cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Routines, roles, and responsibilities for aligning scientific and classroom practices

Reform efforts in science education have focused on engaging students in authentic scientific practices. For these efforts to succeed, detailed articulations of scientific practice need to be linked to understandings of classroom practice. Here we characterize engagement in practice generally in terms of “3Rs”: routines, roles, and responsibilities. We argue that there is a misalignment between the 3Rs of scientific practice and the practices common in classrooms, and that this misalignment poses a considerable obstacle for beginning teachers who attempt to implement reform pedagogy. As part of a secondary methods course, 16 preservice teachers (PSTs) participated in two exemplar activities designed to engage them in scientific practices. The PST performances suggest that at least initially, they did not consider authentic scientific practices appropriate for classroom activities, implying a pedagogical repertoire dominated by the 3Rs of traditional classrooms. PST performances, however, evidenced a shift in the 3Rs from those common in classrooms to those required by these activities, suggesting that their visions for classrooms are malleable and underlining the importance of aligning the 3Rs of scientific and classroom practices during teacher preparation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed91:133–157, 2007
A novel system for gene silencing using siRNAs in rice leaf and stem-derived protoplasts

Background: Transient assays using protoplasts are ideal for processing large quantities of genetic data coming out of hi-throughput assays. Previously, protoplasts have routinely been prepared from dicot tissue or cell suspension cultures and yet a good system for rice protoplast isolation and manipulation is lacking. Results: We have established a rice seedling protoplast system designed for the rapid characterization of large numbers of genes. We report optimized methods for protoplast isolation from 7–14 day old etiolated rice seedlings. We show that the reporter genes luciferase GL2 and GUS are maximally expressed approximately 20 h after polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transformation into protoplasts. In addition we found that transformation efficiency varied significantly with plasmid size. Five micrograms of a 4.5 kb plasmid resulted in 60–70% transformation efficiency. In contrast, using 50 µg of a 12 kb plasmid we obtained a maximum of 25–30% efficiency. We also show that short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be used to silence exogenous genes quickly and efficiently. An siRNA targeting luciferase resulted in a significant level of silencing after only 3 hours and up to an 83% decrease in expression. We have also isolated protoplasts from cells prepared from fully green tissue. These green tissue-derived protoplasts can be transformed to express high levels of luciferase activity and should be useful for assaying light sensitive cellular processes. Conclusion: We report a system for isolation, transformation and gene silencing of etiolated rice leaf and stem-derived protoplasts. Additionally, we have extended the technology to protoplasts isolated from fully green tissue. The protoplast system will bridge the gap between hi-throughput assays and functional biology as it can be used to quickly study large number of genes for which the function is unknown.
Semi-supervised classification with hybrid generative/discriminative methods

We compare two recently proposed frameworks for combining generative and discriminative probabilistic classifiers and apply them to semi-supervised classification. In both cases we explore the tradeoff between maximizing a discriminative likelihood of labeled data and a generative likelihood of labeled and unlabeled data. While prominent semi-supervised learning methods assume low density regions between classes or are subject to generative modeling assumptions, we conjecture that hybrid generative/discriminative methods allow semi-supervised learning in the presence of strongly overlapping classes and reduce the risk of modeling structure in the unlabeled data that is irrelevant for the specific classification task of interest. We apply both hybrid approaches within naively structured Markov random field models and provide a thorough empirical comparison with two well-known semi-supervised learning methods on six text classification tasks. A semi-supervised hybrid generative/discriminative method provides the best accuracy in 75% of the experiments, and the multi-conditional learning hybrid approach achieves the highest overall mean accuracy across all tasks.
Modification of NMDA Receptor Channels and Synaptic Transmission by Targeted Disruption of the NR2C Gene

A novel strain of mutant mouse has been generated with a deletion of the gene encoding the NR2C subunit of the NMDA receptor, which is primarily expressed in cerebellar granule cells. Patch-clamp recordings from granule cells in thin cerebellar slices were used to assess the consequences of the gene deletion. In granule cells of wild-type animals, a wide range of single-channel conductances were observed (19–60 pS). The disruption of the NR2C gene results in the disappearance of low-conductance NMDA receptor channels (<37 pS) normally expressed in granule cells during developmental maturation. The NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic current is markedly potentiated in amplitude, but abbreviated in duration (with no net difference in total charge), and the non-NMDA component of the synaptic current was reduced. We conclude that the NR2C subunit contributes to functional heteromeric NMDA receptor-subunit assemblies at the mossy fiber synapse and extrasynaptic sites during maturation, and the conductance level exhibited by a given receptor macromolecule may reflect the stochiometry of subunit composition.
Buried unexploded ordnance identification via complex natural resonances

