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41542821 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:06:32.319Z | 1976-07-01T00:00:00.000Z | The fine structure of the nervous tissue of the metacestode of Hymenolepis microstoma.
The cytology of the nervous tissue of the metacestode of Hymenolepis microstoma was studied by electron microscopy. The small (3–5 μm) nerve cell bodies are smooth to irregular in outline, possessing one to several neurites that form synapses in the neuropile. Each neuronal perikaryon contains a single nucleus with a single nucleolus, numerous free ribosomes, occasional polyribosomes, small numbers of β-glycogen granules, multivesicular bodies, mitochondria, complex (coated or alveolate) vesicles, one or more Golgi complexes, and variable numbers of vesicles. Microtubules and microfilaments, however, are absent from the perikaryon. Subsurface cisternae are well developed; the inner faces of them are studded with ribosomes. Five types of vesicles, believed to contain neurotransmitter and (or) neurosecretion were identified on the basis of vesicle osmophilia and size distribution. On the basis of vesicle content, four nerve cell types were identified: sensory neurons, two putative interneurons, and one neur... |
130186921 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-04-25T13:11:16.402Z | 2012-10-08T00:00:00.000Z | Microbial population responses in three stratified Antarctic meltwater ponds during the autumn freeze
Abstract The planktonic microbial communities of three meltwater ponds, located on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, were investigated from the end of January 2008 to early April, during which almost the entire pond volumes froze. The ponds were comprised of an upper mixed layer overlying a salt-stabilized density gradient in which planktonic communities were primarily embedded. Plankton comprised all components of the “microbial loop”, though carnivorous protists were rare. As the ponds froze and light became increasingly limited, it was expected conditions would induce physiological changes altering the functional role of autotrophic and heterotrophic microplankton within the ponds. The results showed that microbial groups responded to the onset of winter by declining in abundance, though an exception was the appearance of filamentous cyanobacteria in the water column in March. As freezing progressed, autotrophs declined more rapidly than heterotrophs and grazing rates and abundances of mixotrophic and heterotrophic organisms increased. Grazing pressure on bacteria and picophytoplankton also increased, in part explaining their decline over time. The results indicate that stressors imposed during freezing select for increasing heterotrophy within the remaining microbial communities, although all components of the food web eventually decline as the final freeze approaches. |
210933321 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2020-01-29T14:04:47.172Z | 2020-01-27T00:00:00.000Z | Dual metal oxides interconnected by carbon nanotubes for high-capacity Li- and Na-ion batteries
Sb2O3 and Co3O4 as potential anode materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries exhibit high theoretical capacities and excellent electrochemical stability; however, volume expansion, exfoliation and poor electronic conductivity affect the electrochemical performance to some extent. Here, we design dual metal oxide hybrid composites by one- and two-step solvothermal processes, in which Co3O4 with Sb2O3 traps Li+ ions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a network guarantee for electron transport. Sb2O3/CNTs/Co3O4 and Sb2O3/Co3O4/CNTs composites exhibit different morphologies, particles sizes and Li+/Na+ storage performance. The Sb2O3/CNTs/Co3O4 composite showes initial capacities of 1790 and 1450 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles as the anode for a Li-ion battery. The capacity retention of the Sb2O3/Co3O4/CNTs composite is better than the Sb2O3/CNTs/Co3O4 composite for Na-ion storage. With charge/discharge cycles, the transition reaction of Sb2O3 and Co3O4 to Sb and Co repeats, leading to a homogenous distribution in CNTs and further growth of the nanoparticles. This work provides new insights into the design of high-capacity anodes for Li- and Na-ion storage by adjusting their composition and morphology. |
26986971 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T00:50:23.049Z | 2003-06-01T00:00:00.000Z | Admission electronic fetal monitoring does not improve neonatal outcomes.
Admission electronic fetal monitoring did not decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality compared with intermittent auscultation. Patients in the admission fetal monitoring group were more likely to receive continuous electronic monitoring and fetal blood sampling, but there were no significant differences in the rates of operative deliveries or episiotomy. Institutions not routinely using admission electronic fetal monitoring should not start; those that do may not be benefiting their patients. |
171096921 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-06-01T13:20:55.416Z | 2018-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | Exploration on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Data Mining Techniques
Today we live in a modern world. To explore the data from various sources and putting them in one place is data warehouse and to extract the useful knowledge out of it is data mining.Data mining utilizes various sets of rules that make classifications, associations, predictions, clustering etc. Women in today’s era suffering from multiple kind of diseases.The most prevalent disease these days is PCOS(polycystic ovary syndrome) which can affect women reproductive life to great extent. This leads to infertility and various kinds of disorders in women.. The main symptoms of this disease are irregular menses, oily skin, acne, hypertension, anxiety disorders. In this paper, authors have highlighted the symptoms and various risks related to this disease, treatments suited for this disease and various data mining techniques that needed to be merged so as to predict this very disease with high accuracy. |
159108671 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-21T13:06:04.640Z | 2020-06-02T00:00:00.000Z | Supranationalism strikes back: a neofunctionalist account of the European Defence Fund
ABSTRACT In June 2017, the European Commission launched a proposal for a European Defence Fund (EDF) aimed at financing transnational defence research and development through the European Union (EU) budget. This initiative has been described as a ‘game changer’ for European defence cooperation. I argue that the EDF can be analysed through the lens of neofunctionalist theory and challenges the hypotheses of new intergovernmentalism on the evolution of EU governance. The EDF is also marked by some innovative features, largely because it concerns a policy area – defence – in which supranational dynamics were traditionally limited. First, the Commission displayed an increasingly political cultivated spillover by its promotion of the EDF. Second, the EDF illustrates a new type of offensive functional spillover from the economy to defence. Third, the implementation of the EDF has launched a bureaucratic spillover that could lead to further initiatives. |
44566021 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:48:59.092Z | 1979-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Cartilage healing and regeneration.
A study was undertaken to investigate the healing and regeneration of articular cartilage following trauma. Surgically created superficial and depp lesions involving the articular surface of the femoral condyles were evaluated in 28 dogs at intervals of two four, eight and sixteen weeks. The general conclusion reached was that cartilage resonded to trauma either with fibrous tissue repair (undergoing metaplasia to fibro--cartilage) when the lesion was deep, or by limited cellular replacement before the superficial layers became reorganised into zones resembling the normal, if the lesions were superficial. This process tended to tail off before the defect was filled i.e. the regenerative process appeared to cease before the lesion was anatomically restored to normal. |
45547371 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T06:05:50.410Z | 1971-12-01T00:00:00.000Z | Glucose metabolism during leg exercise in man.
Arterial concentrations and net substrate exchange across the leg and splanchnic vascular bed were determined for glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glycerol in healthy postabsorptive subjects at rest and during 40 min of exercise on a bicycle ergometer at work intensities of 400, 800, and 1200 kg-m/min. Rising arterial glucose levels and small decreases in plasma insulin concentrations were found during heavy exercise. Significant arterial-femoral venous differences for glucose were demonstrated both at rest and during exercise, their magnitude increasing with work intensity as well as duration of the exercise performed. Estimated glucose uptake by the leg increased 7-fold after 40 min of light exercise and 10- to 20-fold at moderate to heavy exercise. Blood glucose uptake could at this time account for 28-37% of total substrate oxidation by leg muscle and 75-89% of the estimated carbohydrate oxidation. Splanchnic glucose production increased progressively during exercise reaching levels 3 to 5-fold above resting values at the heavy work loads. Close agreement was observed between estimates of total glucose turnover during exercise based on leg glucose uptake and splanchnic glucose production. Hepatic gluconeogenesis-estimated from splanchnic removal of lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and glycogenic amino acids-could supply a maximum of 25% of the resting hepatic glucose production but could account for only 6-11% of splanchnic glucose production after 40 min of moderate to heavy exercise. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT: (a) blood glucose becomes an increasingly important substrate for muscle oxidation during prolonged exercise of this type: (b) peripheral glucose utilization increases in exercise despite a reduction in circulating insulin levels: (c) increased hepatic output of glucose, primarily by means of augmented glycogenolysis, contributes to blood glucose homeostasis in exercise and provides an important source of substrate for exercising muscle. |
249128171 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-05-29T06:22:37.974Z | 2022-05-27T00:00:00.000Z | Addressing social determinants of health in primary care: a quasi-experimental study using unannounced standardised patients to evaluate the impact of audit/feedback on physicians' rates of identifying and responding to social needs.
BACKGROUND
Although efforts are underway to address social determinants of health (SDOH), little is known about physicians' SDOH practices despite evidence that failing to fully elicit and respond to social needs can compromise patient safety and undermine both the quality and effectiveness of treatment. In particular, interventions designed to enhance response to social needs have not been assessed using actual practice behaviour. In this study, we evaluate the degree to which providing primary care physicians with feedback on their SDOH practice behaviours is associated with increased rates of eliciting and responding to housing and social isolation needs.
METHODS
Unannounced standardised patients (USPs), actors trained to consistently portray clinical scenarios, were sent, incognito, to all five primary care teams in an urban, safety-net healthcare system. Scenarios involved common primary care conditions and each included an underlying housing (eg, mould in the apartment, crowding) and social isolation issue and USPs assessed whether the physician fully elicited these needs and if so, whether or not they addressed them. The intervention consisted of providing physicians with audit/feedback reports of their SDOH practices, along with brief written educational material. A prepost comparison group design was used to evaluate the intervention; four teams received the intervention and one team served as a 'proxy' comparison (no intervention). Preintervention (February 2017 to December 2017) rates of screening for and response to the scripted housing and social needs were compared with intervention period (January 2018 to March 2019) rates for both intervention and comparison teams.
RESULTS
108 visits were completed preintervention and 183 during the intervention period. Overall, social needs were not elicited half of the time and fully addressed even less frequently. Rates of identifying the housing issue increased for teams that received audit/feedback reports (46%-60%; p=0.045) and declined for the proxy comparison (61%-42%; p=0.174). Rates of responding to housing needs increased significantly for intervention teams (15%-41%; p=0.004) but not for the comparison team (21%-29%; p=0.663). Social isolation was identified more frequently postintervention (53%) compared with baseline (39%; p=0.041) among the intervention teams but remained unchanged for the comparison team (39% vs 32%; p=0.601). Full exploration of social isolation remained low for both intervention and comparison teams.
CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that physicians may not be consistently screening for or responding to social needs but that receiving feedback on those practices, along with brief targeted education, can improve rates of SDOH screening and response. |
253437871 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-11-10T17:01:57.975Z | 2022-11-07T00:00:00.000Z | Electrohydrodynamic instability and disintegration of low viscous liquid jet
The simple-jet mode can be developed from dripping, dripping faucet (transition), and jetting when subjected to a sufficient strong electric field caused by needle-plated electrode. In present work, the instability and disintegration of an electrified jet of anhydrous ethanol in the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) simple-jet mode are visualized by high-speed camera. A systematic analysis and description on the evolution of the breakup morphology of the charged jet in the simple-jet mode was carried out. In dripping mode at low Weber number, the unstable simple-jet occurs, while the stable simple-jet mode happens as Weber number higher than critical value. In dripping faucet and jetting regime, the simple-jet mode can easily take place, and jet undergoes typical breakup modes including varicose, whipping, whipping assisted bifurcation and ramified instabilities as electric potential increasing. The growth rate of the maximum perturbation of the zero-, first- and second-order surface waves determines the type of the instabilities. The operating window of the simple-jet mode is presented to indicate that the simple-jet mode only operates in the suitable range of Weber number and electric Bond number. The spray characteristics including envelope angle, droplet size and the stable length of the electrified jet have been explored to demonstrate the uniform drops could be generated in the simple-jet regime. The evolution from the cone-jet to the simple-jet mode is also observed when a special hemispherical nozzle is used. For an almost stable electric potential, the cone-jet can gradually transform into the simple-jet with an increase in liquid flowrate. |
244820621 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2021-12-03T16:35:29.269Z | 2021-12-01T00:00:00.000Z | Increased HIF-1α expression in T cells and associated with enhanced Th17 pathway in systemic lupus erythematosus.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Recent emerging evidence indicates that dysfunction of metabolic remodeling underlies aberrant T cell immune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to investigate the expression of HIF-1α, a regulator of metabolic reprogramming, in T cells from SLE.
METHODS
HIF-1α expression in T lymphocytes from SLE patients was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the protein expression was analyzed with intracellular staining in flow cytometry. HIF-1α was overexpressed in murine CD4 T cells via transducing T cells with HIF-1α containing lentivirus. The expression of HIF-1α, metabolic- and Th17-associated genes in T cells from SLE patients and its association with clinical manifestation was analyzed.
RESULTS
HIF-1α expression is increased in CD4 T cells from SLE patients both in intracellular staining and quantitative PCR analysis. In addition, there is enhanced HIF-1α expression in Th17-skewing murine T cells, and lentivirus-mediated HIF-1α overexpression promotes Th17 differentiation. Moreover, HIF-1α gene expression is positively correlated with the expression of glycolysis- and IL-17-associated genes in SLE patients.
CONCLUSION
HIF-1α expression is increased in T cells from SLE patients, and is positively correlated with glycolysis- and Th17- associated pathway, implicating HIF-1α contributes to the activation of Th17 cells in SLE, and represents a potential novel therapeutic target. |
247883171 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-04-03T16:48:27.527Z | 2014-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Subjective Well-being of Personality as a Subject of Socialexistence
The subjective well-being of the personality as a subject of the social being is discussed. The various existential space of personality and co-existence as a field criteria and normative basis of well-being are reviewed. The value-semantic basis, experience as a source of feelings of well-being are analyzed. It is noted that the ratio of personality characteristics and subject determine the qualitative content of the subjective well-being. An important role in shaping the personality’s subjective well-being is the procedural aspect of existence. In the article is concluded that the analysis of the stable and situational characteristics of subjective well-being, correlated with the lifetime of the person is necessary. |
253322221 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-11-05T15:25:59.851Z | 2022-09-30T00:00:00.000Z | Benefit Analysis of Online Korea Agri-Food Exchange
This study analyzed the benefits of the B2B online agricultural exchange, which is promoted by the government for digital transformation in the distribution sector as the Fourth Industrial Revolution technology is introduced and the agricultural distribution environment is changing rapidly owing to COVID-19. Currently, the Korean government is conducting the national B2B online agricultural exchange, where sellers, including producer organizations and agricultural corporations, can make direct transactions and buyers, including public market wholesale corporations, intermediaries, and trade participants, can purchase agricultural products through the online platform, regardless of time and location.
