cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of snow water equivalence using SIR-C/X-SAR. I. Inferring snow density and subsurface properties

Algorithms for estimating dry snow density and the dielectric constant and roughness of the underlying soil or rock use backscattering measurements with VV and HH polarization at L-band frequency (1.25 GHz). Comparison with field measurements of snow density during the first SIR-C/X-SAR overpass shows absolute accuracy of 42 kg m/sup -3/ (13% relative error). For the underlying soil, comparisons with the ground scatterometer measurements showed errors of 4% by volume for soil moisture estimation and 4 mm for the surface root mean square (RMS) height. Values of snow density and the properties of the underlying soil are necessary for the estimation of snow water equivalence.
Low-frequency conductivity in the average-atom approximation

Abstract The quantum-mechanical average-atom model is reviewed and applied to determine scattering phase shifts, mean-free paths, and relaxation times in warm-dense plasmas. Static conductivities σ are based on an average-atom version of the Ziman formula. Applying linear response to the average-atom model leads to an average-atom version of the Kubo–Greenwood formula for the frequency-dependent conductivity σ ( ω ). The free–free contribution to σ ( ω ) is found to diverge as 1/ ω 2 at low frequencies; however, considering effects of multiple scattering leads to a modified version of σ ( ω ) that is finite and reduces to the Ziman formula at ω = 0. The resulting average-atom version of the Kubo–Greenwood formula satisfies the conductivity sum rule. The dielectric function e ( ω ) and the complex index of refraction n ( ω ) + iκ ( ω ) are inferred from σ ( ω ) using dispersion relations. Applications to anomalous dispersion in laser-produced plasmas are discussed.
Implementation of BioMEMS for Determining Mechanical Properties of Biological Cells

This paper describes the implementation of a custom-made bio-microelectromechanical system for determining mechanical properties of biological cells, which is used for the measurement of mechanical properties of fibroblasts. Our system consists of several subcomponents: (a) actuator which deforms the cell in pre-determined, step-wise fashion, (b) force sensor that measures force applied onto the cell, (c) set of dielectrophoretic (DEP) electrodes for positioning cells in the desired position, (d) temperature sensors and (e) heater. Preliminary results of the mechanical properties of NIH3T3 cells have been determined using this tool and our cell compression techniques.
Reactive control for mobile manipulation

Research for executing large-scale motions of mobile manipulators is described. Mobile manipulators are mobile bases with an attached arm which function in an integrated manner. Motivation is given for moving the arm while the base is moving. This paper applies reactive control concepts to achieve this type of motion. Tools for modeling integrated arm-vehicle kinematics and dynamics are discussed. Kinematics- and dynamics-based concepts are combined with reactive control approaches in order to move toward a practical level of complexity and performance. Simulation results are presented. >
The Zymomonas mobilis glf, zwf, edd, and glk genes form an operon: localization of the promoter and identification of a conserved sequence in the regulatory region.

The Zymomonas mobilis genes that encode the glucose-facilitated diffusion transporter (glf), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (zwf), 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase (edd), and glucokinase (glk) are clustered on the genome. The data presented here firmly establish that the glf, zwf, edd, and glk genes form an operon, in that order. The four genes of the operon are cotranscribed on a 6.14-kb mRNA. The site of transcriptional initiation for the polycistronic message was mapped by primer extension and nuclease S1 protection analysis. The glf operon promoter region showed significant homology to other highly expressed Z. mobilis promoters, but not to consensus promoters from other bacteria. The highly expressed Z. mobilis promoter set contains two independent, overlapping, conserved sequences that extend from approximately bp -100 to +15 with respect to the transcriptional start sites. Expression of the glf operon was shown to be subject to carbon source-dependent regulation. The mRNA level was threefold higher in cells grown on fructose than in cells grown on glucose. This increase was not the result of differential mRNA processing when cells were grown on the different carbon sources, nor was it the result of differential transcript stability. Degradation of the 6.14-kb glf operon mRNA was biphasic, with initial half-lives of 11.5 min in fructose-grown cells and 12.0 min in glucose-grown cells. Thus, the higher level of glf operon mRNA in fructose-grown cells is the result of an increased rate of transcription. The importance of increasing glf expression in cells growing on fructose is discussed. Images
Memory Improvement via Motor Encoding in Learning Disabled Children

Motor enactment has been shown to facilitate verbal memory in normal children. Since evidence for both memory impairment and motor dysfunction has often been found in children with learning disabilities, this effect was studied in learning disabled children segregated as to whether they demonstrated motoric impairments. Using a memory for sentences procedure, learning disabled boys, with and without motor impairments, were compared with normal controls when trained with and without motor enactment. Memory in both normal andlearning disabled subjects (with and without motor impairment) improved significantly following motor enactment. The trend in the data was for greater improvement in the learning disabled. Lines of future research are suggested.
Asymptotic solution for combined free and forced convection in vertical and horizontal conduits with uniform suction and blowing

