cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current role of therapeutic laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in the management of malignancy: a review of trends from a tertiary care cancer center.

L I y o s in w In a s h with n nts w le to c lapar prim y c roto ested a ups, he success of laparoscopy in the management of be onditions led to its incorporation into the diagnostic herapeutic algorithm of various malignant conditio he initial euphoria of the notable shor t-term ben as tempered by repor ts of high incidence of por etastasis. Subsequent patient data from specialized ca er centers demonstrated rates of por t-site metastasis ar to those of open surger y. 4-5 Recent, randomized, con rolled trials demonstrating longterm outcomes similar hose of the open approach have stimulated the wide lication of laparoscopy. 6-8
Single nephron hemodynamics in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

AbstractThis study was designed to determine whether glomerular hypertension develops as a function of age in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Male SHR and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive controls were divided into three groups for measurements of whole kidney and single nephron hemodynamics at 5, 10, and 15 months of age. As reported previously, SHR developed significant proteinuria which was predominantly an albuminuria, after 5 months of age. There were no differences in whole kidney or single nephron glomerular filtration rates between SHR and WKY. Afferent glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure (PGC) was slightly increased in SHR compared with WKY at 10 months of age. At 15 months of age, PGC in SHR was significantly lower than WKY. Our studies indicate that increased capillary pressure is not a major factor in the development and progression of renal injury in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.
Synthesis and photoluminescence of ultra-pure germanium nanoparticles

Abstract We have used aerosol deposition to synthesize defect and micro-strain free, ultra-pure germanium nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy images show a core–shell configuration with highly crystalline core material. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements verify the presence of highly pure, nano-scale germanium with average crystallite size of 30 nm and micro-strain of 0.058%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that GeO x ( x ⩽ 2) shells cover the surfaces of the nanoparticles. Under optical excitation, these nanoparticles exhibit two separate emission bands at room temperature: a visible emission at 500 nm with 0.5–1 ns decay times and an intense near-infrared emission at 1575 nm with up to ∼20 μs lifetime.
High efficiency ultra-thin sputtered CdTe solar cells

Abstract Large scale manufacturing of CdTe PV modules at the GW/yr level may be constrained due to the limited availability of the relatively rare (Te) element and the volume of potentially hazardous (Cd) material being used in the typically 3–8 μm thick CdTe absorber layer. However, we find that it is possible to reduce the CdTe layer thickness without much compromise in efficiency. The CdS/CdTe solar cells were fabricated using magnetron sputtering with ultra-thin CdTe layers in the range of 0.5–1.28 μm. The ultra-thin films and cells were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical transmission, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), current–voltage and quantum efficiency measurements. These results were compared with those of standard 2.3 μm thick CdTe sputtered cells. Different post-deposition processing parameters were required for cells with ultra-thin and standard CdTe thicknesses to achieve high efficiency. Ultra-thin CdTe cells showed crystallographic texture and CdTe1−xSx alloy formation after CdCl2 treatment very similar to standard CdTe cells. Optimization of the post-deposition CdCl2 treatment and back-contact processing yielded cells of 11.2% efficiency with 0.7 μm CdTe compared to 13.0% obtained with standard 2.3 μm CdTe cells.
Microneedle-Based Intradermal Delivery Enables Rapid Lymphatic Uptake and Distribution of Protein Drugs

The purpose of this research was to examine the pharmacokinetics (PK) of drug uptake for microneedle-based intradermal (ID) delivery of several classes of protein drugs compared to standard subcutaneous (SC) administration. Systemic absorption kinetics of various proteins were analyzed following microneedle-based ID delivery and standard injection methods in the swine model. Comparative PK data were determined using standard non-compartmental techniques based on blood serum levels. Delivery of proteins using microneedles resulted in faster systemic availability, measured via tmax, and increased maximal drug concentration, Cmax, over SC delivery for all proteins tested. Some agents also exhibited increased bioavailability for the ID route. Imaging studies using reporter dyes showed rapid lymphatic-mediated uptake. Microneedle delivery is applicable to a wide variety of protein drugs and is capable of effective parenteral administration of therapeutic drug dosages. This delivery route alters absorption kinetics via targeting a tissue bed better perfused with lymphatic and blood vessels than the SC space. Microneedle delivery may afford various advantages, including a robust method to increase the absorption rate and bioavailability of proteins that have been challenging to deliver at therapeutic levels or with physiologically relevant profiles.
Disulfiram promotes the conversion of carcinogenic cadmium to a proteasome inhibitor with pro-apoptotic activity in human cancer cells

