cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Political Ethics of Léopold Sédar Senghor

African leaders such as Leopold Sedar Senghor, Kwame Nkrumah, and Julius Kambarage Nyerere struggled against empires to free Africans from European colonization and imperialism. They have seldom been given the credit they deserved for pioneering the arduous transitional journey toward independence. The nationalism they have often been critiqued for is rarely seen or positioned as a critical response to the European colonialism, namely the transfer of values, cultural domination, and exploitation. This chapter is a modest primer—sketching the political ethics of Senghor—ethics that shaped his construction of African Socialism/Communalism and civilization of the universal. His political ethics enshrine a humanism that inspires a call for the exercise of social justice and equity that shuns greed, relinquishes power, and practices conciliation—a much needed model for emergent Africa.
Xylem conductivities in leaf veins

Abstract Leaves are the main photosynthetic organs of plants. There is almost an infinite variety of leaf shapes and venations. The purpose of the current study was to determine if leaf areas, leaf veins and xylem conductivities are well scaled among primary, secondary and tertiary tiers in leaves with percurrent leaf venation for 32 species. Data from both fully-expanded leaves and leaves that underwent expansion were analyzed. Thirty-two species with leaves of 7.25 to 887 cm2 lamina areas with a median leaf area of 81 cm2 were tested. On average, leaves had 19 secondary veins 45 mm long to produce secondary areas of 4.1 cm2. Leaves had 272 tertiary areas, each 0.30 cm2, in which the median tertiary veins were 10 mm in length. There were strong relationships between lamina areas, vein lengths, vessel numbers, vessel radii and xylem conductivities among tier levels. Primary veins had a median xylem conductivity of 1.02 g cm-1 MPa-1 s-1 while secondary and tertiary xylem conductivities were 0.51 and 0.00081 g cm-1 MPa-1 s-1, respectively. The above strong relationships for fully-expanded leaves were confirmed for five species during leaf expansion. Estimates of water conduction with respect to lamina areas, vein characteristics and xylem conductivities among tier levels are presented. The strong relationships among the above parameters of this study suggest that leaf characteristics of leaf lamina areas, veins lengths and xylem conductivities of each species are well scaled to provide water to all areas of leaves.
Soils with Lamellae

Soils in many parts of the world contain fine-textured pedogenic layers that have been referred to as “fibers,” “clay bands” (Berg 1984), “texture bands” (Hannah and Zahner 1970; Kemp and McIntosh 1989), “illuvial bands” (Prusinkiewicz et al. 1998), “textural subsoil lamellae” (Dijkerman et al. 1967; Miles and Franzmeier 1981), “illuvial clay lamellae” (Johnson et al. 2008), and “lamellae” (Schaetzl 1992; Holliday and Rawling 2006). The lamellae definition is used in Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff 2010), where soils containing lamellae are distinguished at the subgroup level. In Soil Taxonomy, a lamella is an illuvial soil horizon less than 7.5 cm thick that contains an accumulation of oriented silicate clay on or bridging sand and silt grains. Lamellae play an important role in the flux of water and nutrients, especially in coarse-textured soils and, therefore, on plant growth (Hannah and Zahner 1971). Lamellae have been used as soil stratigraphic markers and relative-age indicators in archeological studies (Gile 1979; Miles and Franzmeier 1981; Holliday and Rawling 2006).
The unfolded protein response links tumor aneuploidy to local immune dysregulation

Abstract Aneuploidy is a chromosomal abnormality associated with poor prognosis in many cancer types. Here we tested the hypothesis that the unfolded protein response (UPR) links mechanistically aneuploidy and local immune dysregulation. Using a single somatic copy-number alteration (SCNA) score inclusive of whole-chromosome, arm and focal chromosome alterations in a pan-cancer analysis of 9,375 samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we found an inverse correlation with a cytotoxicity (CYT) score across disease stages. Co-expression patterns of UPR genes changed substantially between SCNAlow and SCNAhigh groups. Pathway activity scores showed increased activity by multiple branches of the UPR in response to aneuploidy. The PERK branch showed the strongest association with a reduced CYT score. The conditioned medium of aneuploid cells transmitted XBP1 splicing and caused IL-6 and Arginase1 transcription in receiver bone marrow-derived macrophages. We propose the UPR as a mechanistic link between aneuploidy and immune dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment. Statement of Significance Aneuploidy accumulates over the life of a tumor and is associated with poor prognosis. Tumor progression is also associated with a progressive immune dysregulation. To explain these complex and concurrent disorders we tested the hypothesis that the unfolded protein could represent the link between aneuploidy and a dysregulation of local immunity favoring tumor progression.
Electrophysiological studies and sleep-wake cycle