Significant changes in heat and momentum transfer rates can be caused by finite interfacial velocities and external field forces. This study considers the nonlinear problem of combined free and forced convection in vertical and horizontal two-dimensional conduits with finite transverse velocity. Similarity transformations for the temperature function have been found which reduce the energy, momentum, continuity, and state equations for these configurations to nonlinear systems of two coupled ordianary differential euqations. These equations are solved by approximate methods to give Nusselt numbers and friction factors as well as velocity and temperature profiles. Stream to wall temperature differences increase with suction and decrease with injection. The effects of interfacial velocity on temperature profiles and heat transfer increase dramatically with Prandtl number. Because blowing and suction strongly affect temperature profiles they substantially modify natural convection effects in vertical flows. Suction creates steeper transverse temperature gradients and accentuates buoyancy effects in vertical flows. Conversely injection flattens temperature profiles and thus decreases the influence of buoyancy on the velocity field.
Palpable splenomegaly in children with haemoglobin SC disease: Haematological and clinical manifestations

Summary This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of palpable splenomegaly in children with haemoglobin SC (Hb SC) disease, and to determine the haematological and clinical manifestations of splenomegaly in this patient population. We performed a retrospective chart review of 100 patients with Hb SC over 2 years of age followed by the Duke University Paediatric Sickle Cell Program with serial physical examinations and laboratory measurements. Palpable splenomegaly was present in 34% of patients and was more common in males (P = 0.029). Children with splenomegaly had a significantly lower average haemoglobin concentration (10.3 vs. 10.8 g/dl, P = 0.011) and lower platelet count (237 vs. 314 × 109/l, P < 0.001) than those without splenomegaly. Children with measurements both before and after the onset of splenomegaly had a significant decrease in the platelet count (279 vs. 216 × 109/l, P < 0.001) and white blood cell count (9.1 vs. 7.9 × 109/l, P = 0.04) after splenomegaly was identified. Clinical complications included acute splenic sequestration in 12% of children (median age 5.4 years), and hypersplenism with chronic thrombocytopenia in another 10% of patients (median age 10.6 years). Splenomegaly is a common physical finding in children with Hb SC disease and is often associated with mild cytopenias. Clinical complications of splenomegaly include acute splenic sequestration in younger patients and hypersplenism with chronic thrombocytopenia in older children.
Torque, Academic Achievement, and Behavorial Problems in Early Adolescents

A basic problem has been the assessment of significant neuropsychological processes in an unobtrusive manner. A- literature search produced a simple neuropsychological procedure called the Torque Test claimed to successfully identify children at risk for academic problems and aberrant behavior. The purpose of the study was to investigate the Torque Test as a screening device for identifying children at risk for behavioral and academic problems. The relationship between torque and lateral dominance was also examined. Ninety-four fourth- and fifth-grade subjects (47 males and 47 females) were drawn from a normal classroom population with a minimum I. Q. of 80. The subjects were administered the Torque Test, the Reitan Test for Lateral Dominance, and the Wide Range Achievement Test. Each subject was rated by his or her parent (Burks' Behavior Rating Scale) and teacher (Conners Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale). The results indicate that the Torque Test may be useful for screening for behavior problems, but n...
Stasis: flexible transactional storage

An increasing range of applications requires robust support for atomic, durable and concurrent transactions. Databases provide the default solution, but force applications to interact via SQL and to forfeit control over data layout and access mechanisms. We argue there is a gap between DBMSs and file systems that limits designers of data-oriented applications.Stasis is a storage framework that incorporates ideas from traditional write-ahead logging algorithms and file systems. It provides applications with flexible control over data structures, data layout, robustness, and performance. Stasis enables the development of unforeseen variants on transactional storage by generalizing write-ahead logging algorithms. Our partial implementation of these ideas already provides specialized (and cleaner) semantics to applications.We evaluate the performance of a traditional transactional storage system based on Stasis, and show that it performs favorably relative to existing systems. We present examples that make use of custom access methods, modified buffer manager semantics, direct log file manipulation, and LSN-free pages. These examples facilitate sophisticated performance optimizations such as zero-copy I/O. These extensions are composable, easy to implement and significantly improve performance.
Spray Development and Wall Impingement of Ethanol and Gasoline in an Optical Direct Injection Spark Ignition Engine