A classification technique focused on the identification of buried unexploded ordnance (UXO) using complex natural resonance (CNR) signature is considered. The total least square (TLS) Prony's (1795) method is used to extract CNRs from time-domain data, Full-scale UXO computational models and the body of revolution moment method (BORMM) code is used to obtain the backscattered fields, which are then used to give the theoretical free-space CNRs. Baum's (1993) transformation is used to relate a CNR in a lossy simple medium to the corresponding CNR in free space. A practical UXO classification yields an estimate of the UXO length from its CNR information. Successful UXO classification examples from actual measured data are presented.
The musical kinetic shape: A variable tension string instrument

In this article we present a novel variable tension string instrument which relies on a kinetic shape to actively alter the tension of a fixed length taut string. We derived a mathematical model that relates the two-dimensional kinetic shape equation to the string’s physical and dynamic parameters. With this model we designed and constructed an automated instrument that is able to play frequencies within predicted and recognizable frequencies. This prototype instrument is also able to play programmed melodies.
Outcome studies in diabetic nephropathy

Outcome studies in diabetic nephropathy have focused on strategies to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of ESRD in the United States. Once diabetics develop overt nephropathy, prognosis is poor. Risk factors for diabetic nephropathy are discussed, and include hyperglycemia, hypertension, angiotensin II, proteinuria, dyslipidemia, smoking, and anemia. Major outcomes as well as outcome studies in diabetic nephropathy for patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria are reviewed. Furthermore, the role of therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists as well as selected combination therapy are discussed. Recommendations for therapy with ace inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are made based on this evidence.
Healthcare Personnel Attire in Non-Operating-Room Settings

Healthcare personnel (HCP) attire is an aspect of the medical profession steeped in culture and tradition. The role of attire in cross-transmission remains poorly established, and until more definitive information exists priority should be placed on evidence-based measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This article aims to provide general guidance to the medical community regarding HCP attire outside the operating room. In addition to the initial guidance statement, the article has 3 major components: (1) a review and interpretation of the medical literature regarding (a) perceptions of HCP attire (from both HCP and patients) and (b) evidence for contamination of attire and its potential contribution to cross-transmission; (2) a review of hospital policies related to HCP attire, as submitted by members of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Guidelines Committee; and (3) a survey of SHEA and SHEA Research Network members that assessed both institutional HCP attire policies and perceptions of HCP attire in the cross-transmission of pathogens. Recommendations for HCP attire should attempt to balance professional appearance, comfort, and practicality with the potential role of apparel in the cross-transmission of pathogens. Although the optimal choice of HCP attire for inpatient care remains undefined, we provide recommendations on the use of white coats, neckties, footwear, the bare-below-the-elbows strategy, and laundering. Institutions considering these optional measures should introduce them with a well-organized communication and education effort directed at both HCP and patients. Appropriately designed studies are needed to better define the relationship between HCP attire and HAIs.
Management and Outcomes for Children With Acute Appendicitis Differ by Hospital Type: Areas for Improvement at Public Hospitals

Background. Access to health care is a well-recognized issue in health policy, but use once patients have entered the health care system is uncommonly addressed. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of children between 2 and 17 years of age with pathologically confirmed appendicitis at our public city hospital and private university hospital and compared management and outcomes. Results. Among patients with acute appendicitis, the median length of stay was a day longer in the public hospital (2 days vs 1 day, P = <.001) despite a similar complication rate (12% vs 11%). More computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at the public hospital (36% vs 21%, P = .02) with a trend toward less use of ultrasound (US) (54% vs 65%, P = .13). Conclusions. Children at the public city hospital have a longer length of stay and undergo more expensive imaging. These findings may provide areas for improvement to optimize the care of children with appendicitis at government-funded institutions.
MOMENTUM VERSUS EXTINCTION EFFECTS IN THE TREATMENT OF SELF‐INJURIOUS ESCAPE BEHAVIOR

An individual's self-injurious escape behavior was treated using a high-probability instructional sequence with and without extinction. When presented alone, the high-probability sequence did not reduce self-injurious behavior. When escape extinction was implemented either alone or in combination with the high-probability sequence, self-injury decreased and compliance increased, suggesting that extinction may be a necessary component of the treatment for behavior problems maintained by escape.
Cardiovascular disease and arterial calcification in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: interrelations and risk factor profiles. Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study-V.