Against this backdrop, we analyzed the potential benefits of the online agricultural exchange, divided into those from the reduction in distribution stages and from the increase in user convenience. For the analysis, benefits from the reduction in distribution stages are divided into logistics cost saving, shrinkage loss reduction, and commission reduction. Benefits from the increase in user convenience are divided into shipper’s saving of search cost and buyer’s saving of transaction cost. Assuming that the online agricultural exchange is worth KRW 500 billion, the expected economic benefit was analyzed to be about KRW 38.3 billion per year. |
6385371 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:29:28.651Z | 1992-05-01T00:00:00.000Z | Characterization of the Activation of Membrane-Bound and Soluble CF(1) by Thioredoxin.
The activation of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplast coupling factor 1 (CF(1)) by thioredoxin (ThR) was characterized using membrane-bound and soluble CF(1). Light generates an electrochemical proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane, which increases the accessibility of the disulfide bond on the gamma-subunit of CF(1) to reduced ThR. The proton gradient substantially accelerates the activation of CF(1) compared with thylakoids incubated in the dark with similar concentrations of dithiothreitol and ThR. The interaction of soluble CF(1) with ThR was studied using fluorescent probes. CF(1) in solution, with and without its associated epsilon-subunit, was labeled at Cys-322 of the gamma-subunit with fluoresceinyl maleimide. ThR from Escherichia coli was labeled with eosin isothiocyanate. Labeled ThR and CF(1) showed normal activities. Fluorescence energy transfer between donor fluoresceinyl maleimide and acceptor eosin isothiocyanate, manifested by a quenching of the donor fluorescence, was detected, suggesting that ThR and CF(1) form an intermolecular complex. When the epsilon-subunit was absent, quenching of donor fluorescence was approximately doubled, indicating that labeled ThR could approach more closely to the gamma-subunit of CF(1). The distance between the fluorescent probes on CF(1) and ThR was calculated to be approximately 65 A when epsilon-subunit was present and 52 A when epsilon was absent. These values are consistent with other distance measurements and energy transfer values reported previously for fluorescent probes on CF(1). Whereas the extent of quenching increased by removal of the epsilon-subunit, the apparent dissociation constant was unchanged. The quenching effect was reversed when the epsilon-subunit was added back to the titration mixture. Similarly, the addition of unlabeled ThR decreased donor quenching. |
33478871 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T02:22:00.913Z | 2015-02-12T00:00:00.000Z | Seven steps of alternating electron and proton transfer in photosystem II water oxidation traced by time-resolved photothermal beam deflection at improved sensitivity.
The intricate orchestration of electron transfer (ET) and proton transfer (PT) at the Mn4CaOn-cluster of photosystem II (PSII) is mechanistically pivotal but clearly insufficiently understood. Preparations of PSII membrane particles were investigated using a kinetically competent and sensitive method, photothermal beam deflection (PBD), to monitor apparent volume changes of the PSII protein. Driven by nanosecond laser flashes, the PSII was synchronously stepped through its water-oxidation cycle involving four (semi)stable states (S0, S1, S2, and S3) and minimally three additional transiently formed intermediates. The PBD approach was optimized as compared to our previous experiments, resulting in superior signal quality and resolution of more reaction steps. Now seven transitions were detected and attributed, according to the H/D-exchange, temperature, and pH effects on their time constants, to ET or PT events. The ET steps oxidizing the Mn4CaOn cluster in the S2 → S3 and S0 → S1 transitions, a biphasic PT prior to the O2-evolving reaction, as well as the reoxidation of the primary quinone acceptor (QA(-)) at the PSII acceptor side were detected for the first time by PBD. The associated volume changes involve (i) initial formation of charged groups resulting in contraction assignable to electrostriction, (ii) volume contraction explainable by reduced metal-ligand distances upon manganese oxidation, and (iii) charge-compensating proton removal resulting in volume expansion due to electrostriction reversal. These results support a reaction cycle of water oxidation exhibiting alternate ET and PT steps. An extended kinetic scheme for the O2-evolving S3 ⇒ S0 transition is proposed, which includes crucial structural and protonic events. |
250828121 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-07-21T19:54:55.745Z | 2004-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Parametric and modulational instabilities of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation
We examine the parametric and modulational instabilities arising in a non-autonomous, discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The principal motivation for our study stems from the dynamics of Bose–Einstein condensates trapped in a deep optical lattice. We find that under periodic variations of the heights of the interwell barriers (or equivalently of the scattering length), in addition to the modulational instability, a window of parametric instability becomes available to the system. We explore this instability through multiple-scale analysis and identify it numerically. Its principal dynamical characteristic is that, typically, it develops over much larger times than the modulational instability, a feature that is qualitatively justified by comparison of the corresponding instability growth rates. |
6426221 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:29:37.784Z | 1982-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Effect of thermal injury on energy metabolism, substrate kinetics, and hormonal concentrations.
We have used a chronic dog model to study the kinetic aspects of the metabolic response to thermal injury. In order to interpret the kinetic data in the context of the overall response to injury, we also determined certain cardiovascular parameters as well as selected hormonal concentrations. We used a paired study design: each animal was studied twice before injury and then at 5 and 7 days following injury. The burn was induced while the animals were deeply anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (30-35 mg/kg) but all studies were done in awake, unrestrained dogs using tracer methodology and both radiolabeled and stable isotopes. The burn induced a hyperdynamic state, with significant elevations in cardiac output, heart rate, and metabolic rate. The free fatty acid (FFA), glycerol and glucose flux rates were all elevated, as was the rate of production of urea. The increase in resting metabolic rate was due to comparable increases in the rates of oxidation of carbohydrate, fat, and protein. We found the responses of this canine burn model to closely resemble the human response to injury, and thus this model will be useful as a tool to elucidate some of the mechanisms responsible for the response to injury. |
206272871 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T01:14:58.392Z | 2013-02-11T00:00:00.000Z | Ultrasonographic characterization of cervical lymphadenopathy in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
Chronic autoimmune thyroid disease (CAT) is a globally prevalent condition. Cervical lymphadenopathy found in conjunction with nodular thyroid disease is a potentially problematic finding that raises the specter of a malignant process. Previously held notions that autoimmune thyroid diseases with thyroid nodules were less likely to be malignant have been questioned (1,2). Pseudonodule formation can be a prominent feature of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a form of CAT, but these can often be distinguished from true nodular disease on orthagonal imaging by ultrasound (3). Therefore, nodular and nodal findings in autoimmune thyroid patients need to be evaluated with the same clinical rigor as any other nodular disease and as directed by current clinical guidelines. In order to better characterize the cervical lymph node findings on ultrasound in autoimmune thyroid disease, Brancato et al. (4) have undertaken a prospective description of the size, number, anatomic location, and ultrasonographic characteristics of cervical lymph nodes in 106 CAT patients compared to 70 healthy control subjects without biochemical or ultrasonographic evidence for CAT. They report that CAT is associated with a significantly higher number of total lymph nodes with a long axis greater than 1 cm in cervical levels II, III, and IV compared to the healthy control group. In addition, the short axis diameter of lymph nodes in levels III and IV was greater in the CAT patients than in the healthy control group. Furthermore, the CAT group was also more likely to have lymph nodes with a hilus demonstrated on ultrasonography (suggestive of reactive process) than the control group. The authors conclude that an increased number of benign hyperplastic-appearing lymph nodes, especially in levels II, III, and IV, is characteristic of CAT. This report represents the first systematic characterization of cervical lymphadenopathy in the CAT population (5). Lymphadenopathy coincident with an autoimmune inflammatory disease is a common finding and has been reported in cases of nonthyroidal autoimmune processes (6). Lymphadenoapthy may be a reflection of the inflammatory state or an active participant in the inflammatory process. Given our vigilance toward lymphadenopathy as it relates to malignancy, it is important to appreciate its prevalence and benignity in CAT. These observations may assist in confirming the diagnosis of CAT in addition to classic ultrasonographic findings in the thyroid itself or positive biochemical parameters such as anti–thyroid peroxidase or anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Moreover, this understanding may prevent undesired clinical tangents pursuing possible malignancies by multiple or repeated fine-needle biopsies or thyroglobulin washings of benign inflammatory lymph nodes based solely on an increased number of mildly enlarged benign-appearing cervical lymph nodes in the setting of CAT. Benign lymph nodes typically have a characteristic appearance on ultrasound (7). Not every lymphadenopathy requires a routine and/or an immediate biopsy. In cases of growth, demonstrated on serial exams, or persistent enlargement over time, consideration should be given to fine-needle biopsy with a thyroglobulin level determined on needle washing. If the biopsy material is insufficient to provide interpretable data by cytology or flow cytometry, and morphologic features on ultrasound are still suspicious, consideration might be given to an open nodal excisional biopsy. This should be an infrequent event in CAT patients. Clinical management would then be instituted based on pathological data. While the findings of this study clearly document that CAT can be associated with cervical lymphadenopathy, it is important to be cautious when significantly abnormal lymph nodes are detected (such as lymph nodes with increased size or a morphology suggestive of malignancy) because these could represent a malignant process developing in the setting of CAT. In addition to the possibility of metastases from a thyroid cancer derived from follicular cells, there is an association between Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and lymphoma, particularly originating in or involving the thyroid gland (8). Brancato et al. (4) are to be congratulated for investigating this phenomenon and bringing their data into the scientific literature. Hopefully, a greater appreciation for the size, distribution, and morphology of what are presumed to be benign lymph nodes in patients affected by CAT will prevent many patients and providers from embarking on unnecessary tangents in diagnosis and treatment. |
30814771 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-11-30T03:19:29.518Z | 2007-07-01T00:00:00.000Z | Acquisition of spine injection skills using a beef injection simulator.
BACKGROUND
Students of interventional spine procedures typically learn needle injection technique using cadaver specimens or live patients in an operating room. This can be expensive, inefficient, uncomfortable to patients, and requires a significant time commitment from teaching staff.
PURPOSE
To present a simple and inexpensive simulator using a cut of beef as an injection model that can be used to teach certain components of interventional spine injection needle technique in a more efficient and cost effective fashion.
BASIC PROCEDURES
A needle injection practice model using beef muscle attached to a plastic base was constructed. Students of interventional spine pain were instructed in C-arm x-ray operation and basic needle handling technique, then performed a series of mock injection procedures using this simulator. Procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and accuracy were measured.
MAIN FINDINGS
Speed, accuracy of needle placement, and fluoroscopy time of the subjects improved with the number of practice sessions completed. The subjects felt better prepared to perform live patient procedures as a result of this training.
CONCLUSIONS
Use of an inexpensive beef injection model is a valid, reliable, and feasible adjunct to teaching C-arm x-ray operation and spine injection needle technique to beginning students of intervention spine pain management. |
10023521 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2014-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | 2003-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Velocity-Correction Projection Methods for Incompressible Flows
We introduce and study a new class of projection methods---namely, the velocity-correction methods in standard form and in rotational form---for solving the unsteady incompressible Navier--Stokes equations. We show that the rotational form provides improved error estimates in terms of the H1-norm for the velocity and of the L2-norm for the pressure. We also show that the class of fractional-step methods introduced in [S. A. Orsag, M. Israeli, and M. Deville, J. Sci. Comput., 1 (1986), pp. 75--111] and [K. E. Karniadakis, M. Israeli, and S. A. Orsag, J. Comput. Phys., 97 (1991), pp. 414--443] can be interpreted as the rotational form of our velocity-correction methods. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, our results provide the first rigorous proof of stability and convergence of the methods in those papers. We also emphasize that, contrary to those of the above groups, our formulations are set in the standard L2 setting, and consequently they can be easily implemented by means of any variational approximation techniques, in particular the finite element methods. |
20220771 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T01:55:01.138Z | 1986-07-01T00:00:00.000Z | Nucleotide sequences of mRNAs encoding Epstein-Barr virus nuclear proteins: a probable transcriptional initiation site.
Three cDNA clones of the second Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA2) mRNA and two of the EBNA1 mRNA were analyzed. Two EBNA2 clones begin 42 bases 3' to a promoter in the Epstein-Barr virus long internal repeat, which is likely to be the EBNA2 promoter. Surprisingly, the first splice creates an AUG at the beginning of the first of two nonoverlapping open reading frames. The second open reading frame encodes EBNA2. Two incomplete EBNA1 mRNA cDNA clones begin with parts of two of the EBNA2 exons and contain two other exons that map 19 and 59 kilobases 3' to the EBNA2 coding domain. The 3' exon of this mRNA encodes EBNA1. A model for regulation of transcription of these RNAs is presented. |
144726321 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-05T13:05:23.912Z | 2010-07-31T00:00:00.000Z | Opening eyes to different worlds
New Zealand based research demonstrates that the education system has consistently failed the children of low socio-economic status (ses) parents. In contemporary times a large number of such children are M a ori and Pasifika. Teachers, while not the whole solution, are integral to making a positive difference. Specific recruitment and courses for “urban (low ses, inner city) teaching” are the norm in parts of the USA, with researched positive effects. The argument of this paper is that New Zealand pre-service teacher education must consciously prepare teachers to teach children from low ses areas, and in particular non-P a keh a (non- white) children. The paper’s focus is on an optional teacher education course which aimed to prepare students for teaching in New Zealand’s low ses (low decile) urban and rural schools. Freirean theoretical and practical ideas underpinned course planning and implementation. Lecturer and student reflections complement the paper’s argument. |
199670071 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-08-16T16:06:00.667Z | 2019-09-01T00:00:00.000Z | Stratospheric Gravity Wave Products from Satellite Infrared Nadir Radiances in the Planning, Execution, and Validation of Aircraft Measurements during DEEPWAVE
Gravity wave perturbations in 15-μm nadir radiances from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) informed scientific flight planning for the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE). AIRS observations from 2003 to 2011 identified the South Island of New Zealand during June–July as a “natural laboratory” for observing deep-propagating gravity wave dynamics. Near-real-time AIRS and CrIS gravity wave products monitored wave activity in and around New Zealand continuously within 10 regions of scientific interest, providing nowcast guidance and validation for flight planners. A novel technique used these gravity wave products to validate upstream forecasts of nonorographic gravity waves with 1–2-day lead times, providing time to plan flight intercepts as tropospheric westerlies brought forecast source regions into range. Postanalysis verifies the choice of 15 μm radiances for nowcasting, since 4.3-μm gravity wave products yielded spurious diurnal cycles, provided no altitude sensitivity, and proved relatively insensitive to deep gravity wave activity over the South Island. Comparisons of DEEPWAVE flight tracks with AIRS and CrIS gravity wave maps highlight successful repeated vectoring of the aircraft into regions of deep orographic and nonorographic gravity wave activity, and how background winds control the amplitude of waves in radiance perturbation maps. We discuss how gravity wave information in AIRS and CrIS radiances might be directly assimilated into future operational forecasting systems. |
1220021 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2014-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | 1997-09-01T00:00:00.000Z | Image-based view synthesis by combining trilinear tensors and learning techniques
We present a new method for rendering novel images of flexible 3D objects from a small number of example images in correspondence. The strength of the method is the ability to synthesize images whose viewing position is significantly far away from the viewing cone of the example images (“view extrapolation”), yet without ever modeling the 3D structure of the scene. The method relies on synthesizing a chain of “trilinear tensors” that governs the warping function from the example images to the novel image, together with a multi-dimensional interpolation function that synthesizes the non-rigid motions of the viewed object from the virtual camera position. We show that two closely spaced example images alone are sufficient in practice to synthesize a significant viewing cone, thus demonstrating the ability of representing an object by a relatively small number of model images — for the purpose of cheap and fast viewers that can run on standard hardware. |
15085221 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-04-13T17:40:01.804Z | 1999-03-01T00:00:00.000Z | Nutritional status in type 2 diabetic patients requiring haemodialysis.
BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease are often overweight (BMI > 24) at the start of dialysis therapy. However, there are very few reports in the literature concerning the nutritional status of these patients after prolonged haemodialysis treatment. Therefore, we compared nutritional parameters in type 2 diabetic patients and age-matched non-diabetic patients after at least 18 months of renal replacement therapy with haemodialysis.
METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, we measured BMI, serum albumin, total protein, serum cholesterol and interdialytic weight gain (IWG), and performed a subjective global assessment (SGA) in 14 patients with type 2 diabetes and 16 non-diabetic patients (aged > or = 50 years, haemodialysis therapy > or = 18 months). Protein intake was estimated using the protein catabolic rate (PCR) and Kt/V was calculated to compare the dose of dialysis.
RESULTS
BMI was significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes (30+/-7 vs 24+/-3, P<0.01). In contrast, the concentration of serum albumin was significantly lower (3180+/-499 mg/dl vs 3576+/-431 mg/dl, P<0.05), but six of the diabetic patients had signs of chronic inflammation. All other nutritional parameters did not differ between the two groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in the intake of protein (PCR 0.93+/-0.19 vs 0.92+/-0.22) and the dose of dialysis (Kt/V 1.13+/-0.19 vs 1.2+/-0.2).
CONCLUSION
After > or = 18 months of haemodialysis therapy, the majority of type 2 diabetic patients (9/14) were still overweight (BMI > 24). The nutritional status of diabetic patients was similar to that of age-matched non-diabetic patients on prolonged haemodialysis, but serum albumin levels were significantly lower in diabetics. The lower albumin levels in the diabetic patients may be explained by a state of subclinical chronic inflammation. |
73412421 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-02-01T14:02:46.830Z | 2019-01-30T00:00:00.000Z | Evaluation of Predicted Protein-Protein Complexes by Binding Free Energy Simulations.
The accurate prediction of protein-protein complex geometries is of major importance to ultimately model the complete interactome of interacting proteins in a cell. A major bottleneck is the realistic free energy evaluation of predicted docked structures. Typically, simple scoring functions applied to single-complex structures are employed that neglect conformational entropy and often solvent effects completely. The binding free energy of a predicted protein-protein complex can, however, be calculated using umbrella sampling (US) along a predefined dissociation/association coordinate of a complex. We employed atomistic US-molecular dynamics simulations including appropriate conformational and axial restraints and an implicit generalized Born solvent model to calculate binding free energies of a large set of docked decoys for 20 different complexes. Free energies associated with the restraints were calculated separately. In principle, the approach includes all energetic and entropic contributions to the binding process. The evaluation of docked complexes based on binding free energy calculation was in better agreement with experiment compared to a simple scoring based on energy minimization or MD refinement using exactly the same force field description. Even calculated absolute binding free energies of structures close to the native binding geometry showed a reasonable correlation to experiment. However, still for a number of complexes docked decoys of lower free energy than near-native geometries were found indicating inaccuracies in the force field or the implicit solvent model. Although time consuming the approach may open up a new route for realistic ranking of predicted geometries based on calculated free energy of binding. |
115304321 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-04-16T13:29:32.703Z | 2019-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Evaluation of Prescriptive Indicators for Building Performance - A Ranking Based Approach
In recent discussions on the evaluation methodology of different aspects of building performance, the idea of so-called prescriptive indicators was proposed. These indicators are simple benchmark values of a building, and do not require any complex calculation or simulation. They are regularly based on certain design parameters pertaining to geometric or semantic aspects of the building, such as compactness and mean weighted U-value. Their purpose – amongst others – is to equip building planners with a very quick method to estimate the performance of their building designs in early design stages and to categorize its performance. Moreover, such prescriptive indicators could be considered an alternative concept to the current practice of energy certification in Europe. The energy certificate calculation methodologies in most countries did increase in complexity in the past years. As a result, the issuing of energy certificates has become a time-consuming and cumbersome process. Moreover, the quality of results of energy certificates became questioned in recent years due to uncertainties connected to input data assumptions and widely interpretable guidelines regarding the issuing. Prescriptive indicators, if their derivation is properly documented, can at least mitigate the issue regarding issuing guidelines due to their simple character. A important research question, however, is the relation between key performance indicators, which are the results of energy certification or building performance simulation, and prescriptive indicators. This contribution suggests a methodology based on rank comparison that might help to identify prescriptive indicators that are similar in their sensitivity on design changes as certain key performance indicators are. |
44356221 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:46:47.679Z | 1988-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | [4-(0-methyl)-L-threonine] -oxytocin. Synthesis and uterotonic activity.
[4-(0-methyl)-L-threonine]-oxytocin, a new analogue of neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin, was synthesized. Its uretonic activity was found to be 150 I. U./mg. The comparison of the potency of [4-(0-methyl)-threonine]-oxytocin with a very active analogue [4-threonine]-oxytocin and low active analogue [4-isoleucine] -oxytocin supports the hypothesis of high uterotonic activity of 4-substituted analogue of oxytocin to be related to the presence of suitably located hydrophilic and lipophilic grouper in the side chain in position 4, and to the proton donor/proton acceptor properties of hydrophilic group. |
42185121 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:15:24.769Z | 1984-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | [Changes in cerebral circulation in arterial hypertension].
The state of the cerebral blood flow in essential hypertension has been studied in relation to various clinical and hemodynamic parameters. The authors emphasize that the regulation of the cerebral blood flow depends to a great degree on the level of the systolic and pulse pressure as well as on the type of hemodynamics. |
225469171 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2020-10-30T07:12:01.202Z | 2020-07-24T00:00:00.000Z | Comparative Study between the Effect of Melatonin and Hyaluronic acid on Induced Bone Defect Healing in Rabbit
This study was aimed to highlight the individual effects of melatonin (MEL) and hyaluronic acid (HA)
on bone healing and repair mechanism and to investigate a possible effect, for a topical application. New
Zealand rabbits used in this study were divided into three groups for two healing intervals the experimental
groups were: 1. Experimental groups (20 rabbits): all animals subjected to surgical operation in right tibia,
creating bone defect 3mm in depth and 4mm in diameter filled with 0.1ml. Hyaluronic acid gel and left
tibia bone defect filled with melatonin gel. 2. Control group (10 rabbits): induced bone defect on the right
side only. Animals’ scarifications were done in 2 weeks and 4 weeks’ durations. Routine processing and
sectioning technique was performed for histological evaluation. At the 2weeks healing interval, highest
mean value of all measured parameters were recorded at melatonin group while at 4 weeks, there is high
significant difference in all parameters; (p-value 0.000) among all control and experimental groups. A
significant number of positive effects of MEL, as well as HA, as individual compounds on the bone healing
regeneration. |
89135831 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2016-07-25T08:52:20.182Z | 2018-02-28T00:00:00.000Z | Chemistry, Biology and Potential Applications of Honeybee Plant-Derived Products
Bee pollen, usually used as an important source of nutrients and micronutrients for the young bees in the hive, is also an important food for humans. This product is very rich in proteins, lipids, free sugars, carbohydrates, and it contains trace amounts of minerals, phenolic acids, flavonoids and a good range of vitamins. A brief look at bee pollen composition, it is easily recognised that it is a balanced food that can be used as a stand-alone food or as a nutritional supplement or even as a medicinal product. Several bioactivities, due to some of these compounds, were studied in bee pollen samples from different floral sources and the results conduce to important properties. The amount and diversity of micronutrients could induce vast benefits if used for health purposes following a complete risk assessment. Nevertheless, the results pointing towards the encouraged use of bee pollen, the risk assessment of some floral species containing toxic compounds has not been fully studied to insure the safety of consumption for all the gathered flowers, so this will also be discussed in this chapter. Admiration for its goodness and medicinal properties, bee pollen has been consumed for centuries, however, currently the efficacy and safety for all consumed products, foods, supplements or medicines is an important tool to guarantee correct quality control and essential to add value to the product. |
20969131 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T02:26:48.908Z | 2008-06-01T00:00:00.000Z | Structure, Function, and Evolution of Bacterial ATP-Binding Cassette Systems
SUMMARY ATP-binding cassette (ABC) systems are universally distributed among living organisms and function in many different aspects of bacterial physiology. ABC transporters are best known for their role in the import of essential nutrients and the export of toxic molecules, but they can also mediate the transport of many other physiological substrates. In a classical transport reaction, two highly conserved ATP-binding domains or subunits couple the binding/hydrolysis of ATP to the translocation of particular substrates across the membrane, through interactions with membrane-spanning domains of the transporter. Variations on this basic theme involve soluble ABC ATP-binding proteins that couple ATP hydrolysis to nontransport processes, such as DNA repair and gene expression regulation. Insights into the structure, function, and mechanism of action of bacterial ABC proteins are reported, based on phylogenetic comparisons as well as classic biochemical and genetic approaches. The availability of an increasing number of high-resolution structures has provided a valuable framework for interpretation of recent studies, and realistic models have been proposed to explain how these fascinating molecular machines use complex dynamic processes to fulfill their numerous biological functions. These advances are also important for elucidating the mechanism of action of eukaryotic ABC proteins, because functional defects in many of them are responsible for severe human inherited diseases. |
164418081 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-26T14:35:21.774Z | 2007-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | The Face of Decline: The Pennsylvania Anthracite Region in the Twentieth Century
by particular assumptions, and the reader is not always alerted to this. For example, on page 99 we see the following seemingly general claim: "When non-negative payments are ruled out, the optimal commission scheme is the 50 per cent commission rate." This dictum is recapitulated on the opening page of Chapter 7 in the context of a general discussion: "The previous chapter has shown that the optimal franchising contract turns into a 50 per cent commission rate as soon as negative payments are not allowed." Students will, I hope, be surprised to see an exact number like "50 percent" appearing in a general result on incentive pay! I found the discussion of incentive pay some what misleading in another respect, since it seems to suggest that a law or custom prohibiting workers from "buying ajob" from the firm will reduce prof its. I think Garibaldi overstates the significance of such constraints, as in the following comment on the optimal piece rate with risk-neutral principal and agent: "Yet, we know that such a scheme is hardly attainable in real life labour markets, since it requires the worker to pay for the job" (p. 107). In fact, a simple draw scheme eliminates this problem. A draw scheme compensates a worker by the piece only for units of output produced |
58005731 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-01-16T14:04:25.934Z | 2018-12-22T00:00:00.000Z | Improved algorithm for hyperspectral image classification
Abstract. Due to the high-dimensional data space generated by hyperspectral sensors together with the real-time requirements of several remote sensing applications, it is important to accelerate hyperspectral data analysis. For this purpose, we aim to improve the performance of an existing classification algorithm and reduce its execution time. The proposed algorithm is based on sparse representation and using extended multiattribute profiles as spectral–spatial features, and sparse unmixing by variable splitting and augmented Lagrangian as the optimization method. The speeding up is mainly achieved by exploiting the interdependencies among iterative calls and providing an appropriate memorization technique to reduce the extra cost by factorizing the algebraic computations. The experimental results on two HSI data sets prove that the optimized algorithm is really faster than the original one while retaining the same classification accuracy. This study shows how useful it is to adapt the implementation of the generic module in order to become more appropriate to the application and to minimize the extra costs as much as possible. |
43375431 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-12-23T05:37:50.945Z | 2017-09-01T00:00:00.000Z | Evaluating aerial vessel detector in multiple maritime surveillance scenarios
In this paper we present an autonomous detection approach for airborne surveillance in maritime scenarios. This approach is robust to sun glare, waves and scale variation. Additionally, we introduce a new metric to evaluate detection and tracking results that is more adequate for these scenarios. The proposed detection method is evaluated using videos from different monitoring missions and its results are compared with a state-of-the-art neural network. This comparison is done using a traditional and the proposed evaluation metric. |
4835081 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-14T06:54:36.239Z | 2011-07-26T00:00:00.000Z | Notice of RetractionFinding k-dominant skyline in dynamic data set
K-dominant skyline query can get fewer skyline points in dealing with high dimension data set, and this query is very useful to help user make decision. But the existent algorithms are all designed for static data set, and invalid for dynamic data set. To solve above problem, an relevant algorithm for data set change is proposed in this paper, which is that when the data set changes, the new k-dominant skyline is got by testing part points based on existent k-dominant skyline. The correct and efficiency of algorithm are proved, and the algorithm is also analyzed and verified by experiment. |
73121731 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-03-11T13:03:39.201Z | 2006-08-01T00:00:00.000Z | All-Inside Meniscal Repair Using a New Flexible, Tensionable Device
Background A new generation of flexible all-inside meniscal repair devices is available, but clinical studies with these devices are lacking. Hypothesis The RapidLoc has an intermediate-term meniscal healing rate that is equivalent to literature reports of inside-out suture technique in patients undergoing concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed for 75 meniscal tears in 66 consecutive patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction who underwent meniscal repair with the RapidLoc. Patients with at least 2 years’ follow-up were evaluated for symptoms suggestive of a meniscal tear and were assessed with the International Knee Documentation Committee form and the Knee Disorders Subjective History visual analog scale. Subjects were asked to return for a clinical examination to include evaluation for an effusion and joint line tenderness as well as McMurray test and KT-1000 arthrometry readings. Patients with symptoms consistent with meniscal repair failure underwent magnetic resonance arthrography and repeat arthroscopy. Results Twenty patients with 21 meniscal tears were excluded, resulting in 54 meniscal tears in 46 patients. At a mean follow-up of 34.8 months, the clinical success rate for meniscal repair was 90.7% (49/54), with 5 failures requiring meniscectomy. Univariate analysis revealed predictive variables for failure: bucket-handle configuration, multiplanar tears, tear length greater than 2 cm, and chronicity longer than 3 months. Nonpredictive variables included compartment, zone, ligament graft choice, gender, age, follow-up, and visual analog scale score. Analysis of healed patients revealed a negative correlation between chronicity of tear and International Knee Documentation Committee score. Conclusions The RapidLoc has an acceptable intermediate-term clinical healing rate in patients undergoing concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Predictive variables for failure should be considered during operative decision making. |
9554181 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T01:41:44.116Z | 2016-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Advances in PET Imaging of Degenerative, Cerebrovascular, and Traumatic Causes of Dementia.
