psychological distress. Disruptive mood disorders will need to be directly treated in addition to other fibromyalgia treatments. Both medication and non-medication fibromyalgia treatments have been shown to improve symptoms of pain and psychological distress.
Moving forward with fine-root definitions and research.

Here, in the letter published in this issue of New Phytologist (pp. 310-312), 'Fine roots - functional definition expanded to crop species?' Dr. Zobel emphasizes the importance of heterogeneity within crop-root systems.
Improvement of the Detection of Envelope Modulation on Noise (DEMON) and its application to small boats

The Detection of Envelope Modulation on Noise (DEMON) algorithm is popular for the identification of vessels from passive acoustic data. We suggest several improvements to the DEMON algorithm: First, an extension of the DEMON algorithm for determining time delay of arrival of an acoustic signal based on the phase delay of DEMON spectral components from two hydrophones. Then we show the DEMON spectra of a variety of small vessels measured in controlled conditions. Their various characteristics are discussed in the context of vessel classification from DEMON spectra. Finally, the dependence of the DEMON spectra on the passband of propeller noise were investigated using the Cyclic Modulation Spectrum, and optimum frequencies for demodulation were found.
Using a mixed method approach to discuss the intersectionalities of class, education, and gender in natural disasters for rural vulnerable communities in Pakistan

During the floods of 2014, Pakistan lost 267 human lives. 2.5 million people were displaced, 129,880 houses were fully or partially destroyed, and over 1 million acres of cropland and 250,000 farmers were affected, which resulted in the loss of cash crops and standing food. Using Intersectionality Theory, the current study examines the effects of income, education, land ownership, land type, disaster type, gender, and disability on the loss of agricultural crops, controlling for respondents’ age. Secondary data was used for this study from a 2012 baseline survey of disaster risk reduction, conducted by a nongovernment organization in District Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that education of household head, high income, and land ownership decreased the likelihood of losing agricultural crops, whereas floods, women-headed households, and disabled family members increased the likelihood of losing agricultural crops. Keywords: intersectionality; natural disasters; rural vulnerable communities Resume Durant les inondations de 2014, le Pakistan a perdu 267 vies humaines. 2.5 millions de personnes furent deplacees, 129 880 maisons furent totalement ou partiellement detruites, et plus d'un million d'acre de terres cultivees et 250 000 fermiers furent affectes, ce qui a entraine la perte des cultures commerciales et des disponibilites alimentaires. En utilisant la theorie de l'intersectionnalite, la presente etude examine les effets du revenu, de l'education, de la propriete fonciere, du type de sol, du type de catastrophe, le genre, et l'incapacite qui a suivi la perte des terres agricoles, en considerant l'âge des repondants. Des donnees secondaires ont ete utilisees pour cette etude, comme base de reference de reduction des risques de catastrophe, et conduites par une organisation non gouvernementale dans le district de Muzaffargarh, au Pendjab, au Pakistan. La regression logistique a ete utilisee pour analyser les donnees. Les resultats ont indique que l'education du chef de famille, un haut revenu, et une propriete fonciere diminuaient la probabilite de perdre des terres agricoles, tandis que les inondations, les femmes chef de famille, et des membres de famille invalides augmentaient la probabilite de perdre des terres cultivables.
Associations of specific postoperative complications with costs after radical cystectomy.

Background Radical cystectomy (RC) is a morbid surgery plagued by complications. Expenditures attributed to specific complications after RC is not well characterized. We sought to quantify the financial impact of complications after RC and their associations with respective 90-day costs. Methods We used the Premier Hospital Database to identify 9,137 RC patients (weighted population of 57,553) from 360 hospitals between 2003-2013. Complications were categorized according to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Clinical Classifications. Patients with and without complications were compared and multivariable analysis was performed. Results An index complication increased costs by $9,262 [95% CI 8300-10,223] and a readmission complication increased costs by $20,697 [95%CI 18,735-22,660]. The four most costly index complications (descending order) were venous thromboembolism (VTE), infection, wound and soft tissue event, and pulmonary (p 6 hours), transfusions > 3 units, and teaching hospitals were associated with higher costs (p<0.05) while high volume surgeons and shorter surgeries (<4 hours) were associated lower costs (p<0.05). Conclusions Complications after RC increase index and readmission costs for hospitals, and can be categorized based on magnitude. Future initiatives in RC may also consider costs of complications when establishing quality improvement priorities for patients, providers, or policymakers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Multivalent binding and biomimetic cell rolling improves the sensitivity and specificity of circulating tumor cell capture