Abstract The ubiquitin-proteasome system is involved in various cellular processes, including transcription, apoptosis, and cell cycle. In vitro , in vivo , and clinical studies suggest the potential use of proteasome inhibitors as anticancer drugs. Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant that has been classified as a human carcinogen. Recent study in our laboratory suggested that the clinically used anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram (DSF) could form a complex with tumor cellular copper, resulting in inhibition of the proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity and induction of cancer cell apoptosis. In the current study, we report, for the first time, that DSF is able to convert the carcinogen Cd to a proteasome-inhibitor and cancer cell apoptosis inducer. Although the DSF–Cd complex inhibited the chymotrypsin-like activity of a purified 20S proteasome with an IC 50 value of 32 μmol/L, this complex was much more potent in inhibiting the chymotrypsin-like activity of prostate cancer cellular 26S proteasome. Inhibition of cellular proteasome activity by the DSF–Cd complex resulted in the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and the natural proteasome substrate p27, which was followed by activation of calpain and induction of apoptosis. Importantly, human breast cancer MCF10DCIS cells were much more sensitive to the DSF–Cd treatment than immortalized but non-tumorigenic human breast MCF-10A cells, demonstrating that the DSF–Cd complex could selectively induce proteasome inhibition and apoptosis in human tumor cells. Our work suggests the potential use of DSF for treatment of cells with accumulated levels of carcinogen Cd.
Ammonium assimilation in Nocardia asteroides.

Specific enzymes of ammonium assimilation were measured in cell-free extracts ofNocardia asteroides grown in a synthetic medium with glutamate as the nitrogen source. Cell-free extracts had active glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and alanine dehydrogenase (ADH) but glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) could not be detected in the enzyme preparation. This shows that GS/GOGAT is the major pathway of ammonium assimilation inN. asteroides.
Largazole, a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, enhances TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

Abstract In the present study, we evaluated the effect of largazole (LAR), a marine-derived class I HDAC inhibitor, on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity. LAR (1–5 μM) had no adverse effect on the viability of RA synovial fibroblasts. Among the different class I HDACs screened, LAR (0.5–5 μM) inhibited the constitutive expression of HDAC1 (0–30%). Surprisingly, LAR increased class II HDAC [HDAC6] by ~ 220% with a concomitant decrease in HDAC5 [30–58%] expression in RA synovial fibroblasts. SAHA (5 μM), a pan-HDAC inhibitor, also induced HDAC6 expression in RA synovial fibroblasts. Pretreatment of RA synovial fibroblasts with LAR further enhanced TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. However, LAR inhibited TNF-α-induced MMP-2 activity in RA synovial fibroblasts by 35% when compared to the TNF-α-treated group. Further, the addition of HDAC6 specific inhibitor Tubastatin A with LAR suppressed TNF-α + LAR-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression and completely blocked MMP-2 activity, suggesting a role of HDAC6 in LAR-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. LAR also enhanced TNF-α-induced phospho-p38 and phospho-AKT expression, but inhibited the expression of phospho-JNK and nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65 in RA synovial fibroblasts. These results suggest that LAR activates p38 and Akt pathways and influences class II HDACs, in particular HDAC6, to enhance some of the detrimental effects of TNF-α in RA synovial fibroblasts. Understanding the exact role of different HDAC isoenzymes in RA pathogenesis is extremely important in order to develop highly effective HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of RA.
Mechanical behavior of ultrafine-grained Ni–carbon nanotube composite

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) Ni and multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) composite powders were prepared using non-covalent functionalization of CNTs to promote cohesion between the metal powders and CNTs. Following consolidation using spark plasma sintering, the resultant Ni–CNT composites had densities >97 % with well-dispersed CNT reinforcements. Tensile testing revealed comparable fracture strengths between the reinforced and unreinforced UFG Ni, whereas the former exhibited smaller fracture strain than the latter. In addition, the former had higher microhardness than the latter. The results are rationalized using a shear-lag model, and it is suggested that grain edge lengths should be used as the reinforcement lengths when applying the model to tensile stress response descriptions.
Forced localization in a periodic chain of non-linear oscillators

Abstract Forced localization in a periodic system consisting of an infinite number of coupled non-linear oscillators is examined. A “continuum approximation” is used to reduce the infinite set of ordinary differential equations of motion to a single approximate, non-linear partial differential equation. The structure of the propagation and attenuation zones of the linearized system is found to affect the non-linear localization. Harmonic excitations with general spatial distributions are considered and the localized responses of the chain are studied using exact and asymptotic techniques. Only certain classes of forcing distributions lead to spatial confinement of the forced responses, whereas other types of excitation give rise to spatially periodic or even chaotic harmonic motions of the chain. Systems with weak coupling between particles and/or strong non-linear effects have more profound localization characteristics. The theoretical predictions of the analysis are verified by direct numerical simulations of the equations of motion.
Ionic Conductivities of Block Copolymer Electrolytes with Various Conducting Pathways: Sample Preparation and Processing Considerations

We explored the relationship between ionic conductivities and morphology in a lithium perchlorate-doped poly(styrene-b-ethylene oxide) (PS–PEO) system using ac impedance spectroscopy, in situ small...
Synthesis of poly(silyl ethers) by Ru-catalyzed hydrosilylation

Abstract Dihydridocarbonyltris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium, activated with a stoichiometric amount of styrene, catalyzes the hydrosilylation polymerization of dimethylsilyloxyaryl ketones or aldehydes as well as the copolymerization of aromatic α,ω-diketones and oligo-α,ω-dihydridodimethylsiloxanes to yield poly(silyl ethers). The ruthenium catalyzed addition of Si–H bonds across C–O double bonds to form CH–O–Si bonds is key to the polymerizations.
Critical carotid and vertebral arterial occlusive disease and cough syncope.

