cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-parametric sweep of large-scale FEM models using the BT-POD

The design and optimization of high-frequency electronic systems such as antenna and microwave devices requires scanning and searching over various design parameter spaces that include frequency, material permittivity, permeability, or excitation (i.e., scan angles). Such sweeps require repeatedly solving the computational model (FEM or BEM) at various different parameter value combinations, leading to very slow computational design cycles. This paper presents a methodology for performing such sweeps in a fast manner. A multi-parametric model order reduction (MOR) scheme based on the recently developed balanced truncation - proper orthogonal decomposition (BT-POD) MOR [1], [2] is introduced to handle such sweeps. In contrast to the previous multi-parameter MOR presented in [3] and [4] that are based on Krylov model reduction, this work adopts the SVD-based reduction paradigm of BT-POD. The multi-parameter space sweep in this work is achieved in a two-step procedure: (1) An off-line (learning) stage where a coarse parameter space POD sampling is used to produce the multi-dimensional balancing transformations, followed by (2) an online (sweep) stage that performs the fine sampled parameter-space sweep via the solution of the reduced model. The system gramians [5] approximation involved in this MOR paradigm is obtained through the use of numerical integration over parameter spaces of interest, therefore such MOR technique can be extended to moderately high-dimensional parameter spaces using specialized Monte-Carlo and sparse grid integration strategies. The POD sampling is straightforwardly parallelizable, leading to farther time savings.
Conjugative plasmid transfer between Salmonella enterica Newport and Escherichia coli within the gastrointestinal tract of the lesser mealworm beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if conjugative transfer of antimicrobial resistance plasmids could occur between donor and recipient bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract of lesser meal-worm beetles, a common pest in poultry production facilities. In 3 replicate studies (n = 40 overall), beetles were allowed to feed for 2 h on brain heart infusion agar inoculated with a multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Newport strain (SN11 that carried plasmid replicons A/C and N) at 1.0 × 108 cfu/mL. Beetles were surface-disinfected and allowed to feed for 16 h on brain heart infusion agar inoculated with nalidixic acid- and rifampicin-resistant Escherichia coli JM109 at 9.0 × 106 cfu/mL. After bacterial exposure, beetles were surface-disinfected, homogenized, and selectively plated for transconjugants. Serial dilutions were done for conjugation frequencies. In vitro filter conjugations were performed simultaneously with beetle conjugations. Transconjugants were produced in all beetles exposed to both donor and recipient bacteria. Ninety-five percent of the beetle and 100% of the in vitro filter transconjugants were positive for the N plasmid replicon. The A/C replicon, which was also detected in the SN11 donor strain, did not transfer in any of the conjugation studies. None of the transconjugants displayed resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. The geometric mean conjugation frequency in the beetle gut was 1.07 × 10−1. The average conjugation frequencies for the beetle gut were 2 logs higher than those for the filter conjugations 4.1 × 10−3. This study demonstrates that horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance plasmids can occur between Salmonella and E. coli within the gut of beetles and that beetles may be used as an in vivo model to study resistance gene transfer.
Synchronization-based fault detection in discrete event systems

In this paper we study fault detection in systems that can be modeled as finite state machines (FSMs). We aim at detecting faults that manifest themselves as permanent changes in the next-state transition functionality of the FSM. Fault diagnosis is performed by an external observer/diagnoser that functions as an FSM and which has access to the input sequence applied to the system but has only limited access to the system state or output. In particular, we assume that the observer/diagnoser is only able to obtain partial information regarding the state of the system at irregular time intervals that are determined by certain synchronizing conditions between the system and the observer/diagnoser. By adopting a probabilistic framework, we analyze ways to optimally choose these synchronizing conditions and develop adaptive strategies that achieve a low probability of aliasing, i.e., a low probability that the external observer/diagnoser incorrectly declares the system as fault-free.
Photocurrent enhancement in GaAs solar cells using whispering gallery modes of dielectric nanospheres

Light trapping is a critical requirement in thin film photovoltaics, and dielectric texturing is a viable method to induce light trapping, but thin film device quality often suffers upon direct texturing of the semiconductor active material. Thus it is desirable to develop a design method in which textured dielectric layers provide for light trapping on smooth planar thin film cells. We propose here an approach for coupling light into smooth untextured thin film solar cells of uniform thickness using periodic arrangements of resonant dielectric nanospheres deposited as a continuous film on top of a thin cell. It is shown that guided whispering gallery modes in the spheres can be coupled into particular modes of the solar cell and significantly enhance its efficiency by increasing the fraction of incident light absorbed. We numerically demonstrate this enhancement using full field finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations of a SiO 2 nanosphere array above a 1 μm thick Gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell structure featuring back reflector and double anti-reflection coating. The incoupling element in this design has advantages over other schemes as it is a lossless dielectric material and its spherical symmetry naturally accepts a wide angle of incidence range. Moreover, analytical models show that for SiO 2 nanospheres of a given dielectric material, a large number of resonant modes can be supported which can give rise to a 2.5% absorption enhancement in the GaAs absorber layer at several wavelengths between 300 nm and 870 nm and reach a current density of J=28.23 mA/cm2. Also, the SiO 2 nanosphere array can be fabricated using simple, well developed self assembly methods and is easily scalable.
Hierarchical compact models for simulation of electronic chip packages