Cardiovascular disease is a frequent complication of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), but the prevalence, interrelations, and risk factors of its principal components (coronary, cerebrovascular, and lower-extremity arterial disease) and of medial arterial wall calcification are not well understood. To address these issues, data from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study (n = 657) baseline examination were examined. The term coronary heart disease (CHD) was applied to those with myocardial infarction or angina, whereas lower-extremity arterial disease (LEAD) was applied to those who had undergone amputation of a lower limb or who had an ankle to arm blood pressure ratio less than 0.8 at rest or after exercise. Calcification of the lower-extremity arteries was considered to be present if ankle pressure was more than 100 mm Hg higher than brachial pressure. Although the prevalence of CHD was low, LEAD was significantly more common in women than in men (p less than 0.01), whereas calcification was more frequent in men than in women (p less than 0.01). Ten percent of those with LEAD also had CHD, and 8% with LEAD had calcification. Modeling of potential risk factors (e.g., diabetes duration and glycosylated hemoglobin) revealed that duration, female gender, fibrinogen, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-I ratio were independent predictors of LEAD, whereas for CHD only, diabetes duration and hypertension contributed to CHD. Calcification revealed a mixed pattern, with duration, hypertension, and triglyceride to apolipoprotein A-I ratio being the statistically significant associated factors. The results suggest that although LEAD, CHD, and calcification often coexist, their risk factor profiles differ.
Dietary Canola Oil Suppressed Growth of Implanted MDA-MB 231 Human Breast Tumors in Nude Mice

Abstract: Long chain omega 3 (n-3) fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to suppress growth of most cancer cells. In vivo, alpha linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) can be converted to EPA or DHA. We hypothesized that substituting canola oil (10% ALA) for the corn oil (1% ALA) in the diet of cancer bearing mice would slow tumor growth by increasing n-3 fatty acids in the diet. Sixty nude mice received MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cells and were fed a diet containing 8% w/w corn oil until the mean tumor volume was 60 mm 3 . The dietary fat of half of the tumor bearing mice was then changed to 8% w/w canola oil. Compared to mice that consumed the corn oil containing diet, the mice that consumed the canola oil containing diet had significantly more EPA and DHA in both tumors and livers, and the mean tumor growth rate and cell proliferation in the tumor were significantly slower (P < 0.05). About 25 days after diet change, mice that consumed the corn oil diet stopp...
A survey of mobile malware in the wild

Mobile malware is rapidly becoming a serious threat. In this paper, we survey the current state of mobile malware in the wild. We analyze the incentives behind 46 pieces of iOS, Android, and Symbian malware that spread in the wild from 2009 to 2011. We also use this data set to evaluate the effectiveness of techniques for preventing and identifying mobile malware. After observing that 4 pieces of malware use root exploits to mount sophisticated attacks on Android phones, we also examine the incentives that cause non-malicious smartphone tinkerers to publish root exploits and survey the availability of root exploits.
Auditory Spatial Facilitation of Visual Search Performance: Effect of Cue Precision and Distractor Density

Two experiments examined auditory spatial facilitation of visual search performance under conditions varying in auditory cue precision and visual distractor density. The auditory cue was spatially coincided with the target, was displaced from the target by 6°, or was uninformative. Distractors were manipulated globally (throughout the field) and locally (within 6.5° of the target) separately at densities of 0%, 20%, and 80%. In Experiment 1, auditory cue precision was constant and distractor densities varied within a trial block; in Experiment 2, auditory precision varied and distractor densities were constant within a trial block. Coincident auditory cues minimized local and global distractor effects in both experiments, suggesting that auditory spatial cues facilitate both target localization and identification. The effectiveness of displaced auditory cues depended on cue reliability: In some conditions, displaced cues caused higher mean search latencies than did centered cues, indicating that participa...
Immigration and Generational Trends in Body Mass Index and Obesity in the United States: Results of the National Latino and Asian American Survey, 2002–2003

Objectives. We examined patterns of body mass index (BMI) and obesity among a nationally representative sample of first-, second-, and third-generation Latinos and Asian Americans to reveal associations with nativity or country of origin.Methods. We used data from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (2002–2003) to generate nationally representative estimates of mean BMI and obesity prevalence and explored changes in the distribution of BMI by generational status. Analyses tested the association between generational status and BMI and examined whether this association varied by ethnicity, education, or gender.Results. We found substantial heterogeneity in BMI and obesity by country of origin and an increase in BMI in later generations among most subgroups. The data suggest different patterns for Latinos and Asian Americans in the nature and degree of distributional changes in BMI with generational status in the United States.Conclusions. Generational status is associated with increased BMI and ob...
Worst delay estimation in crosstalk aware static timing analysis

Digital circuits manufactured in deep sub-micron technologies may experience crosstalk induced delay and noise signals. Crosstalk induced delay can be quite significant and difficult to determine because of dependency on switching time of the neighboring signals. We study the problem of computing signal earliest and latest arrival time when timing windows and slew rate ranges of the inputs and coupling neighbors' inputs are known. We propose a complexity O(n log n) algorithm to solve this problem. The proposed method has been applied in crosstalk aware static timing analysis to guide timing driven layout synthesis. Experimental results have demonstrated its efficacy and efficiency.
Modulation of breast cancer risk biomarkers by high-dose omega-3 fatty acids: Phase II pilot study in postmenopausal women

