cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What's lungs got to do, got to do with it? A 13-year-old male with vomiting and abdominal pain

Introduction: A 13-year-old male presented with acute on chronic vomiting and abdominal pain. What should we be considering in our broad differential? Case description: Three months ago, he was hospitalized for epigastric/RUQ pain, fever, and emesis. He improved with antibiotics and supportive care and was discharged with a diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis. Three days ago, he began having severe LUQ pain, nonbloody diarrhea, nausea, and NBNB emesis. Parents noted ∼10lbs of weight loss in the last few months. ROS negative for recent fevers, night sweats, chest …
Longitudinal Fecal Microbiome Study of Total Body Irradiated Mice Treated With Radiation Mitigators Identifies Bacterial Associations With Survival

Total body irradiation (TBI) has been demonstrated to alter the intestinal microbiome, but the effects of successful small molecule ionizing radiation mitigators on the intestinal microbiome are not well-known. Our survival experiments examined the effects of anti-cell death radiation mitigators on and in conjunction with the host’s microbiota. Mice received 9.25 Gy TBI and then were administered radiation mitigators 24 hours later. Passed stool were collected pre-irradiation, then on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 post-irradiation for 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequencing. The Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model was fit with taxonomic composition (time varying covariates) and treatment as predictors. In the first experiment, mice were administered drugs for “granulocyte stimulation and anti-apoptosis” in four protocol combinations: JP4-039 (anti-apoptosis), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, granulopoietic precursor cell stimulator), both mitigators, and control. Survival improved relative to control (30.0%) for G-CSF (80%, p-value = 0.025), G-CSF/JP4-039 (70%, p-value = 0.084), but not for JP4-039 (50.0%). In the second experiment, mice were administered mitigation drugs “inhibiting programmed cell death” pathways: JP4-039 (anti-apoptosis), necrostatin-1 (anti-necroptosis), and baicalein (anti-ferroptosis), in eight combinations. The survival of JP4-039/baicalein (60.0%, p-value = 0.010) and JP4-039/baicalein/necrostatin-1 (60.0%, p-value = 0.06) treatment combinations were significantly different from the control (26.7%). The JP4-039/necrostatin-1 (46.7%) and baicalein/necrostatin-1 (40.0%) and singlet treatment combinations (26.7%) were not significantly different from the control. Despite differences between the baseline microbiota compositions of the two experiments, consistent changes in composition after irradiation were found: Lactobacillus decreased post-irradiation, relative to baseline. By day 7, microbiota perturbations had incompletely reversed, and no drug-specific differences were identifiable. The CPH model identified Lactobacillus and members of Ruminococcaceae, including Ruminococcus, as protective and Akkermansia as deleterious. By day 30, the microbiota of surviving mice had not returned to baseline, but the differences between experiments suggest the resultant microbiota composition of the survivors are stochastic or batch specific in nature, rather than a requirement for survival. In conclusion, the study determined that key taxa identified in fecal samples, when applied towards the prediction of TBI survival, improves the survival model relative to treatment information alone.
Receptor Adaptation to Psychotropic Drugs

The membrane receptor is a site at which specific chemicals can regulate cell ular function; in turn, cells can regulate their sensitivity to many chemicals to compensate for persistent changes in agonist supply. The terms up- and down-regulation are used to describe shifts in receptor responsivity to drugs or to endogenous transmitters. Chronic antagonist administration, for example, can lead to a proliferation of receptor sites, a change viewed as an attempt by the cell to compensate for the loss of agonist resulting from the blockade by antagonist. In similar fashion, down-regulation can take place with chronic agonist oversupply. Thus, the receptor can act as both a regulated and regulatory unit. In this chapter an attempt is made to identify specific neuronal receptors that are acted on and ultimately altered by neuroleptics, antidepressants, and anxiolytic benzodiazepines and to discuss the application of receptor sensitivity modification (RSM) as a new approach to treatment of disorders that are responsive to alterations of CNS monoaminergic activity.
Health and Science Legislation in the United States

In the United States, the U.S. government through the legislative process and departmental structures greatly influences the future of health care and scientific investigation. Most clinicians and scientists are bewildered by the myriad complexities that effect health and science policy at the federal level; and as a result, we often remain amazingly passive as new policies and regulations evolve that greatly affect our professional lives. I say “amazingly passive” because in almost every other facet of our careers, clinicians and scientists are notoriously aggressive in pursuit of new knowledge and new approaches to problem solving. Although the reasons for this passivity are multifactorial, some relate to the relative lack of understanding of how the Federal government functions and how we as clinicians or scientists might positively influence the process.
Thermodynamics of Protein Folding — The Generalized-Ensemble Approach

For many years the emphasis in protein-folding simulations has been laid as to how to predict the three dimensional structure of proteins. Only recently has there be a shift in interest towards the the thermodynamics of folding. We show that generalized-ensemble techniques are well suited to study these questions for realistic protein models.
Photoluminescence and excitation spectroscopy in Er:As/sub 2/S/sub 3/ glass