Compact models are increasingly being used to represent chip packages in board and system-level computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of electronics cooling. Thus far, the compact models used are relatively simple network analogs with network connectivity being determined by the designer's understanding of the underlying heat flow paths. Increasing the complexity of such models is difficult and must be done manually. In this paper, a methodology called COBRA (coefficient-based resistance agglomeration) is developed for automatically creating hierarchical compact models of increasing complexity. The technique creates a resistance network with automatically created network nodes which optimally represent the thermal distribution of the package. The method is based on automatic agglomeration of an underlying CFD mesh based on coefficient strength, and leads to network connectivities which reflect the heat flow paths dictated by the construction of the package. Network conductances are determined by minimizing the least-squares error between the predicted network nodal temperatures and data created either by detailed CFD simulations and/or experimental data. The computed conductances are used to predict temperatures at key locations in the chip package and are shown to perform satisfactorily.
Balanced Asymmetries of Waves on the Tropopause

Tropopause disturbances have long been recognized as important features for extratropical weather since they produce organized vertical motion in the troposphere. Observations of cyclonic tropopause disturbances show localized depressions of the tropopause with stratospheric values of potential vorticity extending to lower altitudes; anticyclonic disturbances are associated with comparatively smaller upward deflections of the tropopause. Analytical solutions for nonlinear interfacial wave motions are derived for an intermediate balanced dynamics based on small Rossby number asymptotics. Beyond quasigeostrophy, traveling edge-wave solutions reveal realistic asymmetries such that cyclones are associated with greater deflections of the interface, as well as larger anomalies in pressure and vertical motion compared to anticyclones.
Regulatory involvement of abscisic acid in potato tuber wound-healing

Rapid wound-healing is crucial in protecting potato tubers from infection and dehydration. Wound-induced suberization and the accumulation of hydrophobic barriers to reduce water vapour conductance/loss are principal protective wound-healing processes. However, little is known about the cognate mechanisms that effect or regulate these processes. The objective of this research was to determine the involvement of abscisic acid (ABA) in the regulation of wound-induced suberization and tuber water vapour loss (dehydration). Analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that ABA concentrations varied little throughout the tuber, but were slightly higher near the periderm and lowest in the pith. ABA concentrations increase then decrease during tuber storage. Tuber wounding induced changes in ABA content. ABA content in wound-healing tuber discs decreased after wounding, reached a minimum by 24 h, and then increased from the 3rd to the 7th day after wounding. Wound-induced ABA accumulations were reduced by fluridone (FLD); an inhibitor of de novo ABA biosynthesis. Wound-induced phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity was slightly reduced and the accumulation of suberin poly(phenolics) and poly(aliphatics) noticeably reduced in FLD-treated tissues. Addition of ABA to the FLD treatment restored phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity and suberization, unequivocally indicating that endogenous ABA is involved in the regulation of these wound-healing processes. Similar experiments showed that endogenous ABA is involved in the regulation of water vapour loss, a process linked to wax accumulation in wound-healing tubers. Rapid reduction of water vapour loss across the wound surface is essential in preventing desiccation and death of cells at the wound site; live cells are required for suberization. These results unequivocally show that endogenous ABA is involved in the regulation of wound-induced suberization and the processes that protect surface cells from water vapour loss and death by dehydration.
Cells of origin of long descending propriospinal fibers connecting the spinal enlargements in cat and monkey determined by horseradish peroxidase and electrophysiological techniques

The cells of origin of the long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT) in the cervical enlargement were studied in cat and monkey by using the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Their distribution was confirmed electrophysiologically in cat by recording their antidromic action potentials. In cats and monkeys unilateral injections of HRP were made into the gray matter of the lumbosacral enlargement, but there was some spread to the contralateral side. In cats labeled somas were found in greatest numbers in lamina VIII and medial lamina VII, bilaterally. Labeled cells also were found bilaterally in laminae I, IV–VI, and X, but few were in IV and VI. Those in lamina V were usually in the lateral part of the lamina near the reticulated region. The cross-sectional areas of 20 neurons from each of laminae I and V–VIII were measured. Cells in lamina I were smallest and the largest were in VII and VIII. In cats with the spinal cord hemisected between the injection site and the cervical enlargement containing the somas, the bilaterality of the LDPT neurons in laminae VII and VIII was confirmed anatomically and physiologically. Contralaterally projecting neurons in laminae VIII and medial VII constituted a majority of LDPT cells in those laminae. The LDPT neurons in the dorsal horn appeared to project mainly ipsilaterally, but the number of labeled dorsal horn cells in these preparations was small. The distribution of antidromically localized cells of the LDPT was found to be in good agreement with the anatomical results. Their conduction velocity was 59 ± 22 m/s (mean ± s. d., n = 245). Histograms of the conduction velocity by laminae are given. In monkey the distribution of labeled somas was similar to that in the cat, except that the concentration of labeled somas in the ventral horn was more medially and dorsally located. Labeled somas were found bilaterally in laminae I, IV – VIII, and X, but more appeared to be ipsilateral to the side of the injection, especially in the dorsal horn. The bilaterality of the LDPT in the monkey was not tested with hemisections of the spinal cord. Neurons of the LDPT are ideally situated for conveying sensory information from the forelimb for eliciting reflexes in the hindlimb, as has been observed after stimulating afferents in the forelimb, and for coordinating, in general, motor functions between the two pairs of limbs.
A paired sulfate–pyrite δ34S approach to understanding the evolution of the Ediacaran–Cambrian sulfur cycle