In this review we present the most recent advances in nuclear medicine imaging as a diagnostic and management tool for dementia. The clinical diagnosis of dementia syndromes can be challenging for physicians, particularly in the early stages of disease. Given the growing number of individuals affected by dementia, early and accurate diagnosis can lead to improved clinical management of patients. Although tests are available for exclusion of certain causes of cognitive impairment, the results rarely allow the clinician to make a definitive diagnosis. For this reason, information obtained from imaging ("imaging biomarkers") is playing an increasingly important role in the workup of patients with suspected dementia. Imaging biomarkers also provide indispensable tools for clinical and preclinical studies of dementing illnesses to elucidate their pathophysiology and to develop better therapies. A wide range of imaging has been used to diagnose and investigate neurodegenerative disorders including structural, cerebral perfusion, glucose metabolism, neurochemical, and molecular imaging. In the first section, we discuss the imaging methods used in clinical practice to diagnose dementia as well as explore additional experimental modalities that are currently used as research tools. In the second section, a comprehensive review covering the myriad aspects of vascular disease as a cause of dementia is presented and illustrated with MRI- and PET-focused case examples. In the third section, advances in imaging Alzheimer disease pathology are emphasized by reviewing current approaches for PET imaging with β-amyloid imaging agents. We provide an outline for the appropriate use criteria for β-amyloid imaging agents in dementia. In addition, the recognition of the importance of neocortical neurofibrillary tangles as related to Alzheimer disease progression has led to the development of promising tau imaging agents such as [(18)F]T807. The last section provides a history brain trauma as a cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Although the recognition of cognitive deficits from brain trauma dates back to the early part of last century, recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology has led to the hope of developing molecular imaging methods for earlier diagnoses and treatment. This has become increasingly important given the raised public and physician awareness of the high incidence of this pathology in military conflicts and sports-related injuries. Overall advancements in nuclear medicine imaging have led to an improvement in the detection and accurate identification of dementia and its underlying causes. With both primary and secondary causes of dementia demonstrating often overlapping presentations, nuclear medicine imaging can play a key role not only in the diagnosis but the understanding of dementia. With earlier diagnosis and better understanding comes the hope of improved treatments or possibly someday a cure. |
17522131 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-14T23:25:27.847Z | 2013-01-28T00:00:00.000Z | Somersault cloud: Toward a cloud-of-clouds service for personal backup
Cloud services has been proposed and provided by many research and industry groups for the mobile devices. However, challenging issues arise in using such systems for mobile devices. It is always difficult to manage the services with high usability and keep the resource cost low. In this paper, we propose Somersault Cloud (SCloud) to provide a system not only with high usability and performance, but also with low resource consumption for the client side devices. It provides the mobile devices an unified entry to multiple heterogeneous backend cloud services. To make the applications transparently access the cloud resources, POSIX compliant file system interface is provided. With implementing and evaluating a prototype system, the result shows that SCloud is an service with high usability and low resources consumption. |
2486031 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:20:41.498Z | 2004-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Characterization of MHC‐ and TCR‐binding residues of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 38–51 peptide
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a major experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) antigen in H‐2b mice and a potential autoantigen in multiple sclerosis. How well MOG peptides bind to MHC and how TCR recognize the peptide/MHC complex have important implications for thymic selection as well as T cell activation in the periphery. In this study, we have characterized amino acids in the MOG38–51 peptide important for peptide binding to I‐Ab, and for TCR recognition of the peptide/MHC complex. We found that the amino acids R41, F44, R46 and V47 constituted the major TCR contact residues, as alanine substitution at these positions abrogated T cell responses without decreasing their binding affinity to I‐Ab. In addition, G38 andW39 were found to be minor TCR contact residues. Finally, substituting tyrosine for alanine at position 40 decreased binding to I‐Ab by approximately 50% and prevented induction of T cell responses in C57BL/6J mice upon immunization. Thus, Y40 is the dominant MHC‐binding residue of the MOG38–51 peptide and most likely occupies the p1 pocket of I‐Ab. Our results could be useful to design peptides with altered agretopes and epitopes of the MOG38–51 peptide to study their therapeutic potential in the EAE model. |
1660931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-04-28T06:13:40.186Z | 2010-06-03T00:00:00.000Z | Mitochondrial pathobiology in Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are the second and third most common human adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, respectively, after Alzheimer's disease. They are characterized by prominent age-related neurodegeneration in selectively vulnerable neural systems. Some forms of PD and ALS are inherited, and genes causing these diseases have been identified. Morphological, biochemical, and genetic, as well as cell and animal model, studies reveal that mitochondria could have a role in this neurodegeneration. The functions and properties of mitochondria might render subsets of selectively vulnerable neurons intrinsically susceptible to cellular aging and stress and overlying genetic variations. In PD, mutations in putative mitochondrial proteins have been identified and mitochondrial DNA mutations have been found in neurons in the substantia nigra. In ALS, changes occur in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and mitochondrial cell death proteins. Transgenic mouse models of human neurodegenerative disease are beginning to reveal possible principles governing the biology of selective neuronal vulnerability that implicate mitochondria and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This review will present how mitochondrial pathobiology might contribute to neurodegeneration in PD and ALS and could serve as a target for drug therapy. |
9814381 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-20T03:21:07.445Z | 2005-07-11T00:00:00.000Z | A 2-D motion detection model for low-cost embedded reconfigurable I/O devices
A low-cost reconfigurable embedded apparatus for two-dimensional (2-D) motion detection has been developed. This paper briefly outlines the embedded reconfigurable system architecture, and presents in-depth the 2-D motion detection model, which is directly mapped to reconfigurable hardware. Emphasis is placed on the hardware ability to adapt to individual needs of kinetically challenged persons by altering detection thresholds and delays, thus resulting into an efficient low-cost reconfigurable hardware implementation of the model. This paper also presents how the model detects complex motions through a vocabulary of simple motions, and how the system is trained to individual users' needs. Experimental results and integrated applications of the model for text processing are also presented. |
62764431 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-02-14T14:17:47.355Z | 1996-03-12T00:00:00.000Z | Access and control of information and intellectual property
This paper introduces the technology of two pioneering patents for the secure distribution of information and intellectual property. The seminal technology has been used in the control of sensitive material such as medical records and imagery in distributed networks. It lends itself to the implementation of an open architecture access control system that provides local or remote user selective access to digital information stored on any computer system or storage medium, down to the data element, pixel, and sub-pixel levels. Use of this technology is especially suited for electronic publishing, health care records, MIS, and auditing. |
23753531 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:26:47.499Z | 2010-08-01T00:00:00.000Z | Effect of protein disulfide isomerase chaperone activity inhibition on tissue factor activity
Cellular TF-VIIa proteolytic activity is influenced by thiol modifying reagents [1–3]. TF with a broken allosteric Cys186–Cys209 disulfide bond [4] has low affinity for VIIa and reduced clotting activity [5], but retains normal activity in binary TF-VIIa complex mediated protease activated receptor (PAR) 2 signaling [2]. Cell surface protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is associated with TF in established cell models of TF-VIIa signaling and modulation of PDI expression alters cell surface TF coagulant activity [2]. Although the choice of cellular models influences the degree by which thiol pathways contribute to the regulation of TF cell surface procoagulant activity [6;7], inhibition of PDI attenuates thrombus formation [8;9], possibly indicating that PDI acts as an important regulator of TF activities in vivo. We showed that procoagulant activity of soluble and micro particle-associated TF is enhanced by bovine liver-derived PDI (bPDI) independent of PDI's reductase and isomerase function [10]. Recombinant PDI from bacterial expression has no TF enhancing activity that is comparable to that observed with PDI from natural sources [11;12](confirmed by us). Kothari et al. [12] showed that proteins known to interact with hydrophobic surfaces (phospholipase C, annexin V) abolished the rate enhancing effects of both, bPDI and mixed phospholipid vesicles containing phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine (PC/PS). Although PS content was not quantified in this study, the authors concluded that contaminating procoagulant phospholipids are the relevant activator of TF activity in bPDI. Experiments presented here document distinct differences between bPDI and PC/PS that are inconsistent with this conclusion.
The rate enhancing effect of bPDI obtained from commercial sources (Sigma) [10] was reproducibly observed in subsequently purchased batches and confirmed in independent studies [11;12]. In order to address the presence of potential contaminants in bPDI, we first used the insolubility of proteins in 80% −20°C acetone to recover bPDI in a centrifugation step. Comparison of the starting material with the protein redissolved after precipitation showed no loss of potency in the rate enhancing effect in the soluble TF system. In contrast, no activity was recovered when 10 μM PC/PS vesicles with similar rate enhancing activity as bPDI were subjected to the same acetone precipitation procedure (Fig. 1A). To distinguish between PDI and potential other protein contaminants, two distinct monoclonal antibodies were employed to deplete the bPDI preparation, followed by evaluation of the supernatant in the soluble TF-VIIa mediated factor Xa generation assay. Both specific antibodies completely depleted the rate enhancing effect from the bPDI preparation, but had no effect on the activity of PC/PS vesicles that were treated similarly (Fig. 1B).
Fig. 1
Effects of bPDI and PC/PS on TF procoagulant reactions
Similar to the soluble TF system, 100 nM bPDI or 10 μM PC/PS enhanced by 2- to 3-fold the activity of TF+ micro particles obtained from HaCaT keratinocytes. The wasp venom-derived peptide mastoparan is a well characterized inhibitor of PDI's hydrophobic pocket required for chaperone activity [13]. Mastoparan, but not the inactive control peptide mastoparan 17, dose dependently inhibited the rate enhancing effect of bPDI, but not of PC/PS vesicles (Fig. 1C). These data provide an independent line of evidence for our previous conclusion that bPDI specifically modulates TF's procoagulant activity through chaperone activity. HaCaT keratinocytes are a cell model in which TF activity is regulated by PDI [2]. There was no change in cell surface TF procoagulant activity upon addition of 10 μM PC/PS, but addition of 100 nM bPDI or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM)-blocked bPDI enhanced Xa generation by more than 2-fold (Fig. 1D). Depletion of the bPDI preparation with anti-PDI antibody completely abolished the rate enhancing effect of bPDI. These data demonstrate that bPDI has specific activities on TF cellular activity that are not reproduced by the addition of procoagulant phospholipid.
These experiments in purified and cellular systems argue that bPDI's effects on TF procoagulant activity are distinct from rate enhancing effects of phospholipid. Although we could not detect PS in organic extracts of the commercial bPDI preparation by mass spectrometry, we cannot exclude that bPDI has other structurally bound ligands that are required for its chaperone activity towards the TF initiation complex. Persson [11] further showed that bPDI's effect on TF procoagulant function is modulated by either mutations in the VIIa Gla-domain or changes in divalent metal ions that alter the interaction of the VIIa Gla domain with TF [14]. These data may indicate that PDI not only interacts with TF, as suggested from mutagenesis [10], but also with the VIIa Gla-domain through potential contacts with PDI's hydrophobic pocket. The chaperone activity of PDI should be further considered as a possible mechanism that contributes to the regulation of TF thrombogenic pathways in vivo [8;9]. In future studies, it is imperative to investigate the functional properties and posttranslational modifications of cell surface human PDI from natural and cellular sources. |
22274881 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:32:15.031Z | 2015-03-01T00:00:00.000Z | Silver biocide's real-world success.
