cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photovoltaic hot spot analysis for cells with various reverse-bias characteristics through electrical and thermal simulation

Hot spots result from localized heating in a string of photovoltaic (PV) cells due to mismatch that is often caused by partial shading or uneven degradation. Over time, this localized heating can result in permanent damage and degrade string performance. Bypass diodes are commonly employed in PV panels to mitigate this problem, but it does not eradicate the problem-hot spots can still form. This study investigates how the reverse-biased I-V characteristics and number of cells in series affect the potential for hot spotting. Using an electrical and thermal model in Matlab Simulink and Simscape, three distinct PV cells are modeled and simulated in various string lengths. Simulation results confirm that shorter strings reduce hot spot risk, but none of the cell types were immune to hot spotting, particularly in bypass. Bypassing even a short string can lead to hot spots and the temperature rise worsens as string length increases.
Therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment related peripheral neuropathies.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common toxicity associated with multiple chemotherapeutic agents. CIPN may have a detrimental impact on patients’ quality of life and functional ability, as well as result in chemotherapy dose reductions. Although symptoms of CIPN can improve with treatment completion, symptoms may persist. Currently, the treatment options for CIPN are quite limited. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has the most evidence supporting its use in the treatment of CIPN. Other agents with potential benefit for the treatment of established CIPN include gabapentinoids, venlafaxine, tricyclic antidepressants, and a topical gel consisting of the combination of amitriptyline, ketamine, and baclofen; none of these, however, has been proven to be helpful and ongoing/future studies may well show that they are not beneficial. The use of these agents is often based on their efficacy in the treatment of non-CIPN neuropathic pain, but this does not necessarily mean that they will be helpful for CIPN-related symptoms. Other nonpharmacologic interventions including acupuncture and Scrambler therapy are supported by positive preliminary data; however, further larger, placebo-controlled trial data are needed to confirm or refute their effectiveness.
Large Signal Production in Wire Chambers Filled with Noble Gas-Carbon Dioxide and Noble Gas Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Large, saturated, fast pulses of the type referred to as "self quenching streamer" have been observed in thick anode wire chambers filled with a variety of highly quenching gas mixtures. This mode of operation has been studied as a function of voltage, gas mixture and pressure, and chamber geometry.
Quasi-everywhere properties of Brownian level sets and multiple points

Abstract We show that quasi-every Brownian path in R (with respect to an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process in the space of paths) has level sets of Hausdorff dimension 1 2 , for all levels, and quasi-every planar Brownian motion has a set of r -multiple points of dimension 2 for arbitrary finite r .
Glutaraldehyde: nature of the reagent.

Abstract Aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde used for the chemical modification and stabilization of proteins have been found to consist of free glutaraldehyde (I), the cyclic hemiacetal of its hydrate (II) and oligomers of this (III) in equilibrium with each other. Ultraviolet absorption spectra of these solutions at wavelengths greater than 200 nm should have only a single maximum at 280 nm. Absorption at 235 nm is due to an impurity which can be removed by various means. Reactions of the reagent with proteins involve principally the lysinyl (and hydroxylysinyl) residues in the relative amounts of four moles of glutaraldehyde to one of lysine. Three unstable products can be partially isolated from acid hydrolyzates of glutaraldehyde-treated proteins or from the reaction mixtures of glutaraldehyde and model compounds; two of these products have strong ultraviolet absorption near 265 nm.
Risk Estimates of Stroke After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Carotid Endarterectomy

Neurologic complications of cardiovascular surgeries are well documented in the literature. Neurologic deficits may be mild and reversible or may be associated with permanent neurologic deficit. The incidence and severity of such complications vary according to the type of surgical procedure and usually correlate with patients' preoperative general medical condition, duration of surgeries, and intraoperative complications.
The effect of GnRH on induction of follicular development and ovulation in anovulatory and ovulatory mares

Abstract The effects of estradiol cypionate (ECP) and GnRH injections were tested on mares during January and February. Sixteen mares were blocked on their ovarian status and equally allotted to two groups. Group one received daily injections of 500 μg ECP (im) for 14 days followed by a 21 day period of twice daily injections of 200 μg GnRH (im). Group two received the carrier vehicle. Mean length of diestrus of ovulatory mares was 14.3 ± 1.6 days and 17.8 ± 3.5 days for treated and control groups respectively. Corresponding estrus lengths were 8.0 ± 1.4 days and 6.3 ± 2.1 days. Plasma LH levels, number of follicles 20 mm and diameter of the largest follicle in ovulatory mares were not significantly affected by treatment with ECP or GnRH. Anovulatory mares treated with ECP and GnRH exhibited estrus more frequently (54% and 70% of the time) than sham injected controls (17% and 15% of the time). Plasma LH levels were significantly elevated (P
Electrostatic potential between surfaces bearing ionizable groups in ionic equilibrium with physiologic saline solution