An anomalous enrichment in marine sulfate δ^(34)S_(SO4) is preserved in globally-distributed latest Ediacaran–early Cambrian strata. The proximity of this anomaly to the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary and the associated evolutionary radiation has invited speculation that the two are causally related. Here we present a high-resolution record of paired sulfate (δ^(34)S_(SO4)) and pyrite (δ^(34)S_(pyr)) from sediments spanning ca. 547–540 million years ago (Ma) from the Ara Group of the Huqf Supergroup, Sultanate of Oman. We observe an increase in δ^(34)S_(SO4) from ∼20‰ to ∼42‰, beginning at ca. 550 Ma and continuing at least through ca. 540 Ma. There is a concomitant increase in δ^(34)S_(pyr) over this interval from ∼ −15‰ to 10‰. This globally correlative enrichment, here termed the Ara anomaly, constitutes a major perturbation to the sulfur cycle. The absolute values of δ^(34)S_(pyr) reported here and in equivalent sections around the world, require the isotopic composition of material entering the ocean (δ^(34)S_(in)) to be significantly more enriched than modern (∼3‰) values, likely in excess of 12‰ during the late Ediacaran–early Cambrian. Against this background of elevated δ^(34)S_(in), the Ara anomaly is explained not by increased fractionation between sulfate and pyrite (Δδ^(34)S), but by an increase in pyrite burial (f_(pyr)), most likely driven by enhanced primary production and sequestration of organic carbon, consistent with earlier reports of elevated organic carbon burial and widespread phosphorite deposition.
The Secret of the House of Ma'n

In the early 1590s an obscure chieftain of the Druze district of the Shuf, in the mountain hinterland of Sidon, was appointed multazim (tax farmer) of the whole Druze mountain (the Shuf along with the Gharb, Jurd and Matn, in the hinterland of Beirut) by the Ottoman beylerbeyi (provincial governor) of Damascus. The name of this chieftain was Fakhr al-Din ibn Qurqumâs (Turkish Korkmaz), and he belonged to the family of the Ma'ns, who had been hereditary chieftains of the Shuf at least since the fifteenth century1. In time, Fakhr al-Din made use of favourable circumstances to extend his dominion over the whole of Mount Lebanon, and also over other parts of the Syrian countryside. In 1633, however, the Ottomans turned against him and crushed him, and a mysterious figure called ‘Ali ‘Alam al-Din was appointed to replace him in the paramount chieftainship of the Druze mountain. For over three decades this man, and his sons after him, maintained themselves in power as paramount chieftains of the Druzes, while the Ma‘ns were reduced to their original size as traditional chieftains of the Shuf. Finally, in 1667, Emir Ahmad Ma‘n, a grandnephew of Fakhr al-Din’s, was appointed multazim of the Druze districts of the Shuf, Gharb, Jurd and Matn, and of the Maronite district of the Kisrawân, and the Ma‘nid hegemony over the southern Lebanon was thus re-established. When Ahmad Ma‘n died without male progeny in 1697 he was succeeded in his iltizâm, and hence in the hegemony of the southern Lebanon, by the Shihâbs–Sunnite chieftains of Wâdi al-Taym, on the western slopes of Mount Hermon, who were descended from the Druze Ma‘ns in the female line (see Table I). In 1710-11 the ‘Alam al-Dins, in eclipse since 1667, re-emerged on the political scene to challenge the Shihâb succession; their revolt, however, failed and they were massacred to extermination. The Shihâbs subsequently became the unchallenged masters of the southern Lebanon, and remained so until their downfall in 1841.2
Syngeneic Schwann cells derived from adult nerves seeded in semipermeable guidance channels enhance peripheral nerve regeneration

