cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful use of Impella 5.5 to manage cardiogenic shock complicated by COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is becoming increasingly common. AIMS: In this case report, we describe the successful use of an Impella 5.5 (Abiomed) to treat cardiogenic shock refractory to inotropic therapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed severely diminished left ventricular ejection fraction and a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test revealed that the patient was COVID-19 positive during his hospital admission. RESULTS: Following initiation of inotropic therapy, we placed an Impella 5.5 for further cardiac support. The patient's LVEF and cardiac index improved after 21 days on the Impella 5.5 and was maintained following explant. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: The findings reported here demonstrate successful use of an Impella 5.5 to improve native heart function in refractory cardiogenic shock and further indicate its use as an option for those in acute decompensated heart failure who have tested positive for COVID-19 infection.
The Scientific Spirit and Method in Chinese Philosophy

In the course of the past work in East-west philosophy, the question has been raised as to whether there was science in the East, and why the East developed little or no science.
Variations in Environmental Tritium Dose Estimates Due to Meteorological Data Averaging and Uncertainties in Pathway Model Parameters

The large amounts of tritium produced at the Savannah River Site (SRS) coupled with the current dose reconstruction study at the facility emphasize the importance of ensuring accurate and efficient prediction of tritium doses to the public. Presently, dose estimates to the general population in the site vicinity are calculated annually using a five year meteorological database. Determining whether detailed monthly dose estimates are necessary or whether annual averaged data is sufficient offers the potential for more efficient dose prediction. In this study, off site collective committed doses and maximum individual doses due to atmospheric tritium releases were calculated according to the methods outlined in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Regulatory Guide 1.109 and compared using monthly versus five-year meteorological data and source terms. Site-specific variables not currently utilized at SRS for annual dose estimates also have been included. In addition, the range of predicted doses, based on the distribution in model parameters given in the literature, were estimated. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed in order to determine the influence of model inputs on dose estimates. Results corroborate previous studies by indicating that the primary contributor to infant tritium dose is the ingestion of milk, while for all other age groups, the most important pathway is the ingestion of vegetation. These relative pathway contributions remain constant throughout the year for infants; for children, teenagers, and adults, however, inhalation and absorption of tritium through the skin increases in relative importance in the months of June to September. It was found that the model utilized was most sensitive to dose factors, the ratio of the specific activity of tritium oxide in vegetation to the specific activity of atmospheric tritium oxide, and breathing rates. Most importantly, it was found that over a five-year period, the use of averaged meteorological data results in total individual doses that are only 2 to 6% higher than doses determined monthly, depending on the pathway of interest.
Selective Saber Rattling by Iraqi Politicians

Former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi stunned the Iraqi and American political establishment with his comeback success in Iraq's 2010 election. Speculation immediately began to focus on how his coalition could have won the most seats, focusing on disaffection with the status quo. But the answer could come from a tactic Allawi has repeatedly used: tying his domestic political opponents to countries that Iraq has clashed with in the past, to reignite old hatreds and fears. This article investigates, not only how Allawi and even his rivals have adopted such a strategy, but also how our current understanding of the diversionary theory of conflict needs to be modified to see how politicians in other places play this wag the dog game.
Hemodynamics and cerebral oxygenation following repair of tetralogy of Fallot: the effects of converting from positive pressure ventilation to spontaneous breathing.

Purpose. Following corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), approximately one-third of these patients develop low cardiac output (CO) due to right ventricular (RV) diastolic heart failure. Extubation is beneficial in these patients because the fall in intrathoracic pressure that occurs with conversion from positive pressure breathing to spontaneous breathing improves venous return, RV filling and CO. We hypothesized that if CO were to increase but remain limited following extubation, the obligatory increase in perfusion to the respiratory pump that occurs with loading of the respiratory musculature may occur at the expense of other vital organs, including the brain. Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing repair of TOF and monitoring of cerebral oxygenation using near infrared spectroscopy. We evaluated the following parameters two hours prior to and following extubation: mean and systolic arterial blood pressure (MBP, SBP), right atrial pressure (RAP), heart rate (HR) and cerebral oxygenation. Results. The study included 22 patients. With extubation, MBP and SBP increased significantly from 67.3 ± 6.5 to 71.1 ± 8.4 mm Hg (P= 0.004) and from 87.2 ± 8.6 to 95.9 ± 10.9 mm Hg (P= 0.001), respectively, while the HR remained unchanged (145 vs. 146 bpm). The RAP remained unchanged following extubation (11.9 vs. 12.0 mm Hg). Following extubation, cerebral oxygen saturations increased significantly from 68.5 ± 8.4 to 74.2 ± 7.9% (P < 0.0001). Cerebral oxygen saturations increased by ≥5% in 11 of 22 patients and by ≥10% in 5 of 22 patients. Conclusion. We conclude that converting from positive pressure ventilation to spontaneous negative pressure breathing following repair of TOF significantly improves arterial blood pressure and cerebral oxygenation.
QoS-aware multipath routing protocol for delay sensitive applications in MANETs A cross-layer approach