Abstract In the past calculations of electrostatic properties of interacting cellular surfaces have been restricted by assumptions of fixed surface charge or surface potential. For the most part these calculations have been confined to a linear approximation and neglect the small but important complement of divalent cations in the cellular environment. In the present paper these limitations are removed. Solutions are obtained to the full non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, treating the fraction of dissociated ionizable surface groups as a self-consistent functional of the electrostatic potential. The potential is expressed in terms of relations between Jacobian elliptic functions. A general and efficient method of computation is developed through the theory of Jacobian theta functions. The treatment given here offers wide flexibility in dealing with cell surfaces in the languages of the cell physiologist, biochemist and physical chemist.
Signal enhancement for gradient reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis with trifluoroacetic and other strong acid modifiers by postcolumn addition of propionic acid and isopropanol*

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and other volatile strong acids, used as modifiers in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, cause signal suppression for basic compounds when analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Evidence is presented that signal suppression is caused by strong ion pairing between the TFA anion and the protonated sample cation of basic sample molecules. The ion-pairing process “masks” the protonated sample cations from the ESI-MS electric fields by rendering them “neutral. ” Weakly basic molecules are not suppressed by this process. The TFA signal suppression effect is independent from the well-known spray problem that electrospray has with highly aqueous solutions that contain TFA. This previously reported spray problem is caused by the high conductivity and surface tension of aqueous TFA solutions. A practical method to enhance the signal for most basic analytes in the presence of signal-suppressing volatile strong acids has been developed. The method employs postcolumn addition of a solution of 75% propionic acid and 25% isopropanol in a ratio 1:2 to the column flow. Signal enhancement is typically 10–50 times for peptides and other small basic molecules. Thus, peptide maps that use ESI-MS for detection can be performed at lower levels, with conventional columns, without the need to use capillary chromatography or reduced mass spectral resolution to achieve satisfactory sensitivity. The method may be used with similar results for heptafluorobutyric acid and hydrochloric acid. A mechanism for TFA signal suppression and signal enhancement by the foregoing method, is proposed.
Hydrolysis and absorption of two monophosphate derivatives of ascorbic acid by channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus intestine

Abstract Brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from channel catfish intestine released phosphate from two monophosphate-stabilized forms of ascorbic acid (AA) at comparable rates, with activity in proximal intestine exceeding that in distal intestine. Apical absorption of AA by everted intestinal sleeves was greater in proximal intestine with maximal rates of absorption for the phosphate-stabilized forms comparable, but about 40% of those for native AA. Rates of passive influx were negligible for all forms of AA. Although the presence of phosphate groups delayed absorption, presumably because the phosphate had to be removed before AA translocation, affinity of carriers was higher for the monophosphate than native AA. This suggests less of the monophosphate AA is oxidized prior to uptake allowing a greater percentage to be transported via the high affinity, Na + -dependent transporter. These findings imply bioavailability of the two monophosphate-stabilized forms of AA is dependent on a two-stage process: (1) intestinal hydrolases remove the phosphate group then (2) absorption of released AA via carrier-mediated processes that are comparable to those of mammals. Capacities of catfish intestine to release and absorb AA from both phosphate-stabilized forms exceed estimates of daily requirements by at least three orders of magnitude.
Significant differences between vascular and nonvascular surgeons in the perioperative management of antiplatelet therapies in patients with coronary stents

Background An increasing number of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery have coronary stents. Although guidelines regarding perioperative management of antiplatelet therapies in this patient population exist, practice patterns remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated these practice patterns, with particular attention to differences in management between vascular and nonvascular surgeons. Methods A link to a 16-question survey was displayed in the American College of Surgeons (ACS) electronic newsletter NewsScope, which is posted on the ACS Web site. Questions were focused on perioperative management of antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel) for bare-metal (BMS; placed within 2 months) and drug-eluting stents (DES; placed within the past year) during low- and high-risk bleeding procedures, assuming a patient with no other confounding medical issues. Primary stratification was by surgeon specialty. Results A total of 244 surgical providers responded to the survey, of which 40 (17%) were vascular surgeons. The majority of respondents were attending surgeons in practice for at least 10 years (79%, n = 190). A significantly higher percentage of vascular versus nonvascular surgeons would not stop aspirin preoperatively in low bleeding risk procedures (BMS: 90% vs. 54%, P = 0.001; DES: 88% vs. 58%, P = 0.009). A higher percentage of vascular surgeons would not stop aspirin preoperatively in high bleeding risk procedures as well (BMS: 70% vs. 28%, P P P = 0.001). Similar findings with clopidogrel were observed in low- (would not stop: 65% vascular versus 30% nonvascular, P P = 0.001). The same trends were observed in resuming antiplatelets in the postoperative period. The majority of respondents were not familiar with professional guidelines regarding perioperative antiplatelet management (52%, n = 128), with no differences between vascular and nonvascular surgeons (45% vs. 54%, P = 0.30). Conclusions This national survey demonstrates significant variation in perioperative antiplatelet management in patients with coronary stents, with marked differences between vascular and nonvascular surgeons. More effective communication of existing guidelines or the development of new specialty-specific professional guidelines appears prudent in reducing this variability in practice.
Tunable ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence detection of trace plastics and dissolved organic compounds in water.