The effects of ethanol on spray development and wall impingement of a direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine was investigated using high-speed imaging of the fuel spray in an optically-accessible engine. Neat anhydrous ethanol (E100), reference grade gasoline (E0) and a 50% blend (by volume) of gasoline and ethanol (E50) were used in the study. The experiments were conducted using continuous firing conditions for an intake manifold absolute pressure of 57 kPA, and engine speed of 1500 RPM. Retarded fuel injection timing was used (with start of injection at 250 °bTDC) to isolate the effects of cylinder wall impingement, and lean fuel-to-air ratios (ϕ=0.8–0.9) were used to minimize sooting and coating of the transparent cylinder liner. The effects of three engine coolant temperatures (25, 60 and 90 °C) and two fuel rail pressures (100 and 150 bar) on the features of the spray and the spray interaction with the wall were studied for the different fuels. Quantitative metrics were defined to analyze the spatial features of the spray related to wall impingement. Gasoline (E0) sprays exhibited higher sensitivity to coolant temperature compared to ethanol (E100) in terms of the shape of the spray and wall impingement. Higher fuel injection pressure increased the spray tip penetration rate and fuel impingement with the wall for E0 and E100, despite creating wider plume angles of the fuel sprays.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
GenNext: A Consolidated Domain Adaptable NLG System

We introduce GenNext, an NLG system designed specifically to adapt quickly and easily to different domains. Given a domain corpus of historical texts, GenNext allows the user to generate a template bank organized by semantic concept via derived discourse representation structures in conjunction with general and domain-specific entity tags. Based on various features collected from the training corpus, the system statistically learns template representations and document structure and produces well‐formed texts (as evaluated by crowdsourced and expert evaluations). In addition to domain adaptation, GenNext’s hybrid approach significantly reduces complexity as compared to traditional NLG systems by relying on templates (consolidating micro-planning and surface realization) and minimizing the need for domain experts. In this description, we provide details of GenNext’s theoretical perspective, architecture and evaluations of output.
Transmetallation from CCC-NHC pincer Zr complexes in the synthesis of air-stable CCC-NHC pincer Co(III) complexes and initial hydroboration trials

Development of CCC-NHC pincer Co complexes via transmetalation from Zr is reported. Formation of these air-stable Co(iii) complexes was achieved through use of a CoCl2 or Co(acac)3in situ or with a discrete CCC-NHC pincer Zr transmetallating agent. Preliminary activity in the hydroboration of styrene is reported. This facile methodology will further the development of CCC-NHC pincer first-row transition metal complexes.
Applying quantitative adiposity feature analysis models to predict benefit of bevacizumab-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients

How to rationally identify epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients who will benefit from bevacizumab or other antiangiogenic therapies is a critical issue in EOC treatments. The motivation of this study is to quantitatively measure adiposity features from CT images and investigate the feasibility of predicting potential benefit of EOC patients with or without receiving bevacizumab-based chemotherapy treatment using multivariate statistical models built based on quantitative adiposity image features. A dataset involving CT images from 59 advanced EOC patients were included. Among them, 32 patients received maintenance bevacizumab after primary chemotherapy and the remaining 27 patients did not. We developed a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme to automatically segment subcutaneous fat areas (VFA) and visceral fat areas (SFA) and then extracted 7 adiposity-related quantitative features. Three multivariate data analysis models (linear regression, logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression) were performed respectively to investigate the potential association between the model-generated prediction results and the patients’ progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The results show that using all 3 statistical models, a statistically significant association was detected between the model-generated results and both of the two clinical outcomes in the group of patients receiving maintenance bevacizumab (p<0.01), while there were no significant association for both PFS and OS in the group of patients without receiving maintenance bevacizumab. Therefore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of using quantitative adiposity-related CT image features based statistical prediction models to generate a new clinical marker and predict the clinical outcome of EOC patients receiving maintenance bevacizumab-based chemotherapy.
The renal erythropoietic factor (REF). IV. Distribution in mammalian kidneys.

SummaryThe REF has been demonstrated in the kidneys of rats, rabbits, dogs, sheep, pigs and humans. In these 6 species, approximately equal quantities of the REF were found in the renal cortical and medullary tissues. Exposure of rats to hypoxia induced an increase in both cortical and medullary REF activity.
Phenotype analysis and rescue on female FVB.129-Fmr1 knockout mice