Cough syncope typically occurs in patients with known chronic lung disease. The mechanism usually involves a combination of decreased venous return, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and secondary hypocapnia, all resulting in cerebral arterial vasoconstriction. Cough syncope has not in the past been associated with occlusive cerebrovascular disease.We describe a 50-year-old man with a 6-month history of episodes of loss of consciousness during paroxysms of coughing. Physical examination showed asymmetrical upper extremity blood pressures and carotid and subclavian artery bruits. Pulmonary function studies were normal. Ultrasound and angiography showed total occlusion of the left common carotid artery, right internal carotid artery, and right vertebral artery; tight stenosis of the right subclavian artery; and a hypoplastic left vertebral artery. The patient had a left subclavian-to-left common carotid artery bypass and has had no syncope since that time.To our knowledge, this is the first reported c...
Central hormonal replacement and home-cage dominance in castrated rats.

Abstract The effect of central placement of gonadal hormones on reinstating home-cage dominance behaviors in castrated rats was studied. Following the placement of testosterone or estradiol into the preoptic area of castrated rats, some dominance behaviors were reinstated to precastration levels, while neither hormone implants into the septum nor cholesterol implants into either the preoptic or septal areas produced any reliable effects.
Current issues and problems in laser welding of automotive aluminium alloys

AbstractThe automotive industry is facing demands simultaneously to increase its fleet average fuel economy and to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by its products. In order to meet these new standards, the industry is increasingly aiming to decrease the weight of vehicles through the use of new materials, especially lightweight aluminium alloys. Laser welding is a critical enabling technology in reducing the weight of the body structure through increased use of aluminium and tailor welded blanks. In this review the available research on the laser welding of 5xxx, 6xxx, and some 2xxx series automotive aluminium alloys is critically examined and interpreted from different perspectives. First, the current understanding of the important physical processes occurring during laser welding of these alloys such as energy absorption, fluid flow and heat transfer in the weld pool, and alloying element vaporisation are examined. Second, the structure and properties of these weldments are critically evaluated....
Public Self-Attention and Personal Standards: the Impact of Group Composition

Increases in self-attention as a function of decreases in the relative size of one’s subgroup in a heterogeneous group context have been shown to result in increased regulation of behavior toward social (normative) standards for behavior. The present study demonstrated increased regulation of behavior toward a personal standard for behavior as a function of variations in group composition. One hundred twenty-five subjects individually completed the Creativity subscale of Scott’s Personal Value Scale assessing attitudes toward originality. They then completed a word-association task in groups ranging in size from 2 to 8. Originality of word-associations was determined by reference to previously established word-association norms and norms based on frequency of responses given in the present study. Results indicate that originality in responses increase as the relative size of one’s own subgroup decreases (indexing increases in self-attention) for subjects who value originality. Discussion centers on the distinction between experimentally manipulated public and private self-attention and standards that are adopted for behavioral self-regulation.
Load modeling methodologies for cascading outage simulation considering power system stability

Cascading outages involve a series of dynamic phenomena that could lead to large blackouts and cause severe socio-economic loss. To better study these power system dynamic sequences when facing disturbance, a dynamic load model that mimics well the real behavior of the physical load is extremely important. Inappropriate load modeling could generate an inaccurate dynamic response in simulations and mislead system operation, which in turn may cause cascading outages. However, since load representation in a power system dynamic study is usually an aggregation of various types of load, it has the key nature of immense uncertainty. In the literature, several load models have been developed and verified for different scenarios. This paper discusses and compares a variety of state-of-the-art load modeling approaches for an application of cascading outage simulation.
Microbial activity associated with seston in headwater streams: effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and temperature

SUMMARY. 1. The influences of temperature and dissolved nitrates and phosphates on microbial activity associated with suspended fine particulate organic matter (seston) were evaluated in four headwater streams in the southern Appalachian Mountains. 2. Temperature manipulations of ±5°C always induced significant changes in ['"Cjglucose mineralization (ANOVA; P 0.05) or incorporation of [3H]thymidine (ANOVA; P>0.05) in short-term (i.e. 3 h) experiments. 4. Microorganisms attached to refractory particulate organic matter do not appear to be limited by nitrogen or phosphorus even in streams with ambient nutrient concentrations as low as 0.06 mg NO31"1 and <0.03 mg P04 1-'. 5. Our results indicate that variations in water temperature resulting from diurnal and seasonal temperature fluctuations, forest clear-cutting, and catchment elevation and aspect can have marked effects upon microbial activity and production, while short-term alterations in nutrient regime appear to have no significant effect on microbial activity associated with seston.
Beyond Classroom Walls: The Carnegie Corporation and the Founding of the American Association for Adult Education:

The beginning of the professional or 'self-conscious' movement for adult education has usually been placed in the 1920s, specifically at the time that the Carnegie Corporation moved to form the American Association for Adult Education (AAAE) in 1926. While the AAAE has been seen as part of an effort to encourage the systematic growth and coordination of American adult education, the precise reasons for its formation have not been adequately investigated. Through an examination of Carnegie Corporation archives and printed materials, this paper will examine the reasons for the Carnegie Corporation recommendation for the formation of the AAAE as well as analyze the preliminary stages of the founding process.
Energy efficient data retrieval for networked multi-mode wireless sensors

This paper develops a mixed-integer programming model to maximize the total data retrieved via a wireless sensor networks, subject to the practical network and individual multi-mode sensor constraints. The model is different from existing ones in that it accounts for the buffer usage over time and the energy spikes incurred due to transitions between the operational modes. Heuristic procedures are developed for solving the NP-Hard problem. Simulation results exhibit that good performance can be achieved when the routing and MAC decisions are made based on individual sensors' buffer content and residual energy.
Acoustic recordings in human ear canals to sounds at different locations

The head and pinna shape the sound reaching the tympanum. We explored this signal transformation in humans and a mini basketball for different sound locations in an anechoic chamber. For humans, we embedded microphones in ear molds that were custom fitted to the subject's ear canal. For the ball, the microphones were flush with the surface at ± 90 degrees azimuths on the equator. Sounds were generated with a custom point source. In the ball, the signal level was nearly flat across frequency, with no gains. In contrast, in the ears, signal level changed in a complex way across frequency, with considerable gains. For frequencies 4 kHz, ILDs in the human ears were larger and more complex than those in the ball such that the human ILDs were nonmonotonic with distance whereas the ball ILDs were monotonic with distance.
Antibodies to the C-Terminal Tetrapeptide Amide of Gastrin: Assessment of antibody binding to cholecystokinin-pancreozymin

Summary Cholecystokinin-pancreozymin was found to inhibit competitively the binding of [ 3 H]acetyl gastrin C-terminal tetrapeptide amide by antibodies evoked in response to immunization with gastrin C-terminal tetrapeptide amide conjugated to bovine γ-globulin. On a molar basis inhibition by cholecystokinin-pan creozymin appeared ap proximately equivalent to that by the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide of gastrin. These results indicate immunological cross reactivity between the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide of gastrin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin. These observations are consistent with evidence presented by 7 Mutt and Jorpes that the carboxyl-terminal portions of gastrin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin are identical.
Dative prepositions in children with specific language impairment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate children with specific language impairment (SLI) and their proficiency with the use of prepositions. Ten children with SLI were compared to 10 younger, normally developing children matched for mean length of utterance and 10 children matched for age. Each child was asked to produce 24 sentences containing locative (in, on) and dative (to) prepositions. Responses were coded for omission or word selection errors for the target prepositions. It was hypothesized that children with SLI would make more errors than the typically developing children. Omission errors would support a difficulty with syntax because of the role prepositions play in case marking. Word selection errors would support a deficit in the area of semantics. The results confirmed that children with SLI made more errors than the control group. The children with SLI made more errors in the selection of dative prepositions, indicating a difficulty linking the semantics of prepositions and verbs.
Evidence of Surplus Production in the Cherokee Nation Prior to Removal

Debate over the level of economic development for the Eastern Cherokees was heated during the 1830s. Removal opponents argued that the Cherokees had adopted white agricultural methods, whereas advocates of removal maintained that little evidence of progress existed. Removal advocates believed that Cherokee economic progress required that they be removed from contact with whites. This article examines the statistical record to show that a majority of Cherokee households produced surplus food before removal. The large number of Cherokee households producing surpluses before removal suggests the existence of significant rents to be transmitted to white farmers via the removal policy. The question of the continued economic viability of the Eastern
Practical codes for queueing channels: An algebraic, state-space, message-passing approach

This paper examines more closely the probabilistic dynamics of queueing timing channels and discusses a new practical coding scheme which is tailored to them and approaches capacity. We consider using sparse graph coset codes over nonbinary finite fields. We use a shaping technique to map algebraic symbols to non-uniform codewords using the inverse cumulative distribution of a target random variable. We exploit the graphical structure of the conditional distribution of the departure process given the arrival process to arrive at a Forney factor graph of the joint likelihood that has graphical structure reminiscent of coding on inter-symbol interference channels with LDPC codes. We show through simulation that this technique, when using low-complexity iterative decoding, is capacity-approaching.
Oxidized low density lipoprotein stimulates aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation

We have investigated the effects of oxidized low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) on aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and the biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids. We found that Ox-LDL exerted a concentration, time, and temperature dependent alteration of cell proliferation and the biosynthesis of lactosylceramide. At low concentrations (5-10 fig/ml medium) Ox-LDL stimulated cell proliferation measured by an increase in the incorporation of pHJ-thymidine in cells and the synthesis of lactosylceramide, but not glucosylceramide synthesis. Oxidized LDL exerted a threefold increase in the incorporation of [3H]galactose and [3H]-serine in lactosylceramide. The activity of lactosylceramide synthetase; UDP-galactose glucosylceramide pi —* 4 galactosyltransferase (GaTT-2), but not glucosylceramide synthetase (GlcT-1) was stimulated by Ox-LDL. On the other hand, LDL suppressed the activity of GaIT-2 in these cells. When cells were preincubated with antibody against Ox-LDL or GaIT-2 it compromised the Ox-LDL mediated stimulation in cell proliferation and GaIT-2 activity. Similarly, D-PDMP an inhibitor of GalT2 compromised the Ox-LDL mediated effects in cells. In contrast, L-PDMP further stimulated the Ox-LDL mediated cell proliferation and GaIT-2 activity. However, preincubation of cells with preimmune rabbit serum IgG failed to abrogate Ox-LDL mediated stimulation in cell proliferation and GaIT-2 activity. In sum, we found that Ox-LDL stimulated aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation in culture. This effect resulted from Ox-LDL mediated activation of GalT-2 that produced lactosylceramide. Lactosylceramide in turn, contributed to cell proliferation. Such correlations are supportive of the notion that GaIT-2 action mediates the signal transduction of Ox-LDL contributing to cell proliferation.
Measuring the effectiveness of hypertext in decision support

The authors suggest that developing a set of dependent variables to measure effectiveness of hypertext in decision support is an important first step in a program of research. A review of empirical hypertext research is presented, followed by a discussion of research assessing effectiveness of decision support and related systems. The role of hypertext in organizations is conceptually linked to the three main phases of the decision-making process: problem structuring, analysis, and problem resolution. A set of six classes of appropriate dependent variables for assessing effectiveness of hypertext is suggested within the context of the decision-making phases: information content and function variables are associated with problem structuring; presentation and usage variables are associated with analysis; outcome and perception variables are associated with problem resolution. >
Digital simulation of the aggregate-cement paste interfacial zone in concrete

Researchers using backscattered scanning electron microscopy, along with quantitative image analysis techniques, have clearly demonstrated the existence of a highly porous interfacial region between aggregate particles and the cement paste matrix in ordinary Portland cement concrete. This paper presents the results of a digital-image-based simulation model of this interfacial zone. A dissolution-diffusion-reaction-like cycle of hydrating cement particles is directly simulated using cement particles packed around a simple nonreactive aggregate particle. The model is two-dimensional, as we are comparing to experimental results obtained on two-dimensional images of polished sections. The qualitative features seen experimentally, such as large amounts of porosity and calcium hydroxide in the interfacial zone, are accurately reproduced. A new mechanism, one-sided growth, is proposed, along with the more usual particle-packing ideas, as an explanation of the origin of the characteristic features of the interfacial zone.
Isolation and characterization of a protective bacterial culture isolated from honey active against American Foulbrood disease.

Bacterial strains isolated from US domestic honey were screened for antibacterial activity against Paenibacillus larvae ssp. larvae, the causative agent of American Foulbrood (AFB) in apiaries. A bacterial isolate (TH13) showing a high level of antimicrobial activity against P. larvae ssp. larvae ATCC 9545 was selected and identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antimicrobial compound was purified by 80% saturated ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by CM-sepharose chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC. The molecular mass of the compound was determined to be 1168.78Da by ESI-qTOF MS, matching that of polymyxin E1. The producer strain showed a broad range of antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria including P. larvae ssp. larvae ATCC 25747 and foodborne pathogens such as Bacillus cereus F4552 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43895. The selection of antibioticproducing bacterial strains indigenous to honey as protective cultures against AFB may lessen the use of antibiotics in apiaries.
Development of an ambient pressure laser-induced fluorescence instrument for nitrogen dioxide

Concerns about the health effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and its role in forming deleterious atmospheric species have made it desirable to have low-cost, sensitive ambient measurements of NO2. We have developed a continuous-wave laser-diode laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system for NO2 that operates at ambient pressure, thereby eliminating the need for an expensive pumping system. The current prototype system has achieved sensitivity several orders of magnitude beyond previous efforts at ambient pressure (limit of detection of 2 ppb, 60 s averaging time). Ambient measurements of NO2 were made in Portland, Oregon using both the standard NO2 chemiluminescence method and the LIF instrument and showed good agreement (r2=0.92).
Corroborating User Assessments of Software Behavior to Facilitate Operational Testing