We developed a tunable (220–285-nm) UV and fixed 266-nm laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system using a spectrometer and a cooled CCD imaging detector to measure the excitation-emission matrix spectra of various compounds in water, including quinine sulfate and plastic compound bisphenol-A. The LIF instrument was used for the fast, nonspecific determination of trace amounts of dissolved organic compounds present in natural water supplies and various brand name bottled distilled water and bottled drinking water. Plastic-related compounds that leached out of plastic utensils and containers were also detected with this instrument. The sensitivity of the system was approximately 1–2 orders of magnitude better than that for a commercial system.
Asymmetrical thermal constraints on the parapatric species boundaries of two widespread generalist butterflies

The sibling species Papilio glaucus and Papilio canadensis meet in a narrow hybrid zone believed to be maintained by temperature thresholds acting independently on both species. The present study tests if this assertion is true for the cold-adapted species, P. canadensis , which is presumed to be limited by the effect of high temperatures in late summer and/or autumn on pupal survival. 2. Three experiments were conducted examining the effects of: (i) short periods of high temperature stress in autumn, (ii) prolonged warm temperatures in autumn, and (iii) temperatures simulating warmer winters/longer springs upon the survival of P. canadensis and P. glaucus. 3. Results indicated that short periods of high temperatures did not induce the high mortality rates required to be the key factor limiting the range of P. canadensis . However, P. canadensis did exhibit a considerably lower tolerance to high temperature extremes, prolonged warm temperatures in autumn, and conditions simulating shorter/warmer winters than P. glaucus . 4. Differences in temperature tolerance throughout the pupal stage are likely to be a significant factor in maintaining the southern range limit of P. canadensis . Further warming as may occur during climate change, particularly in winter and spring, will likely affect the dynamics of southerly populations of P. canadensis.
Wave diffraction by a rough boundary of an arbitrary plane-layered medium

The problem of electromagnetic (EM) wave scattering by a slightly rough boundary of an arbitrary layered medium is solved by a small perturbation method. The bistatic amplitude of scattering as well as scattering cross sections for a statistically rough surface are calculated for linear and circular polarized waves. Along with the scattering into the upgoing waves in the homogeneous medium, the scattering cross sections in the downgoing waves into a layered medium are obtained. Analytical results are applied to the modeling of natural layered media (ice and sand layers) remote sensing problems employing global positioning system (GPS) technics.
A HEMOLYSIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE MUMPS VIRUS

1. A factor capable of causing the hemolysis of the erythrocytes of man, chicken, and sheep occurs in the amniotic and allantoic fluids of chick embryos infected with the virus of mumps. 2. The hemolysin has not been found in normal fluids or in those infected with PR8 or Lee B strains of influenza virus. 3. The hemolysin is definitely inhibited by the serum of man and monkey convalescent from mumps, but only slightly by the serum of the acute phase. 4. The hemolysin is almost completely inactivated at 50°C. after 10 minutes. It exhibits maximal activity at 37°C. and is completely inactive at 4°C. A pH range from about 7.0 to 8.0 allows for maximum activity. 5. Adsorption and elution of the hemolysin with red blood cells has been demonstrated. After elution of the hemolysin, the red blood cells exhibit an increased osmotic fragility. Similar treatment of red cells with influenza virus did not alter this property. 6. The relationship of the hemolysin to the hemagglutinin and the enzyme-like behavior of the former have been discussed.
Error Analysis and Sampling Strategy Design for Using Fixed or Mobile Platforms to Estimate Ocean Flux

For estimating lateral flux in the ocean using fixed or mobile platforms, the authors present a method of analyzing the estimation error and designing the sampling strategy. When an array of moorings is used, spatial aliasing leads to an error in flux estimation. When an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is run, measurements along its course are made at different times. Such nonsynopticity in the measurements leads to an error in flux estimation. It is assumed that the temporal‐spatial autocovariance function of the flux variable can be estimated from historical data or ocean models (as in this paper). Using the temporal‐spatial autocovariance function of the flux variable, the mean-square error of the flux estimate by fixed or mobile platforms is derived. The method is used to understand the relative strengths of moorings and AUVs (assumed here to be able to maintain constant speed) under different scenarios of temporal and spatial variabilities. The flux estimate by moorings through trapezoidal approximation generally carries a bias that drops quadratically with the number of moorings. The authors also show that a larger number of slower AUVs may achieve a more accurate flux estimate than a smaller number of faster AUVs under the same cumulative speed, but the performance margin shrinks with the increase of the cumulative speed. Using the error analysis results, one can choose the type of platforms and optimize the sampling strategy under resource constraints. To verify the theoretical analysis, the authors run simulated surveys in synthesized ocean fields. The flux estimation errors agree very well with the analytical predictions. Using an ocean model dataset, the authors estimate the lateral heat flux across a section in Monterey Bay, California, and also compare the flux estimation errors with the analytical predictions.
The Role of Positive Psychological States in Online Learning: Integrating Psychological Capital into the Community of Inquiry Framework