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common monogenic cause of intellectual disability and a cause for autism. FXS females report milder phenotypes and a lower rate of cognitive problems compared to males. This is most likely because most females are heterozygous, while males are hemizygous for the disease. Thus, most preclinical studies have been completed in males. As there is major interest in testing experimental drugs for FXS, it is imperative to determine whether females in animal models used for research, present behavioral alterations that might translate to humans in order to confirm that experimental drugs have an effect on both genders. In our study we describe behavioral phenotypes in homozygous FXS female mice developed on the FVB.129 background. We focused on detection of hippocampal-mediated cognitive abilities and other behaviors described for FXS. Our research shows that, while female FVB.129-Fmr1 knockout mice present normal learning, they have impaired memory, as well as susceptibility to audiogenic seizures. In agreement with previous reports in rodents and humans, significant levels of the small GTPase Rac1 were found in FXS female mice. Because Rac1 is involved in neuronal development, plasticity and behavior, we additionally aimed to pharmacologically inhibit Rac1 and determine whether observed phenotypes are rescued. Treatment of female FVB.129-Fmr1 knockout with a Rac1 inhibitor abolished behavioral deficits, bringing phenotypes to control levels. Our results suggest that female FVB.129-Fmr1 knockout mice display behavioral impairments that resemble FXS in humans. Moreover, those behavioral shortfalls might be associated with alteration of plasticity involving excessive Rac1 function, since pharmacological reduction of Rac1 normalizes previously altered phenotypes to control levels.
APHID DISTRIBUTION AND THE EVOLUTION OF GOLDENROD RESISTANCE

Although there is considerable evidence indicating that herbivory is detrimental to plant fitness, some recent studies of the evolution of plant resistance have concluded that insects do not impose selection on their host plants. A previously untested assumption that underlies most studies of the evolution of plant resistance is that insect distribution patterns are controlled directly by the effects of plant genotype on insect preference and performance. The experiments described here explicitly tested this assumption using the specialist herbivore Uroleucon tissoti (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its host plant Solidago altissima (Asteraceae). Measures of aphid preference and performance were used to predict aphid distribution patterns, and then the predicted distribution patterns were compared with the natural distribution pattern. Although goldenrod genotype had a strong effect on aphid distribution, aphid distribution was not controlled directly by the effect of goldenrod genotype on aphid preference and performance. Instead, a second experiment demonstrated that aphid and spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius and Lepyronia quadrangularis Homoptera: Cercopidae) distribution is controlled largely by genetic variation for resistance to a suite of "branch-causing" herbivores. These herbivores induce branching and aphids and spittlebugs are more abundant on branched plants than unbranched plants. These results indicate that any natural selection imposed by aphids and spittlebugs on goldenrod will depend on the presence or absence of branch-causing herbivores. Thus, selection for plant resistance may depend as much on the assemblage of insect species present as on the identity of each individual species.
Models of the medullary microcirculation.

The medullary microcirculation includes the descending vasa recta (DVR) and ascending vasa recta (AVR), vessels that run in parallel from the corticomedullary junction toward the papillary tip. At intervals, a DVR leaves the bundle of vessels to supply the adjacent capillary plexus. The AVR originate from this capillary plexus at frequent intervals in the medulla. It is generally accepted that the function of these vessels is to remove reabsorbed solutes and water from the medulla while at the same time preserving interstitial solute concentration gradients created by the loops of Henle and collecting tubules. As thoroughly discussed by Berliner and colleagues [1], this process is facilitated by the countercurrent arrangement of the vessels. Diffusive and convective solute transport between AVR and DVR tends to equilibrate their contents, thereby permitting removal of reabsorbed water while minimizing loss of solute from the medulla.
THE BINĀ' AL-MAQĀLAH OF JAMĀL AL-DĪN AHMAD IBN TĀWŪS AND ITS PLACE WITHIN THE MATHĀLIB GENRE

L'A. aborde un ouvrage de litterature religieuse arabe, un livre ecrit par Jamāl al-Dīn Ahmad ibn Tāwūs : Binā al-Maqālah. Dans la litterature musulmane du IX e siecle de notre ere, cet œuvre occupe une place particuliere : l'A. tente de la situer par rapport au genre litteraire du Mathālib. Dans un premier temps, il differencie ce genre litteraire de la litterature radd. La seconde partie est consacree a la resolution du probleme initial
Research and Application of Specialized Search Engine Based on Lucene

Search engine is an important tool for people to search on Internet.Although the general search engines have strong functions,they can't satisfied this need of searching in a portal site with many sub-sites.Lucene is a full-text index/retrieval software package and a search engine can be quickly developed based on Lucene.Analyzes the process of the development study of specialized search engine through an example.The search engines is compared with general search engines on research result.
The Application of Lactoferrin in Oral Mucositis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Children with HD-MTX Chemotherapy

Objective:To discuss and evaluate the effect of lactoferrin in the treatment of oral mucositis of leukemia children with chemotherapy and the safety.Method:350 cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia children with HD-MTX chemotherapy were accorded to the medical record number divided into control group and treatment group,175 cases in each group.Besides the leucovorin calcium rescue,clean Physiological saline gargle,and oral care by nystatin glycerol(after meals and before sleeping),the children in the treatment group were given lactoferrin 3 times/d and the control group in addition to giving a placebo were consistent with the treatment group.The incidence changes and healing time of oral mucositis children in various levels were recorded and compared,as well as the adverse reaction.Result:The incidence of oral mucositis in two groups had no obvious difference,but compared with the control group,the incidence of Ⅲ,Ⅳ levels mucositis were significantly lower than that the treatment group.The cure rate of treatment group were higher and more efficient,the healing time of the treatment group in various levels were also significantly shorter than that the control group(P0.05).Conclusion:Lactoferrin applied in oral mucositis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia children with HD-MTX chemotherapy is safe and effective.
Nutrition and health status survey in Henan Province