Abstract Mammalian sleep and arousal are complex neurobehavioral processes. The advent of devices for recording electrical signals almost a century ago made it possible not only to characterize sleep-wake stages objectively but also to understand the mechanisms underlying these processes. During these years, several tools and combination of approaches that have evolved with technological advances have been used to identify brain regions involved, the cellular and neural substrates in those regions, neurotransmitter phenotypes of the cells involved, and the interactions between sleep-, wake-, and circadian-systems that orchestrate the onset and maintenance of the sleep-waking process under normal and pathological conditions. In this regard, electrophysiology has been a major methodological tool to investigate brain functioning in relation to sleep-wake control. In fact, a significant aspect of our understanding of the neuronal behavior and control of sleep-wake function is based on electrophysiological approaches. This chapter briefly describes the electrophysiological tools/strategies that have been used to understand the sleep-wake regulatory neuronal networks and the mechanisms underlying the sleep-wake cycle.
Resistance, resilience, and recovery of salt marshes in the Florida Panhandle following Hurricane Michael.

Characterizing the fragility, resistance, and resilience of marshes is critical for understanding their role in reducing storm damages and for helping to manage the recovery of these natural defenses. This study uses high-resolution aerial imagery to quantify the impacts of Hurricane Michael, a category 5 hurricane, on coastal salt marshes in the Florida Panhandle, USA. Marsh damage was classified into several categories, including deposition of sediment or wrack, fallen trees, vegetation loss, and conversion to open water. The marshes were highly resistant to storm damages even under extreme conditions; only 2% of the 173,259 km2 of marshes in the study area were damaged-a failure rate much lower than that of artificial defenses. Marshes may be more resistant than resilient to storm impacts; damaged marshes were slow to recover, and only 16% of damaged marshes had recovered 6 months after landfall. Marsh management mattered for resistance and resilience; marshes on publicly-managed lands were less likely to be damaged and more likely to recover quickly from storm impacts than marshes on private land, emphasizing the need to incentivize marsh management on private lands. These results directly inform policy and practice for hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, adaptation, and conservation, particularly given the potential for more intense hurricane landfalls as the climate changes.
RAILROAD DAMAGE IN THE ALASKA EARTHQUAKE

Permanent horizontal movements of wet unconsolidated water-laid sediments were a major cause of damage to the Alaskan Railroad. Sediments mobilized by the shaking moved toward the unconfined faces of topographic irregularities that ranged in size from small drainage ditches to wide valleys. The movements produced surface cracks in zones of distension on stream banks shortening the distances between stream banks. At stream crossings, bridge superstructures were compressed, and yielded by arching and horizontal deflection. Deeply driven piling in bridge substructures was shifted by the horizontal movements of mobilized sediments that extended out under the stream bottoms. Where the railroad crossed streams at an acute angle, streamward movement of the banks produced horizontal offsets between embankment center lines on opposite sides of the streams. The bearing strength of the unconsolidated sediments was so reduced by the shaking that embankments settled downward. Transient horizontal compression also occurred; some had considerable force. Linear surface irregularities localized surface cracks, and embankments produced cracks in adjacent sediments.
Determination of adsorption isotherm parameters with correlated errors by measurement error models

Abstract In a typical adsorption experimental study, adsorbate concentration in solid phase is generally calculated by mass balance equation and rarely measured separately. This procedure causes the presence of correlated errors between adsorbate concentrations in fluid and solid phase. To determine adsorption isotherm parameters with correlated errors, the objective function of maximum likelihood estimation is derived under the framework of measurement error models. Two approximate solutions to eliminate nuisance parameters are presented following the exact expression of maximum likelihood estimation. Monte Carlo simulation is carried out to compare the accuracy and precision of proposed methods with other commonly used regression techniques for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Simulation results confirm that measurement error models are most accurate and precise among all examined methods. The proposed measurement error models are especially suited for the adsorption experiment where the ratio of fluid volume to solid mass is large.
Engineering subtle targeted mutations into the mouse genome

Homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells offers an exquisitely precise mechanism to introduce targeted modifications to the mouse genome. This ability to produce specific alterations to the mouse genome has become an essential tool for the analysis of gene function and the development of mouse models of human disease. Of the many thousands of mouse alleles that have been generated by gene targeting, the majority are designed to completely ablate gene function, to create conditional alleles that are inactivated in the presence of Cre recombinase, or to produce reporter alleles that label-specific tissues or cell populations (Eppig et al., 2012, Nucleic Acids Res 40:D881-D886). However, there is a variety of powerful motivations for the introduction of subtle targeted mutations (STMs) such as point mutations, small deletions, or small insertions into the mouse genome. The introduction of STMs allows the ablation of specific transcript isoforms, permits the functional investigation of particular domains or amino acids within a protein, provides the ability to study the role of specific sites with in cis-regulatory elements, and can result in better mouse models of human genetic disorders. In this review, I examine the current strategies that are commonly used to introduce STMs into the mouse genome and highlight new gene targeting technologies, including TALENs and CRISPR/Cas, which are likely to influence the future of gene targeting in mice.
Chapter 18 Signal transduction cascades responsive to oxidative stress in the vasculature