This paper proposes a QoS multipath routing protocol (QMRP) for MANETs based on the single path AODV routing protocol. QMRP establishes node-disjoint paths that experience the lowest delay. Other delay-aware routing protocols do not factor in the projected contribution of the node requesting a route in the total network load. The implication is that the end-to-end (E2E) delay obtained through RREQ is no longer accurate. Unlike its predecessors, QMRP takes into account the projected contribution of the source node in the calculation of E2E delay. To obtain accurate estimate of path delay, QMRP uses cross-layer communication to achieve link and channel-awareness. Performance evaluation of QMRP and comparison with AODV using OPNET show that QMRP outperforms AODV in terms of average throughput, delay and packet loss has been conducted.
Network resource allocation and a congestion game: the single link case

We explore the properties of a congestion game where users of a congested resource anticipate the effect of their actions on the price of the resource. When users are sharing a single resource, we show existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium, and establish that the aggregate utility received by the users is at least 3/4 of the maximum possible aggregate utility. These results form part of a growing literature on the "price of anarchy," i.e., the extent to which selfish behavior affects system efficiency.
The Effects of Role-taking and Embarrassability on Undergraduate Drinking: Some Unanticipated Findings

This paper focuses on the relationship between role-taking, affect, and alcohol use among college undergraduates. Role-taking is the process through which people anticipate the perspectives— expectations, evaluations, and behaviors—of others (Mead, 1934). Reflexive role-taking (i.e.,viewing oneself through the eyes of others) was significantly related to four distinct types of embarrassment. However, in opposition to our hypotheses, embarrassment resulting from becoming the center of others’ attentions was the only form of embarrassability significantly related to undergraduate drinking. Moreover, it was those students least susceptible to this type of embarrassment who were the most likely to be drinkers. While role-taking, in general, was unrelated to the amount of alcohol consumed, individuals who rarely engaged in empathic roletaking (i.e., rarely anticipated the feelings of others) were more likely to be drinkers and drank more heavily than other students. !! Alcohol is involved in the majority of crimes and accidents that occur on college campuses (Asagba, 1996; Pezza & Bellotti, 1995). Even non-drinkers on campuses where alcohol use is prevalent are likely to experience damaged property and personal injury resulting from others’ irresponsible drinking (Wechsler, Moeykens, Davenport, Castillo, & Hansen. 1995). Because of increasing concerns about these issues, and concerns about the negative impact of substance abuse on young adults in general, many colleges and universities are taking measures to discourage campus drinking (see for example, Baer, Kivlahan, & Mariatt, 1992: Haines & Spear, 1996). Despite these efforts, alcohol use continues to he a common part of many students’ college experiences. ! The first step in initiating strategies that reduce alcohol abuse on campus is identifying the factors that influence student drinking. Drawing on concepts central to symbolic interactionism, we suggest that student drinking is motivated in part by alcohol-induced deficits in role-taking and subsequent affect, and their impact on behavioral regulation. Working within this framework, we examine the relationship between students’ self-concepts, styles of processing social information, and patterns of drinking. ! Role-Taking, Affect, and Social Control ! Role-taking involves seeing the world through the eyes of others and anticipating their responses, both affective and behavioral, to social objects within their environment (Lauer & Boardman, 1971; Stryker, 1962; Turner, 1956). Through role-taking, we establish a sense of social expectations which enable us to regulate our own behavior (Mead, 1934). It is also through roletaking that we are able to share in the mental lives of others (Schwalbe, 1988).
New constraints on reionization from the Compton y-parameter

The most plausible cosmological model dominated by baryonic dark matter, characterized by primeval isocurvature fluctuations, may be ruled out in the limit of very early reionization by the new COBS FIRAS limit y < 2.5 x 10−5 on Compton γ-distortions of the cosmic microwave background. A neutral phase is inevitable for such a model to survive this confrontation with data. Indeed, not only this model, but virtually any model with similar cosmological parameters (Ω0 = Ωb ≈ 0.15, Ωigm ≈ 0.04, h ≈ 0.8), in which the intergalactic medium is ionized with temperatures above 104K as early as z = 800 is ruled out. This conclusion is independent of whether the main ionization mechanism is collisional ionization due to high temperatures or photoionization at lower temperatures. Completely ionized scenarios with typical CDM parameters (Ω = 1, h2Ωb 0.015) are still allowed for most realistic spectra of ionizing radiation, but will also be ruled out if the y-limit were to be improved by another factor of a few. If the ionizing radiation has a typical quasar spectrum, then the y-constraint implies roughly h3/2ΩbΩ0−1/4 < 0.025 for fully ionized models.
Specific HDAC6 inhibition by ACY-738 reduces SLE pathogenesis in NZB/W mice (THER6P.858)