Associational studies suggest higher intakes/blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) relative to the omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA) are associated with reduced breast cancer risk. We performed a pilot study of high-dose EPA + DHA in postmenopausal women to assess feasibility before initiating a phase IIB prevention trial. Postmenopausal women with cytologic evidence of hyperplasia in their baseline random periareolar fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) took 1,860 mg EPA +1500 mg DHA ethyl esters daily for 6 months. Blood and breast tissue were sampled at baseline and study conclusion for exploratory biomarker assessment, with P values uncorrected for multiple comparisons. Feasibility was predefined as 50% uptake, 80% completion, and 70% compliance. Trial uptake by 35 study entrants from 54 eligible women was 65%, with 97% completion and 97% compliance. Favorable modulation was suggested for serum adiponectin (P = 0.0027), TNFα (P = 0.016), HOMA 2B measure of pancreatic β cell function (P = 0.0048), and bioavailable estradiol (P = 0.039). Benign breast tissue Ki-67 (P = 0.036), macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (P = 0.033), cytomorphology index score (P = 0.014), and percent mammographic density (P = 0.036) were decreased with favorable effects in a proteomics array for several proteins associated with mitogen signaling and cell-cycle arrest; but no obvious overall effect on proteins downstream of mTOR. Although favorable risk biomarker modulation will need to be confirmed in a placebo-controlled trial, we have demonstrated feasibility for development of high-dose EPA and DHA ethyl esters for primary prevention of breast cancer.
An explicit characterization of destabilizing phenomena for an arbitrary control system

An explicit characterization is obtained of unmodelled dynamic phenomena which can be present in any plant and compensator and which potentially can destabilize the closed-loop configuration. It is shown that such uncertainty can be so small as to be undetectable by any real-world system identification scheme. This paper generalizes the results of [1] for state-space systems to systems with algebraic constraints.
Role of Standards in Cloud-Computing Interoperability

In cloud computing, interoperability typically refers to the ability to easily move workloads and data from one cloud provider to another or between private and public clouds. A common tactic for enabling interoperability is the use of open standards, so there is currently a large amount of active work in standards development for the Cloud. This paper explores the role of standards in cloud-computing interoperability. It covers standard-related efforts, discusses several cloud interoperability use cases, and provides some recommendations for moving forward with cloud-computing adoption regardless of the maturity of standards for the cloud.
Modeling Utility Load and Temperature Relationships for Use with Long-Lead Forecasts

Abstract Models relating system-wide average temperature to total system load were developed for the Virginia Power and Duke Power service areas in the southeastern United States. Daily data for the 1985–91 period were used. The influence of temperature on load was at a minimum around 18°C and increased more rapidly with increasing temperatures than with decreasing ones. The response was sensitive to the day of the week, and models using separate weekdays as well as one using pooled data were created. None adequately accounted for civic holidays or for extreme temperatures. Estimates of average loads over a 3-month period, however, were accurate to within ±3%. The models were used to transform the probability distribution of 3-month average temperatures for each system, derived from the historical record, into load probabilities. These were used with the categorical temperature probabilities given by the National Weather Service long-lead forecasts to estimate the forecast load probabilities. In summer an...
Synesthetic Art— An Imaginary Number?

Works that fuse the senses are often referred to as “synesthetic art.” Computers, which offer the possibility of controlling and synchronizing different media and implementing highly abstract compositional structures across media, seem an ideal tool for synesthetic art. This essay argues that a structural approach to such an art form is inadequate, and that it must be grounded in its potential symbolic functions. Starting from a brief examination of synesthesia as a neurological phenomenon and a sketch of the origins and influence of Baudelaire's poetics of synesthesia, this essay suggests points of departure for a poetics of multisensory composition.
Income Taxes on Social Security Benefits

Since 1984, Social Security beneficiaries with total income exceeding certain thresholds have been required to pay federal income tax on some of their benefit income. Because those income thresholds have remained unchanged while wages have increased, the proportion of beneficiaries who must pay income tax on their benefits has risen over time. A Social Security Administration microsimulation model projects that an annual average of about 56 percent of beneficiary families will owe federal income tax on part of their benefit income from 2015 through 2050. The median percentage of benefit income owed as income tax by beneficiary families will rise from 1 percent to 5 percent over that period. If Congress does not adjust income tax brackets upward to approximate the historical ratio of taxes to national income, the proportion of benefit income owed as income tax will exceed these projections.
Separation of the symphysis pubis in association with childbearing. A case report.