Although temperature control has been the UK's longest-serving means of controlling the growth and proliferation of Legionella in hot and cold water systems, there are other factors, including major rises in energy costs, that warrant the use of biocides--including in the healthcare sector. In 2000, the HSE's new 'L8' guidelines took this into account, giving equal weight to both temperature reg~mes and biocides, such as chlorine dioxide, as control methods. Susan Pearson BSc reports on one potentially effective biocide- silver hydrogen peroxide, explains how it 'works' in practice, and highlights the recent 'real-world' evidence of its effectiveness and advantages. |
56335931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-04-13T13:12:16.638Z | 2012-04-26T00:00:00.000Z | EFFECTS OF CRYOGENIC TREATMENT ON THE CUTTING TOOL DURABILITY
High-speed steel (HSS) tools are the most commonly used tools in small and mediumscale industry. Cryogenic treatment can be used to enhance the tool life. Studies on cryogenically treated (CT) cutting tools show microstructural changes in the material that can influence the life of the tools significantly. This paper primarily reports performance of CT HSS tools as compared to untreated (UT) HSS tools. The results show that CT HSS tools exhibit better performance based on tool wear. The microstructure has been found more refined and uniformly distributed after cryogenic treatment of HSS tool. Taguchi L 25 orthogonal array was considered for conducting the experimentation and ANOVA used for data analysis. Three parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut at different levels were considered in this study. ANOVA results shows that the cutting speed is the most significant parameter followed by feed rate in both the cases (CT HSS and UT HSS tools). It has been observed that the performance of CT -HSS tools is better than that of UT HSS tools as per comparison of nose radius. |
12643231 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-21T19:06:47.692Z | 2015-08-04T00:00:00.000Z | Diversity Effects in Kalman Filtering Over Rayleigh Fading Channels
A scalar first-order Gauss-Markov signal is sent over d parallel i.i.d. Rayleigh fading channels using uncoded transmission. Assuming perfect channel estimation at the receiver, the optimal MMSE estimator is the Kalman filter with random instantaneous estimation error variance. Statistical characteristics of the instantaneous estimation error variance are studied to characterize the estimation quality. One such characteristic is the estimation error outage which probabilistically depicts how often the value of the instantaneous estimation error variance exceeds a certain threshold. In this paper, we study the effect of channel diversity on the estimation error outage probability. We show that for a certain range of outage thresholds, the estimation error outage probability decreases with inverse of d-th power of the average signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver side. This means that analogous to the context of digital communication over fading channels, our result implies a diversity order of d in estimating the input process. |
213116431 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2020-02-27T09:17:42.673Z | 2020-01-02T00:00:00.000Z | Computational modeling of fabrication of nanoneedle based on multi-physics analysis
Abstract A three-dimensional model for fabrication process of Ag2Ga nanoneedle based on phase field model has been performed. With the development of model, the fabrication of Ag2Ga nanoneedle which is induced by chemical reaction has been well presented. The model incorporates a number of components, such as silver and gallium, which plays a crucial role in the diffuse and chemical reaction process. A phase field model is employed to describe the fabrication process and then supply reliable information to control the morphological evolution of Ag2Ga nanoneedle. The purpose of this work is providing a reliable mechanism of fabrication process of Ag2Ga nanoneedle in room temperature, and control the structure of nanoneedle in different temporal perspectives. |
214387931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2020-03-05T10:06:13.671Z | 2020-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Evaluation of different food matrices via a dihydropteroate synthase-based biosensor for the screening of sulfonamide residues
ABSTRACT In a previous study, we developed a dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS)-based biosensor for multi-sulfonamides (SAs), which could detect 29 SAs with IC50 values below 100 ng mL−1. The purpose of the present study was to apply the DHPS-based biosensor to different food matrices and evaluate the influence of matrix effects on the performance of the biosensor by using sulfamethazine (SMZ) as a reference analyte. The results show that different sample pretreatment procedures were required for each food sample to ensure the accuracy and precision of the biosensor. The limit of detection (LOD) for SMZ in chicken, pork, egg and honey was 17.82, 20.55, 23.22, and 5.57 μg kg−1, respectively. The recovery values ranged from 47.6% to 135.1%, and the coefficients of variation (CV) were less than 25.6%. Taken together, our findings show that the DHPS-DHPPP biosensor is a suitable screening method for the screening of multi-SAs in different food matrices. |
76070931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-03-13T13:30:21.235Z | 2012-09-01T00:00:00.000Z | 530 ELEVATED CENTRAL BLOOD PRESSURE PREDICTS OUTCOMES AFTER PERCUTANEOUS LEFT MAIN REVASCULARIZATION
Background: Central hemodynamics predicts cardiovascular outcomes including restenosis after coronary interventions in addition to traditional risk factors. The present study explored the prognostic significance of central blood pressure in left main revascularization. Methods: Central and peripheral blood pressure was measured directly before interventions in a total of 97 consecutive percutaneous unprotected left main revascularizations between 2005 and 2009. Adverse outcomes as death, including all-cause and cardiovascular specific, myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization were collected by scheduled evaluations and telephone contacts. Associations of demographic, angiographic and hemodynamic parameters with individual and composite endpoints over a median follow-up of 33 months were assessed by Cox regression analysis. Results: Comorbidity and indication for left main revascularization but not hemodynamic parameters predicted both all-cause and cardiac mortality. Unstable angina, bifurcation and both central and peripheral, systolic and pulse pressure were predictive of myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization. Central systolic blood pressure was a significant predictor of composite endpoints both in univariate and multivariate analyses. Central systolic blood pressure ≥120mmHg was associated with 1.81 and 3.42 folds increases of composite adverse outcomes with and without non-cardiovascular mortality respectively. (Table 1.) Conclusions: Central systolic blood pressure was the most predictive of major adverse cardiac events among central and peripheral hemodynamic parameters in percutaneous left main revascularization. Central systolic blood pressure ≥120 mmHg may serve as a target for blood pressure management in left main revascularization population. Table. No title available. |
13708281 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T02:13:10.572Z | 2001-03-15T00:00:00.000Z | Cross-polarized wave generation by effective cubic nonlinear optical interaction.
A new cubic nonlinear optical effect in which a linearly polarized wave propagating in a single quadratic medium is converted into a wave that is cross polarized to the input wave is observed in BBO crystal. The effect is explained by cascading of two different second-order processes: second-harmonic generation and difference frequency mixing. |
151186181 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-11-10T08:48:12.325Z | 2012-09-17T00:00:00.000Z | Reintroduction of English as Medium of Instruction in Sri Lanka: With Special Reference to Jaffna
English is now introduced in grade 6 once the children finish their primary education in vernacular. The main aspect of the way in which English is used as medium of instruction is that in government schools some subjects are taught in English while some other subjects are taught in Tamil. This helps the students be balanced bilinguals because they constantly learn their first language while acquiring mastery in L2. Eventually, it is assumed that this will facilitate the additive bilingualism and children would be balanced bilinguals. This paper tried to appraise the potential success of one decade –long English medium program and also see the different perspectives of the stakeholders involved in the English medium education. This study captured the views of parents, teachers and children: English medium and vernacular children. |
115162531 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2008-08-21T01:15:36.000Z | 2008-08-21T00:00:00.000Z | More localized automorphisms of the Cuntz algebras
Abstract We completely determine the localized automorphisms of the Cuntz algebras $\mathcal{O}_n$ corresponding to permutation matrices in Mn ⊗ Mn for n = 3 and n = 4. This result is obtained through a combination of general combinatorial techniques and large scale computer calculations. Our analysis proceeds according to the general scheme proposed in a previous paper, where we analysed in detail the case of $\mathcal{O}_2$ using labelled rooted trees. We also discuss those proper endomorphisms of these Cuntz algebras which restrict to automorphisms of their respective diagonals. In the case of $\mathcal{O}_3$ we compute the number of automorphisms of the diagonal induced by permutation matrices in M3 ⊗ M3 ⊗ M3. |
237260631 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2021-08-23T06:15:52.372Z | 2021-08-21T00:00:00.000Z | Response—Letter to the editor "Change in Mitral Regurgitation Severity after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Severe Mitral Regurgitation"
We would like to thank Dr.Wei, Dr. Liu, and Dr. Guo for taking interest in our study “Prognosis of Functional Mitral Regurgitation after Aortic Valve Replacement for Pure Severe Aortic Stenosis” and for contributing to this discussion. First, the authors note an inconsistency in the number of patients in the isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) group of our study and the numbers at risk reported in fig. 4, titled “Long‐Term Age‐Adjusted Survival Compared in Improved MR and Unimproved MR Sub‐Groups (within Isolated AVR Group).” We greatly apologize, as there was indeed an error in the reporting of the number of patients at risk. The conclusions drawn from this figure were not affected by this error, as the hazard ratio and p value presented in the original figure were reported accurately. Nonetheless, the numbers at risk should read as follows in Table 1. Second, the authors point out that a majority of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in our population suffered from moderate rather than severe mitral regurgitation (MR), and that it was, therefore, impossible to draw sound conclusions on the evolution of severe MR following TAVR. They also note that studying said evolution would be of worth given that a study published by Mauri et al. in 2020 previously suggested that severe MR at baseline was associated with significantly worse outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR. The authors then report the results of a study led by them at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital that included 43 patients with severe MR undergoing TAVR. In this study, while severe MR improved in 76.7% of cases following TAVR, 13.9% in‐hospital mortality was reported. Given that this study is not yet published, the etiology of MR, echocardiographic parameters used to quantify MR, length of follow‐up, and in‐hospital mortality of all patients undergoing TAVR at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital are unknown and may not be comparable to our study's context. Despite the fact that MR improved in 76.7% in the authors' study, if we apply the definition of improved MR used in ours, only 42% of their patients would be considered as such. Nonetheless, we agree that these results raise the question of whether severe MR at baseline should be a contraindication to TAVR. This question merits contemplation in future, larger prospective studies. Finally, the authors note that the evidence of unimproved postoperative MR being associated with significantly worse long‐term outcomes in patients undergoing isolated AVR presented in our study and others 3 warrants further studying of treatment strategies of persistent significant MR following TAVR. As discussed in the article, we agree that the impact, safety, and feasibility of a staged transcatheter correction of MR following TAVR should be considered in future studies. |
20587931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:27:58.941Z | 1983-04-01T00:00:00.000Z | Death Caused by Wasp and Bee Stings in Denmark 1960–1980
During a 21‐year period in Denmark a total of 26 deaths were caused by wasp or bee stings (according to the National Health Service). The deaths might be classified, with some overlapping, as caused by either anaphylactic/anaphylactoid shocks (between 65% and 80%), suffocation after stings in the airways (about 15%) or preexisting diseases, especially arteriselerotic heart disease (approx 20%). Characteristically, in most persons with shock reactions uncosciousness and death occurred very shortly after the sting (within 45 min), while the interval between sting and death was longer (30 min to a couple of hours) when death was caused by suffocation. |
33801331 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T02:26:27.973Z | 2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Sense of Belonging in Secondary Schools: A Survey of LGB and Heterosexual Students in Flanders
This study focuses on differences in sense of belonging between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual students. Data from 1,745 secondary school students were collected with an online survey. Step-wise multiple regression analyses was used to investigate the relationship between sexual orientation and sense of school belonging. The results show that sexual orientation has an impact on sense of belonging for girls, but not for boys. Perceived discrimination and LGB friendliness of the school appeared to be important indicators of sense of belonging for all the respondents, irrespective of their sexual orientation. |
26122581 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T06:01:30.127Z | 2013-05-01T00:00:00.000Z | Sphaeranthus indicus Induces Apoptosis Through Mitochondrial-Dependent Pathway in HL-60 Cells and Exerts Cytotoxic Potential on Several Human Cancer Cell Lines
Purpose. The study was designed to screen Sphaeranthus indicus, Ganoderma lucidum, and Urtica dioica for their anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines. Phytochemical screening of active extracts was also planned. Methods. Petroleum ether, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of S indicus Linn, G lucidum P Karst, and U dioica Linn were subjected to cytotoxicity studies using 7 different cancer cell lines. Potent cytotoxicity was noted in petroleum ether extract of S indicus (SIP), which inhibited proliferation of various cancer cell lines. Growth inhibition was determined by sulforhodamine B assay. Two biochemical markers, namely β-sitosterol and 7-hydroxyfrullanolide were isolated and characterized using high-performance thin layer chromatography, melting point, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass analysis. Cytotoxicity of isolated β-sitosterol and 7-hydroxyfrullanolide were also determined. The IC50 of SIP was calculated in the HL-60 cells and was found to be 53 µg/mL. Furthermore, SIP induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells as measured by several biological end points. Cell cycle analysis and change in mitochondrial membrane potential was quantified by flow cytometry. Subsequently, using annexin V/PI assay, proportion of cells actively undergoing apoptosis was determined. Changes in DNA were observed by DNA ladder assay. Results. SIP induced apoptotic bodies formation, induced DNA laddering, enhanced annexin-V-FITC binding of the cells, increased sub-G0 DNA fraction, and induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in HL-60 cells. SIP also elevated the caspase 3 and caspase 9 levels in the HL-60 cells, which clearly indicates the involvement of the intrinsic proteins in inducing apoptosis. Discussion. All the above parameters revealed that SIP induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial-dependent pathway in HL-60 cells. The criterion for anticancer activity in cytotoxicity assay was ≥70% growth inhibition at 100 µg/mL against at least 4 cell lines. As G lucidum and U dioica did not exhibit appreciable inhibitory activity against human cancer cell lines (less than 50%), they were not included in the study thereafter. The results established that SIP has apoptosis-inducing effect against HL-60 cells in vitro and is a promising candidate for further anticancer study. β-Sitosterol and 7-hydroxyfrullanolide can be considered to be potent anticancer compounds isolated from SIP on the basis of present studies. |
155017831 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-16T13:04:37.767Z | 2011-05-05T00:00:00.000Z | China in SAARC? Too Early to Worry: A Response to ‘China in SAARC? To What Effect?’ by Sujit Dutta
Professor Sujit Dutta’s article, ‘China in SAARC? To What Effect?’ has made an excellent case for the desirability of regionalism as it offers public commons to members of such institutions. Indeed the EU and ASEAN are prime examples of such cooperation as they generate political, economic and security benefits for their members, though to different degrees. As to whether China should be inducted to SAARC, Professor Dutta has expressed strong concerns. He deems China as not being eligible to be a full member of ‘a cohesive, secure and integrated democratic political order in South Asia’. He states, ‘Politically, it is the world’s largest authoritarian state; economically, it is not a market economy; and in security terms it not only has active territorial claims against India and Bhutan but as its power grows it poses increasingly complex security challenges to India and the region as a whole’. This author shares Professor Dutta’s view that China is not ready to join as a full member, but for different reasons. I also don’t quite agree with the criteria he has based his argument on. In my view, whether a regional institutional setting is viable is largely determined by the common interests of its members, especially in the economic and security spheres. While a shared political vision and common interests always help, these are not necessarily a must to propel a regional institution to success. For instance, the East Asia Summit (EAS) consists of 16 full members, including China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. One doesn’t need to be a ‘democratic’ state, as defined by the West, to qualify for membership. Though value-sharing could reduce distrust amongst EAS members, no one can afford to delay the regionalism process until stakeholders eventually and hopefully adopt the same or similar political values. Similarly, the China–Japan–Korea (CJK) trilateral summit, established in 1991, doesn’t require political like-mindedness to qualify for its membership. If there is any politics at stake, it is not the differences in their respective domestic political institutions; rather, it is the highly shared political value of strengthening peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, among all three CJK states. Therefore, China’s being the ‘world’s largest authoritarian state’ has not prevented it from being welcomed to participate in and contribute to the EAS and CJK regionalism processes. In a similar vein, the argument that China as ‘the world’s largest |
246616131 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-02-07T16:21:05.901Z | 2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Needs Analysis of Korean Language Programs
In recent decades, Korean language programs at both secondary and post-secondary levels have shown tremendous qualitative and quantitative growth in the US. According to the Modern Language Association (MLA), the number of students studying Korean in the US increased from 168 students in 1960, to 8511 students in 2009. At the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), the first Korean language course was offered in 1946 to 10 students; as of Spring 2011, 582 students were enrolled in 50 Korean classes. As technology, pedagogical methods, and instructor quality have developed, language education has undergone tremendous change. And students' needs and motivations have changed enormously as well. In order to assess these changes, a needs analysis was conducted for Korean language programs in Hawaii, from high school through graduate school, in order to (i) identify Korean language learners' motivations and needs, and (ii) analyze differences among students based on (a) grade level, (b) proficiency level, and (c) status as heritage or non-heritage speaker. The results reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum in satisfying the expectations and desires of students. |
237810181 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2021-09-28T01:09:29.858Z | 2021-07-09T00:00:00.000Z | Theoretical model proposal on direct calculation of wetted area and maximum lift-to-drag ratio
Purpose
As measuring flight performance by experimental methods requires a lot of effort and cost, theoretical models can bring new perspectives to aircraft design. This paper aims to propose a model on the direct calculation of wetted area and L/Dmax.
Design/methodology/approach
Model is based on idea that the wetted area is proportional to aircraft gross weight to the power of 2/3 (Wg2/3). Aerodynamic underpinning of this method is based on the square–cube law and the claim that parasitic drag is related to the Swet/Swing. The equation proposed by Raymer was used to find the L/Dmax estimate based on the calculated wetted area. The accuracy of the theoretical approach was measured by comparing the L/Dmax values found in the reference literature and the L/Dmax values predicted by the theoretical approach.