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the oxidative stress-induced signal transduction pathways in the vasculature. The events of oxidative stress-induced signal transduction occur at different levels. The first event includes sensing and converting oxidative stress mediated by (receptor tyrosine kinases) RTKs, G proteins, protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), and ion channels. Second event include integrating intracellular signals mediated by calcium, PKC, and MAPKs. The final events are the cellular biological responses, including transcription factor activation, and gene expression and protein secretion, leading to cell proliferation or apoptosis. The regulation of cellular signaling by oxidative stress does not have to follow the above signaling sequence. In fact, the specific response elicited by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is determined by their specific intracellular target(s) at different levels. This response is dependent on the species of ROS produced, the source and subcellular localization of ROS, the kinetics of production, and the quantifiers produced. The future efforts can be directed toward better defining and characterizing the signaling pathways regulated by ROS in vascular cells. Such efforts will likely yield new molecular targets and ultimately more effective therapies for preventing or ameliorating vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension, through fine modulation of ROS-regulated signaling.
Package architecture design and optimization tool AUDiT: Version 4.2 for inhomogeneous systems

AUDiT, a CAD (computer-aided-design) program for modeling single-board electronic systems, is described. Given user-specified inputs including the system's architectural hierarchy, the technologies used to implement chips, packages, and the board, and a list of critical paths. AUDiT provides extensive information about the resulting system. Systems can contain arbitrary inhomogeneous mixtures of chip and package types/technologies. Several analysis tools are provided to allow the user to explore parameter and architectural changes, with an interface built around X Windows to promote ease of use. For the advanced user, AUDiT provides configuration files, which allow modification of the computational models and addition of user models. >
Computing beyond the Firewall

(2010). Computing Beyond the Firewall. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 53, No. 3, pp. 64-65.
An overview of electron beam decontamination technology and applications

High-energy radiation is an effective means of decontamination, including sterilization, sanitization, and pasteurization. The principal sources are radioisotope and machine-generated radiation. Radioisotope sources use radioactive materials such as /sup 60/Co or /sup 137/Cs, which produce gamma radiation from nuclear decay. The inventory of radioactive material is typically 1 MegaCurie or more for a high-volume radioisotope irradiator. In contrast, the machine-generated radiation is obtained from an electrical power source that first produces a high-energy electron beam, to be used in a direct e-beam mode or in an indirect X-ray mode. The advantages of the machine-generated radiation are related to the lack of radioactive materials inventory, the ability to configure the radiation output to optimize coupling into the product, the reliability of modern industrial accelerators, and the relative simplicity of engineering the accelerator to the irradiator facility. The choice between the direct electron beam and indirect X-ray conversion systems is typically made as a trade-off between efficiency and product penetration distance. The efficiency of X-ray conversion of electron energy to total radiation is about 18 percent at 10 MeV. The major advantage of the X-ray process is the longer penetration distance, a factor of about 5 greater than that for the direct electron beam for typical treatment conditions. Accelerator technology and irradiation applications will be discussed, including food pasteurization, medical sterilization, and other decontamination applications. Several examples will be used to illustrate design choices and practical tradeoffs for these applications.
The Electromechanical Behavior of BaTi O 3 Single-Domain Crystals

The electromechanical response of BaTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ single-domain crystals was investigated as a function of temperature from room temperature to above the Curie point. It was found that when we eliminate domain effects, either by using a perfect single-domain crystal or by aligning the domains by an external electric field, we are dealing with a true linear piezoeffect. The linear piezoeffect was measured by both a static and a dynamic method. The values of the ${d}_{31}$ piezoelectric coefficient were compared with those calculated from the dielectric constant and the spontaneous polarization. The behavior of the piezoelectric resonance frequency was observed also through the same temperature range. Although the crystal is cubic above the Curie point and has a center of symmetry, the piezoelectric response persisted under the application of an external d.c. field because the external field will induce a tetragonal crystal structure through the electrostrictive effect, so that the crystal becomes piezoelectric again above the Curie point. Optical and dielectric measurements were found to verify these results.
Predicting early blast transformation in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia: Is immunophenotyping the missing link?