The Er:As/sub 2/S/sub 3/ glass exhibits strong fluorescence from a group of distinct and narrow lines in the 1500-1600 nm band when pumped in the 980 or 810 nm bands. This emission band is characteristic of the transitions expected for Er/sup 3+/ ions. Pumping in the 810 nm band also excites emission in the 980 nm band. The PL and PLE spectra shown exhibits complex narrow line structure with multiplicities and line widths which are on the same order as the spectra found in crystalline material such as Er:YAG. >
Isotopic Probes of the Enolase Reaction Mechanism INITIAL AND EQUILIBRIUM ISOTOPE EXCHANGE RATES: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ISOTOPE EFFECTS

Measurements are reported of initial and equilibrium rates of 2H, 3H, 14C, and 18O exchanges and of 3H secondary isotope effects in catalysis by muscle enolase. At equilibrium, with high substrate concentrations and at either pH 6.5 or 7.8, exchange of hydrogen on C-2 of 2-phosphoglycerate with water protons shows a prominent primary isotope rate effect. The estimated exchange rate of 1H is considerably greater than the rate of exchange of 18O between H18OH and the C-3 hydroxyl group. The 18O exchange is somewhat greater than 14C exchange between substrates at both pH values. In harmony with these equilibrium data, an incorporation of water protons into unreacted 2-phosphoglycerate is noted during net formation of phosphoenolpyruvate. No primary isotope effect on net formation of phosphoenolpyruvate is observed. The formation of 2-phosphoglycerate from phosphoenolpyruvate with 3H on C-3 shows an inverse secondary isotope rate effect. A proposed mechanism involves a central carbanion intermediate formed from 2-phosphoglycerate in a quasi-equilibrium step in accord with the isotope exchange data and formed from 2-phosphoenolpyruvate in a rate-limiting hydroxyl addition in accord with the inverse secondary isotope effect.
Rebleeding risk after treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Object. Postprocedural rebleeding is a significant source of morbidity following endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Previous large-scale reports include the Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture After Treatment trial, the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial, and the study on Early Rebleeding after Coiling of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms, which reported nonprocedural rebleeding rates within 30 days of treatment of 2.7%, 1.9%, and 1.4%, respectively. However, coiling of intracranial aneurysms is in a state of continual change due to advancing device design and evolving techniques. These studies included only patients initially treated prior to 2004. In the present study the authors assess the most recent short-term results with endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms. Methods. A multicenter retrospective chart review was conducted of patients undergoing endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysms between July 2004 and October 2009. The technique used, including the use of stent or balloon assistance, was evaluated. Demographic and clinical factors, such as sex, age, initial clinical presentation, aneurysm size, aneurysm location, and modified Raymond Classification following initial treatment, were also evaluated and compared between the groups in which rebleeding did and did not occur. Results. A total of 469 patients underwent endovascular treatment for a ruptured aneurysm; nonprocedural rehemorrhage occurred within 30 days of the initial coiling in 4 cases (0.9%). Two patients (50%) died after rehemorrhage. Stent-assisted coiling was used during the original treatment in 1 (25%) of the 4 patients with a rerupture. However, no technical, clinical, or demographic factors were found to be statistically significant in association with rebleeding. Conclusions. Recent data suggest that the periprocedural rebleeding rate may be improving over time.
Critical nucleotides in the interaction of a LysR-type regulator with its target promoter region. catBC promoter activation by CatR.

We have used site-directed mutagenesis to analyze the importance of nucleotides in the catBC promoter region for the binding of CatR, a member of the LysR family of DNA-binding proteins and for the in vivo activation of the catBC operon. The binding affinity of CatR for its binding site in the catBC promoter region was shown to increase about 2.2-fold in the presence of the inducer, cis,cis-muconate. Nucleotides were targeted for mutagenesis on the basis of previous footprinting data and sequence analysis of CatR binding sites. Critical nucleotides for CatR binding were found within an imperfect inverted repeat. Previous studies have indicated that the LysR family of DNA-binding proteins shares a consensus T-N11-A binding motif (Goethals, K., Van Montagu, M., and Holsters, M. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 1646-1650), but the CatR binding site sequence has located within the imperfect inverted repeat a G-N11-A instead of the predicted T. Mutagenesis of the G to a T resulted in an increase in both the binding of CatR to the catBC promoter and in the in vivo activation. Nucleotides within the -35 and -10 regions of the catBC promoter were found to be important for promoter activity but not for CatR binding.
Coordinated Motion and Force Control of Multi-Limbed Robotic Systems

