cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of carbon nanotube-based driver transistors on the performance of single-walled carbon nanotube interconnect

In this paper, we investigate the performance of on-chip interconnect constructed using hybrid systems containing both single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) based driver transistors and SWCNT bundle-based wires. Leveraging an equivalent circuit model for SWCNT bundle-based interconnect and a semi-empirical model for both N-type and P-type carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFET), we predict the performance of hybrid systems of nanotube-based devices and interconnect using circuit-level simulation. The results indicate that hybrid nanotube-based driver/interconnect systems can potentially provide a substantial delay reduction over standard CMOS buffers and copper interconnect implemented in 22 nm process technology. Finally, we examine the reliability implications of parasitic metallic nanotubes in CNTFET-based driver circuits and find that even a small number of parasitic metallic nanotubes can lead to logic failures, which underscores the need for tight process control when manufacturing CNTFETs.
Reversal of hypoglycemia unawareness, but not defective glucose counterregulation, in IDDM

To test the hypothesis that the neuroendocrine (including autonomic) responses to hypoglycemia are dissociated from the symptomatic responses to hypoglycemia in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients with hypoglycemia awareness and during reversal of hypoglycemia unawareness in IDDM, we used the hyperinsulinemic stepped hypoglycemic (5.0, 4.4, 3.9, 3.3, 2.8, and 2.2 mmol/l) clamp technique to quantitate these responses in nondiabetic control subjects and IDDM patients with hypoglycemia awareness and with hypoglycemia unawareness. The latter were restudied after 3 days, 3-4 weeks, and 3 months of scrupulous avoidance of iatrogenic hypoglycemia. At baseline, symptom responses were virtually nil in unaware patients (P = 0.0001 vs. nondiabetic); these were increased in aware patients (P = 0.0183 vs. nondiabetic). In contrast, several neuroendocrine responses were comparably reduced in both unaware and aware patients: epinephrine (P = 0.0222 and 0.0156), pancreatic polypeptide (P = 0.0004 and 0.0003), glucagon (P = 0.0112 and 0.0109), and cortisol (P = 0.0214 and 0.0450). In initially unaware patients, symptom responses increased (P = 0.0001) during avoidance of hypoglycemia. Demonstrable after 3 days, these were entirely normal after 3-4 weeks and 3 months. In contrast, none of the neuroendocrine responses increased. Thus, we conclude that several neuroendocrine responses to hypoglycemia (including the adrenomedullary and parasympathetic components of the autonomic response) can be dissociated from symptomatic responses in IDDM patients with hypoglycemia awareness and during reversal of hypoglycemia unawareness in IDDM. Avoidance of iatrogenic hypoglycemia sufficient to reverse the clinical syndrome of hypoglycemia unawareness did not reverse the key elements (deficient glucagon and epinephrine responses) of the clinical syndrome of defective glucose counterregulation. This implies that the mechanisms of hypoglycemia unawareness and of defective glucose counterregulation are, at least in part, different in IDDM.
Document clustering using the LSI subspace signature model

We describe the latent semantic indexing subspace signature model (LSISSM) for semantic content representation of unstructured text. Grounded on singular value decomposition, the model represents terms and documents by the distribution signatures of their statistical contribution across the top-ranking latent concept dimensions. LSISSM matches term signatures with document signatures according to their mapping coherence between latent semantic indexing (LSI) term subspace and LSI document subspace. LSISSM does feature reduction and finds a low-rank approximation of scalable and sparse term-document matrices. Experiments demonstrate that this approach significantly improves the performance of major clustering algorithms such as standard K-means and self-organizing maps compared with the vector space model and the traditional LSI model. The unique contribution ranking mechanism in LSISSM also improves the initialization of standard K-means compared with random seeding procedure, which sometimes causes low efficiency and effectiveness of clustering. A two-stage initialization strategy based on LSISSM significantly reduces the running time of standard K-means procedures.
A Parametric Class of Zero Locations for Stochastic Model Reduction

Recent approaches to stochastic model reduction have followed the balancing approach introduced by Moore for the deterministic model reduction problem [1]. In this approach, a given model is transformed to one in which the state variables are ordered with respect to their contribution to some criterion, and the reduced-order model is then obtained by deleting the least important variables. In the stochastic case, there is some flexibility in choosing the zeros of the reduced-order model, although the pole locations are fixed by the balancing procedure. Two choices of zero locations have been given in the literature, but the question of which one is "best" seems to be problem dependent. In this paper, it is shown that a parametric class of zero locations can be defined which includes the two choices given previously. By finding the optimum parameter values, the best set of zero locations from this class can be determined.
Quantification and ACD: Evidence from Real-Time Sentence Processing