Purpose: We aimed to examine the effects of multivalent binding and biomimetic cell rolling on the sensitivity and specificity of circulating tumor cell (CTC) capture. We also investigated the clinical significance of CTCs and their kinetic profiles in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy treatment.Experimental Design: Patients with histologically confirmed primary carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, were eligible for enrollment. Peripheral blood was collected prospectively at up to five time points, including before radiotherapy, at the first week, mid-point and final week of treatment, as well as 4 to 12 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. CTC capture was accomplished using a nanotechnology-based assay (CapioCyte) functionalized with aEpCAM, aHER-2, and aEGFR.Results: CapioCyte was able to detect CTCs in all 24 cancer patients enrolled. Multivalent binding via poly(amidoamine) dendrimers further improved capture sensitivity. We also showed that cell rolling effect can improve CTC capture specificity (% of captured cells that are CK+/CD45-/DAPI+) up to 38%. Among the 18 patients with sequential CTC measurements, the median CTC decreased from 113 CTCs/mL before radiotherapy to 32 CTCs/mL at completion of radiotherapy (P = 0.001). CTCs declined throughout radiotherapy in patients with complete clinical and/or radiographic response, in contrast with an elevation in CTCs at mid or post-radiotherapy in the two patients with known pathologic residual disease.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that multivalent binding and cell rolling can improve the sensitivity and specificity of CTC capture compared with multivalent binding alone, allowing reliable monitoring of CTC changes during and after treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2539-47. ©2018 AACR.
BIOMARKER AND CMR NEGATIVE CARDIAC NONAMYLOIDOTIC MONOCLONAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN DEPOSITION DISEASE (CIDD) AND RENAL AMYLOIDOSIS

AL amyloidosis arises from the extracellular deposition of misfolded light chain produced by a plasma cell dyscrasia. Prognosis hinges strongly on cardiac involvement. Cardiac biomarkers, in addition to serum free light chain, form the basis of the Mayo staging system for amyloidosis, with cardiac
Mitochondria in kidney disease and recovery

The kidney requires oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production and the many renal functions. Persistent mitochondrial dysfunction has a role in the early stages and progression of renal diseases, such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and diabetic nephropathy. We proposed that pharmacological stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) could restore mitochondrial and renal function. Agonists of the beta 2-adrergic receptor and the 5-HT1F receptor stimulated MB in mice through the Akt/eNOS/cGMP/PKG/PGC -1alpha pathway. PGC-1alpha is the "master regulator" of MB. Treatment of AKI and diabetic nephropathy mice, after renal dysfunction occurred, with agonists to these receptors stimulated MB and mitochondrial function and promoted recovery of renal function. In addition, this approach was also effective in mice models of spinal cord injury, restoring mitochondrial function and locomotion. These results reveal novel mechanisms of MB provide the foundation for new chemicals that induce MB to treat acute and chronic organ injuries.
Phenotypic plasticity of sarcomeric protein mutations.

The practice of medicine today is founded primarily on the phenotypic characteristics of diseases. The recognition of common forms of cardiomyopathies as hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies typifies the phenotype-based approach to diseases. The
Sequential Aspects of Liver Carcinogenesis

The widespread use of precancerous tissue in research is predicated on the hope that changes manifested by such tissue will reveal critical aspects of the neoplastic transformation. The investigator must first decide which parameters of cell function he will measure in the preneoplastic period. Such decisions are generally influenced by current research trends in cell biology in the hope that a perturbation of a particular cell function is essential to malignancy. Once this decision has been made, the technical problems are essentially two. First is the differentiation of toxic effects of the carcinogen from those related to malignancy, and second is the identification and isolation of the true preneoplastic population.
Intracorporeal Lithotripsy: Electrohydraulic, Pneumatic, and Ultrasonic