At present, clinical strategies to repair injured peripheral nerve concentrate on efforts to attain primary suture of the cut nerve ends. If this is not possible, autografts are used to unite the separated nerve segments. Both strategies are based on the recognition that the Schwann cells resident in the peripheral nerve trunk play a crucial role in the regenerative process. Neither strategy may be feasible, however, in extensive or multiple injuries because the amount of autograft material is limited, and allografts are subject to immune rejection. Artificially produced nerve bridges constructed of autologous Schwann cells seeded in guidance channels could be used to overcome these limitations. In the present experiments, the potential of Schwann cells derived from adult nerves and seeded in permselective guidance channels to promote neurite regeneration across an 8 mm nerve gap was evaluated in transected rat sciatic nerves. Immunological sequalae were evaluated by comparing Schwann cells from syngeneic and heterologous rat strains. Schwann cells from either adult outbred (Sprague-Dawley, CD) rats or inbred (Fisher, F) rats were suspended in a Matrigel solution at a density of 80 x 10(6) cells/ml (CD) or 40, 80, or 120 x 10(6) cells/ml (F-40, F-80, and F-120 channels, respectively). Channels containing Schwann cells were compared to sciatic nerve autografts, empty channels, or channels filled with Matrigel alone. One day after seeding permselective synthetic guidance channels with a Schwann cell suspension, a central cable of Schwann cells oriented along the axis of the tube was formed due to syneresis of the hydrogel. By 3 weeks postimplantation, regenerating axons had grown into all channels and autografts. Sciatic nerve autografts supported extensive regeneration, containing 4-5 x 10(4) myelinated axons at the graft midpoint. The ability of channels containing syngeneic Schwann cells to foster regeneration was dependent on the Schwann cell seeding density. At the channel's midpoint, the myelinated axon population in F-120 tubes was intermediate between that in sciatic nerve autografts and F-80 channels, and was significantly higher than in F-40 or control channels. The nerve cable in Schwann cell-containing tubes consisted of larger, more organotypic fascicles than acellular control channels. In contrast, heterologous (CD) Schwann cells elicited a strong immune reaction that impeded nerve regeneration. The present study shows that cultured adult syngeneic Schwann cells seeded in permselective synthetic guidance channels support extensive peripheral nerve regeneration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Variation aware dynamic power management for chip multiprocessor architectures

With the increasing levels of variability in the characteristics of VLSI circuits and continued uncertainty in the operating conditions of processors, achieving predictable power efficiency and high performance in the electronic systems has become a daunting, yet vital, task. This paper tackles the problem of system-level dynamic power management (DPM) in the state-of-the-art chip multiprocessor (CMP) architectures that are manufactured in nanoscale CMOS technologies with large process variations or are operated under widely varying environmental conditions over their lifetime. We adopt a Markovian Decision Process based approach to CMP power management problem. The proposed technique models the underlying variability and uncertainty of parameters in system level as a partially observable MDP, and finds the optimal policy that stochastically minimizes energy per request. Experimental results demonstrate the high efficacy of the proposed power management framework.
Challenges of Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Severe Sepsis

Background: Although numerous studies have shown that anticoagulation of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly decreases the risk of stroke, anticoagulating critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) poses many challenges and the benefits have not been determined. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation in AF patients with sepsis. Ascertaining the incidence of complications associated with anticoagulation therapy, such as bleeding, can optimize patient care. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study to assess the incidence of stroke and anticoagulation-related complications (eg, bleeding, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia) in AF patients with severe sepsis. This study was undertaken in a surgical/medical ICU of a teaching, community-based hospital. A total of 115 patients with AF who were admitted with a diagnosis of sepsis were included in the study. Results: Among 115 patients (mean age 81 ± 9.5 years and CHADS2 [congestive heart failure, hyp...
Sensitivity analysis on causal events of WIP bubbles by a log-driven simulator

Fluctuations of work-in-progress (WIP) levels cause variability of cycle time and often lead to productivity losses in semiconductor wafer fabrication plants. To identify sources of such variability, we are developing a root cause analysis tool with history logs of operational events, such as high WIP or equipment downtime, as inputs to automatically find the chains of events that create the variability. In the root cause analysis, one of the key steps is to aggregate the observed events into groups that are likely in cause-effect relationships. For operational events that involve time lags in cause-effect relationships, grouping the events requires identification of the time windows of causality based on discrete event simulations. This paper describes a design and implementation of a simulator for this purpose. The simulator does not assume any statistical or mathematical model, and thus is simple to maintain.
Relevance of the autopsy as a medical tool: a large database of physician attitudes.

Abstract Context.—Autopsy rates for patients dying in hospitals have declined from approximately 50% in the 1950s to 5% or less today. Objective.—To investigate the nature of physician attitudes about autopsy in a large and varied population and to relate these attitudes to certain physician demographic variables. Design.—A 10-question, anonymous, multiple-choice format questionnaire was distributed to all attending physicians at 4 hospitals: 2 that were university-affiliated (1 private and 1 public), 1 military, and 1 private nonuniversity-affiliated medical center. A total of 2608 surveys were distributed. Results.—Three hundred eighty-eight (15%) physicians responded to the survey. Respondents agreed (77%) that autopsy results could affect their future medical practice, and disagreed (73%) that the accuracy of modern diagnostic procedures makes autopsy unnecessary. Most respondents (72%) disagreed that litigation concerns play a role in the decision to request autopsy. Spearman correlation coefficients...
Prophylactic inferior vena cava filter placement prior to lumbar surgery in morbidly obese patients: Two-case study and literature review.