BACKGROUND Flow cytometry (FC) is a commonly requested test in the workup of leukocytosis in community practices. The role of FC in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) is unknown. We hypothesized that finding aberrant cells with FC in CP-CML may predict early blast-phase (BP) transformation. METHODS Results for FC performed at the time of diagnosis for adult and pediatric patients with CP-CML who were referred to our institution were reviewed, and they were correlated with outcomes. RESULTS FC was performed at the time of diagnosis for 110 of 233 patients (47%) with CP-CML. Aberrant populations, representing a median of 2% (range, 0.3%-15%), were detected with FC in 30% of patients (33 of 110): 2 of these 33 patients expressed lymphoid markers, and 31 expressed aberrant myeloid markers. Patients received imatinib (85%), dasatinib (12%), or nilotinib (3%) as their first-line treatment. With a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 2-113 months), chronic myeloid leukemia transformed to BP in 5 of the 33 patients. The 2 patients with lymphoid markers and the 3 of 31 patients with aberrant myeloid markers experienced a transformation to lymphoid BP at a median of 11 months (range, 4-72 months) after the initiation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Although both cases with detectable lymphoid markers rapidly progressed to lymphoid BP, the positive predictive value of BP transformation by the detection of myeloid aberrant cells with FC was only 10% (3 of 31). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to aberrant myeloid markers, the detection of lymphoid markers by FC at the time of the diagnosis of CP-CML appears to be associated with early progression to lymphoid BP. Cancer 2015;121:872–875. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Innovative propagation mechanism for inter-chip and intra-chip communication

SoC (System on chip) technology has rapidly developed in recent years, stimulating emerging research areas such as investigating the efficacy of wireless network interconnection within a single chip or between multiple chips. However the design of the on-chip antenna faces the challenge of obtaining high radiation efficiency and transmission gain due to conductive loss of the silicon substrate. A new on-chip propagation mechanism of radio waves, which takes advantage of the un-doped silicon layer, is developed in order to overcome this challenge. It was found that by properly designing the dimension of silicon wafer, the un-doped silicon layer is able to act like a waveguide. Most of the energy is directed to the approximately lossless the undoped silicon layer of high resistivity instead of attenuating in the doped silicon substrate or radiating to the air. HFSS modeling and simulation results are provided to show that efficiency, gain and directivity of the on-chip antenna are greatly improved. In addition, this type of antennas can be easily reconfigured, which as a result, makes wireless SoCs with wireless interconnects or even a wireless network on PCB (Printed Circuit Board) possible.
Deep dorsal vein to corporal body shunt : an operation for recurrent priapism

Many operations have been described for priapism, a painful condition and a urological emergency. We describe a shunt between the deep dorsal vein and corporal body. The shunt is fairly easy to perform under loupe magnification and has resulted in detumescence and preservation of potency. Priapism can be classified into four main types clinically: acute priapism, recurrent priapism, chronic priapism, and acute on chronic priapism. Recurrent priapism is a form of priapism in which a patient gets frequent attacks. This may occur at long intervals, but sometimes the episodes are frequent and result in hospitalizations. The natural history in some of these patients varies; the patient may eventually become impotent or continue to get attacks. There is a subset of patients in which the frequency of priapic episodes becomes so frequent and troublesome that a surgical procedure has to be contemplated. There is no effective medication currently available to provide symptomatic relief. The operation is performed under either regional or general anesthesia. An incision is made around the base of the penis. The penis is then delivered into the wound from its base to the mid-shaft area. The deep dorsal vein is then isolated and mobilized. Its tributaries are ligated from either side. The deep dorsal vein is then severed at the junction of distal mid-shaft of the penis. The end of the vein is spatulated. A suitable area is then selected in the dorsum of either of the corporal bodies. An island of tunica is removed from the corporal cavernosa, corresponding to the spatulated size of the dorsal vein of the penis. An anastomosis is performed between the vein and the corporal body with a 7/0 running vascular suture under loupe magnification. The patency of the shunt can be confirmed by injecting heparinized normal saline into the corporal body. The shunt has resulted in satisfactory resolution of attacks of recurrent priapism and surprisingly, maintaining normal erections
Abstract 313: Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis Referred for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Who Remain Untreated

Background: The availability of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has expanded the proportion of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who are candidates for valve replacement. Nevertheless, many patients decline or are not candidates for TAVR or surgical replacement, and their prognosis and risk factors for mortality are incompletely understood. Methods: We examined 148 patients with severe AS referred for TAVR, but not treated with an aortic valve procedure, and with complete echocardiography and at least 3 months of follow-up. We determined all-cause mortality using the social security death index, and compared patient characteristics and echocardiography findings between survivors and non-survivors. Results: Mean age was 78.9±10.4 years, and 53.4% were male. Mean follow-up was 10.3±8.7 months, and death occurred in 63 (42.6%) of patients. Mean follow-up for survivors was 14.4±8.6 months, and mean time to death was 4.7±5.2 months. Cumulative survival was 55.7% and 47.2% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Table 1 provides unadjusted and adjusted variables associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Patients with severe AS referred for TAVR but remaining untreated experience a mortality rate of nearly 50% at one year. While comorbidities were not associated with mortality, presenting clinical variables and echocardiography findings can identify patients at increased risk of death. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
The effects of computer-supported collaborative learning on students' writing performance