A majority of business schools and universities incorporate online pedagogy into curricula, yet scholars strive to understand the elements that influence student learning in these online communitie...
An analysis of export market strategies and barriers perceptions by U.S. agricultural HVP exporters

This study identifies barriers perceived by agricultural exporters and examines how these perceptions influence use of export market strategies. Ordered logit models are used to estimate effects of perceived barriers and firm characteristics on export market strategies. The results from these models show that perceptions about import restrictions influence use of diversification of exports across products, competition influences use of competitive export pricing, and overseas product regulations affect product adaptation for export markets.
Geodesic optical waveguide lens analysis: Comment

A correction is made to the published profiles of geodesic lenses utilized in optical waveguides.
Global water cycle agreement in the climate models assessed in the IPCC AR4

This study examines the fidelity of the global water cycle in the climate model simulations assessed in the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. The results demonstrate good model agreement in quantities that have had a robust global observational basis and that are physically unambiguous. The worst agreement occurs for quantities that have both poor observational constraints and whose model representations can be physically ambiguous. In addition, components involving water vapor (frozen water) typically exhibit the best (worst) agreement, and fluxes typically exhibit better agreement than reservoirs. These results are discussed in relation to the importance of obtaining accurate model representation of the water cycle and its role in climate change. Recommendations are also given for facilitating the needed model improvements.
Toward a general parameterization of N 2 O 5 reactivity on aqueous particles: the competing effects of particle liquid water, nitrate and chloride

Abstract. The heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 on mixed organic-inorganic aerosol particles was investigated using an entrained aerosol flow tube coupled to a custom-built chemical ionization mass spectrometer. Laboratory results on aqueous particles confirm a strong dependence of the reactive uptake coefficient (γ) on particle liquid water, for particle water concentrations below 15 M, and the molar ratio of particle water to nitrate. Measurements of γ (N2O5) on mixed chloride-nitrate particles indicate that the presence of trace chloride can negate the suppression of γ(N2O5) at high nitrate loadings with implications for polluted coastal regions. These results are used to construct a new parameterization for γ (N2O5), that when coupled to an aerosol thermodynamics model, can be used within regional and/or global chemical transport models.
Semi-Supervised Learning for Semantic Parsing using Support Vector Machines

We present a method for utilizing unan-notated sentences to improve a semantic parser which maps natural language (NL) sentences into their formal meaning representations (MRs). Given NL sentences annotated with their MRs, the initial supervised semantic parser learns the mapping by training Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers for every production in the MR grammar. Our new method applies the learned semantic parser to the unannotated sentences and collects unla-beled examples which are then used to retrain the classifiers using a variant of transductive SVMs. Experimental results show the improvements obtained over the purely supervised parser, particularly when the annotated training set is small.
Subsurface Structure and Kinematics of the Calaveras–Hayward Fault Stepover from Three-Dimensional Vp and Seismicity, San Francisco Bay Region, California

The Calaveras and Hayward faults are major components of the San Andreas fault system in the San Francisco Bay region. Dextral slip is presumed to transfer from the Calaveras fault to the Hayward fault in the Mission Hills region, an area of uplift in the contractional stepover between the two faults. Here the estimated deep slip rates drop from 15 to 6 mm/yr on the Calaveras fault, and slip begins on the Hayward fault at an estimated 9 mm/yr. A lineament of microseismicity near the Mission fault links the seismicity on the Calaveras and Hayward faults and is presumed to be related directly to this slip transfer. However, geologic and seismologic evidence suggest that the Mission fault may not be the source of the seismicity and that the Mission fault is not playing a major role in the slip transfer. We perform a joint inversion for hypocenters and the 3D P -wave velocity structure of the stepover region using 477 earthquakes. We find strong velocity contrasts across the Calaveras and Hayward faults, corroborated by geologic, gravity, and aeromagnetic data. Detailed examination of two seismic lineaments in conjunction with the velocity model and independent geologic and geophysical evidence suggests that they represent the southern extension of a northeasterly dipping Hayward fault that splays off the Calaveras fault, directly accounting for the deep slip transfer. The Mission fault appears to be accommodating deformation within the block between the Hayward and Calaveras faults. Thus, the Calaveras and Hayward faults need to be considered as a single system for developing rupture scenarios for seismic hazard assessments. Online material : 3D interactive visualizations of the Mission and Alum Rock hypocenters.
Natural History of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A 12-year Longitudinal Population-Based Study