Histone deacetylase inhibitors are important modifiers of gene and protein expression. In our studies, we sought to determine if a specific HDAC6 inhibitor (ACY-738) was able to decrease disease in NZB/W lupus-prone mice through regulation of B and T cell differentiation. From 22 - 38 weeks-of-age, NZB/W mice were injected intraperitoneally with 20 mg/kg of ACY-738, 5 mg/kg of ACY-738, or DMSO (vehicle control). Body weight and proteinuria were measured every 2 weeks, while sera anti-dsDNA, Ig isotypes, and cytokine levels were measured every 4 weeks. Kidney disease was determined using sera and urinary markers of SLE, immune complex deposition, and renal pathology. Flow cytometric analysis was used to assess thymic and splenic T cell profiles as well as bone marrow, splenic, and peripheral B cell differentiation patterns. Our results showed that HDAC6 inhibition was able to decrease many hallmarks of SLE disease including splenomegaly, immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis, sera anti-dsDNA levels, and inflammatory cytokine production. ACY-738 treatment decreased the number of double-negative thymic T cells and increased the percentage of splenic Treg cells. Inhibition of HDAC6 altered BM B cell differentiation by increasing the percentage of cells in the early-stage developmental fractions of both pro-and pre-B cells. These results suggest that specific HDAC6 inhibition may be able to decrease SLE disease by altering aberrant T and B cell differentiation.
The Henderson Mine as an Underground Laboratory

The Henderson Mine, operated by the Climax Molybdenum Company, is one of two sites under consideration by NSF to host a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL). Henderson, in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver, is an active molybdenum mine with large access shafts and high rock processing and removal capability.
Efficient modeling of a small circular loop coupling to a single wire above a lossy half-space

A low-frequency coupling model from a small circular loop antenna to a transmission line (TL) composed of a single perfect electrical conductor (PEC) wire above a lossy half-space is presented. Instead of using Sommerfeld integrals, a discrete complex images method (CIM) is utilized to calculate the electromagnetic fields produced by a horizontal magnetic dipole (HMD). The resulting currents induced on the TL are subsequently calculated and are validated with a commercial moment method code which uses numerical solutions to the Sommerfeld integral.
A method for the determination of binding constants by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A new method for the determination of binding constants using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is presented. The intensity of a reference complex with a known log K value is monitored before and after addition of a second host or guest. On the basis of the change in intensity of the reference complex and extrapolation from a calibration curve, the log K value is then derived for the complex of interest using a set of simultaneous equilibrium equations. Binding constants of several crown ether−alkali metal cation complexes that were previously studied were determined to validate this strategy. Log K values for complexes involving dibenzo-16-crown-5 and its sym-oxyacetate derivative with Na+ or K+ were also determined.
Mechanical and thermal expansion properties of a participate filled polymer

The use of particulate filled polymer formulations over wide temperature ranges has resulted in a need to understand their mechanical behaviour better. In this investigation, a crosslinked epoxy-urethane polymer filled with Al2O3 particles was studied. Mechanical and thermal expansion properties were determined at ambient and liquid nitrogen temperatures and compared to theoretical predictions. Other parameters under consideration were volume fraction and adhesion between filler and matrix. The theoretical equations employed for predicting mechanical properties appear fairly reliable at ambient temperature but unreliable at liquid nitrogen temperatures. The degree of bonding between filler and matrix influences mechanical properties at ambient temperature but at liquid nitrogen temperature no difference in properties owing to matrix filler bonding was evident. This result is attributed to compressive stresses on the filler particles resulting from the lower thermal expansion of the filler.
Crime and Trust in Local Government Revisiting a Black Empowerment Area

Prior research has indicated that the election of a black mayor is accompanied by increased trust in local government on the part of the black electorate. The authors explore contextual effects of the crime and drug epidemic on black trust in local black government. They draw on seven public opinion surveys of citizens of New Orleans, a black empowerment area, conducted between 1985 and 1994. Black confidence in local black government declined during that period, partially as a result of rising crime and the declining quality of urban life. Models of trust in government and the future of black empowerment are discussed.
Impurity-Induced Bound Excitations on the Surface of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8

We have probed the effects of atomic-scale impurities on superconductivity in Bi_{2}Sr_{2}CaCu_{2}O_{8} by performing low-temperature tunneling spectroscopy measurements with a scanning tunneling microscope. Our results show that non-magnetic defect structures at the surface create localized low-energy excitations in their immediate vicinity. The impurity-induced excitations occur over a range of energies including the middle of the superconducting gap, at the Fermi level. Such a zero bias state is a predicted feature for strong non-magnetic scattering in a d-wave superconductor.
The reaction of ferrocene with trichloromethane-sulfonyl chloride