Using mixed research methods, this study investigated the effect of a computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environment in improving the fifth graders' writing performance and outcomes. Thirty-four students participated in a real-world writing project, taking on alternative roles of journalists and editors in creating a school newspaper. While both groups were engaged in the task of collaborative writing, the CSCL group was supported by a web-based software Knowledge Forum whereas the control group created their articles via paper and pencil. During the research, observation notes were taken and students were interviewed. The results showed that students who worked with Knowledge Forum had significant gains in their writing performance compared with the control group. In addition, the students in Knowledge Forum were more motivated to write than the other group. The study demonstrates that CSCL augments collaborative learning and makes individuals' thinking visible via its technological affordances.
iHIDE: hiding sources of information in WSNs

In the most deployment scenarios of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) the sensors are statically distributed and configured to propagate the captured information towards the sink-sensor. This information might be unclassified, such as environmental data, or private, such as the location of an important asset. In the latter case, security mechanisms might be essential to ensure the confidentiality of the location of the information source. Such mechanisms might exploit light cryptographic systems, such us elliptic curve, to authenticate and cipher the information that is relayed towards the sink. On the other hand, the static configuration of WSNs might simplify the apocalypses of the information source. An eavesdropper might use reverse packet-routing engineering to expose the location of the sensor that captured and reported the phenomenon. To deal with this issue, we have introduced a novel approach, called iHIDE - information hiding in distributing environments, to enable source-location privacy in WSNs. iHIDE adopts a non-geographical, overlay routing method for packet delivery. This paper introduces the architecture, and assesses its performance through simulation experiments, providing comparisons with relative approaches.
KINETICS OF CHLOROPHYLL a AND PLASTOQUINONE A: CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO LIGHT INTENSITY1

SUMMARY The thermophilic blue-green Synechococcus lividus Y52 was grown at several light intensities between 200 and 2400 ft-c. A 3.4-fold change of cellular chlorophyll (Chl) a content was found. The concentration of Plastoquinone A (PQA) per Chl a varied by a factor of 7, whereas PQA per cell varied by 1.4. Adaptation to light intensity appeared to occur through changes in size of the light-gathering antenna of chlorophyll and phycocyanin while the concentration of PQA remained nearly constant.
Cerebral Alanine Transport and Alanine Aminotransferase Reaction: Alanine as a Source of Neuronal Glutamate

Alanine transport and the role of alanine amino-transferase in the synthesis and consumption of glutamate were investigated in the preparation of rat brain synaptosomes. Alanine was accumulated rapidly via both the high- and low-affinity uptake systems. The high-affinity transport was dependent on the sodium concentration gradient and membrane electrical potential, which suggests a cotransport with Na+. Rapid accumulation of the Na(+)-alanine complex by synaptosomes stimulated activity of the Na+/K+ pump and increased energy utilization; this, in turn, activated the ATP-producing pathways, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Accumulation of Na+ also caused a small depolarization of the plasma membrane, a rise in [Ca2+]i, and a release of glutamate. Intra-synaptosomal metabolism of alanine via alanine amino-transferase, as estimated from measurements of N fluxes from labeled precursors, was much slower than the rate of alanine uptake, even in the presence of added oxoacids. The velocity of [15N]alanine formation from [15N]glutamine was seven to eight times higher than the rate of [15N]-glutamate generation from [15N]alanine. It is concluded that (a) overloading of nerve endings with alanine could be deleterious to neuronal function because it increases release of glutamate; (b) the activity of synaptosomal alanine aminotransferase is much slower than that of glutaminase and hence unlikely to play a major role in maintaining [glutamate] during neuronal activity; and (c) alanine amino-transferase might serve as a source of glutamate during recovery from ischemia/hypoxia when the alanine concentration rises and that of glutamate falls.
Very-long-baseline interferometry techniques applied to problems of geodesy, geophysics, planetary science, astronomy, and general relativity

Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) techniques have already been used to determine the vector separations between antennas thousands of kilometers apart to within 2 m and the directions of extragalactic radio sources to 0.1", and to track an artificial satellite of the earth and the Apollo Lunar Rover on the surface of the moon. The relative locations of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) transmitters on the lunar surface are being measured within 1 m, and the moon's libration is being measured to 1" of selenocentric arc. Attempts are under way to measure the solar gravitational deflection of radio waves more accurately than previously possible, by means of VLBI. A wide variety of scientific problems is being attacked by VLBI techniques, which may soon be two orders of magnitude more accurate than at present.
Establishment of rotavirus persistent infection in cell culture

Inoculation of the rabbit kidney cell line (RK13) with simian rotavirus SA11 resulted in persistently infected (carrier) cultures. A small percentage of these cells produced infectious virus (>25 passages) and trypsin treatment enhanced virus production.
Makerspaces and Teaching Artists.