Background & Aims: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common in the community. The natural history of FGID is unknown because of a lack of prospective population-based studies and the indistinct nature of the phenotype. We sought to report the natural history of FGID in a US population. Methods: This prospective cohort study used data from multiple validated surveys of random samples of Olmsted County, MN, residents over a mean of a 12-year period between 1988 and 2003 (n = 1365). The surveys measured gastrointestinal symptoms experienced during the past year. Each subject received a minimum of 2 surveys. Point prevalence, onset, and disappearance rates and transition probabilities were calculated for individual FGIDs. Results: Between the initial and final surveys, the point prevalences (per 100 residents) were stable for irritable bowel syndrome (8.3% and 11.4%, respectively) and functional dyspepsia (1.9% and 3.3%, respectively). The onset of each of the disorders studied was greater than the disappearance rate, but the transition probabilities varied across the different subgroups. Among people with symptoms at baseline, approximately 20% had the same symptoms, 40% had no symptoms, and 40% had different symptoms at follow-up. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of the FGID was stable over time, the turnover in symptom status was high. Many episodes of symptom disappearance were due to subjects changing symptoms rather than total symptom resolution. This transition between different FGIDs suggests a common etiopathogenesis.
Beam test of a superconducting cavity for the CESR luminosity upgrade

The prototype superconducting cavity system for CESR-Phase III was tested in CESR in August 1994. The performance of the system was very gratifying. The cavity operated gradients of 4.5-6 MV/m and accelerated beam currents up to 220 mA. This current is a factor of 3 above the world record 67 mA for SRF[1]. The high circulating beam current did not increase the heat load or present any danger to the cavity. No instability attributable to the SRF cavity was encountered. A maximum of 155 kW of rf power was transferred to a 120 mA beam. The window was subjected to 125 kW reflected power and processed easily. In the travelling wave mode, vacuum bursts and are trips prevented us from going above 165 kW. The maximum HOM power extracted was 2 kW. Beam stability studies were conducted for a variety of bunch configurations. In other tests a 120 mA beam was bumped horizontally and vertically by /spl plusmn/10 mm. While supporting a 100 mA beam, the cavity was axially deformed with the tuner by 0.4 mm to sweep the HOM frequencies across dangerous revolution harmonics. In all such tests, no resonant excitation of HOMs or beam instabilities were observed, which confirms that the potentially dangerous modes were damped strongly enough to be rendered harmless.
Bird Diversity and Occurrence of Bamboo Specialists in Two Bamboo Die-Offs in Southeastern Peru

Abstract. A post-flowering die-off of bamboo in an established bird-census plot afforded us an opportunity to investigate the response of bamboo-dwelling birds to a natural transformation of their habitat. In 1984 and 1985 SR and JT generated spot maps for an 80-ha plot in terra firme forest near the Cocha Cashu Biological Station, Manu National Park, Peru. Two mapped bamboo patches in the plot totaled approximately 30 ha. In 2001 and 2002, the bamboo flowered and died. In 2009, JS revisited the plot and generated spot maps for the former bamboo patches and adjacent forest. By 2009, trees had grown up in the erstwhile bamboo patches, creating stands of second growth surrounded by mature forest. Twelve species of bamboo specialists were no longer present but almost no new species had invaded. We conclude that the maintenance of high bird diversity in western Amazonian forests does not depend on the spatial heterogeneity caused by dying off of bamboo. This result contrasts with, but does not contradict, pre...
Effects of changes in left ventricular contractility on indexes of contractility in mice

Measurement of left ventricular (LV) function is often overlooked in murine studies, which have been used to analyze the effects of genetic manipulation on cardiac phenotype. The goal of this study...
A convex interior-point method for optimal OFDM PAR reduction

The main disadvantage of OFDM is the high time-domain peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) that limits transmitter power efficiency. This paper presents a convex optimization algorithm for minimizing the PAR of an OFDM signal subject to constraints on the constellation error vector magnitude (EVM). The derivation reduces computational complexity by exploiting known features of the optimization problem, such as OFDM's FFT structure. Simulation results are given for the 802.11 a/g WLAN standard. The customized algorithm is approximately 100 times faster than a general-purpose optimizer. The algorithm achieves PAR within 1 dB of the globally optimal solution after two iterations, where the main complexity per iteration is four FFTs plus the solution of a linear system of equations.
Characteristics of patients with cardiorespiratory instability in a step-down unit.

Background Patients in step-down units are at higher risk for developing cardiorespiratory instability than are patients in general care areas. A triage tool is needed to identify at-risk patients who therefore require increased surveillance.
Decreased beta-carotene levels in exfoliated vaginal epithelial cells in women with vaginal candidiasis

PROBLEM: Women are more susceptible to vaginal candidiasis when the host immune response is suppressed. The antioxidant nutrient beta-carotene is postulated to possess immunoenhancing properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate beta-carotene concentrations in exfoliated vaginal epithelial (EVE) cells in women with vaginal candidiasis. METHODS: Beta-carotene levels in EVE cells, collected by a saline lavage technique from 22 women with vaginal candidiasis and 20 normal controls, were analyzed. The diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis was established by the presence of pruritus, white cheesy vaginal discharge, and a positive potassium hydroxide preparation. Beta-carotene levels were assayed using high pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Vaginal cell concentrations of beta-carotene were significantly decreased in women with vaginal candidiasis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased beta-carotene levels, and possibly other antioxidants, may alter the local immune response resulting in disturbances in the vaginal flora, overgrowth of Candida, and the development of vaginal candidiasis.
Progress in Topographic Mapping from 1946 to 1955