Aim:To describe the status of nutrition and health related indexes in residents of Henan province so as to their improvement in the future.Methods:The survey was carried out in 14 sampling point sampled by a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling in 2002,including data gathered from questionnaires,interviews,physical examinations,measurement of biochemical indices,and dietary investigation.Results:The average intakes per reference man people per day of energy,protein,fat and carbohydrate were 9 134.5 kJ,64.5 g(the constituent ratio of good protein was 30.3%,urban/rural:39.7%/26.4%),68.2 g and 327.6 g,respectively,energize ratios of cereals,protein and fat were 59.1%,11.5% and 29.1%,respectively in residents of Henan province in 2002.The prevalence rates of stunting and underweight were 14.1% and 8.2% respectively in infants.The prevalence rates of anemia,overweight,obesity and dyslipidemia were 18.4%,24.0%,8.8% and 17.9% respectively in general population of all ages.The prevalence rates of hypertension,impaired fasting glucose,diabetes were 29.9%,3.5% and 5.5% respectively in residents aged 15 and over.Conclusion:Intakes of heat energy and nutrients are enough except some diet unbalance in residents of Henan province.The outlook of prevention and control for chronic non-communicable diseases is challengeable,integrated measures should be taken for its improvement because of the difference of nutrition and health status between urban and rural.
Social Welfare and Danish Communes: An International Case Study

The implementation of public assistance and related forms of social insurance, based on existing social welfare legislation, often discriminates against new and emerging social institutions such as collective families residing in a communal situation. A recent case study of the Danish experience has shown that, while members of such communes are in fact discriminated against by the authorities (as a communal entity), the system has simultaneously proven flexible enough to accomodate the majority of "problem cases" on an individual basis and in the process served to minimize potential social unrest and dislocation. Unlike their American counterpart, research has verified that the Danes have generally been much more successful in resolving conflict situations, inter alia among their growing communal constituents, through an effective combination of the following factors: (a) the overwhelming majority of Danish communalists tend to work with and through the system (rather than against it, as is more often the case in the United States) and are generally not isolated from their respective communities; (b) they do not have large families with attendant social-medical problems necessitating major social intervention, but are likewise well educated and articulate enough to press for their own demands from their respective local authorities if and when necessary; (c) Danish authorities and institutions of social control simultaneously tolerate, partially subsidize, and in many other ways effectively co-opt the commune movement; and, (d) in practice social workers have proven innovative enough to apply existing social welfare laws and regulations on an individual basis when proven cases of need are brought to their attention. *The data on which this article is based was taken from chapter 14 of a 1974 report "Collective Families In Contemporary Society: An Analysis Of Danish Communes" made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (Applied Research Branch/Alcoh-
Androgen Suppression by a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogue in Patients with Metastatic Carcinoma of the Prostate

AbstractLeuprolide is a new, potent analogue of gonadotropin releasing hormone, which lowers serum gonadotropins and testosterone with chronic administration. Thirty patients with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate have undergone primary endocrine treatment with leuprolide. Subjective and objective response rates appear to be equal to alternative endocrine therapy, although the mean response duration has not been defined to date. Since castration and the side effects of oral estrogens are avoided leuprolide may prove to be the preferred initial hormonal therapy for selected patients with metastatic prostatic cancer.
Bilateral ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulae: a previously unreported entity: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare intracranial lesions associated with a high risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Reported hemorrhage rates have ranged from 62 to 91%, and an aggressive clinical course is more likely than a benign clinical course. We describe the first case of a patient with bilateral ethmoidal dural AVFs. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man presented with posterior fossa subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebellar intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Angiography revealed a tentorial AVF and a complex anterior ethmoidal dural AVF. INTERVENTION: The tentorial AVF was treated with preoperative embolization and surgical resection. On follow-up angiography, the ethmoidal dural AVF was not considered amenable to embolization. A right modified orbitozygomatic approach was performed and the right-sided fistula was interrupted. Intraoperative angiography revealed obliteration of the right-sided fistula, but a persistent fistula on the left. Further surgical exploration revealed this contralateral anterior ethmoidal dural AVF, which was clip ligated. No residual fistula was noted on intraoperative angiography. CONCLUSION: Anterior ethmoidal dural AVFs may occur bilaterally. Given their complex angiographic appearance, their presence bilaterally may not be readily apparent on preoperative angiography. Intraoperative angiography is crucial to identify a contralateral fistula and to verify that ligation has been curative.
Ethical Information Security in a Cross-Cultural Environment