ABSTRACT A librarian and scholar discusses the burgeoning makerspace movement as a new context for teaching artist work.
Role of Methotrexate in the Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid in the Elderly

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease that commonly occurs in the elderly. Immunosuppressive medications are effective at controlling the disease in the majority of cases. Mortality can occur as a consequence of severe disease or as a result of the therapies that are frequently employed as treatment. Commonly employed therapies include systemic corticosteroids, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil. In a small subset of patients, these first- and second-line therapies do not control disease or are not tolerated by the patients. Optional therapies include nicotinamide (niacinamide), tetracycline, intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide, dapsone and methotrexate. The majority of BP patients are elderly, and several considerations need to be taken into account before a specific therapy is chosen. Methotrexate provides several advantages in the elderly population in terms of practicality, cost and tolerability. Several retrospective and prospective studies have evaluated its effectiveness in the treatment of BP in the elderly population. The results of these studies indicate that methotrexate is an effective therapy for BP and is a reasonable option for treatment in the elderly population, although maybe not as a first- or second-line therapy.
Pathophysiology of NSAID-induced gastroduodenal damage: epidemiology and mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents.

SUMMARY All NSAIDs cause gastroduodenal mucosal damage. The mechanisms by which NSAIDs damage the mucosa are not fully understood. Peptic ulcers appear to be caused by an imbalance between acid output and mucosal resistance; therapeutic agents that act favourably on either variable will heal NSAID-induced ulcers, particularly if the NSAID is discontinued. Inhibition of acid secretion and/or stimulation of prostaglandin secretion are also believed to have a protective effect against NSAID-induced mucosal damage. Thus, antisecretory agents, such as the H2 blockers, and prostaglandin analogues, such as misoprostol, can provide protection against NSAID-induced gastroduodenal damage.
A methodological approach for register-based evaluation of cost and outcomes in health care

AbstractIntroduction. In health care, measures of performance are needed at producer level for improving the treatment processes and at system level for steering purposes. In addition, measures that enable reliable comparisons of producers with respect to each other should encourage them to develop their treatment processes to attain better positioning in benchmarking.Methods. The main innovation of the Performance, Effectiveness, and Costs of Treatment episodes (PERFECT) project is to measure performance using existing linkable information available from registers within well-defined care episodes in a whole population. Finnish health care and related registers are used for constructing the disease-specific databases, with rich content on treatment processes and complete follow-up data.Results. The PERFECT project has developed numerous performance indicators that can be used to evaluate health policy actions as well as to create regional and hospital-level benchmarking data. In PERFECT, the idea is to e...
Rice Photosynthesis and Evapotranspiration in Subambient, Ambient, and Superambient Carbon Dioxide Concentrations

(...) The objectives were to determine the effects of [CO 2 ] on photosynthesis, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa, L., cv. IR-30). Rice plants were grown in naturally sunlit, plant growth chambers in subambient (160 and 250), ambient (330), or superambient (500, 660, 900 μmol CO 2 mol -1 air) [CO 2 ] treatments. Photosynthetic light response curves were analyzed to obtain estimates of canopy light utilization efficiency (α) and canopy conductance to CO 2 transfer (τ) (...)
Urolith Analysis: Submission, Methods, and Interpretation

The detection, treatment, and prevention of the causes underlying urolithiasis depend on knowledge of the composition and structure of the entire stone. Therefore, proper and complete analysis of uroliths is an important part of proper patient care. This article discusses methods of urolith retrieval, proper sample submission, methods of urolith analysis, and interpretation of results.
Electric and Mechanical Activity of the Rabbit Oviduct in Vitro Before and After Ovulation

Oviducts from 47 rabbits which had been mated or induced to ovulate were examined in vitro. Intraluminal pressure recorded without perfusion showed variable characteristics in the beginning of the study but was significantly lower than the perfusion pressure. Contractions were asynchronous and their frequency varied with time in respect to mating. Electric activity propagated in both directions on the oviduct. The relation of local bursts to propagating bursts and the relation of bursts propagating in the uterine direction to the bursts propagating in the ovarian direction varied with the site of the oviduct and with time in respect ot mating. In the ampullaryisthmic junction bias was strong in the ovarian direction at 17 hours after mating presumably resisting the movement of eggs from the ampulla to the Isthmus. There was no bias at 43 hours and a slight bias at 71 hours in the uterine direction. In the isthmus bias in the uterine direction increased from 17 to 71 hours probably increasing the probability of eggs being moved toward the uterus. Results emphasize the complexity of contractile activity of the oviduct.
Can Oil-Reliant Countries Democratize? An Assessment of the Role of Civil Society in Algeria