Abstract Ferrocene reactswith sulfuryl and trichloromethanesulfonyl chlorides to give nearly quantitative yields of ferricinium tetrachloroferrate. A similar reaction is not observed with methane- or benzenesulfonyl chlorides. A free-radical mechanism is proposed based upon the known properties of the sulfonyl halides.
Empathy, depressive symptoms, and social functioning among individuals with schizophrenia

Empathy deficits have been associated with schizophrenia and depression. We compared whether individuals with schizophrenia with and without co-occurring depressive symptoms differed on self-reported and performance-based measures of empathy and social functioning. We also examined the relationships among depressive symptoms, empathy, clinical symptoms, and social functioning. Twenty-eight individuals with schizophrenia and depressive symptoms, 32 individuals with schizophrenia without depressive symptoms, and 44 control subjects were compared on assessments of depressive symptoms, empathy, global neurocognition, clinical symptoms, and social functioning. Both groups of individuals with schizophrenia scored higher than controls on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index personal distress subscale. Individuals with schizophrenia and co-occurring depressive symptoms scored significantly higher than individuals with schizophrenia without depressive symptoms on the personal distress subscale. Personal distress and depressive symptoms were significantly correlated among individuals with schizophrenia and co-occurring depressive symptoms, while both measures negatively correlated with social functioning. Emotional empathy was related to clinical symptoms in both groups of individuals with schizophrenia. Personal distress partially mediated the relationship between co-occurring depressive symptoms and social functioning. Personal distress may be an important implication for social functioning among individuals with schizophrenia and co-occurring depressive symptoms, and should be examined further as a potential treatment target.
Oxygen chemistry in liquid sodium–potassium systems

Abstract Oxygen is one of the main contaminates when using an alkali metal as a coolant in a nuclear reactor system. Some oxygen will be present in the coolant at the start of operation, and during normal operation some oxygen may diffuse through the clad into the coolant. Assuming UO2 fuel, a breach of the cladding of one or more fuel pins, and with the coolant contacting the fuel pellets, the oxygen level in the coolant can increase. The present study examines oxygen chemistry in liquid NaK by extending the existing knowledge of oxygen chemistry in liquid sodium. New explanations and correlations for the formation of oxygen compounds in the liquid metal have been developed. This study includes the effect of oxygen level, measurement and control methods, and the effects of oxygen and oxygen compounds on the compatibility between the liquid and the structural materials.
Operational feasibility of one-dedicated-lane bus rapid transit/light rail systems

This paper proposes the concept of a bus rapid transit (BRT) or light rail system that effectively requires only one dedicated but reversible lane to support two-way traffic in the median of a busy commute corridor with regular provision of left-turn lanes. Traffic crossing is accommodated on the otherwise unused or underused median space resulting from provision of left-turn lanes. Conceptual design options and geometric-configuration sketches for bus stops and crossing spaces are provided. System performance in terms of travel speed, headway operations, distance between two neighboring crossing spaces, and number of crossing spaces is also analyzed. To ensure practicality, we study implementation of such a system on an existing corridor. Such a system is also useful as an intermediate step toward a two-dedicated-lane system because of its potential for facilitating transit-oriented development.
Supermarket market-channel participation and technology decisions of horticultural producers in Brazil

This paper examined the relationships between growers choice of market channel (emphasizing the supermarket market-channel versus others), technology use, and grower characteristics such as human capital and farm size. Three key findings emerged. First, both tomato and lettuce growers selling to the supermarket market-channel had more human capital than those not participating. Second, while farm size was important in whether lettuce growers sell to supermarkets, it was not important for tomato growers. Third, technology use was significantly more capital-intensive among lettuce growers selling to the supermarket channels, however, that was generally not the case for tomato growers. These results are important to agribusiness researchers and policymakers interested in technology design and research and extension to enable producers to adapt to the needs of changing agrifood markets, with new requirements of attributes of products and transactions, which in turn have implications for technology adoption and human capital investment among growers. This is particularly pressing in places like Brazil where the market for horticultural products is changing quickly, conditioned by the rapid rise of supermarkets.
The Unequal Benefits of Fuel Subsidies: A Review of Evidence for Developing Countries

This paper reviews evidence on the impact of fuel subsidy reform on household welfare in developing countries. On average, the burden of subsidy reform is neutrally distributed across income groups; a $0.25 decrease in the per liter subsidy results in a 6 percent decrease in income for all groups. More than half of this impact arises from the indirect impact on prices of other goods and services consumed by households. Fuel subsidies are a costly approach to protecting the poor due to substantial benefit leakage to higher income groups. In absolute terms, the top income quintile captures six times more in subsidies than the bottom. Issues that need to be addressed when undertaking subsidy reform are also discussed, including the need for a new approach to fuel pricing in many countries.
The Anasazi Abandonment and the Numic Expansion: A Reply to Ambler and Sutton:

In a recent North American Archaeologist, Ambler and Sutton (1989) discussed the Anasazi abandonment of the San Juan drainage, attributing the movement of Anasazi peoples to the influx of aggressive Numic speaking populations into the region after about A.D. 1000. This article posits an alternative model of abandonment, using a systems model that deals with the economic and political relationships that existed in the northern Southwest from the 10th to 12th centuries A.D. It is suggested that the collapse of a Pan-Southwestern system of trade and economic relationships, that ultimately had its roots in the Toltec “world system,” was responsible for the collapse of Anasazi polities during this time period. Data are used from the Virgin Anasazi homeland in the northern Southwest to build the model. In addition, comments concerning the utility of the ethnographic models employed by Ambler and Sutton and the seeming weakness of some of the logic of some of their arguments are also discussed.
Clinical features and outcome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease who use narcotics: a case-control study.

Background: The role of narcotic use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is poorly defined. We sought to determine the clinical features of patients with IBD who use narcotics and factors associated with the discontinuation of narcotics. Methods: A centralized index was used to identify 100 cases (patients with IBD receiving narcotics) and 100 matched controls evaluated in an IBD clinic between 1999 and 2002. Associations of clinical factors with case or control status were summarized as overall percentages and assessed using conditional logistic regression. Associations within cases were assessed using Fisher's exact test. Results: Review of 361 charts identified 100 patients with IBD receiving narcotics (cases). One hundred matched controls were then identified. Cases were significantly associated with: female gender (64% cases versus 45% controls, P = 0.01), ≥2 IBD-related surgeries (42% versus 17%, P < 0.001), moderate-to-severe pain (93% versus 20%, P < 0.001), and moderate-to-severe symptoms (83% versus 33%, P < 0.001). Significant associations were detected for depression (42% versus 19%, P < 0.001), anxiety (19% versus 7%, P = 0.02), history of abuse (sexual, emotional, or physical, 17% versus 3%, P = 0.006), and for substance abuse (excluding alcohol) (14% versus 1%, P = 0.01). Of 39 cases that returned for follow-up, 22 (56%) had discontinued narcotics. Discontinuing narcotics was associated with medical treatment adherence (100% versus 53%), none-to-mild pain (73% versus 18%), and none-to-mild clinical activity (80% versus 24%). Conclusions: Narcotic use in IBD patients is associated with female gender, ≥2 previous surgeries, moderate to severe pain, and clinical disease activity, depression, anxiety, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, and substance abuse. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Coronary arteriographic findings in 1,000 women under age 50.

Abstract In a consecutive series of 1,000 women under age 50 examined by coronary cinearteriography principally for evaluation of chest pain, 236 had at least 50 percent narrowing of one or more coronary arteries. The youngest, and the only patient who died, was 26 years old. The anterior descending coronary artery was the vessel most frequently involved; the right coronary artery was most often totally occluded. The amount of arterial involvement seemed to be related to the duration of symptoms. Only 10 percent of women with serum cholesterol levels under 200 mg/100 ml had significant coronary artery disease, whereas 44 percent of those with levels over 275 mg 100 ml had significant disease. Electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial infarction was uncommon in women with single vessel disease, but left ventriculograms disclosed that additional patients had areas of decreased contractility. Eleven of 46 women with electrocardiographically diagnosed myocardial infarction had no significant coronary artery disease. The cause of the electrocardiographic finding remained obscure in some. Although there was an excellent correlation of clinical diagnoses with arteriographic findings in women thought not to have angina pectoris, only half of those thought to have angina pectoris had significant coronary artery disease. This finding may be a major reason for recommending coronary arteriography for the evaluation of angina-like pain in women under age 50.
THE LAW OF IMPEDANCE PNEUMOGRAPHY

The impedance coefficient in ohms/litre obtained by means of bipolar impedance pneumography exhibits an inverse relationship with body weight in kilogrammes; this relationship appears valid on an inter-species basis and is probably also true from an intra-species point of view. The relationship is linear on log-log paper and nearly hyperbolic on a linear scale. A statistical regression analysis produced the expression log(ΔZ/ΔV)=2·656–1·08 logW with a Standard Error of Estimate of 0·24 and a correlation coefficientr=−0·976, where ΔZ/ΔV is the impedance coefficient in ohms/litre andW the body weight in kilogrammes. The impedance coefficient per kilogramme, obtained as the derivative of the expression above, is given by (log 490–2·08 logW) and describes with accuracy the change in sensitivity with different weights. For low values of body weightW, the impedance coefficient is very high; for high values ofW, the impedance coefficient is very low and, beyond 1000 kg, negligible signals are to be expected. This observation was verified in the elephant.
One mosque and the negotiation of German Islam