As political and ideological barriers all over the world have been changing, opportunities for collaborative efforts between companies and organizations have abounded, requiring technological advancements to support these cooperative efforts. Although some of the technologies have long been available, only recently have the political climate and associated costs made certain classes of technology realizable for global communication. This increased availability has necessitated a reevaluation of current information security standards to enable the adjustment of standards to the new global environment. Collaborators from all countries need to learn about the types of technology available, and positive and negative issues surrounding their use for cross-cultural cooperative efforts. They must also participate in the development of a general information security protocol which protects all participants while at the same time creating a truly global community. This will enable the development of global systems which are both open to the intended audience and secure from unauthorized access.
On The Application of Flow Forming to the Fabrication of Type B Radioactive Material Package Containment Vessels, Rev. 1

Flow forming is a modernized and improved version of metal spinning, which is one of the oldest methods of chipless forming. The metal spinning method used a pivoted pointer to manually push a metal sheet mounted at one end of a spinning mandrel. As a result, the modernized version of metal spinning, i.e. flow forming evolved. The recent proposal in the radioactive material (RAM) packaging community to use flow forming for mass production of small containment vessels for drum packages is a natural continuation of the trend. We will discuss how the vessel can have the special material properties and stabilities required for a RAM containment vessel.
Asset Use and the Decision-Usefulness of Fair Value Measurement: Evidence from IAS 41

I investigate whether asset use influences the decision-usefulness of fair value measurement. Specifically, I examine whether fair value is more decision-useful for in-exchange assets relative to in-use assets. I test the hypothesis on a sample of international firms that adopt International Accounting Standard 41 and my findings suggest that asset use does influence the usefulness of fair value measurement. Specifically, in cross-sectional tests I find that the fair value of biological assets and the associated unrealized gains and losses are more decision-useful when the assets derive value in-exchange, relative to when the assets derive value in-use. In an additional analysis where I use the firm as its own control, I find that the decision-usefulness of in-use firms’ book value and income declines following the adoption of IAS 41, confirming the cross-sectional findings. At present, the Conceptual Framework provides little guidance on asset measurement, resulting in inconsistencies across measurement standards. Thus, my findings may provide insight to standard setters and those interested in conceptually-based asset measurement.
Seventy-Five Years of the Putnam Mathematical Competition

We review the 75-year history of the world's foremost college-level mathematics competition. Evidence is provided to support the assertion that exceptional performance in premier secondary-school-l...
Practical determination of aortic valve calcium volume score on contrast-enhanced computed tomography prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement and impact on paravalvular regurgitation: Elucidating optimal threshold cutoffs.

Abstract Background The threshold for the optimal computed tomography (CT) number in Hounsfield Units (HU) to quantify aortic valvular calcium on contrast-enhanced scans has not been standardized. Our aim was to find the most accurate threshold to predict paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods 104 patients who underwent TAVR with the CoreValve prosthesis were studied retrospectively. Luminal attenuation (LA) in HU was measured at the level of the aortic annulus. Calcium volume score for the aortic valvular complex was measured using 6 threshold cutoffs (650 HU, 850 HU, LA × 1.25, LA × 1.5, LA+50, LA+100). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the predictive value for > mild PVR (n = 16). Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the accuracy to predict > mild PVR after adjustment for depth and perimeter oversizing. Results ROC analysis showed lower area under the curve (AUC) values for fixed threshold cutoffs (650 or 850 HU) compared to thresholds relative to LA. The LA+100 threshold had the highest AUC (0.81), and AUC was higher than all studied protocols, other than the LA x 1.25 and LA + 50 protocols, where the difference approached statistical significance (p = 0.05, and 0.068, respectively). Multivariable analysis showed calcium volume determined by the LAx1.25, LAx1.5, LA+50, and LA+ 100 HU protocols to independently predict PVR. Conclusions Calcium volume scoring thresholds which are relative to LA are more predictive of PVR post-TAVR than those which use fixed cutoffs. A threshold of LA+100 HU had the highest predictive value.
Teaching the Systems Approach to Training Through Case Analysis

This paper presents an approach that can be used to teach a comprehensive systems approach to analyzing training needs and developing performance- based training courses. The model that is used incorporates the analysis of performance problems and the basics of instructional systems design (ISD). The model and the accompanying case have been used successfully in over 20 training and development courses by three different instructors. The paper discusses the ISD process, presents a case for analysis, provides teaching notes, and offers a Web site for student and instructor support.
Gel electrophoresis, phase microscopy and water-holding capacity studies of beef sternomandibularis muscle treated with sodium chloride and alkaline phosphates