Background: Preoperative “prophylactic” placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in morbidly obese patients (e.g., body mass index [BMI] >40 or BMI over 35 with hypertension/diabetes) undergoing multilevel decompressive lumbar laminectomies may reduce the risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE), and death.
Hedonic Adaptation to Positive and Negative Experiences

Empirical and anecdotal evidence for hedonic adaptation suggests that the joys of loves and triumphs and the sorrows of losses and humiliations fade with time. If people’s goals are to increase or maintain well-being, then their objectives will diverge depending on whether their fortunes have turned for the better (which necessitates slowing down or thwarting adaptation) or for the worse (which calls for activating and accelerating it). In this chapter, I fi rst introduce the construct of hedonic adaptation and its attendant complexities. Next, I review empirical evidence on how people adapt to circumstantial changes, and conjecture why the adaptation rate differs in response to favorable versus unfavorable life changes. I then discuss the relevance of examining adaptation to questions of how to enhance happiness (in the positive domain) and to facilitate coping (in the negative domain). Finally, I present a new dynamic theoretical model (developed with Sheldon) of the processes and mechanisms underlying hedonic adaptation. Drawing from the positive psychological literature, I propose ways that people can fashion self-practiced positive activities in the service of managing stress and bolstering well-being.
Alkali Metal Induced Structural Changes in Complexes Containing Anionic Lanthanum Aryloxide Moieties. X-ray Crystal Structures of (THF)La(OAr)2(μ-OAr)2Li(THF), (THF)La(OAr)2(μ-OAr)2Na(THF)2, and CsLa(OAr)4 (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)

Reaction of La2(OAr)6 (1, Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3) with 2 equiv of LiOAr in THF produces the lanthanum tetrakis(aryloxide) salt (THF)La(OAr)2(μ-OAr)2Li(THF) (2). A similar reaction employing NaOAr leads...
Association of Purα and E2F-1 suppresses transcriptional activity of E2F-1

Protein-protein interaction can play an important role in the control of several biological events including gene transcription, replication and cell proliferation. E2F-1 is a DNA-binding transcription factor which, upon interaction with its target DNA sequence, induces expression of several S phase specific genes allowing progression of the cell cycle. Evidently, the activity of this protein is modulated by its cellular partner, pRb, which in the hypophosphorylated form, binds to E2F-1 and inactivates its transcriptional ability. In this study, we have demonstrated that expression of a sequence-specific single-stranded DNA binding protein, Pur alpha, in cells decreases the ability of E2F-1 to exert its transcriptional activity upon the responsive promoter derived from DHFR. Results from band shift experiments revealed that while Pur alpha does not recognize the double-stranded DNA fragment containing the E2F-1 binding site, it has the ability to inhibit E2F-1 interaction with its target DNA sequence. Results from GST pull-down assays and the combined immunoprecipitation/Western blot analysis of nuclear extracts revealed a direct association of E2F-1 with Pur alpha in the absence of the DNA molecule containing the E2F-1 binding site. The association of Pur alpha with E2F-1 may increase the stability of E2F-1, as a higher level of E2F-1 was detected in cells coexpressing Pur alpha and E2F-1. The importance of these observations with respect to the role of Pur alpha in the control of cell cycle progression is discussed.
Allegories of the Wilderness: Ethics and Ambiguity in Kuranko Narratives

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Form and Play in Kuranko Fiction 3. During a Time of Great Hunger 4. Hare and Hyena 5. Prevented Transitions 6. Reciprocities 7. Men and Women 8. Co-Wives, Orphans, and Miraculous Interventions 9. DIrections Appendix Notes Glossary of Kuranko Words References List of Narratives Index
Circulating CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma with anaplastic morphology.

![Figure][1] A 90-year-old woman presented with fevers and pancytopenia. The peripheral blood smear (see panels A-D) showed rare large atypical cells with convoluted nuclei and visible nucleoli. A few stripped multilobulated nuclei were present at the feathered edge. Bone marrow biopsy showed
DISTRIBUTION AND GRADIENT OF LACTATE BETWEEN BLOOD AND HEART MUSCLE.