In the last half century (pious) Muslims and their communities have become integral parts of German cities. They are creative cultural producers and religiously inspired urban citizens. Mosques are central nodes in urban Muslim religious and cultural geographies where believers negotiate pious identities and lifeworlds, configure pious public personae and modes of civic participation. In this paper I introduce the Al-Nour Mosque as a unique node in the religious and cultural geography of the southern German state capital of Stuttgart. I examine this mosque as an urban space where individual and communal religiosities and religious cultures are discussed, formulated, tested and practised. My central question is how urban culture and religion are negotiated in the context of a mosque community. I argue that urban culture and religion are negotiated not only in mainstream public spaces or established churches but also in invisible places like mosques. Based on several years of ethnographic fieldwork in Stutt...
Phase shifter technology assessment - Prospects and applications

Capabilities and limitations of MMIC phase shifter technology at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies are reviewed. MMIC-based phase arrays make it possible to integrate active elements at the array face, i.e., to incorporate transmit power amplifiers and/or low noise amplifiers at each antenna element. Active elements make it possible to increase power efficiency and reliability and provide graceful degradation. Monolithic integration of the various transmit/receive functions including phase shifting is considered to be feasible through at least the lower millimeter-wave frequency range (about 30-100 GHz). MMIC integration also allows more flexibility in array design including those that are intended for airborne conformal applications.
Electron microscopy of zoospores and cysts of Phytophthora palmivora: Morphology and surface texture

Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (carbon replicas) confirm the existence of a deep longitudinal groove on one side of the pyriform body of the zoospores of Phytophthora palmivora. Upon encystment the cell rounds off but the groove may be temporarily retained as a depression on the cyst surface. The carbon replicas revealed significant differences in outer surface texture: the zoospore surface is finely granular whereas the outer surface of both young and mature cysts are distinctly microfibrillar with only occasional patches of amorphous material.
Monolithic waveguide zinc-oxide-on-silicon convolver

A monolithic waveguide zinc-oxide-on-silicon convolver has been constructed and operated at a centre frequency of 125 MHz. The zinc oxide is originally deposited over the whole substrate and then etched to form the waveguide. The waveguide width is 1/10 of the beam width at the input transducers, which should yield a 20 dB improvement in efficiency over a normal convolver with a beam width equal to the transducer width, after accounting for the loss in the input tapers. Such an improvement was observed in experimental devices.
Power flow model/calculation for power systems with multiple FACTS controllers

Abstract This paper presents a new procedure for steady state power flow calculation of power systems with multiple flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) controllers. The focus of this paper is to show how the conventional power flow calculation method can systematically be modified to include multiple FACTS controllers. Newton–Raphson method of iterative solution is used for power flow equations in polar coordinate. The impacts of FACTS controllers on power flow is accommodated by adding new entries and modifying some existing entries in the linearized Jacobian equation of the same system with no FACTS controllers. Three major FACTS controllers (STATic synchronous COMpensator (STATCOM), static synchronous series compensator (SSSC), and unified power flow controller (UPFC)) are studied in this paper. STATCOM is modeled in voltage control mode. SSSC controls the active power of the link to which it is connected. The UPFC controls the active and the reactive power flow of the link while maintaining a constant voltage at one of the buses. The modeling approach presented in this paper is tested on the 9-bus western system coordinating council (WSCC) power system and implemented using MATLAB software package. The numerical results show the robust convergence of the presented procedure.
The role of sub-maximal force production in the enslaving phenomenon

When individuals perform a force task involving only one finger, they involuntarily move other fingers as well. This phenomenon is referred to as the enslaving force or the interdependency of fingers. Given that previous literature on the enslaving force has focused on maximal isometric force production, the present research was designed to study the role of sub-maximal force production in the enslaving phenomenon. To this end, we examined behaviorally three levels of force production with a constant rate of force development. We also examined the temporal organization of enslaving separating the achievement of the desired force (ramp phase) and its maintenance (static phase). During the static phase we found: (i) the amount of enslaving increased with the increment of nominal force level whether the index, middle, ring or little fingers were used as the master finger; (ii) enslaving is strongest in the finger directly adjacent to the master finger; and (iii) in terms of enslaving, the index finger was more 'independent' than the other three fingers, regardless of nominal force produced, followed by the little, middle, and ring fingers. In terms of temporal organization, we found that the time-lag of activation of 'slave fingers' during the ramp phase was reduced as the amount of force level increased. Overall, our data suggest that enslaving effect is a task specific phenomenon and depends on the amount of force produced by the master finger.
Influenza immunization of medical residents: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Background There have been few studies of barriers to acceptance of influenza immunization among medical residents. Experimental Design We conducted a cross-sectional survey of residents at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital during the 2003–2004 influenza season. An anonymous questionnaire designed specifically for this study was used to collect demographic, health beliefs and attitudes, and medical knowledge data related to the influenza vaccine. Results 43 residents were surveyed from January to February 2004. 58% of the respondents reported receiving the vaccine. Immunization rates were significantly associated with postgraduate level, prior vaccination, media influence, whether they knew co-residents who were vaccinated, medical knowledge scores, and plan to be vaccinated next year. Immunization rates by age, sex, type of medical school, department, whether they had children younger than 16, whether they would recommend the vaccine to patients, and the respondents' health status did not differ significantly. Residents who had higher medical knowledge scores were significantly more likely to be immunized and recommend the vaccine to patients. Conclusions Resident influenza immunization rate in this sample was higher than the national average for healthcare workers. The rate of immunization was associated with demographic, knowledge, and behavioral factors.
Cryosurgical instrumentation and depth dose monitoring.