Operational or "beta" testing of software has a number of benefits for software vendors and has become common industry practice. However, ordinary users are more likely to overlook or misreport software problems than experienced software testers are. To compensate for this shortcoming, we present a technique called corroboration-based filtering for corroborating user assessments of individual operational executions for which audit information has been captured for possible offline review. Independent assessments concerning similar executions are pooled by automatically clustering together executions with similar execution profiles. Executions are chosen for review based on their user assessments, the size of the cluster each execution belongs to, and whether the cluster has already been confirmed by developers to contain an actual failure. We explain the rationale for this technique, analyze it probabilistically, and present the results of empirically comparing it to alternative techniques.
Blood Pressure Measuring Methods

Blood pressure can be measured directly or indirectly. While direct methods provide the maximum quantity of reliable information from probes inserted into the blood stream, indirect methods produce much less disturbance to the subject. Indirect methods are based on the adjustment of a known external pressure to equal the vascular pressure. Systolic and diastolic pressure can be determined intermittently from the pressure that will just collapse the vessel; an approximation of the instantaneous pressure level is obtained from a surrounding chamber adjusted to remove all vessel wall tension. Direct methods can provide continuous, high fidelity recordings of the absolute vascular pressure via a catheter either to transmit the blood pressure through liquid to an external sensor or to carry the signal leads from a miniature internal sensor. External sensors require careful adjustment of the catheter dimensions to obtain optimum dynamic response. Internal sensors provide the maximum dynamic response and avoid acceleration artifacts. Convenience of electrical signal manipulation, display and recording have made electrical transducers increasingly popular.
Reinforcement of a self-setting calcium phosphate cement with different fibers.

A water-based calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has been used in a number of medical and dental procedures due to its excellent osteoconductivity and bone replacement capability. However, the low tensile strength of CPC prohibits its use in many unsupported defects and stress-bearing locations. Little investigation has been carried out on the fiber reinforcement of CPC. The aims of the present study, therefore, were to examine whether fibers would strengthen CPC, and to investigate the effects of fiber type, fiber length, and volume fraction. Four different fibers were used: aramid, carbon, E-glass, and polyglactin. Fiber length ranged from 3–200 mm, and fiber volume fraction ranged from 1.9–9.5%. The fibers were mixed with CPC paste and placed into molds of 3 × 4 × 25 mm. A flexural test was used to fracture the set specimens and to measure the ultimate strength, work-of-fracture, and elastic modulus. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine specimen fracture surfaces. Fiber type had significant effects on composite properties. The composite ultimate strength in MPa (mean ± SD; n = 6) was (62 ± 16) for aramid, (59 ± 11) for carbon, (29 ± 8) for E-glass, and (24 ± 4) for polyglactin, with 5.7% volume fraction and 75 mm fiber length. In comparison, the strength of unreinforced CPC was (13 ± 3). Fiber length also played an important role. For composites containing 5.7% aramid fibers, the ultimate strength was (24 ± 3) for 3 mm fibers, (36 ± 13) for 8 mm fibers, (48 ± 14) for 25 mm fibers, and (62 ± 16) for 75 mm fibers. At 25 mm fiber length, the ultimate strength of CPC composite was found to be linearly proportional to fiber strength. In conclusion, a self-setting calcium phosphate cement was substantially strengthened via fiber reinforcement. Fiber length, fiber volume fraction, and fiber strength were found to be key microstructural parameters that controlled the mechanical properties of CPC composites. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 52, 107–114, 2000.
A multiscale framework for computational nanomechanics : Application to the modeling of carbon nanotubes

SUMMARY A multiscale computational framework is presented that provides a coupled self-consistent system of equations involving molecular mechanics at small scales and quasi-continuum mechanics at large scales. The proposed method permits simultaneous resolution of quasi-continuum and atomistic length scales and the associated displacement fields in a unified manner. Interatomic interactions are incorporated into the method through a set of analytical equations that contain nanoscale-based material moduli. These material moduli are defined via internal variables that are functions of the local atomic configuration parameters. Point defects like vacancy defects in nanomaterials perturb the atomic structure locally and generate localized force fields. Formation energy of vacancy is evaluated via interatomic potentials and minimization of this energy leads to nanoscale force fields around defects. These nanoscale force fields are then employed in the multiscale method to solve for the localized displacement fields in the vicinity of vacancies and defects. The finite element method that is developed based on the hierarchical multiscale framework furnishes a two-level statement of the problem. It concurrently feeds information at the molecular scale, formulated in terms of the nanoscale material moduli, into the quasi-continuum equations. Representative numerical examples are shown to validate the model and demonstrate its range of applicability. Copyright q 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an instrument to measure patient perception of the quality of nursing care.