SummaryThe concept that blood lactate is in equilibrium with myocardial concentrations of this substrate could not be demonstrated in the anesthetized dog. A factor questioning the existence of an equilibrium was the distribution of lactate found in the walls of the heart. Levels in right and left atria were markedly different from those found in the base, midportion and apex of the right and left ventricles. Although administration of sodium lactate by vein raised arterial lactate almost 6 times control, right and left ventricular muscle concentrations remained unchanged. The linear relationship observed between the duration of myocardial anoxia and lactate production by cardiac muscle made possible the calculation of the in vivo myocardial lactate level, a value significantly higher than the level present in arterial blood. The entry of lactate into the myocardial cell may therefore be governed by a mechanism of active transport rather than simple diffusion.
Urinary Dysfunction in the Rectal Cancer Survivor

Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in significant improvement in survival rates for rectal cancer. This has led to increasing focus on post-treatment quality of life. One common sequela of treatment for rectal cancer is urinary dysfunction, defined as either difficulty voiding or incontinence. This consists of multiple clinical syndromes of distinct etiologies, most commonly dysfunction of the pelvic autonomic nerves or pelvic floor instability. This can vary in both duration and severity, with some patients experiencing transient and mild symptoms, while others experience prolonged functional impairment. A number of treatment options exist, including behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions. Because of the multifaceted nature of this process, optimal symptom relief requires careful evaluation of the severity and etiology of a patient’s complaints. Ultimately post-treatment urinary dysfunction can have a significant impact on quality of life, and it is important for clinicians to understand both the causes and management of this process.
The Nature of Politics

If philosophy is the free and radical pursuit of the truth about important things there must be a limited number of things that qualify as “important.” Reflection shows, as Chapter 2 has asserted, that there are two such things: physics and politics. Political philosophy is thus a branch, a major branch, of philosophy. Deferring for a bit a fuller statement, we can say here that political philosophy is the free and radical pursuit by unassisted human reason of the truth about the nature of politics. However, just as the word “philosophy” has undergone a denaturing process for the past two centuries, so the word “politics” has come to mean almost nothing that will hold still to be studied. An illustration will help. If a member of One party in the legislature proposes some measure we can be certain that soon thereafter a member of the Other party will charge that the action of the One is “just politics.” But of course! Why else would the voters send either of them to the legislature: to sing and dance perhaps? If, in fact, the member of the Other party rightly uses the word “politics” as a term of dispraise, then we ought to send the whole lot of them in both parties packing and shut the legislature down because it would be, by its nature, a den of sin. We do not intend here to deny categorically the proposition that some of what goes on in that legislature is “just” politics, but we reach a difficulty. We cannot study political philosophy without knowing what politics is and it turns out that that is itself a problem that requires clarification and resolution. Happily, the clarification and resolution are pretty easy to make to the student with reasonable intelligence and a reasonably open mind. It just requires the breaking of a few bad habits. But wait! It may be that at the end of the road one returns to the view that politics, all of it, deserves a measure of disapproval. Intelligence and open-mindedness need to be augmented with patience and with a measure of resignation.
A Comparison of General and Content-Specific Literacy Strategies for Learning Science Content

ABSTRACTThis study employed an adapted alternating treatments single-case design to explore students’ learning of biology content when using a general note-taking (GNT) strategy and a content-specific graphic organizer (CGO) to support reading high school biology texts. The 4 focal participants were 15–18-year-olds committed to a moderate risk juvenile justice facility. Lessons were delivered once a week for 7 weeks with CGO delivered first in odd weeks and GNT first in even weeks. When students were unfamiliar with the strategies or experiencing emotional or health problems, their weekly quiz scores tended to be higher on whichever lesson was delivered first. After stabilizing, an average ability reader did better on CGO lessons, and a student with below-average reading ability did better on GNT lessons. CGO took more time to prepare but an average of 11 minutes less than each GNT lesson to implement. CGO also was associated with more student-initiated responses and more self-reported student preferences.
Second Curettage for Low-Risk Nonmetastatic Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of second uterine curettage in lieu of chemotherapy for patients with low-risk, nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and to evaluate whether response to second curettage is independent of patient age, World Health Organization (WHO) ri
Embryonic Stem Cells: Discovery, Development, and Current Trends

Murine embryonic stem cells were first derived almost 30 years ago from cultured blastocysts and have been primarily used as a tool to better understand development through targeted gene deletions. Only recently has the focus has shifted toward embryonic stem cells themselves and the molecular mechanisms by which they choose a specific cell fate. Through rapid advances in cell culture and genomic modification techniques researchers are beginning to regularly utilize embryonic stem cells for in vitro gene function assays. More important, the mechanisms critical for establishing the pluripotent sate of embryonic stem cells have been elucidated to the point that clinically beneficial stem cell–like counterparts can now be generated from nonembryonic sources.
Is Cladribine, a Treatment for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, a DNA Methylation Inhibitor?.