This analytic and experimental study proposes a control algorithm for coordinated position and force control for autonomous multi-limbed mobile robotic systems. The technique is called Coordinated Jacobian Transpose Control (CJTC). Such position/force control algorithms will be required if future robotic systems are to operate effectively in unstructured environments. Generalized Control Variables (GCVs), express in a consistent and coordinated manner the desired behavior of the forces exerted by the multi-limbed robot on the environment and a system‘s motions. The effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated in simulation and laboratory experiments on a climbing system.
Loss Aversion in Option Pricing

This piece uses a computer program to report a real-time empirical finding that loss aversion (Kahneman and Tversky 1979, 2000, Ye 2005) exists in option pricing (Black and Scholes 1997; Hull 2009). This occurs on strike-on-spot price which is the closest strike price to the spot price of the underlying asset. For call options, traders feel a gain when a strike price goes up, whereas a loss when the strike price goes down. A Web-based computer program collects real-time empirical data from a random sample (32 tickers) with call premium changes for loss and gain conditions. Real-time t-tests (see the bottom of a table generated by the computer program) are performed to repeatedly demonstrate the significant difference between the loss over gain ratios vs. 1. The data suggest that traders' mental response to asset price drops is significantly larger than that of the same price increases. This real-time empirical finding repeatedly demonstrates loss aversion in option pricing.
Communicating technical information

Tradition prescribes the communication of good research by a written report, but adequate and timely reporting is the weakest link in industrial communication systems. Two mistakes made in trying to solve this problem are spending money instead of thought on communicating and assuming that writing is the same as communicating. Management must tell people what kinds of reports are needed for their decision making, establish the climate for motivating appropriate upward and horizontal flow of information, and respond to what is communicated.
Analyst following and corporate governance: emerging‐market evidence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the association of analyst following with the strength of overall firm‐specific corporate governance (CG) in an emerging‐market setting.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses empirical methodology to test the hypothesis with a sample of 753 emerging‐market companies over 2001 and 2002.Findings – It is found that the effectiveness of CG has a positive impact on the level of analyst following. Further analyses indicate that this positive relation is concentrated in the countries with a common law tradition.Research limitations/implications – This paper joins prior research by providing evidence on the information intermediary role of financial analysts. It also provides supporting evidence on analysts' monitoring role in common law countries of emerging markets.Practical implications – The findings of this paper have implications for the decision making of managers and investors. By improving CG at the firm level, companies can significantly improve t...
Preservation of Olfaction after Unilateral Endoscopic Approach for Resection of Esthesioneuroblastoma

Objectives We present a case of olfactory preservation after a unilateral transcribriform transethmoidal endoscopic resection of esthesioneuroblastoma. We also discuss the oncologic results of endoscopic and transcranial approaches and describe the potential benefits and limitations of an endoscopic approach. Setting Single academic medical center. Participant and Design The clinical course of a 28-year-old patient who underwent endoscopic en bloc resection of esthesioneuroblastoma through a unilateral transcribriform transethmoidal approach was reviewed. Results Imaging demonstrated a left-sided nasal mass with cribriform plate involvement (Kadish C). Intraoperatively, the left olfactory bulb and epithelium were sacrificed. Negative frozen sections were obtained from the right olfactory epithelium and dura surrounding the right olfactory bulb. Reconstruction was performed using a multilayered closure of fascia, rigid buttress, and nasoseptal flap. Histology was consistent with esthesioneuroblastoma. Postoperative clinical evaluation, endoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor at 18 months. The UPSIT smell testing revealed normal olfaction preoperatively, moderate microsomia at 3 months postoperatively, and mild microsomia at 18 months postoperatively. Conclusions Endoscopic resection of esthesioneuroblastoma has demonstrated similar oncologic control while reducing postoperative morbidity and mortality over transcranial approaches. This case reveals the potential to preserve olfaction while achieving en bloc endoscopic resection of early stage esthesioneuroblastoma.
Economic crisis and the quality of education

Abstract At a time when the education system has expanded in size to a point unprecedented in history, a crisis of similar proportions has affected the ability of the system to operate. This crisis has deeply hurt the quality of education in developing countries. It has been particularly devastating to the non-salary category of the recurrent budgets—resources available for reading materials, chalk, furniture, and the like. Countries around the world are attempting to adjust their education systems in an effort to control the impact of the economic crisis, but the changes in policy are not benign. Such adjustments might affect the salaries of teachers and their conditions of service, the balance between public and non-public responsibilities in educational management and finance, and the number and kinds of roles which the education system is expected to perform. The financial crisis may, however, have some positive results, also. It may increase the professional capacity to manage the education system based upon what is feasible rather than upon precedent, and with that, considerably greater professional credibility within the Education Sector than would otherwise exist. It may clarify to the world that many policy dilemmas in education— the structure of teacher rewards, diversification of financial resources for higher education, non-governmental responsibilities in vocational education, etc—are not specific to developing countries, but are policy dilemmas from which lessons can be drawn across categories of economic development — where Minnesota may learn as much from the reforms in Colombia and Colombia may learn from Minnesota. Nevertheless, no matter how serious and successful the process of education sector adjustment may be, education systems in developing countries will remain impoverished in terms of physical resources by comparison to OECD countries. That problem may require multilateral solutions, based on new international agreements on the necessity of basic education. Before a discussion of new solutions can be meaningful though, the story must commence where it began—at the time of hope and quantitative expansion.
An interaction between perceived stress and 5HTTLPR genotype in the prediction of stable depressive symptomatology