History of topographic mapping; activities in last decade of Topographic Division of Geological Survey; future program.
DNA-synthesis in Irradiated Lymphoid Cells: Effects on Temperature on the Dose-response Curve

SummaryThe effects of x-rays on DNA-synthesis in suspensions of hamster spleen cells was studied. The nature of the dose–response curve was found to be dependent on two factors: the temperature at which the cells were irradiated and the temperature at which they were incubated with tritiated thymidine. Irradiation at 37°c and incubation at 37°c results in a monophasic semilogarithmic dose–response curve with a D37 per cent of 7 krads. Irradiation at 7°c with incubation at 37°c results in a biphasic dose–response relationship with the initial steep part of the curve having a D37 per cent of 4 krads and the shallow part a D37 per cent of 28 krads. 20°c irradiation followed by incubation at 37°c results in a biphasic curve with a steep portion having a D37 per cent of 4 krads and a shallow portion with a D37 per cent of 28 krads. Lowering the irradiation temperature to 7°c and incubating the irradiated cells at 17°c results in a monpohasic response with a D37 per cent of about 20 krads, whereas irradiation a...
Calciphylaxis: Controversies in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy, otherwise known as calciphylaxis, is a rare disease characterized by skin ulceration and tissue necrosis, likely the result of vascular calcification with accompanying intimal hypertrophy and small vessel thrombosis. Although most often associated with end-stage renal disease, it has also been seen in a number of other disorders (collectively referred to as nonuremic calciphylaxis). The purpose of this review is to summarize and analyze the currently available literature regarding the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic features and treatment modalities for this exceptionally uncommon illness. A series of recommended treatments is proposed for optimal treatment of calciphylaxis lesions.
Deprivation and Health Care Planning in the U.S.

In every society there is a segment that has few of the good things of life and a number of people who must struggle even to maintain themselves. These are the deprived members of society. The Oxford Dictionary defines deprivation as the taking away of something enjoyed. In our usage of the term, it means the inability to enjov whar is available to the rest of society. Some never achieve what the majority take for granted, so that it is not as much a matter of loss for them as of being left out altogether. Deprivation may be considered absolute when referring to those below a subsistence income level. In the United States the poverty level is presently considered to be an income of $3,500 for a family of four, which is the point in most states at which people are eligible for public assistance. Another form of absolute deprivation is lack of access to resources. Because of maldistribution of personnel and facilities, needed services may be unobtainable or access may be difficult to those that are available. Deprivation may also be relative, in that the ‘revolution of rising expectations’ may create dissatisfaction with availability of services at a faster rate than delivery can be improved. Therefore, even the relatively well-to-do individual may feel deprived when he cannot obtain wanted services or services he was led to believe were necessary. This paper will address itself to an exploration of how the deprivation of health services functions as a stimulus and modifier of health planning, particularly in the United States.
The Expulsion Hydrocarbon Periods of Source Rock by Release of Overpressure—An example of Qingshankou formation in Gulong sag

By means of expulsion hydrocarbon mechanism of overpressure source rock,the method for release periods or times of overpressure is presented by interval transit time,obtaining that the overpressure of Qingshankou formation in Gulong sag in Songliao basin was ever released for three times. They are the end period of k1n,the middle-late period of k1n4 and the end period of k2m,and it is now in the fourth evolution process of overpressure. By comparison of these overpressure release periods with periods of oil threshold of k1qn source rock,the end period of k2m sedimentation is considered to be main expulsion hydrocarbon period of overpressure source rock of k1qn. This coincides with the periods of hydrocarbon accumulation in Saertu,Putaohua and Gaotaizi reservoirs in Daqing oilfield,indicating that the oil and gas expulsion from the overpressure source rock of Qingshankou formation were favorable to accumulate in large scale into these reservoirs. It is one of important conditions to form Daqing oilfield.
Elastic jump in male urethra during voiding: clinical observations in male subjects and experimental studies in dogs.