Chondral lesions of the patellofemoral joint are common, and when symptomatic they can be difficult to manage. Not only are there various degrees of injury with multiple etiologies, but patellofemoral anatomy is complex and the patient's lower extremity alignment may contribute to the pathology. Treatment depends on the location, size, and depth of the lesion and may require realignment or concomitant stabilizing procedures. Tibial tubercle osteotomy can be performed in isolation or combined with various cartilage-based treatments, including marrow stimulation techniques, autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft, and osteochondral allograft. End-stage lesions, failed primary patellofemoral cartilage restoration with diffuse involvement, or isolated primary patellofemoral arthritis may be amenable to treatment with patellofemoral arthroplasty. Recent investigations in properly indicated patients using advanced techniques have shown that management of patellofemoral cartilage disease is now more effective and predictable than in the past.
The New Age of Big Government

Both the supporters and opponents of President Bush's 2001-2003 tax cuts assert that the cuts are steps toward smaller government. That claim appears to misunderstand the notion of the size of government and rests on spending illusion - confusing the amount of the nominal dollar flows between individuals and government with the actual size of government. In fact, the 2001-2003 tax cuts probably are steps on the road to larger government because their main effect will be to increase wealth redistribution from younger to older generations.
Wärme und Arbeit

Als erster Hauptsatz der mechanischen Warmetheorie wird das Erfahrungsgesetz von der Gleichwertigkeit von Warme und Arbeit bezeichnet.
The Tale of Two Policy Arenas: A Study of German Federalism and its Implications for the Substantive Representation of Women

Although the literature has begun to recognize the effects of federalism on the substantive representation of women, there has been very little examination of this issue in countries other than the US. Using an original data set of legislation passed at the regional and national level in Germany, I employ a conditional logistic regression model to examine the conditions under which German legislators are more likely to propose and support legislation on traditional 'women's issues'. Germany is a particularly apt case because of the wide variation in descriptive representation across the regions, the significant allocation of power to the regional legislatures, and the lingering yet surprisingly powerful effects of the east/west division. My results reinvigorate the critical mass debate, and provide a new direction for the comparative analysis of substantive representation.
Comparative Immunological Studies on Somatic Antigens and Secretion-Excretion Products of Blood Stream and Culture Forms of Trypanosoma lewisi.I. Protective Immunity and the Agglutinin Response

Trypanosoma lewisi is a parasitic protozoan hemoflagellate of the rat. Morphological, physiological, and antigenic alterations of the parasites are observed during the course of the infection. The blood stream forms (BSF) of T. lewisi show 2 morphologically distinguishable types as reported by Taliaferro [1]. The reproducing forms of the parasites, so-called dividing forms, exhibit variability in their size and shape. The parasites cease reproduction by the eight to ninth day, become slender and uniform in size, and are known as nondividing or adult forms. The change from dividing forms to adult forms occurs in response to a host factor, ablastin, the "reproduction-inhib
Nerve/Nurses of the Cosmic Doctor: Wang Yang-ming on Self-Awareness as World-Awareness

ABSTRACTIn Philip J. Ivanhoe’s introduction to his Readings from the Lu-Wang School of Neo-Confucianism, he argues convincingly that the Ming-era Neo-Confucian philosopher Wang Yang-ming (1472–1529) was much more influenced by Buddhism (especially Zen’s Platform Sutra) than has generally been recognized. In light of this influence, and the centrality of questions of selfhood in Buddhism, in this article I will explore the theme of selfhood in Wang’s Neo-Confucianism. Put as a mantra, for Wang “self-awareness is world-awareness.” My central image for this mantra is the entire cosmos anthropomorphized as a doctor engaged in constant self-diagnosis, in which effort s/he is assisted by an entire staff of the nerves/nurses—individual humans enlightened as Wangian sages. In short, I will argue that the world for Wang could be meaningfully understood as a mindful, self-healing body within which humans are the sensitive nerves, using our mindful awareness to direct attention to the affected areas when injury or d...
Reconstructible volume for cone-beam CT with a reduced saddle trajectory

Saddle trajectory can be potentially useful for cardiac imaging and C-arm imaging. It can acquire cone-beam data sufficient for exact 3D image reconstruction. In last few years, a lot of effort has been devoted to reconstructing region of interest (ROI)-image from the data acquired with a full saddle scan. Recently we have proposed a reduced-scan approach in which data are collected only over an open portion of the saddle trajectory. Obviously, for an ROI-image reconstruction, the proposed reduced-scan approach can use less cone-beam data than what acquired in a full saddle scan. In this work, we have applied the chord-based algorithm and the extended polygon-based algorithm to reconstruct image for a reduced-scan saddle trajectory. Based upon the data requirements for both algorithms, we have determined the reconstructible ROI for a given reduced-scan saddle trajectory. Moreover, the computer-simulation studies have been presented to validate and evaluate the theoretically predicted reconstructible ROI by use of the chord-based and the extended polygon-based algorithms.
Insulin provision therapy and mortality in older adults with diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease: Insights from BARI-2D trial