Abstract The equipment needed for cutaneous cryosurgery is dependent upon the type of lesions to be treated, the frequency of its use, and the dermatologist's expertise in cryosurgery. If the physician wishes occasionally to treat an actinic keratosis or verruca, a small carbon dioxide kit for making CO 2 pencils is adequate. (Fig. 5-1). Should a liquid nitrogen source be accessible a small "Thermos" plus cotton swabs will be sufficient (Fig. 5-2). To this might be added Zacarian copper discs (Fig. 5-3) for emersion in the nitrogen for cryoprobe application. For dermatologists wishing to treat many lesions, particularly malignant lesions, an in-office supply of liquid nitrogen and an apparatus to utilize the nitrogen in spray or cryoprobe mode are essential. Hand-held instruments are the most popular, but table-top and hospital-type units are available. For malignant lesions, depth dose monitoring equipment is also necessary. The standard equipment consists of a pyrometer-thermocouple device. Vacuum insulated liquid nitrogen storage dewars can be purchased from the manufacturer, from cryosurgical instrument companies (Frigitronics, Brymill, Tower, Gilmore, etc.) or from the welding supply companies which may deliver the liquid nitrogen. These companies may rent the dewars in various sizes. The 10-liter unit is convenient if office delivery of liquid nitrogen is not available and the physician or his assistant has to transport it from a hospital or some other source. If office delivery is possible, the most practical dewars are in the 25–35 1 range. These units have static holding time from 3 weeks to 3 months, allowing infrequent filling (usually at 2–6-week intervals). The more expensive the unit the longer the static holding time, and consequently, the cheaper the cost of keeping a nitrogen supply on hand. A rocker base for pouring (Fig. 5-4A) can be used for transfer of the nitrogen from the storage dewar to the treatment unit, but a dispenser top (Fig. 5-4B) is superior. These can be purchased from the same sources that furnish the dewar.
Carbon nanotubes as a novel tool for vaccination against infectious diseases and cancer

Due to their unusual properties, carbon nanotubes have been extensively employed in electronics, nanotechnology and optics, amongst other. More recently, they have also been used as vehicles for drug and antigen delivery, the latter being a novel immunization strategy against infectious diseases and cancer. Here we discuss the potential of carbon nanotubes as an antigen delivery tool and suggest further directions in the field of vaccination.
Receptors for progesterone.

Abstract Coordinated estrogen- and progesterone-induced changes regulate biological functions of the endometrium. The uterine deciduoma reaction is used as a model in defining the mechanism of the progesterone-induced endometrial transformations. Uterine progesterone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay during three critical periods related to progesterone action: the preparatory period, the initiatory period, and the proliferative period. Tissue progesterone concentration significantly exceeded peripheral plasma concentration during the late afternoon of proestrus and in pseudopregnant animals on the day of maximal sensitivity to deciduoma induction. On the basis of the uterine progesterone concentration at the time of trauma, it was possible to predict whether or not decidualization would occur. Thus, substantiation was obtained for the existence of a specific uterine progesterone receptor, and its presence was related to prior exposure of the uterus to estradiol-17β. Summarized evidence for the existence of specific progesterone binding proteins in uterine tissue from several mammalian species, including the human being, shows a fair degree of uniformity in the properties of these binding proteins, e.g., tissue specificity, ligand specificity, and sensitivity to estrogen stimulation. Although some questions remain as to whether the effectiveness of progesterone therapy in endometrial adenocarcinoma can be considered as being proportional to the degree of resemblance of the cancer to normal endometrium, it is suggested that the possibility of such a relationship makes highly desirable the organization of programs designed to correlate the presence of progesterone receptor with progesterone responsiveness in these tumors.
The scattering matrices for a non-spherical scalar-relativistic potential

Abstract The scattering matrices for a non-spherical scalar-relativistic potential are written down. A new formula is derived that makes it possible to evaluate quite easily a necessary angular integration.
Development and Validation of LC–MS/MS Method for Quantitative Determination of (−)-Securinine in Mouse Plasma