A significant amount of research has examined the interaction between a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) and stressful life events in the prediction of depression and depressive symptomatology. The results of these studies have produced conflicting evidence, with some studies substantiating a significant interaction and others failing to detect a significant interaction. The purpose of the current study was to add to this line of research by testing for an interaction between 5HTTLPR and perceived stress in the prediction of stable depressive symptomatology. Analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) indicates that the association between perceived stress and depression is moderated by 5HTTLPR genotype for females, but not for males. Specifically, females who were homozygous for the short allele were significantly more likely to report symptoms of depression in the face of perceived stress when compared to females who were homozygous or heterozygous for the long allele.
Microstructural study of occlusions in WSe2

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction studies were performed on single crystals of WSe 2 . It was observed that sample preparation has a great effect on the microstructure. Occlusions, which can be formed by both annealing and cold working, are not stable and will revert to the more stable WSe 2 if heated to high enough temperatures. A possible crystal structure is proposed for the occlusions.
Technique for eliminating nonessential components in the refinement of a model of dopamine neurons

A technique for model reduction is applied to a mathematical model of the midbrain dopamine neuron. The relevance of calcium-mediated inactivation of L- and N-type currents in a mathematical model of the midbrain dopamine neuron was tested for two firing patterns exhibited by these cells in vitro. We found that calcium-mediated inactivation of L- and N-type currents could be removed without causing significant changes in both the slow oscillatory potential (SOP) and the apamin-induced square-wave patterns.
Can Virtue Reliabilism Explain the Value of Knowledge

I Introduction A fundamental intuition about knowledge is that it is more valuable than mere true belief. This intuition is pervasive. We have an almost universal desire to know and nearly no desire to believe the truth accidentally. However, it turns out to be extremely difficult to explain why knowledge is more valuable. Linda Zagzebski and others have called this the ‘value problem.’ They argue that the value problem is particularly difficult to unravel for generic reliabilism. According to generic reliabilism, knowledge is true belief produced by reliable belief-forming processes or faculties. But, the critics argue, ‘the reliability of the source of a belief cannot explain the [value difference] between knowledge and true belief.’ For reliably formed beliefs allegedly are valuable only insofar as they tend to be true.
Nerve Distribution in Hemangiomas Depends on the Proliferative State of the Microvasculature

Abstract Hemangiomas appear at birth and undergo gradual regression within several years. Recent published studies have documented increased nerve numbers in port-wine stains and intramuscular vascular tumors. The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between angiogenesis and nerve growth in lesions that undergo neovascular proliferation followed by vessel involution. Twenty-two hemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations were studied using indirect immunocytochemistry with antibodies against the nerve markers protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Nerves and vessels were counted and compared. Our results indicate that PGP 9.5+ and CGRP+ nerves were most numerous in growing hemangiomas and numbers were reduced in involuting hemangiomas and vascular malformations. The percentage of CGRP+ sensory nerves was markedly increased in growing hemangiomas (45.3%) compared with involuting hemangiomas (21.2). These data indicate that hemangiomas with increasing neovascularization have increased sensory nerve growth. Sensory nerve-derived neuropeptides are known to act as endothelial cell mitogens and may contribute to the angiogenesis in these vascular tumors. Conversely, angiogenic endothelial cells may secrete mediators that promote nerve fiber growth. These results suggest that endothelial cell proliferation and sensory nerve fiber growth may be closely related.
Improved methods for ATP analysis.

Abstract An investigation of the techniques required for the analysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in marine systems led to refinements in methodology. Adaptation of the DuPont luciferin-luciferase system to the liquid scintillation spectrometer resulted in a sensitivity range of 1 × 10 −6 −2 × 10 −4 μg ATP per 10 μliters sample. Examination of sample collection techniques showed no significant difference between direct extraction of unfiltered samples and extraction of filtered samples. Liquid nitrogen and dry ice proved to be satisfactory for the preservation of filtered samples prior to extraction, whereas freezing at −20°C resulted in ATP losses as great as 80%. Investigation of the stability of frozen ATP standards revealed no losses in activity for months. The luciferin-luciferase proved to be stable for hours when kept chilled and retained 80% of its activity for at least 1 mo when frozen.
Modules and matrices

Abstract Noncommutative ring theory was described in terms of matrices in its earliest days; we give some examples showing how matrix theory can now in turn profit from the theory of rings and modules.
A Bayesian approach to sample size determination for studies designed to evaluate continuous medical tests