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a heterogenous B lymphocyte disorder with a variable natural history. Like other Malignancies, key regulatory genes like the tumor suppressor, p16, and the mismatch repair gene, hMLH1, are frequently silenced by DNA methylation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although focal hypermethylation is found, global genomic DNA is hypomethylated compared to genomic DNA from healthy volunteers. Inhibition of DNA methylation may help CLL cells regain normal cellular function. Few studies have been done evaluating DNA methylation of CLL cells likely in part due to the difficulty in establishing a CLL cell line without altering DNA methylation. In addition, the primary cells do not divide in vitro, making the assessment of effect of a DNA methylation inhibitor very difficult. Of the ten samples tested from patients with CLL, we have not found p16 or hMLH1 expression by western blotting. Since 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (Cladribine) is already used clinically for treatment of CLL and may deplete available methyl donors, we asked if Cladribine is effective because of its inhibitory effect on DNA methylation in leukemia cells. To further evaluate the role of DNA methylation in CLL, we assessed the effect of 5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine (Decitabine), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor compared to Cladribine in HT-29 cells. HT-29 cells do not express p16 and MAGE because of DNA methylation of the promoters. Assessment of global DNA methylation is done using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results reveal that daily doses of 300nM Cladribine modestly inhibited global DNA methylation by 20+/−14% at 72 hours (n=3), while daily doses of 500nM Decitabine inhibited global DNA methylation by 75+/−9% at 72 hours (n=3). This results in re-expression of MAGE-1, a gene silenced by DNA methylation in all somatic tissues and p16, only in the Decitabine treated cells. We also evaluated the Cdx-2 promoter, an intestinal restricted gene silenced by DNA methylation in HT-29 cells. Decreased methylation of two regions of the Cdx-2 promoter was seen in the cells treated with Decitabine compared to the control cells. Cladribine treated cells had no effect on the Cdx-2, and may actually increase DNA methylation (result of 20 sequences). These results could be explained by the marked growth inhibitory effect of Cladribine at 300nM. We chose to evaluate Cladribine at 300nM because this plasma concentration is obtainable in patients treated with 0.1mg/kg of Cladribine, a dose frequently used in treatment of hairy cell leukemia. Cells with decreased DNA methylation after treatment with Cladribine may have died at the 72 hour time point.
A neutralization assay with a severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus strain that makes plaques in inoculated cells

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a recently-discovered, potentially fatal infectious disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV). Due to the inability of SFTSV to make clear cytopathic effects (CPE) in cell culture, titration and neutralization assays of the virus require immunostaining of inoculated cells; consequently, the assays are time-consuming and expensive. In this report, we demonstrate the use of a highly-passaged SFTSV strain, p50-2, in a neutralization assay, which made clear plaques in inoculated Vero cells under neutral red staining. Furthermore, we performed molecular analyses to determine the characteristics of the strain. The results suggested that a single amino acid mutation within the viral glycoprotein conferred the ability to make clear plaques to SFTSV.
Human Immune Response Genes

The generation of an immune response is a complex process requiring multiple interactions and cellular events. The genetic elements participating in immune recognition and response appear to serve as permissive signals, the “green lights” of the immune network. Their interaction provides the basis for coordinated immune function. We summarize here recent information on the nature of these inherited elements and discuss the implications of these findings for genetically determined disease susceptibility.
The economic role of cities in Eastern Zhou China

Abstract An oft-mentioned aspect of the comprehensive sociopolitical and economic transformation of continental East Asia during the Eastern Zhou period (771–221 BCE) is the rise of a market economy undergirded by extensive trading networks in which urban centers–cities–were the principal nodes. This paper takes a preliminary look at the archaeological evidence presently available that can help us understand this development in a concrete fashion. What were Eastern Zhou-period cities like, and how did they change in response to the economic challenges of the epoch?
Comparison of Step-and-Shoot and Continuous-Bed-Motion PET Modes of Acquisition for Limited-View Organ Scans

Continuous-bed-motion (CBM) acquisition mode has been made commercially available in PET/CT scanners. CBM mode is designed for whole-body imaging, with a long scan length (multiple axial fields of view [aFOVs]) and short acquisition duration (2-3 min/aFOV). PET/CT has recently been used after 90Y-microsphere therapy to quantify 90Y activity distribution in the liver. Here we compared counting efficiencies along the bed-motion direction (z-axis) between CBM and step-and-shoot (SS) acquisition modes for limited-view organ scans, such as 90Y PET/CT liver studies, that have short scan lengths (≤2 aFOVs) and long acquisition durations (10-30 min/aFOV). Methods: The counting efficiencies, that is, analytic sensitivities, in SS mode (single-aFOV and multiple-aFOV scans) and CBM mode were theoretically derived and experimentally validated using a cylindric 68Ge phantom. The sensitivities along the z-axis were compared between the SS and CBM modes. Results: The analytic and experimental count profiles were in good agreement, validating the analytic models. For fixed scan durations, the overall coincidence counting efficiency in CBM mode was lower (∼60%) than those in SS modes, and the maximum sensitivity in CBM mode was 50% or less of that in 1-aFOV SS mode and 100% or less of that in 2-aFOV SS mode. Conclusion: The ability of CBM mode to tailor-fit the PET/CT scan length and local scan duration is not realized in studies with a short scan length (≤30 cm) and long scan duration (20 min/aFOV for the scanner). SS acquisition mode is preferable to CBM mode for limited-view organ and count-starved scans, such as 90Y PET/CT liver scans, because of the higher counting efficiency of SS mode, which leads to better image quality and quantification precision.
Examination of a Multi-ingredient Preworkout Supplement on Total Volume of Resistance Exercise and Subsequent Strength and Power Performance