Abstract A physical phenomenon known as elastic jump occurs downstream of an elastic constriction applied to a collapsible tube. This flow anomaly is analogous to the hydraulic jump that occurs in surface flows. Some investigators have predicted that an elastic jump could occur in the male urethra (during voiding) in the cavernous segment between constrictions at the membranous and meatal regions. To identify and understand this flow anomaly, and to obtain clinical correlations in human male subjects we have attempted several radiological and urodynamic studies in normal and abnormal subjects. The studies were retrograde urethrography, voiding cystourethrography, static pressure recordings during voiding and uroflowmetry. Retrograde urethrography was believed to delineate accurately the anatomy of the bulbous urethra. Voiding cystourethrography showed the geometry of the functional bulb. Our observations in 43 male subjects suggest that the site and degree of elastic jump depend on the severity of bladder neck or prostatic obstruction, magnitude of detrusor pressure (energy) during voiding, degree of distal constriction and position in which the subject voids. The animal studies (23 dogs) confirmed our clinical urodynamic impression.
Elliptic and Modular Functions

In the chapter we will examine theta functions, elliptic, and modular functions. We will study theta functions in great detail. Since the elliptic and modular functions are simply rational expressions in theta functions, they can be disposed of quite quickly.
Aristotle and Autism: Reconsidering a Radical Shift to Virtue Ethics in Engineering

Virtue-based approaches to engineering ethics have recently received considerable attention within the field of engineering education. Proponents of virtue ethics in engineering argue that the approach is practically and pedagogically superior to traditional approaches to engineering ethics, including the study of professional codes of ethics and normative theories of behavior. This paper argues that a virtue-based approach, as interpreted in the current literature, is neither practically or pedagogically effective for a significant subpopulation within engineering: engineers with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because the main argument for adopting a character-based approach is that it could be more successfully applied to engineering than traditional rule-based or algorithmic ethical approaches, this oversight is problematic for the proponents of the virtue-based view. Furthermore, without addressing these concerns, the wide adoption of a virtue-based approach to engineering ethics has the potential to isolate individuals with ASD and to devalue their contributions to moral practice. In the end, this paper gestures towards a way of incorporating important insights from virtue ethics in engineering that would be more inclusive of those with ASD.
Merkmale des NMR-Spektrums

Wenn eine Substanz, die magnetisch aktive Atomkerne (1H, 19F, 31P usw.) enthalt, in ein Magnetfeld gebracht wird, wird Energie absorbiert, wenn die Frequenz der Strahlung eines RF-Feldes der Differenz zwischen den Energieniveaus (Gleichung 2.3.) entspricht. Fur jede gegebene Magnetfeldstarke ist die Frequenz des erfordechen RF-Feldes vollig verschieden fur jede Art von magnetisch aktiven Atomkernen, wie in Tab. 2.1. angegeben. Umgekehrt ist fur ein RF-Feld einer gegebenen Frequenz die Magnetfeldstarke, die fur Energieabsorption (Resonanz) verschiedener Arten von magnetisch aktiven Kernen erforderlich ist, ebenso vollig verschieden. Diese Differenzen sind so gros, das das NMR-Spektrum irgendeiner Art von magnetisch aktiven Kernen ohne Uberlappung durch irgendeinen anderen aufgezeichnet werden kann.
IMPULSE BREAKDOWN OF c-C4F8/SF6 and c-C4F8/SF6/N2

The impulse breakdown strengths of binary and ternary mixtures of c-C 4 F 8 , SF 6 , and N 2 have been measured for plane-“point” (30° cone with 2-mm dia. tip) geometry for total pressures of 101, 202, and 303 kPa. Both lightning (1.2 μs rise/50 μs decay) and switching (200 μs rise/2000 μs decay) voltage waveforms were used. Replacement of some of the SF 6 by c-C 4 F 8 in a 40% SF 6 /60% N 2 mixture dramatically increased the V 50 (voltage of 50% probability of breakdown) values for negative polarity impulse but equally dramatically decreased the V 50 values for positive polarity impulse. These V 50 values are nearly unchanged for c-C 4 F 8 substitution for SF 6 from 5 to 40% (complete substitution). For a 20% c-C 4 F 8 /80% SF 6 mixture comparison of impulse measurements with DC uniform and nonuniform field measurements show that strong effects of polarity and time dependence are introduced by the addition of c-C 4 F 8 to pure SF 6 . One possible mechanism involving Penning ionization is discussed. The 20% c-C 4 F 8 /80% SF 6 mixture shows promise for increasing the impulse withstand for practical equipment.
Scale Invariance and Long-Range Dependence in Smart Energy Grids

The shift from the traditional energy grid to the SmartGrid makes the features of scale invariance and long-range dependence, traditionally examined in reference to communication networks, extremely relevant to the modeling, analysis and design of modern energy grids. The present paper reviews mathematical concepts and tools central for the understanding and analysis of these phenomena and contextualizes them to the energy scenario. The framework proposed herein enables, in addition to a more accurate modeling and design of smart energy grids, the definition of novel algorithms for the detection of events, e.g., anomalies, in SmartGrids.
Marker-assisted improvement of the elite restorer line of rice, RPHR-1005 for resistance against bacterial blight and blast diseases