Findings
Proposed theoretical L/Dmax estimate matches with the actual L/Dmax data in different types of aircraft. Among the conventional tube-wing design, only the sailplanes have a very low Swet/Swing. The Swet/Swing of flying wings, blended wing bodies (BWBs) and large delta wings are lower than conventional tube-wing design. Lower relative wetted area (Swet/Swing) is the key design criterion in high L/Dmax targeted designs.
Originality/value
The proposed model could be used in wing sizing according to the targeted L/Dmax value in aircraft design. The approach can be used to estimate the effect of varying gross weight on L/Dmax. In addition, the model contributes to the L/Dmax estimation of unusual designs, such as variable-sweep wing, large delta wings, flying wings and BWBs. This study is valuable in that it reveals that L/Dmax value can be predicted only with aspect ratio, gross weight (Wg) and wing area (Swing) data.
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52116981 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-08-30T13:08:36.665Z | 2018-06-01T00:00:00.000Z | Equitable Partitions in the Controllability of Undirected Signed Graphs
This paper studies the controllability of multi-agent networks with antagonistic interactions, where signed graphs are used to represent such networks. By analyzing and abstracting definitions of equitable partitions of unsigned graphs and signed graphs, new definitions of an equitable partition and an almost equitable partition in the controllability of undirected signed graphs are proposed, which are the natural extension of unsigned graphs. The reasonability of the definitions is discussed in detail. Under this new partition, a new general necessary condition is proposed for controllability of undirected signed graphs. |
34658231 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T02:42:22.483Z | 2017-12-08T00:00:00.000Z | A new species of Trichromothrips (Thysanoptera) from India with four new records.
Globally 6100 species of the Order Thysanoptera are reported, of which 739 are known from India (Tyagi & Kumar 2016). The purpose here is to describe from India one new species and record for the first time from this country four other species, representing three different families, and full nomenclatural details are available at ThripsWiki (2017). From three of the species, including the holotype of the new species, DNA was isolated and amplification of partial fragment of mtCOI gene was performed (Tyagi et al. 2017) with the sequences submitted to the Barcode of Life Database. Photographs and illustrations were taken through a Leica Trinocular Microscope (Leica DM-1000) using Leica software application suite (LAS EZ 2.1.0). Voucher specimens, also the new holotype, are deposited in the National Zoological Collections (NZC), Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India. |
11759131 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-20T12:57:59.313Z | 2008-09-01T00:00:00.000Z | A $\lambda/4$-Shifted Distributed-Feedback Laser Diode With a Fiber Ring Cavity Configuration Having an OSNR of 85 dB and a Linewidth of 7 kHz
We newly propose a lambda/4-shifted distributed-feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) that employs a fiber ring cavity configuration and which incorporates an ultranarrow band fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in the cavity. By controlling the FBG wavelength to match the oscillation wavelength of the DFB-LD, we achieved stable single-mode oscillation where the sidemodes of the DFB-LD and the Fabry-Perot modes induced by the ring configuration were sufficiently suppressed. Large performance improvements with an optical signal-to-noise ratio of 85 dB and a linewidth of 7 kHz were obtained. |
25790281 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-18T14:20:07.383Z | 2010-12-23T00:00:00.000Z | Special session — Frontiers of spatial cognition: Moving beyond rotating cubes
Spatial reasoning and visualization skills are critical skills for Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) students. The Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Visualizations of Rotations (PSVT:R) is considered the "gold standard" of spatial assessments and is a paper-and-pencil test that requires the mental rotation of three-dimensional connected cubes. Consistently, results on this test show sex differences, with men performing better than women. Spatial cognition is more than just mental rotation, however, and CSET education needs a variety of assessment tools and methods. In this session, participants will engage in a variety of spatial reasoning and visualization problems to expand their understanding of this area. We will explore different ways to assess spatial skills and consider the complex interactions of context, resources, and multiple strategies. By reviewing the literature on how children develop spatial understanding, CSET faculty can expand the options they consider when designing learning opportunities and assessment methods for college students. Another thread woven throughout this session is the consideration of differential performance of subgroups on various tests of spatial skills. The PSVT:R and tests like it often show sex differences and SES differences in performance, especially under timed-response conditions. In this session, we will consider potential explanations for these differences and outline some open areas for research. |
43053681 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:30:10.634Z | 1992-01-15T00:00:00.000Z | A protease responsible for post-translational cleavage of a conserved Asn-Gly linkage in glycinin, the major seed storage protein of soybean.
The assembly of 11S globulin seed storage proteins in plants is regulated in part by the activity of a protease that cleaves between asparagine and glycine residues. Post-translational cleavage of subunit precursors into acidic and basic polypeptides is associated with the ability of subunits in trimers to aggregate into hexamers in vitro. An activity is present in extracts from immature soybean seeds that specifically cleaves immature 11S seed storage proteins of soybean and Vicia faba into the polypeptides of the mature proteins. Sequence microanalysis has been used to demonstrate that proglycinin and prolegumin are cut at the legitimate site when proteins synthesized in vitro are used as substrates. A single amino acid change in the cleavage site renders the substrate uncleavable. The protease responsible for this activity also hydrolyzes a synthetic octapeptide whose sequence reproduces four amino acids on either side of the glycinin subunit G4 cleavage site. This assay permitted the purification and characterization of the protease. It is a glycosylated enzyme with an acidic pH optimum and a molecular mass of about 45 kDa in solution. |
203055431 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-09-17T02:58:45.770Z | 2019-09-06T00:00:00.000Z | The Literary Relation to the Other in the Greek Tragic Text
abstract:Following Charles Segal, I argue in this essay that there is an essential textual relation to the Other at the heart of Greek tragic drama. Instead of locating the origin of tragic performance in the being of the poet and poetic truth (á la Nietzsche or Heidegger), I argue that the use of scripts in Greek tragedy indicates an irreducible graphic element of dramatic performance, which I conceptualize in terms of Blanchot's conception of the Oeurve and the impossible relation of writer and reader. The Dionysian element of tragedy, I argue, has an irreducible graphic dimension in the use of scripts and masks. Following this theoretical and historical analysis, I offer several avenues for studying the textuality of Greek tragic drama and the ways that the Greek tragic text turns toward the essence of poetry itself. |
109666981 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-04-12T13:41:36.362Z | 2019-04-08T00:00:00.000Z | Utilization of Polyethylenimine (PEI) Modified Carbon Black Adsorbent Derived from Tire Waste for the Removal of Aspirin
A new adsorbent was synthesized using polyethylenimine (PEI) on the carbon black to remove aspirin from an aqueous solution. In this study, adsorption performance of modified carbon black by polyethylenimine (PEI) on aspirin was investigated. Batch adsorption studies were performed to evaluate the effects of contact time, pH solution, temperature, and initial concentration on the adsorption of aspirin. For this study, the carbon black obtained from the pyrolysis of tire waste was used as a precursor for low-cost adsorbents. The carbon black was treated by 1 M of hydrochloric acid solution to remove ash and sulphur content. Then, the treated carbon black was modified by impregnation with PEI in one to one weight ratio within 24 hours at 65 °C and then cross linked with 1% (w/v) glutaraldehyde solution for one hour. The adsorption rate of aspirin by modified carbon black was rapid from 20 minutes to 60 minutes and reached equilibrium. Hence, the optimum contact time for this study is 60 minutes with 59.96% of aspirin removal and 29.98 mg/g adsorption capacity. The best performance for pH solution, temperature, and initial concentration was observed at pH 3 (26.1 mg/g), 30 °C (26.9 mg/g) and 20 ppm (40.96 mg/g) respectively. |
2892831 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2016-03-14T22:51:50.573Z | 2016-01-12T00:00:00.000Z | Numerical Study on Hydrodynamic Performance of Bionic Caudal Fin
In this work, numerical simulations are conducted to reveal the hydrodynamic mechanism of caudal fin propulsion. In the modeling of a bionic caudal fin, a universal kinematics model with three degrees of freedom is adopted and the flexible deformation in the spanwise direction is considered. Navier-Stokes equations are used to solve the unsteady fluid flow and dynamic mesh method is applied to track the locomotion. The force coefficients, torque coefficient, and flow field characteristics are extracted and analyzed. Then the thrust efficiency is calculated. In order to verify validity and feasibility of the algorithm, hydrodynamic performance of flapping foil is analyzed. The present results of flapping foil compare well with those in experimental researches. After that, the influences of amplitude of angle of attack, amplitude of heave motion, Strouhal number, and spanwise flexibility are analyzed. The results show that, the performance can be improved by adjusting the motion and flexibility parameters. The spanwise flexibility of caudal fin can increase thrust force with high propulsive efficiency. |
22709781 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-01-24T17:25:33.048Z | 2015-09-01T00:00:00.000Z | Orientation, Rotary Motion, and Congruency Effects: Models of Visual Object Identification.
We developed a computational model of object identification (HAT-F) that is consistent with the Transformational Framework of Recognition (TFR) (Graf, 2006) and tested it as a model of human object recognition. The HAT-F model combines convolution, coordinate adjustment, and multiple-view templates. The TFR proposes that a hybrid of coordinate adjustment and multiple-views could account for human recognition phenomena that static retinotopic theories fail to predict. To test this claim, we specifically examined the accord between human and HAT-F's object recognition performance: a) across novel orientations in the image plane, b) while rotating, and c) when preceded by unrelated primes in either congruent or incongruent orientations. In addition, we compared HAT-F against models consistent with invariant representation and multiple-view theories. We examined HAT-F's accuracy and reaction times when classifying learned objects (N = 150) from the Revised Snodgrass set in unlearned image orientations (Rossion, 2004). Consistent with human behavior (e.g. Lawson, 2003), HAT-F's accuracy varied according to a W-shaped curve over orientation (R2 = 0.9491); reaction time varied according to an inverse W-shaped curve (R2 = 0.9215). The multiple-view and invariant representation models displayed accuracy curves uncharacteristic of human object recognition behavior. The qualitative difference between accuracy curves for the three approaches was statistically reliable, F(22, 3278) = 61.85, MSe = 0.054, p < 1x10-15. Additionally, HAT-F was more accurate at recognizing objects preceded by primes in congruent orientations, F(1, 99) = 49.86, MSe = 0.163, p < 2.31x10-10 and at recognizing objects rotating towards an upright orientation, F(1, 149) = 22.39, MSe = 0.0788, p < 5.13x10-06. Both effects match human behavior (e.g. Graf, 2005; Jolicoeur, 1992). These results indicate that a combination of convolution, transformation, and multiple-view models can account for planar orientation effects, rotary motion effects, and orientation congruency effects, partially validating the TFR's claim. Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2015. |
927931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:10:13.036Z | 2011-07-01T00:00:00.000Z | [Cost of anaesthesia at the university hospital].
BACKGROUND
The costs of anaesthesia in Polish hospitals are usually calculated as a percentage of the cost of the surgical procedure, or as a percentage of the total cost of the operating theatre. These methods cannot be accurate, since they do not take into consideration, the specifics of anaesthesia. Therefore, a new method of calculation, based of the actual use of materials and manpower, has been introduced in our institution.
METHODS
Anaesthesia procedures were divided into nine categories, according to risk of anaesthesia, type of surgery, type of anaesthesia, and working hours of the anaesthetic personnel. Each category was priced in points which expressed the actual value of the service provided, and the resulting totals were allocated to surgical specialties.
RESULTS
The costs of anaesthesia calculated by the new method differed markedly from previous calculations. The number of anaesthetics between 2008 and 2010 increased by 20%, while the cumulative costs of anaesthesia rose by only 13%, when compared to the previous method of calculation. Changes in anaesthesia costs, in various surgical specialties, varied from -49% to +65%, and were not related to the number of procedures.
CONCLUSION
The new scoring system made it possible to calculate actual anaesthesia costs in various surgical specialties. It is logical and practical and merits recommendation. |
234193831 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2021-05-11T00:03:35.002Z | 2021-01-19T00:00:00.000Z | Reply to RC3
Thank you very much for the clarification. We intend to address both validation schemes focusing on seasonal extreme values: 1) a split sample test running hydrologic models with reference scenario data and 2) comparing simulated and observed discharges, running the model with the observed meteorological data. The validation results will be discussed in relation to the applicability and restrictions of the proposed framework. |
211049531 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2020-02-07T20:37:04.617Z | 2020-02-05T00:00:00.000Z | Access to Palliative Care during a Terminal Hospitalization.
Background: Research shows that access to palliative care can help patients avoid dying in hospital. However, access to palliative care services during the terminal hospitalization, specifically, has not been well studied. Objective: To determine whether access to palliative care varied by disease trajectory among terminal hospitalizations. Design, Setting, Subjects: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of decedents who died in hospital in Ontario, Canada between 2012 and 2015 by using linked administrative databases. Measurements: Using hospital and physician billing codes, we classified access to palliative care in three mutually exclusive groups of patients with terminal hospitalization: (1) main diagnosis for admission was palliative care; (2) main diagnosis was not palliative care, but the patient received palliative care specialist consultation; and (3) the patient did not receive any specialist palliative care. We conducted a logistic regression on odds of never receiving palliative care. Results: We identified 140,475 decedents who died in an inpatient hospital unit, which represents 42% of deaths. Among inpatient hospital deaths, 23% (n = 32,168) had palliative care listed as the main diagnosis for admission, 41% (n = 58,210) received specialist palliative care consultation, and 36% (n = 50,097) never had access to specialist palliative care. In our regression, dying of organ failure or frailty compared with cancer increased the odds of never receiving palliative care by 4.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.95-4.20) and 4.51 (95% CI: 4.35-4.68) times, respectively. Conclusions: A third of hospital deaths had no palliative care involvement. Access to specialist palliative care is particularly lower for noncancer decedents. Inpatient units play an important role in providing end-of-life care. |
155106981 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-17T13:19:44.905Z | 2018-03-01T00:00:00.000Z | Analysis of Bottomside Thickness Parameter-Based TEC at Equatorial and Low Latitude Stations for Global Navigation Satellite Systems
This paper studies the total electron content (TEC) at equatorial and low latitude stations which is computed using an equation of bottomside thickness parameter with correction factor (B2botP_new) during the solar maximum of 24th solar cycle. The computed TEC is used to compute the ionospheric time delay subsequent-tially. The ionospheric stations in this work include Ramey, Ascension Island, and Jicamarca. The results show that the diurnal and seasonal variations of B2botP_new have the same trends as that of B0_obs as well as the B2botP_new values are close to the BO_obs values clearly for all three stations. The electron density diffuses from the equator toward the EIA region (15°N and 15°S) during the period of 14–23 LT. The proposed TEC (TEC_P) are computed using the B2botP_new, and then the ionospheric delay is also computed using the TEC_P. The computed TEC_P and Id_P are close to the TEC_obs and Id_obs, but they should be further studied for a solar cycle (11 years). |
246669381 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-02-09T16:10:18.033Z | 2022-02-05T00:00:00.000Z | SOCIAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS AND FIRM INVESTMENT: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
This paper studies the impact of firm social insurance contribution on investment by exploiting a contribution collection administration reform in China. Using a difference-in-differences strategy, we find that Chinese firms increase social insurance contribution after the reform that the premiums collection duty is transferred from local social insurance administrations to tax bureaus for better enforcement. As a consequence, the enforced increase in contribution decreases firm investment significantly. On average, a one percentage point increase in social insurance contribution decreases firm investment by 1.5 percentage points. The effects are more pronounced among firms with higher manufacturing costs or tighter financial constraints. |
12923131 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2014-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | 2004-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Distribution of words with a predefined range of mismatches to a DNA probe in bacterial genomes
MOTIVATION
Hybridization of oligonucleotides with longer nucleotide sequences is an essential step in nucleic acid biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo, in oligonucleotide-based diagnostics, and in therapeutic applications of oligonucleotides. A major factor determining sensitivity and selectivity of hybridization is the number of base pair mismatches that occur in an ungapped alignment of the oligonucleotide (probe) and a longer sequence (target).