The evolution of ureteroscopy using electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), pneumatic lithotripsy (PL), and ultrasonic lithotripsy (USL) for the treatment of ureteral stones offered a much less invasive alternative to contemporary open ureterolithotomy, and a was major advancement for the fledgling field of endourology. As new energy sources became widely available, studies examining the safety, efficacy, and cost sought to determine the one best modality to treat ureteral stones. EHL, while efficient and safe for treatment of bladder stones proved to be too powerful to use for the treatment of most stones within the ureter. USL and PL were safer and often times more efficient than EHL, but the breadth of their applicability was somewhat limited by the rigid nature of their probes. The advent of shock wave lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy, and their subsequent widespread affordability and availability, eclipsed other energy sources as the first-line treatment for ureteral stones. Contemporaneous and modern clinical studies however prove that the traditional lithotrites, including EHL, PL, and USL, still have utility and can be especially effective when cost constraints dictate equipment choice.
User Identification on Social Networks Through Text Mining Techniques: A Systematic Literature Review

Social connection between the set of people is known as social network analysis. People keep numerous identities on various online social sites. User-related network data has distinctive information which shows user interests, behavioral patterns, and political views. By using these behaviors individually and collectively are of great help to recognize users across social networks. SLR (Systematic Literature Review) has been performed to distinguish 31 papers published during 2010–2018. The idea is to determine user identification categories that are used to classify users. Furthermore, to identify algorithms, models, methods, and tools that has been suggested since 2010 for user characterization. We have identified 10 algorithms, 19 models, 5 methods and 8 tools that have proposed for 5 user identification categories. Finally, we empirically evaluated that text mining techniques are promising approaches for the identification of users on online social networks.
Abstract 207: Comparison of Two Lines of Mice Expressing Smooth Muscle-Targeted Cre Recombinase from Different Promoters

Background The development of mouse lines that drive inducible deletion of conditional alleles specifically in smooth muscle cells (SMC-Cre mice) is a major advance in experimental vascular biology. Two recently reported SMC-Cre lines differ in the promoter that drives Cre expression and in their sex linkage. One line uses a smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) promoter and is Y-chromosome linked; the other uses a smooth muscle actin (SMA) promoter and is autosomal. Performance of these lines has not been compared in the same laboratory. Hypothesis We hypothesized that the 2 lines of SMC-Cre mice would rearrange a floxed allele with equal efficiency and tissue specificity and would have equivalent_and at most low_levels of recombinase activity in vascular (V)SMC in the absence of Cre activation by Tamoxifen. Methods Both SMC-Cre lines were crossed with the R26R reporter line. Cre-positive/R26R-positive mice were injected with Tamoxifen or vehicle (n = 2 - 5/group). Cre-negative/R26R positive mice were injected with Tamoxifen (n = 3 - 4/group). Cre activity was assessed by X-gal stain (n = 2 - 4/group) and qRT-PCR for lacZ (n = 3 - 5/group). Results X-gal stains showed that both lines inducibly rearranged R26R with high efficiency in VSMC of the aorta and carotids. Visceral SMC in the bladder and gastrointestinal tissues of these mice also stained blue, as did VSMC within these organs and within other, SMC-poor organs such as skeletal muscle and heart. Vehicle-injected Cre-positive/R26R-positive mice in both lines had low levels of blue staining in VSMC but high levels of blue staining in SMC of the intestine (25 - 50%) and bladder (> 50%). No blue cells were detected in Cre-negative/R26R-positive mice injected with Tamoxifen. Both lines of Cre-positive/R26R-positive mice showed Tamoxifen-inducible expression of lacZ mRNA in the aorta, carotid, and bladder. Both lines also had essentially undetectable lacZ mRNA in the heart, either in the absence or the presence of Tamoxifen. Conclusions The 2 lines of SMC-Cre mice appear equivalent in their ability to achieve inducible gene deletion specifically in VSMC. Both have low levels of background activity in VSMC in the absence of Tamoxifen. Background Cre activity is higher in visceral than vascular SMC of both lines.