We develop a Bayesian approach to sample size and power calculations for cross-sectional studies that are designed to evaluate and compare continuous medical tests. For studies that involve one test or two conditionally independent or dependent tests, we present methods that are applicable when the true disease status of sampled individuals will be available and when it will not. Within a hypothesis testing framework, we consider the goal of demonstrating that a medical test has area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve that exceeds a minimum acceptable level or another relevant threshold, and the goals of establishing the superiority or equivalence of one test relative to another. A Bayesian average power criterion is used to determine a sample size that will yield high posterior probability, on average, of a future study correctly deciding in favor of these goals. The impacts on Bayesian average power of prior distributions, the proportion of diseased subjects in the study, and correlation among tests are investigated through simulation. The computational algorithm we develop involves simulating multiple data sets that are fit with Bayesian models using Gibbs sampling, and is executed by using WinBUGS in tandem with R.
Short-circuit boundary conditions in ferroelectric Pb Ti O 3 thin films

We examine the application of short-circuit electrical boundary conditions in density-functional theory calculations of ferroelectric thin films. Modeling $\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ films with metallic electrodes, we demonstrate that under periodic boundary conditions of supercells, short-circuit conditions for the electrodes are equivalently satisfied in two repeated slab geometries: a $\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$/metal superlattice geometry and a periodic metal/$\mathrm{Pb}\mathrm{Ti}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$/metal/vacuum geometry, where the metal is Pt or $\mathrm{Sr}\mathrm{Ru}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. We discuss the benefits of each geometry in the study of ferroelectricity in thin films.
Evaluating a queueing approximation for the machine interference problem with two types of stoppages via simulation optimization

Abstract An optimization framework for the evaluation of queueing approximations is proposed and illustrated on a queueing approximation for the two-type stoppage machine interference model. The optimization framework combines infinitesimal perturbation analysis and stochastic approximation in order to optimize the approximation’s error function using simulation. The optimization procedure attempts to find the worse case error of the approximation and the associated parameter values. The optimization framework is compared against the standard factorial design approach for queueing approximation evaluation. The results indicate the potential of evaluating queueing approximations using an optimization framework. In addition, the performance of the machine interference approximation is shown to be worse than previous results indicated using factorial design approaches. This research illustrates to practitioners how queueing approximation evaluation is performed and should indicate to researchers new directions to take in queueing approximation evaluation methodology.
Implications of quantum yield differences on the distributions of C3 and C4 grasses.

The implications of a reduced quantum yield (initial slope of the photosynthetic light response curve) in C4 plants and temperature dependence of quantum yield in C3 plants on total canopy primary production were investigated using computer simulations. Since reduced quantum yield represents the only known disadvantage of the C4 photosynthetic pathway, simulations were conducted with grass canopies (high LAI and hence photosynthesis in most leaves will be light-limited) to see if quantum yield is a significant factor in limiting the primary production and thus distributions of C4 grasses. Simulations were performed for three biogeographical or environmental conditions: the Great Plains region of North America, the Sonoran Desert of North America, and shade habitats. For all three cases, the simulations predicted either spatial or temporal gradients in the abundances of C4 grasses identical to the abundance patterns of C4 grasses observed in the field. It is thus concluded that while the C4 photosynthetic mechanism may be highly advantageous in specific environments, it may be disadvantageous in others.
The mixing, distribution and persistence of esfenvalerate within littoral enclosures

The synthetic pyrethroid insecticide esfenvalerate was applied to the surface of 18 littoral enclosures (5 × 10 m) in a 2-ha pond near Duluth, Minnesota. The insecticide was applied as Asana® 1.9 emulsifiable concentrate (EC) at five nominal concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 5.0 μg/L active ingredient. Two applications were made 30 d apart. Samples of water, sediment, macrophytes, enclosure wall material, and fish were collected and analyzed for esfenvalerate residue. Maximum water concentrations occurred 1 to 3 h after application and rapidly decreased during the next 24 h. At 5.0 μg/L, 90% of the active ingredient was lost from the water column within 24 h and was below the detection limit (0.047 μg/L) within 4 d. A vertical concentration gradient was observed following application, with 95% of the measured esfenvalerate contained in the upper 75% of the enclosure water column 24 h after application. All other components of the pond ecosystem contained measurable amounts of esfenvalerate. Water and sediment, and, to a lesser extent, aquatic vegetation and macrophytes, were important reservoirs for esfenvalerate. Cumulative sorption of esfenvalerate to sediment and enclosure wall material was observed after two successive applications to littoral enclosures.
Process Evaluation of Oxy-fuel Combustion with Flue Gas Recycle in a Conventional Utility Boiler