RESULTS
The k-distance match count between the probe and the target is defined as the number of ungapped alignments between the two sequences that have exactly k mismatches, and the k-neighbor match count is defined as the sum of the j-distance match counts for j between 0 and k. We derive a novel formula for the probability of a k-distance match. This formula is based on the assumption that the target is strand-symmetric Bernoulli text (i.e. nucleotides are independently, identically distributed in the target and satisfy Chargaff's second parity rule). Our model predicts that the GC-content in both the probe and the target significantly affects the match count expectation. The ratio of k-neighbor match counts in two distinct genomes for a given probe is a measure of its specificity. We calculated such ratios for pairs of bacterial genomes with different combinations of length, GC-content and phylogenetic distance. Examination of the extreme values of these ratios indicates that probes with a high discriminative power exist for each tested pair. |
143035031 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-03T13:10:58.217Z | 2007-10-07T00:00:00.000Z | Robin Gill, Health Care and Christian Ethics
© Equinox Publishing Ltd 2007. little embarassing in a book about a German theologian: e.g., pp. 55 (name), 75, 127, 140 (Latin), 164, 179, 204. This includes a misunderstanding of a misspelled word (4): Pfarrhauserkunft is not a word, but Pfarrhausherkunft (the word actually used in Bethge’s autobiography) is, though it does not mean what de Gruchy thinks it does. The Umlaut (eg. ü) is used inconsistently, i.e. it is sometimes replaced by ue (etc.). Otherwise, see also the misprint on p. 137: the third date mentioned in the quote at the bottom of the page must surely be 1939, not 1930. In conclusion, de Gruchy offers a fascinating account of the life of someone who is hardly known to many, yet on whose work so much depended. It will not offer all that much that is new for Bonhoeffer specialists, but then it is not written for them. For those of us who want to learn something about Bethge (and indirectly: Bonhoeffer), and quite generally about some not-so-ordinary lives of people in extraordinary times, this is a book that is well worth reading. Holger Szesnat Eastern Region Ministry Course, Cambridge Theological Federation [email protected] |
13563631 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T00:37:46.097Z | 1991-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: long-term results with the M-2 protocol.
Thirty-three patients with symptomatic Waldenström's macroglobulinemia have been treated with the M-2 protocol (BCNU, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, melphalan, and prednisone). Therapy was administered every 5 weeks for 2 years and every 10 weeks for an additional 1-3 years. Median clinical and laboratory parameters included age 70 years (range 52-87), performance status 1 (1-3), prior therapy 7, weight loss 12, symptomatic hyperviscosity 13, splenomegaly 22, lymphadenopathy 7, hemoglobin 9.6 g/dl (6.7-14.6), IgM paraprotein level 2000 mg% (340-11,600), and serum viscosity 2.1 (1.4-6.0). Responses were observed in 27 patients, of whom 21 were partial responses. Survival ranges from 1 to 120+ months with 58% of patients projected to be alive at 10 years. Twenty-one patients remain alive, of whom 10 are greater than or equal to 6 years from initiation of therapy with M-2. Treatment has been well tolerated with usually only mild to moderate hematologic toxicity. Median nadir white blood cells during the first cycle was 3000/mm3 (1000-5500). Peripheral neuropathy was seen in 54% secondary to vincristine. Nausea/vomiting, anemia requiring transfusions, and alopecia were each noted in approximately 25% of patients. Sepsis was observed in 2 patients. Two characteristics, age and prior therapy, were found to be of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.03) using univariate analysis but were not significant with multivariate analysis. The M-2 protocol may be able to produce prolonged survival in the majority of patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Additional trials are needed to develop recommendations for therapy as well as factors predictive for survival and suitability for treatment. |
9372531 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T00:10:44.832Z | 1984-03-01T00:00:00.000Z | Orbital apex fractures: the contribution of computed tomography.
The conventional radiographs, computed tomograms, and clinical course of 17 patients with 23 orbital apex fractures were reviewed. The type of fracture was identified, and the presence of optic nerve damage, the superior orbital fissure syndrome, or the orbital apex syndrome was noted. It was concluded that fractures of the orbital apex may frequently be unsuspected clinically and are not as rare as the literature indicates. Computed tomography provides an excellent means of radiologic diagnosis in the acutely traumatized patient. |
249486331 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-06-09T15:10:25.447Z | 2022-05-31T00:00:00.000Z | Analysis of Applied Mathematics
Mathematics applied to applications involves using mathematics for issues that arise in various fields, e.g., science, engineering, engineering, or other areas, and developing new or better techniques to address the demands of the unique challenges. We consider it applied math to apply maths to problems in the real world with the double purpose of describing observed phenomena and forecasting new yet unknown phenomena. Thus, the focus is on math, e.g., creating new techniques to tackle the issues of the unique challenges and the actual world. The issues arise from a variety of applications, including biological and physical sciences as well as engineering and social sciences. They require knowledge of different branches of mathematics including the analysis of differential equations and stochastics. They are based on mathematical and numerical techniques. Most of our faculty and students work directly with the experimentalists to watch their research findings come to life. This research team investigates mathematical issues arising out of geophysical, chemical, physical, and biophysical sciences. The majority of these problems are explained by time-dependent partial integral or ordinary differential equations. They are also accompanied by complex boundary conditions, interface conditions, and external forces. Nonlinear dynamical systems provide an underlying geometrical and topological model for understanding, identifying, and quantifying the complex phenomena in these equations. The theory of partial differential equations lets us correctly formulate well-posed problems and study the behavior of solutions, which sets the stage for effective numerical simulations. Nonlocal equations result from the macroscopically modeling stochastic dynamical systems characterized by Levy noise and the modeling of long-range interactions. They also provide a better understanding of anomalous diffusions. |
2360081 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:21:27.231Z | 2004-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Visual Processing Impairments and Decrements in Regional Brain Activity in Alzheimer’s Disease
The relationships between intermediate visual processes, involving object and space perception, and regional brain activity using positron emission tomography and single photon emission tomography were investigated in 16 patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Significant region specific correlations were found between unfamiliar face matching and cerebral activity in the left occipito-temporal region and middle/inferior temporal regions bilaterally. Letter-word identification correlated significantly with brain activity in the angular gyri and occipital association cortices bilaterally, as well as a broad region of activation in the left hemisphere temporal, parietal and occipital lobes. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between ratings of performance of instrumental activities of daily living and brain activity in occipito-temporal and middle/inferior temporal regions. The present study demonstrates that the neuropathological distribution typically seen in Alzheimer’s disease corresponds to impairments in specific aspects of intermediate visual perceptual processing, and it is related to the daily living skills of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. |
104941431 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-01-12T02:48:41.041Z | 2018-11-06T00:00:00.000Z | (De)Lithiation Mechanism of Hierarchically Layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Cathodes during High-Voltage Cycling
In view of the requirements for high-energy lithium ion batteries (LIBs), hierarchically layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM111) cathode materials have been prepared using a hydroxide coprecipitation method and subsequent high-temperature solid-state reaction. The diffraction results show that the synthesized NCM111 has a well-defined layered hexagonal structure. The initial specific discharge capacity of a Li/NCM111 cell is 204.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 28 mA g−1 between 2.7 and 4.8 V. However, the cell suffers from poor capacity retention over extended charge-discharge cycles. The structural evolution of NCM111 electrode during electrochemical cycling is carefully investigated by in situ high-resolution synchrotron radiation diffraction. It is found that the nanodomain formation of a layered hexagonal phase H3 and a cubic spinel phase after charging to voltages above 4.6 V is the main source for the structural collapse in c direction and the poor cycling performance. This process is accompanied by the removal of oxygen, the transition metal (TM) migration and the crack generation in the nanodomains of the primary particles. These results may help to better understand the structural degradation of layered cathodes in order to develop high energy density LIBs. |
250189381 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2022-07-02T15:03:46.217Z | 2022-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Research upon self-sealing of fibre reinforced mortar with integral crystalline waterproofing admixtures
The paper presents results of an experimental research made upon the self-sealing of a fibre reinforced mortar with an integral crystalline waterproofing admixture in a dosage rate of 1-3 % of the cement mass. Samples were pre-loaded in three point bending up to 90 % of the ultimate capacity and conditioned in wet-dry cycles. Micro-cracks width was measured with a microscope after pre-loading, and up to 20 days. The results show that the 3 % admixture content presents the superior self-sealing performance both in the terms of the self-sealing degree and self-sealing rate. According to the results, lower contents of crystal-line admixture cannot predict a desirable self-sealing target, despite the fact that the self-sealing potential/ability is indisputable and may take longer periods. |
39186931 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-09-27T22:36:59.609Z | 2016-04-01T00:00:00.000Z | Transcriptome‐wide patterns of divergence during allopatric evolution
Recent studies have revealed repeated patterns of genomic divergence associated with species formation. Such patterns suggest that natural selection tends to target a set of available genes, but is also indicative that closely related taxa share evolutionary constraints that limit genetic variability. Studying patterns of genomic divergence among populations within the same species may shed light on the underlying evolutionary processes. Here, we examine transcriptome‐wide divergence and polymorphism in the marine copepod Tigriopus californicus, a species where allopatric evolution has led to replicate sets of populations with varying degrees of divergence and hybrid incompatibility. Our analyses suggest that relatively small effective population sizes have resulted in an exponential decline of shared polymorphisms during population divergence and also facilitated the fixation of slightly deleterious mutations within allopatric populations. Five interpopulation comparisons at three different stages of divergence show that nonsynonymous mutations tend to accumulate in a specific set of proteins. These include proteins with central roles in cellular metabolism, such as those encoded in mtDNA, but also include an additional set of proteins that repeatedly show signatures of positive selection during allopatric divergence. Although our results are consistent with a contribution of nonadaptive processes, such as genetic drift and gene expression levels, generating repeatable patterns of genomic divergence in closely related taxa, they also indicate that adaptive evolution targeting a specific set of genes contributes to this pattern. Our results yield insights into the predictability of evolution at the gene level. |
32066881 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-01-23T22:45:21.767Z | 2007-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | A Novel Semantic Validation Mechanism For Automatic Story Generation Using Ontology
In a sheet feeding apparatus comprising a sheet receptacle for placing sheets thereon, a vacuum plate which is disposed above the sheet receptacle and which has a sheet suction hole in bottom portion thereof directed to the sheet receptacle, a casing for covering the vacuum plate, a fan for bringing a space between the vacuum plate and the sheet receptacle to a negative pressure by sucking air from the casing, a sheet feed roller, which is disposed rotatably in the casing and a sheet transport portion which is exposed to the side of the sheet receptacle through the vacuum plate, a sheet separating roller which is rotatably disposed, downstream of the sheet feed roller, in the sheet transport path, and a drive apparatus for driving each of the rollers in the sheet feeding direction, an improvement is made in that the sheet separating roller is disposed in the casing and part of the peripheral surface of the sheet separating roller is exposed to the side of the sheet receptacle through the vacuum plate and in contact with a frictional member disposed below the sheet separating roller. |
9025881 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T00:00:36.746Z | 1986-12-01T00:00:00.000Z | Hodgkin's disease during surveillance of stage I testicular teratoma.
It has become an established practice in some specialised centres for patients with Stage I non-seminomatous germ-cell tumours of the testis to be kept under close surveillance following orchidectomy. We report a patient with testicular teratoma treated with orchidectomy alone who, during the period of close observation, developed Hodgkin's disease. The patient, a 20-year-old man, had an inguinal orchidectomy for left testicular enlargement which was histologically a malignant teratoma, undifferentiated. Initial chest radiography, lymphography and computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen were normal. Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (BHCG) were undetectable. |
119866081 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-04-18T13:12:49.226Z | 1986-09-20T00:00:00.000Z | Roughness Measurement of X-Ray Mirror Surfaces
In order to fabricate an X-ray mirror telescope, we investigated the roughness of mirror surfaces using X-ray scattering. With Al-K (8.34Å) X-rays we measured the scattering profiles of plate glass. The spectral structure of surface roughness was revealed by the angular distribution of the X-ray scattering. The power spectral density functions of the surface-height distribution for these materials (except for a gold evapolated surface) were represented by the power-law spectra with power indices ranging from -1 to -2. The rms heights were derived to be 1.8-8.3Å for a wavelength range as expected from the power-law spectrum. The results obtained with this method were found to be consistent with those with an ordinary optical profilometer. |
25631081 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-02-10T00:47:13.585Z | 1992-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | CW microwave fields evoke body movements in bilaterally cochleotomized rats
The probability of a whole-body movement in rats exposed to one second microwave pulses is a function of power. This functional relationship is similar in deafened and hearing rats, which eliminates microwave hearing as a possible mechanism for the effect. Observed thermal gradients in the facial skin support the hypothesis that tactile sensations are the eliciting stimulus for the whole-body movement, but do not address the hypothesis that microwave fields exert a direct effect on the central nervous system to cause the movement. |
164883331 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-05-26T13:35:32.117Z | 2019-05-01T00:00:00.000Z | Trunk fat increase is prevented both in patients undergoing long-lasting continuous r-hGH therapy and in those who discontinued r-hGH compared to untreated patients: results from baseline data of the MAGHD study
Split View Cite Permissions Share Background: Adult-onset growth hormone (GH) deficiency (AGHD) is related with alterations in body composition, increased abdominal and visceral adiposity, adverse change in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and reduction of bone mineral density (BMD). Aim: To compare body composition and biochemical/hormonal data among adult patients with AGHD referring to a single endocrinological center and grouped according to r-hGH therapy. Methods: The Manage Growth Hormone Deficiency Study (MAGHD) is a prospective, single-center trial aiming to improve AGHD management through a smartphone app (MAGHD App: Manage AGHD) integrated with a software framework able to merge several kind of patients’ daily data with clinical data collected in institutional databases. Up-to-now, a total of 74 subjects (26 Female, 48 Male, mean age: 56.6+14.8 years) with AGHD, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study. According to r-hGH therapy, they were divided in 3 |
232064631 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2021-02-28T06:16:49.048Z | 2021-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Introduction of a point mutation in the KRAS gene of in vitro fertilized porcine zygotes via electroporation of the CRISPR/Cas9 system with single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides.