A cursory look around the world shows that few oil-reliant countries can be categorized as democracies, particularly those in the Middle East. In fact, many studies have suggested that oil wealth hinders democratization. The recent “Arab Spring” and subsequent political instability in oil-producing states such as Algeria, Egypt, Libya and Syria gives rise to questions regarding the prospects for democracy in these types of countries. This article provides an analysis of the possible role that civil society may play in democratization in oil-reliant states by looking at the case of Algeria. I argue that the seemingly meaningless and artificial acts of “liberalization” initiated by the Algerian government in the late 1980s, which initially allowed civic associations to form, have provided an opening for some civic associations to organize and oppose the government. This process of liberalization, regardless of how empty it may have seemed at first, has “opened floodgates” that now cannot be closed. Thus, th...
The negative impacts of starting middle school in sixth grade

Using administrative data on public school students in North Carolina, we find that sixth grade students attending middle schools are much more likely to be cited for discipline problems than those attending elementary school. That difference remains after adjusting for the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the students and their schools. Furthermore, the higher infraction rates recorded by sixth graders who are placed in middle school persist at least through ninth grade. An analysis of end-of-grade test scores provides complementary findings. A plausible explanation is that sixth graders are at an especially impressionable age; in middle school, the exposure to older peers and the relative freedom from supervision have deleterious consequences. These findings are relevant to the current debate over the best school configuration for incorporating the middle grades. Based on our results, we suggest that there is a strong argument for separating sixth graders from older adolescents. © 2008 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Measurements of partial oxygen pressure (pO2) using the oxylite system in R3327-AT tumors under isoflurane anesthesia

Abstract Wen, B., Urano, M., O'Donoghue, J. A. and Ling, C. C. Measurements of Partial Oxygen Pressure (pO2) using the OxyLite System in R3327-AT Tumors under Isoflurane Anesthesia. Radiat. Res. 166, 512–518 (2006). The presence of oxygen-deficient tumor cells is a critical issue in cancer therapy. To identify tumor hypoxia, tissue partial oxygen pressure (pO2) can be measured directly. The OxyLite system allows determination of pO2 in tumors and permits continuous measurements of pO2 at a fixed point. In this study, this system was used to continuously measure pO2 in R3327-AT tumors in animals anesthetized with isoflurane. In addition, continuous pO2 measurement was performed in the muscle in non-tumor-bearing animals. In animals breathing isoflurane balanced by air, tumor pO2 at fixed positions decreased rapidly within 1–2 min of probe positioning but remained stable thereafter. In animals breathing isoflurane balanced by pure oxygen, tumor pO2 was higher and remained high. We also measured pO2 values a...
Microscale and nanoscale robotics systems [Grand Challenges of Robotics]

Depending on their overall size, sensing and actuation precision, part or tool size, and task space, robotic systems can be classified as microrobotics or nanorobotics, respectively. Micro/nanorobotics represents these two different scale robotics areas jointly while keeping their clear scale differences in mind. At its current early infancy, the field of micro/nanorobotics has two major research thrust areas. Analogous to the manipulation area in macroscale robotics, the first area explores new methods for programmable manipulation and assembly of micro- and nanoscale entities. Here, the overall micro/nanorobotic system size can be very large, while only the manipulation tools, manipulated objects, and sensing, actuation, and manipulation precision are required to be at the micro/nanoscale. On the other hand, the second research area focuses on overall miniaturization of mobile robots down to mum overall sizes with various locomotion capabilities such as flying, swimming, walking, hopping, rolling, and climbing. In these mobile robotic systems, overall system size is very limited, which induces severe constraints in utilized actuators, sensors, motion mechanisms, power sources, computing power, and wireless communication capability. These two research thrusts are described in detail in the following sections
The Hell Creek Formation and the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary in the Northern Great Plains: An Integrated Continental Record of the End of the Cretaceous

The Hell Creek Formation and the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary in the Northern Great Plains: An Integrated Continental Record of the End of the Cretaceous. Joseph H. Hartman, Kirk R. Johnson, and Douglas J. Nichols (eds.). 2002. Geological Society of America Special Paper, 361, 520 p., paperback, ISBN 0-813-72361-2. As a scientist who works on the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary for something less than an assistant professor's salary, I eagerly awaited the arrival of this volume at my university library. Apparently I wasn't the only one. Because although I was ready to pounce and present my card the moment it arrived, the librarian reported The Hell Creek Formation and the Cretaceous–Tertiary Boundary in the Northern Great Plains stolen before I got there. If this strikes anyone as surprising, add the outrageous cost of the book—$96 for Geological Society of America members and $120 for nonmembers—to its utility, and ask yourself whether the GSA is serving the geoscience community. Why should volumes like this (and #361 is not the most expensive of the Special Papers), published by a professional society, be so unavailable to so many of us? Yes, printing and paper do cost something—at 520 pages and extras, the volume could be photocopied cover-to-cover for $26.30. For almost five times the cost of photocopying, publishers should provide something one can't get in a copy. Yet the editors and authors aren't getting royalties, the graphic design is nothing special, and there are no color illustrations. It's not even a durable book; this is a glue-bound paperback, unlikely to endure as a family heirloom. Fortunately, the Journal of Paleontology editors saved me from a life of copyright crime by sending a review copy. The GSA needs to move into the century at hand: Put the chapters on the World Wide Web as .pdf files, and charge …
Extension of wavelength-modulation spectroscopy to large modulation depth for diode laser absorption measurements in high-pressure gases