In recent years, extensive studies were conducted to understand the potential implementation of oxy-fuel combustion with flue gas recycle in conventional boilers as an effort of mitigating CO2 emissions. The benefits of the technology include reduction of NOx and CO emissions by recycling more than 60% of the flue gas back into the boiler; generation of a flue gas stream with CO2 concentration higher than 90% on a dry basis, which can be easily recovered and stored; and utilization of the conventional boiler with minimum modifications. However, a practical implementation of the technology needs a thorough analysis of the mass and energy balance and their impacts on boiler thermal performance. This paper conducts a detailed process analysis on the oxy-fuel combustion with flue gas recycle in a conventional boiler. Key parameters such as the flue gas recycle ratio, boiler exit oxygen, and flue gas velocity and temperature distributions are investigated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are per...
The Semiotics of Cybernetic Percept-Action Systems

In this paper, a semiotic framework for natural and artificial adaptive percept-action systems is presented. The functional organizations and operational structures of percept-action systems with different degrees of adaptivity and self-construction are considered in terms of syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic relations. Operational systems-theoretic criteria for distinguishing semiotic, sign-systems from nonsemiotic physical systems are proposed. A system is semiotic if a set of functional sign-states can be identified, such that the systemâ€™s behavior can be effectively described in terms of operations on sign-types. Semiotic relations involved in the operational structure of the observer are outlined and illustrated using the Hertzian commutation diagram. Percept-action systems are observers endowed with effectors that permit them to act on their surrounds. Percept-action systems consist of sensors, effectors, and a coordinative part that determines which actions will be taken. Cybernetic systems adaptively steer behavior by altering percept-action mappings contingent on evaluated performance measures via embedded goals. Self-constructing cybernetic systems use signs to direct the physical construction of all parts of the system to create new syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic relations. When a system gains the ability to construct its material hardware and choose its semiotic relations, it achieves a degree of epistemic autonomy, semantic closure, and pragmatic self-direction.
Voucher incentives increase treatment participation in telephone-based continuing care for cocaine dependence.

Background Telephone-based monitoring is a promising approach to continuing care of substance use disorders, but patients often do not engage or participate enough to benefit. Voucher incentives can increase retention in outpatient treatment and continuing care, but may be less effective when reinforcement is delayed, as in telephone-based care. We compared treatment utilization rates among cocaine-dependent patients enrolled in telephone continuing care with and without voucher incentives to determine whether incentives increase participation in telephone-based care.
Effects of hydrolyzed feather meal as a source of extra dietary nitrogen on growth performance and carcass traits of finisher pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of extra dietary nitrogen on the growth performance and carcass traits of crossbred (Landrace × Hampshire × Duroc) finisher pigs. In Experiment 1, 15 pens containing gilts and castrated males (six pigs per pen) averaging 53.7 ± 1.9 kg were randomly assigned to five soybean meal (SBM) diets calculated to contain 4.8–9.8 lysine kg−1 in each of two trials. In Experiment 2, 21 gilts and 21 castrated males averaging 57.1 ± 4.5 kg were randomly assigned within sex to seven diets. Two SBM diets were formulated to contain 7.3 g lysine and 150 g crude protein (CP) kg−1 (Med) or 8.5 g lysine and 167 g CP kg−1 (High). An additional SBM diet containing 6.0 g lysine and 132 g CP kg−1 (Low) was also included as part of dietary treatments. Two hydrolyzed feather meal (FM) diets were formulated to be iso-lysinic (Iso-Lys) to the Med and High SBM diets. Two additional FM diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous (Iso-N) to the Med and High SBM diets. Corn and SBM provided 6.0 g lysine or 132 g CP kg−1 to the Iso-Lys and Iso-N diets, respectively, and additional lysine and CP were supplied by FM. A fundamental assumption of the design for Experiment 2 was that providing extra lysine and(or) CP (i.e. above the optimum level) would have no effect on the rate of protein accretion, but it would reduce the rate of fat accretion, thus improving leanness of pigs. Pigs were housed and fed individually in Experiment 2, and allowed ad libitum access to feed and water in both experiments. At the average weights of 101.3 ± 2.0 kg and 108.5 ± 5.5 kg for Experiment 1 and 2, respectively, pigs were slaughtered. In Experiment 1, pigs responded to an increase in dietary lysine up to 7.3 g kg−1 (analyzed to be 8.5 g kg−1), and there seemed to be little or no improvement in the growth performance or carcass traits with further increases. In Experiment 2, weight gain of pigs decreased (P < 0.05) as dietary lysine and CP levels increased from medium to high, but this depression was not observed in pigs fed the Iso-Lys diets (Iso-Lys vs. Iso-N, P=0.06). Pigs fed the High diets had lower carcass backfat (P < 0.05), larger longissimus muscle area (P=0.08) and higher specific gravity (P < 0.05) and proportion of lean (P < 0.05) than those fed the Med diets. The improved carcass quality in response to the increased dietary lysine and CP levels from medium to high was independent of the source (SBM or FM) or method of incorporating FM in the diets (Iso-Lys or Iso-N). The results indicate that providing extra dietary nitrogen may be a viable method to enhance leanness of finisher pigs, even though a possible increase in urinary N excretion is a potential environmental concern. In addition, the low quality protein sources for pigs such as FM may be used effectively as a source of extra dietary nitrogen to enhance leanness of finisher pigs.
Heat dissipation of high rate Li-SOCl sub 2 primary cells