42 INTRODUCTION 43 MATERIALS AND METHODS 4 6 RESULTS 51 DISCUSSION 59 REFERENCES 8 6 PART II. EFFECTS OF VARIOUS SODIUM CHLORIDE AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATE TREATMENTS ON BEEF STRRNOMANDIBULARIS MUSCLE 89
Selecting the Power Plant

A thorough review of number of common and practical powerplant options for modern GA aircraft is presented in the chapter. Starting with a review of the fundamental theories of power plant and power generation, the chapter provides thorough design information about piston engines, turboprops, turbojets, turbofans, and electric motors. Methods to estimate power and thrust as a function of atmospheric conditions and airspeed are provided for all the options. The chapter presents the Gagg-Ferrar model for altitude dependency of piston engines and the method of Mattingly for the operation of turbo machinery. The fundamentals of fuel-cells are provided for electric motors. Then, the chapter discusses topics that affect the installation of engines. Topics ranging from piston engine cooling topics to fire-proofing to inlet sizing are presented. Finally, the chapter presents specialized topics related engines. The topics range from how to account for gearboxes to the extraction of power information from typical engine performance charts and the use of the so-called Petty Equation for the prediction of the same.
New Perspectives in Clinical Pharmacokinetics-1: the Importance of Updating the Teaching in Pharmacokinetics that both Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant Approaches Are Mathematically Proven Equally Valid

The healing professions have only about four main therapeutic tools at their disposal—surgery, drugs, physical therapy, and psychotherapy. For the general profession of internal medicine, drug therapy is its primary tool. Providing an understanding of the state-of-the-art in therapeutic methods, grounded in solid scientific and mathematical rigor, is therefore of the utmost clinical importance for both physicians and clinical pharmacists. This is particularly true where rapidly evolving scientific changes require an up-to-date education upon which students can rely. Unfortunately, relatively little attention has been paid to training clinical pharmacokineticists and physicians to manage drug therapy optimally for patients under their care in their everyday practice. In this paper, we discuss one of these basic deficiencies from the perspective of the longstanding controversy in pharmacokinetic modeling: whether the volume and clearance approach or the volume and rate constant approach is somehow “better”. We examine this controversy using the mathematical principle of invariance, which to our knowledge has not been done before. The conclusion of this analysis is that both approaches are rigorously proven mathematically to be equally valid. We also discuss some implications of these equally valid approaches from the framework of mechanistic and non-compartmental models. Ultimately, the conclusion is that the choice of one parameterization over the other is based on preference or usefulness for research or clinical practice, but no longer, because of this analysis, on science.
Behavioral Science Texts in U.S. Medical Schools

With few guidelines to follow, behavioral science courses in American medical schools have a wide latitude in their design and curriculum. As part of a more global survey of the teaching of behavioral sciences, the authors collected data concerning the use and choice of textbooks for such courses. The textbooks reported as required by one or more schools are identified. The survey data are analyzed and discussed.
Hydrogen embrittlement of stainless steels and their welds

Abstract: This chapter reviews the current state of understanding of hydrogen-assisted deformation and fracture of austenitic stainless steels for use in gaseous hydrogen. The basic characteristics of austenitic stainless steels are presented, focusing on the alloys most commonly used in gaseous hydrogen service. Hydrogen transport in austenitic alloys is briefly discussed, followed by a summary of the important characteristics of internal and external hydrogen environments. A few brief comments are given on models of hydrogen-assisted deformation and fracture with emphasis on hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity. Observations of fracture are summarized for austenitic stainless steel in the presence of hydrogen and related to the tendency for localized deformation in this material class. In the following section, the basic trends of hydrogen-assisted deformation and fracture are outlined with examples from the literature for tensile, fracture and fatigue testing, respectively. In concluding, necessary research and development activities mentioned throughout the text are summarized in the context of unambiguously elucidating the micromechanisms of hydrogen-assisted fracture in austenitic stainless steels.
Calcium stimulates sodium-dependent phosphate absorption in rabbit proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vitro.

There has been considerable evidence for an effect of calcium on the absorption of phosphate by the kidney. Two micropuncture studies have agreed that increasing serum calcium enhances distal nephron phosphate absorption.1,2 However, in the proximal tubule, one study found enhancement of phosphate absorption,1 the other inhibition.2 Because the various indirect effects of increasing serum calcium may have played a role in the outcome of in vivo studies, an in vitro study using the technique of isolated tubule microperfusion was designed.
Impact of Insurance Status on Survival of Patients Diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in the United States