Although patient satisfaction has been given considerable attention in health care, analysis of the conceptual and measurement limitations of existing measures indicates that a more elemental approach to obtaining patients' perspectives is warranted. In this investigation we developed and evaluated the psychometric properties of an instrument designed to measure patients' perceptions of the degree to which their needs were met while hospitalized. This 15-item instrument, Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing (PPHEN), based on Swanson-Kauffman's framework of caring, is internally consistent and represents a single construct best described as feeling cared for. The relationship of PPHEN to other measures demonstrates concurrent validity; moreover, the scale is responsive to differences in care provided, as shown by differences in means for different hospitals. PPHEN offers a brief, theoretically oriented, internally consistent, and valid patient self-report measure of nursing care. It does not require patients to compare their expectations of care with the care received but only to evaluate whether their needs were met. It promises to be useful to clinical and health services researchers.
Preliminary investigation of micropumping based on electrical control of interfacial tension

Electrical control of the interfacial tension between a liquid and solid (electrowetting) is studied as a means of microactuation for fluid systems, i.e. micropumping Electrowetting provides a means of direct fluid pumping with no moving mechanical parts, which may prove useful in a number of application areas, such as micro chemical dispensers, injectors, and reactors, and even cooling systems for high-density microelectronics. A test device has been built (with silicon micromachining) for the study of electrowetting, and a detailed model of the devices is given. The model describes liquid flow in a small channel, as governed by Navier-Stokes equations, Laplace's equation, Young's equation, and Lippmann's equation. Simulation results presented indicate that electrowetting is a viable approach to microactuation: in a 10 mu m radius channel, it may be used to generate pressures on the order of 0.01 MPa, comparable to pressures generated by existing micropump designs are order of magnitude larger in size. Although the dynamics of the test device are dominated by fluid friction, it is also shown that another micropump design, based on mercury, should behave as a nearly frictionless oscillator. >
Polarization of Σ0 hyperons in inclusive production from 28.5 GeV/c protons on beryllium

The polarization of Σ0 hyperons produced in an inclusive reactons hasbeen measured for the first time. From a sample of 11 000 events produced by 28.5 GeV/c ptorons in the reaction p+Be→Σ0+X, the Σ0 polarization has a value of +0.28±0.13 at pt=1.01 GeV/c and xf=0.60. The polarization of 53 000 Λ hyperons produced from 28.5 Gev/c protons inthe reaction p+Be→Λ+X has been measured in the kinematic range 0.64<pt<1.14 GeV/c and 0.42<xf<0.62. The average Λ polarization is found to be −0.188±0.024, consistent with previous results.
The Rab5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rabex-5 binds ubiquitin (Ub) and functions as a Ub ligase through an atypical Ub-interacting motif and a zinc finger domain.

Rabex-5, the mammalian orthologue of yeast Vps9p, is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab5. Rabex-5 forms a tight complex with Rabaptin-5, a multivalent adaptor protein that also binds to Rab4, Rab5, and to domains present in γ-adaptins and the Golgi-localized, γ-ear-containing, ARF-binding proteins (GGAs). Rabaptin-5 augments the Rabex-5 exchange activity, thus generating GTP-bound, membrane-associated Rab5 that, in turn, binds Rabaptin-5 and stabilizes the Rabex-5·Rabaptin-5 complex on endosomes. Although the Rabex-5·Rabaptin-5 complex is critical to the regulation of endosomal fusion, the structural determinants of this interaction are unknown. Likewise, the possible binding and covalent attachment of ubiquitin to Rabex-5, two modifications that are critical to the function of yeast Vps9p in endosomal transport, have not been studied. In this study, we identify the 401-462 and 551-661 coiled-coils as the regions in Rabex-5 and Rabaptin-5, respectively, that interact with one another. We also demonstrate that Rabex-5 undergoes ubiquitination and binds ubiquitin, though not via its proposed C-terminal CUE-like domain. Instead, the N-terminal region of Rabex-5 (residues 1-76), comprising an A20-like Cys2/Cys2 zinc finger and an adjacent α-helix, is important for ubiquitin binding and ubiquitination. Importantly, we demonstrate that the Rabex-5 zinc finger displays ubiquitin ligase (E3) activity. These observations extend our understanding of the regulation of Rabex-5 by Rabaptin-5. Moreover, the demonstration that Rabex-5 is a ubiquitin ligase that binds ubiquitin and undergoes ubiquitination indicates that its role in endosome fusion may be subject to additional regulation by ubiquitin-dependent modifications.
Franck-Condon factors for band systems of molecular hydrogen—III: The (B'1Σ+u−X1Σ+g), (E1Σ+g−B1Σ+u), (G1Σ+g−B1Σ+u) and (k3Πu−a3Σ+g) systems

Abstract Frank-Condon factors are reported for the ( B ' 1 Σ + u − X 1 Σ + g ), ( E 1 Σ + g − B 1 Σ + u ), ( G 1 Σ 1 g − B 1 Σ + u ) and ( k 3 Π u − a 3 Σ + g ) band systems of molecular hydrogen. In each electronic state, wavefunctions were computed for all vibrational levels up to the dissociation limit by numerical solutions of the radial Schrordinger equation using a tabulated potential energy function. In the X , B and B ' states Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) potential curves were used; in the E , G , a and k states Morse potentials were used. The RKR curves were constructed for energies corresponding to integral and non-integral vibrational quanta, using spectroscopic data selected from the literature. There curves were extrapolated to prescribed dissociation limits by means of suitable power law potential formulae. The resulting sets of Franck-Condon factors are given for all vibrational bands of each system.
Interleukin-1 in the genesis and progression of and risk for development of neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease

Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key molecule in systemic immune responses in health and disease, has analogous roles in the brain where it may contribute to neuronal degeneration. Numerous findings suggest that this is the case. For example, IL-1 overexpression in the brain of Alzheimer patients relates directly to the development and progression of the cardinal neuropathological changes of Alzheimer's disease, i.e., the genesis and accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques and the formation and accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles in neurons, both of which contribute to neuronal dysfunction and demise. Several genetic studies show that inheritance of a specific IL-1A gene polymorphism increases risk for development of Alzheimer's disease by as much as sixfold. Moreover, this increased risk is associated with earlier age of onset of the disease. Homozygosity for this polymorphism in combination with another in the IL-1B gene further increases risk.
Change Management, Knowledge Dynamics and Normative Influences in Enterprise Technology Implementation: An Empirical Study:

The sufficiency of the work environment in providing knowledge support and influencing user perceptions can impact enterprise technology implementation. This article examines the dialectics of chan...
Risperidone Use in Pre-School Children (≤5 Years) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (P04.179)

Objective: To describe our experience in the use of risperidone in pre-school children. Background Risperidone is FDA approved for treating irritability and aggression in children greater than 5 years with ASD. Its utility in preschool children in the clinic setting has been insufficiently studied. Design/Methods: Retrospective chart review of children with ASD treated with risperidone from 2002 to 2010. Treatment outcome and side effect profile was compared between children ≤5 years and >5 years of age. Results: 132 children were treated with risperidone (N=50 [≤5 years], median age [range] of 4.5 [2.5 to 5] years; and N=82 [>5 years], median age [range] of 9.5 [5.5 to 19] years). The respective median duration of treatment (range) was 19 (0.25 to 57) months and 22.5 (1 to 84) months respectively. Most were low functioning (68% vs. 81%), and non-verbal (82% vs. 63%). Risperidone was mostly used for aggression (94 % vs. 88%) at a dose range of 0.25-4 mg. Overall, risperidone helped in lowering aggression (54 % vs. 72%, p=0.05), reducing stereotypy (38% vs.50%), improving social interaction (34 % vs.43 %) and lowering self-injury (46 % vs. 45 %). Rate of side effects overall (56% vs. 61%), drowsiness (22 % vs. 25 %) and weight gain (18 % vs. 28 %) were comparable, except for dystonic episodes (2 % vs. 17 %, p Conclusions: In our experience pre-school children with ASD in comparison to older children responded almost equally well to risperidone and had a comparable side effect profile. Risperidone should be considered as a possible treatment option for preschoolers with ASD and aggressive behavior. Disclosure: Dr. Sivaraman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hagmann has received research support from Intercell. Dr. Neugebauer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kairam has nothing to disclose.
Entropy of teamwork: Multitasking, Configuration, Effectiveness & Efficiency

Abstract: Traditional social models overlook interdependence, the defining characteristic of social behavior, in favor of the least entropy production (LEP) from cooperation (e.g., [2] [3] [4]). Teams organized like distributed processing [5] over-look the benefits from the interdependence of multitasking [11]). In our model, the entropy of interdependence reduces degrees of freedom like quantum entanglement, allowing maximum entropy production (MEP) to solve problems. Evolution in Nature (viz., ) demonstrates MEP [6] from intelligent choices [7]. Exploiting interdependence improves team intelligence [8]; forced cooperation dis-organizes it; e.g., China is reducing its social intelligence [9]. In our model, competition self-organizes those willing to sort through the noise for the choices that improve social welfare. Social systems organized around competition (checks and balances) better control a society than authoritarian regimes (e.g., on China’s inability, see [12]). Authoritarians are inefficient in sizing teams to solve problems; e.g., Sinopec oil company uses about 548 thousand employees to produce about 4.4 million barrels of oil per day whereas Exxon uses about 82 thousand employees to produce about 5.3 million barrels of oil per day [10]. Overall, the density of MEP directed at solving problems in a society able to freely self-organize its labor and capital is denser. Keywords: interdependence; maximum entropy production; teams; multitasking;
Intelligent mill-load control for pulverizing system in alumina sintering process

The pulverizing system in alumina sintering process uses the air with residual heat produced by cooling clinker as the hot air to dry the coal powder.When the temperature of hot air is low and varies frequently,it may cause an overload condition for the pulverizing system,leading to operational faults of"coal blockage"and even the termination of the mill operation and the operation of mill-load controller.To deal with this problem,we propose a rule-based reasoning switching mechanism which switches between the PI controller for normal load and the controller for overload.This method has been applied successfully to a pulverizing system for alumna sintering process,in which the pulverizing system is controlled to generate the maximal output power when the temperature of hot air is low and varies frequently,thus,avoiding the fault of"coal blockage".