This study examined the acute effects of a multi-ingredient preworkout supplement on (a) total-, lower-, and upper-body volume of resistance exercise and (b) the subsequent lower-body strength (isokinetic leg extension and flexion), lower-body power (vertical jump [VJ] height), upper-body power (bench throw velocity [BTv]), and cycle ergometry performance (critical power and anaerobic work capacity). Twelve men completed baseline strength and power measures before 2 experimental visits, supplement (SUP) and placebo (PL). The experimental visits involved a fatiguing cycling protocol 30 minutes after ingestion of the SUP or PL and 15 minutes before the beginning of the resistance exercise protocol, which consisted of 4 upper-body and 4 lower-body resistance exercises performed for 4 sets to failure at 75% 1 repetition maximum. The exercise volume for the total, lower, and upper body was assessed. The VJ height and BTv were measured immediately after the resistance exercise. Postexercise isokinetic leg extension and flexion strength was measured 15 minutes after the completion of a second cycling protocol. There was a 9% increase in the total-body volume of exercise and a 14% increase in lower-body volume of exercise for the SUP compared with the PL, with no effect on exercise volume for the upper body between the SUP and PL. The increased lower-body volume for the SUP did not result in greater lower-body strength and power performance decrements after exhaustive exercise, compared with the PL. These findings suggested the potential for the SUP to increase resistance exercise volume, primarily related to an increased lower-body volume of exercise.
Cellular, Biochemical and Molecular Characteristics Related To Maturation and Rejuvenation In Woody Species

In the development of all woody plants from seed there is a so-called juvenile phase lasting up to 30–40 years in certain forest trees, during which flowering does not occur and cannot be induced by the normal flower-initiating treatment or conditions. In time, however, the ability to flower is achieved and maintained under natural conditions; at this stage, the tree is usually considered to have attained the adult or mature condition. The transition from the juvenile to the mature phase has been referred to as phase change by Brink (1962), ontogenetic aging by Fortanier and Jonkers (1976), or meristem aging (cyclophysis) by Seeliger (1924) and Oleson (1978). Associated with this transition are progressive changes in morphological, developmental, and physiological characteristics. Changes in such characteristics during development vary from species to species. Most change gradually during the period preceding the mature phase, resulting in transitional forms. Usually no distinct change in any one characteristic is apparent at the time the ability to flower is attained.
“It Depends”: Heuristics for Common-Enough Requirements Practice

How much diversity is permissible in requirements practices in a large corporation? Can different project teams legitimately use different elicitation methods, specification techniques, standards and checklists for reviews, and databases to manage content? Or is allowing any difference at all only inviting trouble? This instalment of the Requirements department shares how requirements specialists at Intel approach these questions through training, with a few examples of what they teach to better enable individuals and teams to continually improve their requirements engineering (RE) practice. It also discusses why practitioner engagement with the broader RE community is critical.
MOBILE APPLICATION TO SUPPORT SAFER MEDICATION DECISION MAKING AND BEHAVIOR OF OLDER ADULTS

The National Academy of Medicine and others promote interventional research to reduce older adults’ use of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications with anticholinergic effects. The Indiana University Brain Health Patient Safety Laboratory performed a study to develop and test a mobile software application to intervene on older adults’ anticholinergic medication use. In the first study phase, we performed qualitative research interviews (n=24), in-store shopper observations (n=39), and laboratory-based simulated OTC shopping tasks (n=21). This phase produced a dual-process conceptual model of OTC medication purchase and use, separating habit-based and deliberation-based decision-making processes. Based on this model, we iteratively developed and usability tested Brain Buddy, a mobile app intended to: increase awareness through videos and articles; support decision making through decision aid and risk scoring features; and assist users to have a conversation with their prescriber or pharmacist. A pilot of Brain Buddy’s effect on older outpatients’ behavior is currently underway.
A multiplicative reasoning assessment for fourth and fifth grade students

Abstract Multiplicative reasoning is critical for the development of more advanced mathematical concepts such as fractions and algebra, and therefore is a critical process for teachers and researchers to assess in an effective and efficient manner. Unfortunately, the vast majority of available assessments examine students’ skill with algorithms or memorized facts, with no necessary connection to students’ conceptual understanding of the content. This study reports on the continued development and validation of the Multiplicative Reasoning Assessment (MRA) for elementary grades. Data from 196 fourth and fifth grade students was examined using a Rasch modeling approach. Supplemental data from follow-up clinical interviews was also collected and analyzed. Results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the MRA. Specifically, findings suggest the assessment adequately assesses students’ multiplicative reasoning, as an alternative to assessments of fact memorization or procedural fluency.