This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of KRAS gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 delivery by electroporation and analyzed the effects of the non-homologous end-joining pathway inhibitor Scr7 and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) homology arm length on introducing a point mutation in KRAS. Various concentrations (0-2 µM) of Scr7 were evaluated; all concentrations of Scr7 including 0 µM resulted in the generation of blastocysts with a point mutation and the wild-type sequence or indels. No significant differences in the blastocyst formation rates of electroporated zygotes were observed among ssODN homology arm lengths, irrespective of the gRNA (gRNA1 and gRNA2). The proportion of blastocysts carrying a point mutation with or without the wild-type sequence and indels was significantly higher in the ssODN20 group (i.e., the group with a ssODN homology arm of 20 bp) than in the ssODN60 group (gRNA1: 25.7% vs. 5.4% and gRNA2: 45.5% vs. 5.9%, p < .05). In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery with ssODN via electroporation is feasible for the generation of point mutations in porcine embryos. Further studies are required to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the homology-directed repair. |
25084781 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T06:01:38.452Z | 1993-11-01T00:00:00.000Z | Dynamic echography of the penis in the follow-up of impotent patients treated with intracavernous injections.
Dynamic echography of the penis (DEP) after pharmacological stimulation of erection has been designed to evaluate the albugineal wall thickness (AWT), the cavernosal appearance in the normal penis and corporeal changes in patients treated with intracavernous injections presenting with haematomata, hyperechoic images, prolonged erection and Peyronie's disease. DEP was performed in 973 patients who had had an average number of 89 (+/- 16) intracavernous injections for 16.7 +/- 11.7 months. A total of 1424 DEP examinations were performed. Transducer positioning, erectile condition, clinical recording and computer retrieval methods were adapted to gather ultrasonography data. The standard average AWTs recorded in patients free from Peyronie's disease and who were untreated were 0.11 cm at the septum, 0.17 and 0.15 cm at the dorsal root and the tip of the albuginea respectively, 0.14 cm ventrally and the diameter of the corpus cavernosum averaged 1.61 cm. Intracavernous therapy brought an increase in AWT of 15.38% to the septum, 11.76% and 10.53% to the dorsal tip and root respectively and 12.5% ventrally. Frequent haematomata induced greater increase, while prolonged erections did not. Patients with untreated Peyronie's disease were found to have greater AWT which decreased after treatment with intracavernosal injections. Before treatment abnormal penile hyperechoic images were found in 3.18% (intracavernous images) and 3.31% (albugineal nodules) of DEP, and in 7.09% and 7.54% respectively post-treatment. |
126075081 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2019-04-22T13:12:13.725Z | 2018-07-28T00:00:00.000Z | Ghost imaging with N-order speckle light
Abstract. Ghost imaging is an indirect system that allows the imaging of an object without directly seeing the object. The speckle pattern that contains the information about light and objects has increasingly become a popular topic in pseudothermal light ghost imaging. However, existing research still has encountered problems of poor imaging quality and slow sampling speeds. We propose a ghost imaging method based on N-order speckle patterns to recover the object (NSGI). The N-order speckle patterns combine N independent laser speckles individually produced by passing an expanded and collimated He–Ne laser through a digital micromirror device (DMD). The sampling frequency can be improved by controlling the trigger signals of different DMDs. The results of the simulation and experiment have verified that our method can increase sampling speed and reconstruction accuracy. In addition, NSGI can be applied to more applications by designing multiple independent speckles with different properties. |
19139881 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T05:09:22.555Z | 2015-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Pattern of sexually transmitted infections in a Muslim majority region of North India
Background: Changing trends of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV/AIDS has been noted in the literature over years, depending to some extent on the geographical and cultural factors of the region. In Kashmir Valley also, the pattern of STI may be different from the rest of the country. Aims of the Study: The aim was to present the experience with patterns of STI in Kashmir. Materials and Methods: Retrospective hospital-based study carried out by detailed analysis of case records of 5-year period. Results: A total of 184 patients, 100 males and 84 females, had specific STI. Genital ulcer disease was the presentation in 54 patients (29.35%), out of which herpes genitalis was found in 27 patients (50%), followed by chancroid in 13 (24.07%) and syphilis in 10 (18.52%) patients. 42 female patients (22.83%) presented with vaginal discharge, out of which, 24 (57.14%) had vaginal candidiasis. 24 males (13.04%) presented with urethral discharge, out of which, 15 (62.5%) had nongonococcal and 9 (37.5%) gonococcal urethritis. Genital molluscum contagiosum (MC) was found in 19 patients (10.33%), and warts in 15 (8.15%). HIV positive serology was detected in 3 patients (1.63%). Conclusion: The most common STI encountered in our study was genital ulcer, followed by vaginal discharge, urethritis, genital MC, and genital warts. Herpes genitalis was the commonest genital ulcer; candidiasis was the most common cause of vaginal discharge and nongonococcal urethritis the most common cause of urethritis. These findings are by and large similar to those noted in other parts of our country. |
37067531 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:56:15.634Z | 1982-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | Primary non-random X-inactivation caused by controlling elements in the mouse demonstrated at the cellular level.
Previous studies have shown that different alleles of the mouse X chromosomal controlling element locus, Xce, cause non-random Xchromosome inaetivation as judged by variegation in the coats of female mice heterozygous for X-linked coat colour/structure genes, or Cattanach's translocation (Is (X;7) Ct), or the relative activity of biochemical variants of the X-linked enzyme PGK. This paper presents evidence using the Kanda differential staining method on 6̂ d.p.c. and 13| d.p.c. female mouse embryos heterozygous for the marker X chromosome Is (X; 7) Ct and carrying different Xce alleles, that the Xce locus affects the randomness of -X chromosome inactivation. Furthermore the fact that a marked Xce effect is demonstrable in female embryos as early as 6| d.p.c. (i.e. very soon after the initial time of X-inactivation) is strong evidence that the Xce locus exerts its effect by causing primary non-random X-inactivation rather than by cell selection after initial random X-inactivation. |
1620531 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-05-19T18:57:50.503Z | 2004-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | A putative H+-K+-ATPase in the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina: primary sequence and expression in gills.
In mammals, the gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase (HKalpha1) mediates acid secretion in the stomach and kidneys. Like mammals, elasmobranchs also secrete acid from their stomachs, but unlike mammals they primarily use their gills for systemic acid excretion instead of their kidneys. The purpose of this study was to determine if an HKalpha1 orthologue exists in an elasmobranch (Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina), to determine if it is expressed in gills and, if so, to localize its expression and determine if its expression is regulated during hypercapnia or freshwater acclimation. A polyclonal antibody made against an HKalpha1 peptide detected HKalpha1 immunoreactivity in protein isolates and tissue sections of stingray stomachs and gills. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that HKalpha1 immunoreactivity was present in a subpopulation of epithelial cells in both organs. Double-labeling experiments in the gills showed that HKalpha1 immunoreactivity occurred in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase-rich cells and not in V-type H(+)-ATPase-rich cells. RT-PCRs were used to deduce the primary sequence of a putative H(+)-K(+)-ATPase from the stomach of Atlantic stingrays. The 3,421-base pair cDNA includes a coding region for a 1,025-amino acid protein that is over 80% identical to HKalpha1 of mammals. RT-PCRs were then used to demonstrate that this transcript is also expressed in the gills. To our knowledge, this is the first H(+)-K(+)-ATPase sequence reported for any elasmobranch and the first full-length sequence for any fish. We also provide the first evidence for its expression in the gills of any fish and demonstrate that its expression increased during freshwater acclimation but not exposure to hypercapnia. |
26459281 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T00:44:36.739Z | 2007-03-01T00:00:00.000Z | Novel treatment of intractable rectal strictures associated with anastomotic leakage using a stenosis-cutting device.
Disruption of an anastomosis after a low anterior resection reconstructed by a double stapling technique is a relatively rare complication but leads to a severe anastomotic stricture. Furthermore, this type of stricture is usually resistant to conventional treatment. A previously developed type of staple cutter (STENO-CUTTER) was applied in order to evaluate the clinical effects for the treatment of severe rectal stricture associated with anastomotic leakage. The incidence of leakage was 11 out of 371 patients (3.0%). The incidence of subsequent stricture in the leakage group (54.5%) was significantly higher than that in the nonleakage group (6.7%; P < 0.0001). Six out of 11 patients with leakage had anastomotic stricture with the distressing symptoms of frequent bowel movements and ileus. Excellent dilation was performed in all of the six strictures using the STENO-CUTTER. Because of the excellent efficacy, in addition to safe and easy use, this treatment is highly recommended for stricture of the rectum associated with anastomotic leakage. |
13937481 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2017-06-21T06:22:50.398Z | 2010-02-01T00:00:00.000Z | A prospective observational study of the clinical toxicology of glyphosate-containing herbicides in adults with acute self-poisoning
Context. The case fatality from acute poisoning with glyphosate-containing herbicides is approximately 7.7% from the available studies but these have major limitations. Large prospective studies of patients with self-poisoning from known formulations who present to primary or secondary hospitals are needed to better describe the outcome from acute poisoning with glyphosate-containing herbicides. Furthermore, the clinical utility of the glyphosate plasma concentration for predicting clinical outcomes and guiding treatment has not been determined. Objective. To describe the clinical outcomes, dose–response, and glyphosate kinetics following self-poisoning with glyphosate-containing herbicides. Methods. This prospective observational case series was conducted in two hospitals in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2007. We included patients with a history of acute poisoning. Clinical observations were recorded until discharge or death. During a specified time period, we collected admission (n = 216, including five deaths) and serial (n = 26) blood samples in patients. Severity of poisoning was graded using simple clinical criteria. Results. Six hundred one patients were identified; the majority ingested a concentrated formulation (36%, w/v glyphosate). Twenty-seven percent were asymptomatic, 63.7% had minor poisoning, and 5.5% of patients had moderate to severe poisoning. There were 19 deaths (case fatality 3.2%) with a median time to death of 20 h. Gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory distress, hypotension, altered level of consciousness, and oliguria were observed in fatal cases. Death was strongly associated with greater age, larger ingestions, and high plasma glyphosate concentrations on admission (>734 μg/mL). The apparent elimination half-life of glyphosate was 3.1 h (95% CI = 2.7–3.6 h). Conclusions. Despite treatment in rural hospitals with limited resources, the mortality was 3.2%, which is lower than that reported in previous case series. More research is required to define the mechanism of toxicity, better predict the small group at risk of death, and find effective treatments. |
23064331 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2018-04-03T03:41:07.365Z | 1994-07-01T00:00:00.000Z | Effects of elevated CO(2) on growth and chloroplast proteins in Prunus avium.
To predict the future carbon sequestering capacity of trees, we need information about the possible acclimatory mechanisms of plant growth and photosynthesis in rising atmospheric CO(2) under a variety of environmental conditions. We have, therefore, studied the growth response of a tree species (Prunus avium L. Stella (wild cherry)) to elevated CO(2) and characterized the associated changes in photosynthetic machinery of the leaf tissue. Self-pollinated seedlings and mature cuttings (clones) from the same parent plant of P. avium were grown for two consecutive growing seasons (about 60 days each) in ambient CO(2) (350 micro mol mol(-1) CO(2)) or elevated CO(2) (700 micro mol mol(-1) CO(2)) with a high or low nutrient supply. The degree of acclimation of leaf biochemistry and growth response to elevated CO(2) was dependent on the plant material (seedling or mature cutting) and nutrient supply. There was little or no growth response to elevated CO(2) in seedlings or cuttings in the low nutrient supply treatments, whereas, in both seasons, there was a strongly positive growth response to elevated CO(2) in seedlings and cuttings in the high nutrient supply regimes, resulting in increases in the root/shoot ratio and in carbon allocation to the roots. In contrast, the protein content and activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) were down regulated in elevated CO(2). The loss of Rubisco on an area basis in plants in the elevated CO(2) treatments was compensated for at the canopy level by increased leaf area. The loss of Rubisco protein was accompanied by decreases in the contents of chlorophyll and the thylakoid membrane proteins D(1), D(2) and cytochrome f, which are involved in light harvesting and photo-electron transport. We conclude that, in the medium- to long-term, the initial stimulation of biomass production by elevated CO(2) may be increasingly offset by a lower photosynthetic capacity per unit leaf area in perennial plants. |
9602981 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2016-03-22T00:56:01.885Z | 2009-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | Risks and Controls in Facility Management Processes During the Real Estate Utilization Phase
Methodology / approach Risk identification is founded on a business process-oriented perspective. This means that so-called reference processes which were mapped inductively are used as a basis. Subsequently, the reference models are enlarged by possible key risks and related control activities. Risk identification is done by means of expert interviews, the analysis of companies’ strategic and operational planning and the analysis of existing risk check lists. |
15169681 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2014-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | 1994-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | THE INTERNAL GEOMETRY OF AN EVAPORATING
We present a semi-classical model for the formation and evaporation of a four dimensional black hole. We solve the equations numerically and obtain solutions describing the entire the space-time geometry from the collapse to the end of the evaporation. The solutions satisfy the evaporation law: _ M / ?M ?2 which connrms dynamically that black holes do evaporate thermally. We nd that the evaporation process is in fact the shrinking of a throat that connects a macroscopic interior \universe" to the asymptotically at exterior. It ends either by pinching oo the throat leaving a closed universe and a Minkowskian exterior or by freezing up when the throat's radius approaches a Planck size. In either case the macroscopic inner universe is the region where the information lost during the evaporation process is hidden. |
10329281 | s2ag/train | v2 | 2014-10-01T00:00:00.000Z | 2006-01-01T00:00:00.000Z | MASS DETECTION IN MAMMOGRAMS COMBINING TWO METHODS
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. Currently mammography (X-ray examination of the breast) is the most efficient method for early detection. Two independently developed methods for detecting cancer-indicating masses in mammograms are presented in this paper. The first method is based on pixel intensities, the second one on texture features. The possible combinations of the two different approaches are investigated to achieve better mass detection rate with less false warnings. The composite system was tested with 523 mammographic cases, each containing 4 images. |