Abstract Background: Survival among patients diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has significantly improved with the use of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). However, the need for immediate diagnosis, access to specialized care and complexity and cost associated with APL management can potentially act as a barrier for disadvantaged patients. Whether socio-economic factors influence the outcomes of patients with APL remains unclear. Methods: We used data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program (SEER-18) to analyze APL cases diagnosed in patients Results: A total of 1,787 APL cases (816 Conclusion: Despite the high cure rate experienced by patients with APL, patients Download : Download high-res image (484KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures Costa: Abbvie: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria.
Subjective and objective assessments of pediatric and neonatal hospital soundscapes

Existing literature reveals that overall noise levels in pediatric and neonatal hospital units are exceeding acceptable ranges and exhibiting persistent noise level fluctuations over time and location. Previous studies have also revealed insights into the subjective perception of noise and explored existing noise sources and their measured acoustical properties. However, less has been done regarding clear identification of hospital noise sources related to staff annoyance in addition to detailed, informative representations of the acoustical characteristics of hospital environments. This study utilizes two methods of unsupervised learning techniques— factor analysis and clustering analysis— to assess occupant perception alongside detailed noise level measurements. Data were collected in two pediatric and neonatal hospital units to provide informative representations of the existing acoustical environments. The factor analysis results show three inherent noise categories among the various noise sources in ...
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the colon presenting as acute meningitis.

Neuroendocrine tumors represent an expansive group of neoplasms that share an etiology of epithelial origin with neuroendocrine differentiation. Poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas behave similarly to their aggressive pulmonary counterpart, small cell lung carcinoma. Most patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors present with symptoms of metastasis, most commonly to the liver. There have been no case reports, to our knowledge, until now that demonstrate metastasis to the central nervous system. A 72-year-old male with poorly-differentiated stage IIIB neuroendocrine carcinoma of the colon presented with acute altered mental status and right facial droop. Head CT was negative for an acute hemorrhagic process without evidence of suspicious lesions. Several days later, the patient developed fever and neck stiffness suspicious for bacterial meningitis. A lumbar puncture procedure was performed. Cytology of the CSF demonstrated metastatic disease to the central nervous system and the final diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis secondary to metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the colon was made. High-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas most commonly metastasize to the liver, which often corresponds with the patient’s initial presentation. When neuroendocrine tumors do metastasize to the central nervous system, the primaries are most commonly of pulmonary origin. When meningeal metastasis does occur, it commonly presents as neurologic deficits or cerebrovascular events, rarely does meningeal metastasis mimic bacterial meningitis with symptoms of fever, photophobia and meningismus. As neuroendocrine carcinomas have been increasing in incidence over the past several decades, it is important to consider varying metastatic presentations when working up a patient with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor.
Step by Step to Peace in Syria

The revolution and Civil War in Syria has led to substantial death and suffering, a massive refugee crisis, and growth of ISIS extremism and its terror attacks globally. Conflict between disparate groups is ongoing. Here we propose that interventions should be pursued to stop specific local conflicts, creating safe zones, that can be expanded gradually and serve as examples for achieving a comprehensive solution for safety, peace and stable local governance in Syria.
Associations between lifestyle intervention-related changes in dietary targets and migraine headaches among women in the Women's Health and Migraine (WHAM) randomized controlled trial.

Background Migraine and obesity are comorbid particularly in women of reproductive age. Obesity treatment involves reducing energy intake and improving dietary quality but the effect of these changes on migraine is largely unknown. Objective To determine if adherence to dietary intervention targets (ie, total energy, dietary fat intake, and dietary quality) were associated with improvements in migraine and weight. Methods Eighty-four women with overweight/obesity and migraine were randomized to and completed either a 16-week behavioral weight loss (BWL) or a migraine education (ME) intervention. For 28 days at baseline and posttreatment, women recorded monthly migraine days, duration, and maximum pain intensity via smartphone-based diary. At each assessment, weight was measured and dietary intake (total energy intake, percent (%) energy from fat, and diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index, 2010 [HEI-2010]) was assessed using three nonconsecutive 24-hour diet recalls. Results There were no significant group differences in change mean migraine days per month (BWL: -2.6+4.0, ME: -4.0+4.4; p = 0.1). Participants in BWL significantly reduced their percent fat intake 3.8% (p = 0.004) and improved total diet quality (HEI-2010) by 6.7 points (p = 0.003) relative to baseline and those in ME (%fat: +0.3%; p = 0.821; HEI-2010: +0.7; p = 0.725). After controlling for race/ethnicity and weight change, changes in dietary intake were not related to changes in migraine characteristics or weight loss among BWL participants (p's > 0.05). Conclusions Changes in dietary intake among participants were small and may have been insufficient to improve migraine in women with overweight/obesity and migraine.
The learning of emotion in/as sociocultural practice: The case of animal rights activism

Background: Learning sciences researchers, including those in the sociocultural tradition, often address emotion on motivation’s terms, as a condition or quality of being that propels or mediates l...