The heat dissipation problem occurring in the lithium thionyl chloride cells discharged at relatively high rates under normal discharge conditions is examined. Four heat flow paths were identified, and the thermal resistances of the relating cell components along each flow path were accordingly calculated. From the thermal resistance network analysis, it was demonstrated that about 90 percent of the total heat produced within the cell should be dissipated along the radial direction in a spirally wound cell. In addition, the threshold value of the heat generation rate at which cell internal temperature could be maintained below 100 C, was calculated from total thermal resistance and found to be 2.9 W. However, these calculations were made only at the cell components' level, and the transient nature of the heat accumulation and dissipation was not considered. A simple transient model based on the lumped-heat-capacity concept was developed to predict the time-dependent cell temperature at different discharge rates. The overall objective was to examine the influence of cell design variable from the heat removal point of view under normal discharge conditions and to make recommendations to build more efficient lithium cells.
Grandparent-Headed Families: Needs and Implications for Social Work Interventions and Advocacy:

As the growth of grandparent-headed families continues, increasing numbers of social workers will find themselves dealing with the multitude of issues that these families face. Understanding the ne...
El Azteca: Francisco Olazabál and Latino Pentecostal Charisma, Power, and Faith Healing in the Borderlands

Depuis 1973, de plus en plus de latino-americains ont quitte l'Eglise catholique romaine pour rejoindre l'Eglise evangelique ou pentecotiste. Pour beaucoup, ce changement survient apres les annees 1960. L'A. considere que ce phenomene a ses origines des la fin du 19e siecle et le debut du 20e siecle. Le mouvement pentecotiste en general et le ministere de Fransisco Olazabal (1886-1937) en particulier ont directement contribue a cette revolution religieuse pendant les annees 1920-1930. Olazabal a converti des dizaines de milliers de personnes aux Etats-Unis, au Mexique et a Puerto-Rico. Son succes s'explique par ce que Max Weber a nomme le charisme. Olazabal a ete un guerisseur qui a su utilise son don. Il est l'archetype du prophete charismatique de M. Weber. Son histoire force les chercheurs americains a reconsiderer l'histoire des religions americaines non pas seulement d'apres un axe Est-Ouest mais aussi Nord-Sud.
The Morphology of the Mouthparts of the Non-Biting Blackfly, Eusimulium Dacotense D. & S., as Compared with Those of the Biting Species, Simulium Venustum Say (Diptera: Simuliidae)

The Simuliidae have for many years attracted attention because of their blood-sucking habits and vicious manner of attacking man and animals; and more recently, because of their role in the transmission of pathogenic organisms. The mouthparts of various species of this family have been studied and described by a number of writers, but the work of these men has been limited mostly to the study of the female mouthparts, no doubt because those of the male are not constructed for blood-sucking.
Time-of-Flight Neutron Powder Diffraction

Abstract Intergranular or type-2 stresses are stresses on the length scale of the grains which arise from the anisotropy of plastic, elastic and thermal deformation in different crystallite orientations or in different phases in the material. In general the strain measured in a diffraction experiment will be a superposition of macroscopic and intergranular strains so it is important to be able to identify the two contributions. The experimental methods for measuring the intergranular strains with high accuracy are discussed in detail. Three case studies of major interest in materials science are examined. Intergranular strains are generated between the phases present in composite materials because of differences in thermal expansion and different plastic and elastic response to applied loads. Intergranular strains are generated in zirconium alloys through the anisotropy of the coefficients of thermal expansion as the alloy cools from the fabrication temperature and by the anisotropy of plastic deformation...
Double target potential field: Planning the movement on passing and kicking the ball in soccer robot

This paper describes the development of Potential Field (PF) method which is implemented in multi cooperative autonomous vehicle with a case study in robotic soccer. This method, called Double Target Potential Field (DTPF), increase the effectiveness of the vehicle movement to achieve the goal of passing the ball and kicking the ball into the goal. This research was conducted by simulating robot movement using Borland Delphi 6.0. There are ten tests which were being done by placing robot and ball in different condition. The test results show this method can effectively direct the ball to the desired target with an accuracy of 85–95% although the time required to achieve a ball is 30–50% longer than usual PF method due to the many movements a vehicle has to take (in order to turn). With this method, planning the movement of each vehicle in a team can be more easily managed in the team strategy module
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE REACTION : SO +O2

Abstract The temperature dependence of the rate constant of the reaction SO+O 2 was measured over the range of 450–585 K at 20 Torr total pressure. SO radicals were generated by photolysis of DMSO at 222 nm and detected by laser-induced fluorescence. The measured rate constants were combined with data obtained from the literature to obtain an Arrhenius expression k ( T )=(2.2±0.5)×10 −13 exp[−(2340±90)/ T ] cm 3 s −1 over the temperature range of 250–585 K and k ( T )=1.5×10 −17 T 1.4 exp[−1868/ T ] cm 3 s −1 over the range of 250–3500 K.
Analysis of color images of natural scenes