Abstract Importance Optimal strategies for glucose control in very old adults with diabetes and stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) are unclear. Objective To compare the effects of insulin provision (IP) therapy versus insulin sensitizing (IS) therapy for glycemic control in older (≥75years) and younger ( Design, setting, and participants Adults enrolled in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) were studied. The BARI 2D study population (all with type II DM and SIHD) was randomized twice: (1) between revascularization plus intensive medical therapy versus intensive medical therapy alone, and (2) between IP versus IS therapies. The primary endpoint was all-cause-mortality over five-year follow-up. In this substudy outcomes related to IP vs. IS are assessed in relation to age. Adults aged ≥75years who received IP versus IS are compared to those Results 2368 subjects with SIHD and DM were enrolled in BARI 2D; 182 (8%) were ≥75years. Compared to younger subjects, the older cohort had lower BMI, higher diuretic use, worse kidney function, and increased history of heart failure. Within the older cohort, the IP and IS subgroups were similar in respect to baseline cardiovascular risk factors, medications, and coronary artery disease severity. During follow-up, the older subjects receiving IP therapy had higher cardiovascular mortality compared to those receiving IS therapy (16% vs. 11%, p =0.040). Using Cox proportional hazards analysis, the older IP subjects were at increased risk for all-cause-mortality (hazard ratio 1.89, CI 1.1–3.2, p =0.020). No mortality difference between IP and IS was observed in those Conclusion and relevance Among adults with diabetes and SIHD aged ≥75years, IP therapy may be associated with increased mortality compared to IS therapy. Additional studies are needed to further refine optimal treatment strategies for diabetes and SIHD in old age.
Individual Perceptions of Self-Actualization: What Functional Motives Are Linked to Fulfilling One’s Full Potential?:

Maslow's self-actualization remains a popular notion in academic research as well as popular culture. The notion that life's highest calling is fulfilling one's own unique potential has been widely appealing. But what do people believe they are doing when they pursue the realization of their full, unique potentials? Here, we examine lay perceptions of self-actualization. Self-actualizing, like any drive, is unlikely to operate without regard to biological and social costs and benefits. We examine which functional outcomes (e.g., gaining status, making friends, finding mates, caring for kin) people perceive as central to their individual self-actualizing. Three studies suggest that people most frequently link self-actualization to seeking status, and, concordant with life history theory, what people regard as self-actualizing varies in predictable ways across the life span and across individuals. Contrasting with self-actualization, people do not view other types of well-being-eudaimonic, hedonic, subjective-as furthering status-linked functional outcomes.
Where, O death, is thy sting? The meaning-providing function of beliefs in literal immortality

ABSTRACTTerror management theory suggests that humans invest in cultural worldviews that allay mortality-related anxiety by promising death transcendence. Many religious individuals adhere to belief in literal immortality – believing that one will live on after death. Across two studies (n = 1137), we explored the terror management function of such beliefs by exploring whether these beliefs are associated with lower death anxiety and greater meaning among individuals of varying religiousness. In both Study 1 (n = 236) and Study 2 (n = 901), belief in literal immortality was related to lower death anxiety only among intrinsically religious participants. Moreover, meaning in life mediated the relationship between belief in literal immortality and death anxiety. Study 2 clarified that this mediational relationship was only present for intrinsically religious individuals. We discuss the importance of particular religious beliefs in the provision of meaning in order to manage existential concerns.
FDA Approval Summary: Rucaparib for the Treatment of Patients with Deleterious BRCA Mutation–Associated Advanced Ovarian Cancer

On December 19, 2016, the FDA granted accelerated approval to rucaparib (RUBRACA; Clovis Oncology, Inc.) for the treatment of patients with deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)–associated advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with two or more chemotherapies. The FDA also approved the FoundationFocus CDxBRCA test (Foundation Medicine, Inc.), the first next-generation sequencing-based companion diagnostic, for identifying patients with advanced ovarian cancer eligible for treatment with rucaparib based on detection of deleterious BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations in tumor tissue. Rucaparib9s approval was based primarily on efficacy data from 106 patients with BRCA mutation–associated ovarian cancer who had prior treatment with two or more chemotherapies and safety data from 377 patients with ovarian cancer treated with rucaparib 600 mg orally twice daily on two open-label, single-arm trials. Investigator-assessed objective response rate was 54% [57/106; 95% confidence interval (CI), 44–64], and median duration of response was 9.2 months (95% CI, 6.6–11.7). The approved companion diagnostic verified tumor BRCA mutation status retrospectively in 96% (64/67) of patients. Common adverse reactions (≥20%) to rucaparib were nausea, fatigue, vomiting, anemia, abdominal pain, dysgeusia, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, and dyspnea. This article summarizes the FDA review and data supporting rucaparib9s accelerated approval. Clin Cancer Res; 23(23); 7165–70. ©2017 AACR. See related commentary by Kohn et al., p. 7155
Timescales of intrinsic BOLD signal dynamics and functional connectivity in pharmacologic and neuropathologic states of unconsciousness.