Tunable diode laser absorption measurements at high pressures by use of wavelength-modulation spectroscopy (WMS) require large modulation depths for optimum detection of molecular absorption spectra blended by collisional broadening or dense spacing of the rovibrational transitions. Diode lasers have a large and nonlinear intensity modulation when the wavelength is modulated over a large range by injection-current tuning. In addition to this intensity modulation, other laser performance parameters are measured, including the phase shift between the frequency modulation and the intensity modulation. Following published theory, these parameters are incorporated into an improved model of the WMS signal. The influence of these nonideal laser effects is investigated by means of wavelength-scanned WMS measurements as a function of bath gas pressure on rovibrational transitions of water vapor near 1388 nm. Lock-in detection of the magnitude of the 2f signal is performed to remove the dependence on detection phase. We find good agreement between measurements and the improved model developed for the 2f component of the WMS signal. The effects of the nonideal performance parameters of commercial diode lasers are especially important away from the line center of discrete spectra, and these contributions become more pronounced for 2f signals with the large modulation depths needed for WMS at elevated pressures.
The effect of pressure differential and care provider movement on airborne infectious isolation room containment effectiveness.

Background Airborne infectious isolation rooms (AIIRs) are maintained at a negative pressure relative to surrounding areas to prevent migration of potentially infectious droplet nuclei. Current US design standards require a pressure differential of only 2.5 Pascals (Pa), compared with 15 Pa in some other countries. The purpose of this work was to compare containment efficiency in a properly designed anteroom-equipped hospital AIIR at differential pressures ranging from 2.5 to 20 Pa under conditions of no provider traffic and simulated high provider traffic. Methods Fluorescent microspheres were released into the AIIR to simulate infectious droplet nuclei. Airborne concentrations were measured inside the AIIR, in the anteroom, and at the corridor–anteroom door both with and without care provider movement through the AIIR under differential pressure conditions of 2.5, 11, and 20 Pa. Particles were collected by air sampling onto filters, with enumeration via fluorescent microscopy. Results Reduced containment effectiveness during provider traffic was observed, consistent with previous studies. Containment increased with increasingly negative pressure differential and decreased with increasing provider traffic. Conclusions Provider traffic adversely affected containment. Containment improved with an increasing pressure differential. The anteroom plays an important role in limiting net particle escape, especially during provider movement through the space.
Studies on slag deposit formation in pulverized coal combustors. 1. Results on the wetting and adherence of synthetic coal ash drops on steel

Abstract As part of a study of slag deposit formation in pulverized-coal-fired boilers, apparent contact angles and adhesion strengths of molten mineral drops contacted with cooler oxidized steel substrates have been investigated. High-speed photography indicated that freezing of the interface between the molten drop and metal surface occurred in milliseconds. Adherence occurred between an oxide film on the metal and the drop, adherence was weak on stainless steels, and particles of oxide film were broken away from the substrate when the drops were sheared off. Higher substrate temperatures gave increased adhesion, with a larger area of strong interaction between the oxide and the drop interface and less area of weak interaction. Addition of compounds to lower the liquidus temperature of the drop gave increased adherence. Pyrite drops were converted to mainly pyrrhotite on melting and showed a high degree of wetting and adherence to the oxidized steel even at low temperatures.
Enhancing Team-Based Active Learning Through Hands-On Experience With Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Objectives. To enhance tobacco cessation active-learning in an ambulatory care elective course by adding hands-on experience with nicotine replacement therapy to a team-based learning (TBL) session. Design. A hands-on experience that included students chewing a piece of nicotine gum was added to a TBL class session. Student pairs used a skills checklist to evaluate and give peer feedback on appropriate counseling and gum use. Assessment. Students’ scores on a tobacco cessation examination were higher than those of students enrolled in the previous course in which TBL alone had been used. Based on pre- and post-experience survey responses, students’ perceptions regarding their abilities to provide tobacco cessation counseling improved. Subjective student comments regarding the experience were positive. Conclusion. Participating in a TBL session that incorporated hands-on experience with nicotine gum in an ambulatory care elective course increased students’ confidence in their ability to provide tobacco cessation counseling and provided a unique perspective on the product’s characteristics.