(-)-Securinine (SE) is a major alkaloid found in plant Securinega suffruticosa, which has a wide range of pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-parasitic and central nervous system stimulating effects, etc. To aid the pharmacological study of SE, we developed an LC-MS/MS method for quantitative determination of SE in mouse plasma. In this method, plasma samples were first prepared with salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction using cold acetonitrile (-20°C) and 2.00 M ammonium acetate. Separation of SE and the internal standard (IS) from sample matrix was achieved on a Gemini Nx C18 column using 40% acetonitrile and 60% 10.0mM ammonium acetate at a flow rate of 0.200 mL min(-1). Quantification of SE was accomplished with positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using mass transitions m/z 218.1→84.1 for SE, and m/z 204.1→70.2 for the IS. This method has a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.600 ng mL(-1) and a linear calibration range up to 600 ng mL(-1) in mouse plasma. The intra- and inter-run accuracy (%RE) and precision (%CV) were ≤ ± 6% and 6%, respectively. The IS normalized matrix factors from six lots of plasma matrices ranged 0.92-1.07, and the recoveries of plasma SE were 99-109%. The validated method has been applied to the measurement of SE in plasma samples of a mouse study.
Obesity, fasting plasma insulin, and C-reactive protein levels in healthy children.

SHEA, STEVEN, EVE AYMONG, PATRICIA ZYBERT, HARRY SHAMOON, RUSSELL P. TRACY, RICHARD J. DECKELBAUM, AND CHARLES E. BASCH. Obesity, fasting plasma insulin, and C-reactive protein levels in healthy children. Obes Res. 2003;11:95–103. Objective: Obesity is associated with hyperinsulinemia and increased level of C-reactive protein in older children and adults, but little is known about these relationships in very young children. We examined these relationships in healthy 2- to 3-year-old children. Research Methods and Procedures: Analyses were performed on data from 491 healthy 2- to 3-year-old Hispanic children enrolled in a dietary study conducted in New York City, 1992 to 1995. Results: Body mass index (BMI), ponderal index, and sum of four skinfolds were highly correlated (r 0.75) in both boys and girls. Fasting insulin and glucose levels were only modestly correlated (r 0.37 for boys and r 0.28 for girls; p 0.001 for both), but essentially all of the variability in a calculated index of insulin resistance was attributable to variability in fasting insulin level. The correlations of BMI with fasting insulin level were r 0.16 (p 0.05) in boys and r 0.14 (p 0.05) in girls. In separate multivariate regression analyses adjusting for age and sex, BMI and ponderal index were associated with fasting plasma insulin level (p 0.001 for both obesity measures). In multivariate regression analyses adjusting simultaneously for age, sex, and either BMI or ponderal index, fasting insulin level, but not these obesity measures, was associated with C-reactive protein level. Discussion: Obesity is associated with higher fasting insulin level, and fasting insulin is associated with C-reactive protein level, in healthy 2- to 3-year-old children.
Trunk motor control deficits in acute and subacute low back pain are not associated with pain or fear of movement.

Abstract Background context A subgroup of patients with acute to subacute low back pain (LBP) presenting with trunk movement control deficits, pain provocation with segmental testing, and segmental hypermobility have been clinically identified as having movement coordination impairments (MCIs) of the trunk. It is hypothesized that these patients have proprioceptive, postural, and movement control impairments of the trunk associated with LBP. Although trunk control impairments have been identified in patients with chronic LBP, they have not been investigated in this subgroup or closer to symptom onset. Purpose The purpose of the study was to identify trunk motor control (postural control and movement precision) impairments in a subgroup of patients with acute to subacute LBP who have been clinically identified to have MCIs and determine association of these impairments with pain and fear of movement. Study design/setting The study design includes observational design, university biomechanics laboratory, and clinical practice. Patient sample Thirty-three patients with acute to subacute LBP presenting with trunk MCIs and 33 healthy controls matched with gender, age, and body mass index were identified. Outcome measures Self-report measures included Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire, and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and physiologic measures included postural control and movement precision. Methods Center-of-pressure movement was measured while subjects attempted to volitionally control trunk posture and movement while sitting on a platform with a hemisphere mounted underneath. This created an unstable surface that required coordinated trunk control to maintain an upright seated posture. Postural control was tested using eyes-open and -closed balance protocols. Movement precision was tested with a dynamic control test requiring movement of the center of pressure along a discrete path. Group trunk motor control performance was compared with analysis of variance and t test. Performance association with pain and fear of movement were assessed with Pearson correlations. Results Patients’ postural control in the eyes-closed condition (p=.02) and movement precision (p=.04) were significantly impaired compared with healthy controls, with moderate-to-large group difference effect sizes. These trunk motor control impairments were not significantly associated with the patients self-reported pain characteristics and fear of movement. Conclusions Patients with clinical identification of trunk MCIs demonstrated decreased trunk motor control, suggesting that impairments in proprioception, motor output, or central processing occur early in the back pain episode. This information may help to guide interventions to address these specific limitations, improving delivery of care.