Environmental events are processed on multiple timescales via hierarchical organization of temporal receptive windows (TRWs) in the brain. The dependence of neural timescales and TRWs on altered states of consciousness is unclear. States of reduced consciousness are marked by a shift toward slowing of neural dynamics ( SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Information processing in the brain occurs through a hierarchy of temporal receptive windows (TRWs) in multiple timescales. Anesthetic drugs induce a reversible suppression of consciousness and thus offer a unique opportunity to investigate the state dependence of neural timescales. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that sedation with propofol is accompanied by the prolongation of the timescales of intrinsic BOLD signals presumably reflecting enlarged TRWs. We show that this is accomplished by an increase of local and regional signal synchronization, effects that may disrupt information exchange among distant brain regions. Furthermore, we show that the timescales of intrinsic BOLD signals exhibit distinct dynamic signatures in sedation, deep anesthesia, and disorders of consciousness.
The potential role of natural gas flaring in meeting greenhouse gas mitigation targets

Abstract In this paper, we compare 2015 satellite-derived natural gas (gas) flaring data with the greenhouse gas reduction targets presented by those countries in their nationally determined contributions (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement. Converting from flaring to utilization is an attractive option for reducing emissions. The analysis rates the potential role of reduction of gas flaring in meeting country-specific NDC targets. The analysis includes three categories of flaring: upstream in oil and gas production areas, downstream at refineries and transport facilities, and industrial (e.g., coal mines, landfills, water treatment plants, etc.). Upstream flaring dominates with 90.6% of all flaring. Global flaring represents less than 2% of the NDC reduction target. However, most gas flaring is concentrated in a limited set of countries, leaving the possibility that flaring reduction could contribute a sizeable portion of the NDC targets for specific countries. States that could fully meet their NDC targets through gas flaring reductions include: Yemen (240%), Algeria (197%), and Iraq (136%). Countries which could meet a substantial portion of their NDC targets with gas flaring reductions include: Gabon (94%), Algeria (48%), Venezuela (47%), Iran (34%), and Sudan (33%). On the other hand, several countries with large flared gas volumes could only meet a small portion of their NDC targets from gas flaring reductions, including the Russian Federation (2.4%) and the USA (0.1%). These findings may be useful in guiding national level efforts to meet NDC greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Effects of azimuthal dependent sediment layer structure on broadband acoustic propagation during Seabed Characterization Experiment in 2017

Seabed physical properties profoundly affect acoustic energy upon interaction. The inherent structural composition of the sediment column interacting with acoustic waves has been a topic of research for decades. Besides the intrinsic physical properties that cause signal attenuation, one of the features that various sediment structures share when interacting with acoustic signals, is causing azimuthal dependence on the broadband acoustic wave propagation. This phenomenon studied in late 1990's [Badiey et al., JASA, 1997a, b] was revisited during the Seabed Characterization Experiment in 2017 (SBCE 2017). The sediment layer structure was obtained from the Chirp Sonar survey collected in the summer of 2015 during pilot study. These data plus CTD and bathymetric measurements are used to construct environmental input along radial tracks for acoustic field computations and range-varying wave number spectral calculations to support SBCE 2017 data analysis. The simulation results show azimuthal variability of acoustic normal modes similar to the experimental data documented in earlier studies [Badiey et al. JASA, 1997 and 2017]. Current results indicate that azimuthal variability of sediment physical properties is one of the causes of acoustic variability in this region. [Work supported by ONR 321OA.]Seabed physical properties profoundly affect acoustic energy upon interaction. The inherent structural composition of the sediment column interacting with acoustic waves has been a topic of research for decades. Besides the intrinsic physical properties that cause signal attenuation, one of the features that various sediment structures share when interacting with acoustic signals, is causing azimuthal dependence on the broadband acoustic wave propagation. This phenomenon studied in late 1990's [Badiey et al., JASA, 1997a, b] was revisited during the Seabed Characterization Experiment in 2017 (SBCE 2017). The sediment layer structure was obtained from the Chirp Sonar survey collected in the summer of 2015 during pilot study. These data plus CTD and bathymetric measurements are used to construct environmental input along radial tracks for acoustic field computations and range-varying wave number spectral calculations to support SBCE 2017 data analysis. The simulation results show azimuthal variability of ac...
The Fine Structure of the Lymphocyte Nucleus Under Conditions of Phytohaemagglutinin Stimulation