A clustering algorithm for analyzing and partitioning the color images of natural scenes is described. The proposed method operates in the 1976 CIE (l*a*b*)uniform color coordinate system. It detects image clusters in some circular-cylindrical decision elements of the color space. This estimates the clusters' color distributions without imposing any constraints on their forms. Surfaces of the decision elements are formed with constant lightness and constant chromaticity loci. Each surface is obtained using only 1-D histogramsof the L*,H,C* cylindrical coordinates of the image data or the extracted feature vector. The Fisher linear discriminant method is then used to project simultaneously the detected color clusters onto a line for 1-0 thresholding. This permits utilization of all the color properties for segmentation, and inherently recognizes their respective cross correlation. In this respect, the proposed algorithm also differs from the multiple histogram-basedthresholding schemes in that it generates more reliable gross segmentation results.
DNA Methylation Alterations Exhibit Intraindividual Stability and Interindividual Heterogeneity in Prostate Cancer Metastases

Human cancers almost ubiquitously harbor epigenetic alterations. Although such alterations in epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, are potentially heritable, they can also be dynamically altered. Given this potential for plasticity, the degree to which epigenetic changes can be subject to selection and act as drivers of neoplasia has been questioned. We carried out genome-scale analyses of DNA methylation alterations in lethal metastatic prostate cancer and created DNA methylation "cityscape" plots to visualize these complex data. We show that somatic DNA methylation alterations, despite showing marked interindividual heterogeneity among men with lethal metastatic prostate cancer, were maintained across all metastases within the same individual. The overall extent of maintenance in DNA methylation changes was comparable to that of genetic copy number alterations. Regions that were frequently hypermethylated across individuals were markedly enriched for cancer- and development/differentiation-related genes. Additionally, regions exhibiting high consistency of hypermethylation across metastases within individuals, even if variably hypermethylated across individuals, showed enrichment for cancer-related genes. Whereas some regions showed intraindividual metastatic tumor heterogeneity in promoter methylation, such methylation alterations were generally not correlated with gene expression. This was despite a general tendency for promoter methylation patterns to be strongly correlated with gene expression, particularly at regions that were variably methylated across individuals. These findings suggest that DNA methylation alterations have the potential for producing selectable driver events in carcinogenesis and disease progression and highlight the possibility of targeting such epigenome alterations for development of longitudinal markers and therapeutic strategies.
Preferential use of less toxic detoxification pathways by long-lived species

This study was undertaken to determine whether the detoxification pathways producing the least oxidative stress appear to be favored in longer-lived mammalian species. Firstly, we focused on the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system. Although this system is an important component of the defenses that protect living organisms against toxic chemicals, some reactions catalyzed by the cytochrome P-450 system result in the formation of products that are highly reactive as well as active oxygen species. Our results suggest that the lower amount of hepatic cytochrome P-450 content found in longer-lived species may have evolved to reduce the toxic side-effect of this detoxification system. Support of the idea that the cytochrome P-450 system is an important source of oxidative stress is the positive correlation between cytochrome P-450 content and the amount of oxidized proteins found in liver of different human individuals. Secondly, we have measured the specific activity of other detoxification enzymes as a function of life span. Instead of a direct comparison of detoxification capabilities of the species, the approach used in this study was: (1) to select those detoxification enzymes which utilize the same substrate but differ in toxicity of the intermediate compounds formed in the reaction, and (2) to measure the levels of these enzymes in the two pathways to determine which pathway is dominant for each species. Our results suggest that the detoxification pathways producing the least oxidative stress do appear to be favored in longer-lived species.
The Development and Evaluation of an Eyes-Free Interaction Model for Mobile Reading Devices

Research into eyes-free mobile reading devices has grown in recent years. This research has focused mainly on the image processing required by such a device, with a lower emphasis on the user interaction. In this paper, a model of a voice user interface (VUI) for a mobile reading device is presented. Three field studies with blind participants were conducted to develop and refine the model. A formal grammar is used to describe the VUI, and a stochastic Petri net was developed to model the complete user-device interaction. Evaluation and analysis of the user testing of a prototype led to empirically derived probabilities of grammar token usage for the commands that comprise the VUI.
Regional blood inventory management development, implementation and 30-month follow-up.

. A regional inventory management system—consignment of blood supply based on Brodheim's inventory model, rotation of blood units tailored to changeable hospital needs and removal of a credit system—was implemented in the Northwest Ohio Regional Blood Services Unit for a 30-month period. The system successfully reduced outdates from 14.7 to 5.3% and better utilized available blood inventory. It also strengthened partnership and promoted cooperation among all participants.