This study was carried out to improve the RPHR-1005, a stable restorer line of the popular medium slender grain type rice hybrid, DRRH-3 for bacterial blight (BB) and blast resistance through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). Two major BB resistance genes, Xa21 and Xa33 and a major blast resistance gene, Pi2 were transferred to RPHR-1005 as two individual crosses. Foreground selection for Xa21, Xa33, Pi2, Rf3 and Rf4 was done by using gene-specific functional markers, while 59 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers polymorphic between the donors and recipient parents were used to select the best plant possessing target resistance genes at each backcross generation. Backcrossing was continued till BC2F2 and a promising homozygous backcross derived line possessing Xa21+ Pi2 and another possessing Xa33 were intercrossed to stack the target resistance genes into the genetic background of RPHR-1005. At ICF4, 10 promising lines possessing three resistance genes in homozygous condition along with fine-grain type, complete fertility restoration, better panicle exertion and taller plant type (compared to RPHR-1005) were identified.
Vascular Interventional Neuro-angiography

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of many intracranial cerebrovascular pathologies. With a growing recognition of pediatric cerebrovascular disorders and advances in endovascular treatments, there has been an increasing number of DSAs performed in children. Although the safety profile of DSA has been well studied in adults, emerging data on the safety of DSA in children shows a relatively strong safety profile. DSA in children poses unique challenges for neurointerventionalists, including the small size and fragility of pediatric vessels, limited application of devices designed for adults to the pediatric population, reduced radiation and contrast dosage, and specific anesthetic considerations. Further, children have unique cerebrovascular pathologies with specific vulnerabilities that may make errors more consequential. Here we discuss the indications, alternatives, and potential complications of DSA in children. We provide suggestions on how to tailor anesthesia, contrast, radiation exposure, femoral access, catheterization, and closures during DSA for the pediatric population.
Abstract TP409: Continuous Quality Improvement Implementation Across a Large Stroke Network of Affiliated Rural Hospitals

Background and Purpose: The stroke care network (SCN) currently includes 27 hospitals (one CSC, seven PSCs and four critical access facilities) and is responsible for nearly 7000 stroke discharges annually. Vital to our network’s mission is to improve care quality through a cooperative, evidence-based, standardized approach. Data submission began in February 2014 with 24 hospitals. The network compiled data results for a full year with a baseline purpose of analyzing submission and data trends. Methods: All affiliates receive standardized quality education upon joining the SCN. A data report form was used to collect and submit monthly stroke data elements quarterly. Door to CT Interpretation (OP-23), eight in-patient stroke core measures and the dysphagia performance measure were among many other quality metrics. Data was compiled for system analysis. Results: For calendar year 2014, 14 of 24 (58%) affiliate hospitals submitted data. The lowest scoring quality measures were STK-4: thrombolytic therapy (38%, N7), STK-8: stroke education (63%, N13) and (STK[PM]-7): dysphagia screening (59%, N6). Average time for CT interpretation was 46 minutes (range: 20-77 minutes). For stroke core measures, average was 73% for all appropriate measures (range: 38% (STK-4) - 88% (STK-2: discharged on antithrombotic)). Conclusions: Data submission is not yet uniform across the network, but areas to focus on quality have already emerged from the results—STK-4, STK-8, and (STK[PM]-7). In addition to program advisory services to improve submission compliance, the network proposal includes focused initiatives as a system, targeting tPA, patient education and dysphagia screening. Strengths of the continuous quality improvement initiative will include collaboration, sharing of best practices and a strong base in evidence.
Effects of irregular respiratory motion on the positioning accuracy of moving target with free breathing cone-beam computerized tomography.

For positioning a moving target, a maximum intensity projection (MIP) or average intensity projection (AIP) image derived from 4DCT is often used as the reference image which is matched to free breathing cone-beam CT (FBCBCT) before treatment. This method can be highly accurate if the respiratory motion of the patient is stable. However, a patient’s breathing pattern is often irregular. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of irregular respiration on positioning accuracy for a moving target aligned with FBCBCT. Nine patients’ respiratory motion curves were selected to drive a Quasar motion phantom with one embedded cubic and two spherical targets. A 4DCT of the phantom was acquired on a CT scanner (Philips Brilliance 16) equipped with a Varian RPM system. The phase binned 4DCT images and the corresponding MIP and AIP images were transferred into Eclipse for analysis. FBCBCTs of the phantom driven by the same respiratory curves were also acquired on a Varian TrueBeam and fused such that both CBCT and MIP/AIP images share the same target zero positions. The sphere and cube volumes and centroid differences (alignment error) determined by MIP, AIP and FBCBCT images were calculated, respectively. Compared to the volume determined by MIP, the volumes of the cube, large sphere, and small sphere in AIP and FBCBCT images were smaller. The alignment errors for the cube, large sphere and small sphere with center to center matches between MIP and FBCBCT were 2.5 ± 1.8 mm, 2.4 ± 2.1 mm, and 3.8 ± 2.8 mm, and the alignment errors between AIP and FBCBCT were 0.5 ± 1.1 mm, 0.3 ± 0.8 mm, and 1.8 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. AIP images appear to be superior reference images to MIP images. However, irregular respiratory pattern could compromise the positioning accuracy, especially for smaller targets.