The nucleus of PHA (phytohaemagglutinin) cultured lymphocytes is studied by EDTA, Thalium-Schiff and uranyl-lead techniques. Scattering of the dense chromatin, increase in the number of NB (nuclear bodies) and nucleolar modifications are established. Transportation is seen of granules similar to perichromatin ones from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. Morphometric investigation reveals a decrease between 7,7 and 26,3% of the dense chromatin and also thatthe number of PCG (perichromatin granules) to be the greatest in the untransformed PHA lymphocytes, e. g. lymphocytes. It is established in new born chickens that the lymphocytes of the bourse of Fabricius are richer in PCG than these of the thymus.
Microcirculatory effect of topical vapocoolants.

BACKGROUND Vapocoolant sprays are commonly used to minimize pain following minor interventions such as venipuncture, shave biopsy or needle insertion. Although these sprays have been widely used in clinical practice, little is known about their effect on microcirculation or cutaneous blood flow. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the real-time effect of a topical vapocoolant using a well-established, rat cremaster muscle microcirculatory model, allowing direct measurement of changes in vessel diameter, capillary density and leukocyte behaviour. METHODS Fifty rats were divided into a control and four experimental groups: group 1: 4 s spray with vapocoolant at 18 cm distance; group 2: 10 s spray at 18 cm distance; group 3: 4 s spray at 8 cm distance; and group 4: 10 s spray at 8 cm distance. Vessel diameters, capillary density and leukocyte behaviour were monitored for 1 h thereafter. Muscle was harvested for immunohistochemistry analysis of proangiogenic markers (vascular endothelial growth factor and von Willebrand factor), leukocyte behaviour markers (E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule, intercellular adhesion molecule), pimonidazole-hypoxia staining and ApopTag (Millipore, USA) staining for apoptosis. Gene expression for inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma) was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and myeloperoxidase assay for inflammation was performed. RESULTS The use of refrigerant spray decreased vessel diameter and capillary density initially, although none of these decreases were statistically significant. Polymerase chain reaction showed no significant changes. The myeloperoxidase assay showed statistically significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity in groups 2, 3 and 4. Immunohistochemistry was negative for angiogenic and proinflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS The lack of statistically significant changes in vessel diameter and inflammatory markers corroborated the safety on microcirculation.
Sound deadlock prediction

For a concurrent program, a prediction tool maps the history of a single run to a prediction of bugs in an exponential number of other runs. If all those bugs can occur, then the tool is sound. This is the case for some data race tools like RVPredict, but was, until now, not the case for deadlock tools. We present the first sound tool for predicting deadlocks in Java. Unlike previous work, we use request events and a novel form of executability constraints that enable sound and effective deadlock prediction. We model prediction as a general decision problem, which we show is decidable and can be instantiated to both deadlocks and data races. Our proof of decidability maps the decision problem to an equivalent constraint problem that we solve using an SMT-solver. Our experiments show that our tool finds real deadlocks effectively, including some missed by DeadlockFuzzer, which verifies each deadlock candidate by re-executing the input program. Our experiments also show that our tool can be used to predict more, real data races than RVPredict.
Russian Industry in January 2014

The initial data of the business surveys of the Gaidar Institute on the state of things in the Russian industry showed that in January the situation did not change for the worse and modest positive signals late in 2013 might consolidate in 2014. The positive dynamics of the demand permitted to maintain output without growth in excessive reserves of finished products. However, the pessimism of forecasts of demand, output, prices and investments point to the fact that enterprises are still uncertain about quick and sustained industrial growth.
Radio Indígenas y Estado en Colombia ¿Herramientas “políticas” o Instrumentos “policivos”?

Basados en el caso de los proyectos radiales Namuy Wam del Pueblo Misak (Guambiano) y Radio Payumat del Pueblo Nasa (Paez), este articulo discute los efectos de la intervencion del estado en el desarrollo de la radio indigena en Colombia. La radio indigena, especialmente aquel fruto de procesos politicos en los cuales participaron miembros de la iglesia catolica y colaboradores externos, han aportado de distintas maneras al fortalecimiento de los proyectos politicos colectivos de las comunidades indigenas. Pero, debido a la intervencion del estado, estos proyectos tambien han traido nuevos problemas, especialmente de indole economico, restringiendo su poder politico.