Quantifiers, unlike proper names or definite descriptions, cannot be given the semantics of referring expressions. This fact has triggered a long-standing debate in formal semantics and syntax as to the combinatorial means by which quantifiers are integrated into a sentence. The present paper contributes to this debate through an investigation of quantifier comprehension during real-time sentence processing. We present evidence showing that two potentially independent processes—the integration of a quantifier in object position and the resolution of antecedent-contained deletion (ACD)—are linked. Our data show, more specifically, that the resolution of a downstream ACD site is facilitated during real-time sentence processing if the upstream DP hosting the ACD site is quantificational but not if it is definite. We discuss these findings in the context of a QUANTIFIER RAISINGbased approach and a type-shifting-based approach to quantifier integration. We argue that facilitation of ACD resolution by an upstream quantifier is only expected by theories, such as the QUANTIFIER RAISING approach, which employ the same mechanism for both processes. We then compare the QUANTIFIER RAISING-based account with a non-grammatical experience-based approach to our data, which attempts to explain the findings in terms of corpus frequencies. Although we cannot rule out such an alternative at this stage, we offer reasons to believe that an account that exploits QUANTIFIER RAISING has an explanatory advantage.
Solidification of a finite slab with convective cooling and shrinkage

Abstract We consider the one-dimensional solidification of a finite slab of a pure substance which is initially in liquid state. Convective cooling is applied at one end of the slab while the other end is kept adiabatic. There is a precooling stage before solidification begins. A void, which has substantial overall effect on the solidification of the slab, is formed at the cooled end due to shrinkage and grows during solidification. Perturbation analysis for small Stefan numbers ϵ is used to find the interface position and temperature distributions in both solid and liquid phases. The order of magnitude of the Biot number at the cold end, Bi, determines the nature of the solution. Regular and two time-scale perturbation solutions are obtained for Bi∼O(ϵ−1/2) and Bi∼O(1), respectively. The results can be extended to other orders of magnitude, as well as to slowly-varying time-dependent Bi. The results agree well with special cases in the literature, and with numerical solutions calculated using the enthalpy method.
Incredible Tale of Texasgulf Well 7 and Fracture Permeability, Paradox Basin, Utah

Normal faults and associated extended joints form an extremely permeable zone in Pennsylvanian and Permian limestones and arkoscs along the crest of the Cane Creek salt growth anticline of southeastern Utah. These same rocks in unfaulted states comprise an extensive regional confining layer sequence. Fluids in the fault zone are sodium chloride/hydrogen sulfide brines which have bleached all permeable flow paths within the units. Bleaching patterns in outcrops reveal that circulation in the fault zone is largely restricted to the fault planes and nearby extended joints. Orthogonal joints within the fault zone are also bleached but to a lesser extent. In contrast, bleaching of all joints a short distance from the faults is rare. The highly anisotropic permeability distribution observed is characterized by maximum principal permeability tensors oriented parallel to the strike of the faults and minimum principal tensors perpendicular to the fault planes. The productive zone has a transmissivity considerably in excess of 10s gallons/day-foot parallel to the strike of the faults. Fracture permeability is attributed to minute separations developed along faults and joints as the rocks containing them underwent extension perpendicular to the strike of the anticline. The causative extensional stress regime was imposed on the rocks as they were bent and stretched over the growing core of the anticline. The general conclusion of this article is that extensional tectonic regimes are ideally suited for imprinting fracture permeability on brittle rock sequences. Such fractures include extensional joints and high angle normal faults. Small offsets appear to favor development of porosity because surface irregularities in the fracture planes are not ground off thereby forcing the facing surfaces to separate, and gouge development is minimized.
Acoustic Estimation of Thermal Distribution in the Vicinity of Femtosecond Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown

Laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB), or photodisruption, can generate individual microbubbles in tissues for biomedical applications. We have previously developed a co-localized high-frequency ultrasound system to detect and characterize these laser-induced microbubbles. Because ultrasound speed varies with temperature, this system can also be used to directly estimate thermal effects in the vicinity of photodisruption. In this study, individual bubbles (sizes 60-100 mum) were created at the bottom of a water tank using a 793-nm, 100-fs Ti:Sapphire laser pulsed at 250 kHz. During and after breakdown, pulse-echoes from the tank bottom in the region surrounding a bubble were recorded with a single-element 85-MHz ultrasonic transducer, and temperature-dependent pulse-echo displacements were calculated using phase-sensitive correlation tracking. These displacements were then fit to a finite-element heat transfer model to estimate the effective thermal distribution. Estimates were calculated for laser exposure times ranging from 6.25 to 312.5 ms (1600 to 78 000 laser pulses), at 1.5 and 4 J/cm2 fluences. Results suggest a minimal temperature increase (<1deg C) within 100 mum of a bubble created with <1600 laser pulses at 1.5 J/cm2 fluence. This implies that LIOB can be controlled to be thermally noninvasive in the bubble vicinity
Radiology from a "different" view.

This editorial is dedicated to a radiologist who makes diagnostic imaging more appealing to the viewer’s eye with special post-processing techniques.
A Non-Invasive Technique for Configuring Low Level RF Feedback Loops in PEP-II

The RF system of the PEP-II collider uses two fast feedback loops around each klystron and set of cavities. These loops reduce the impedance of the fundamental mode of the accelerating cavities seen by the beam, and are necessary to reduce the growth rates of longitudinal modes within the RF system bandwidth. Operation of the accelerator at high beam currents is very sensitive to the configuration of the low-level RF feedback loops. There are 7 loop control parameters that strongly influence the stability of the feedback loops and the achieved level of longitudinal impedance reduction. Diagnostic techniques for the analysis of the RF feedback via closed-loop system transfer function measurements will be presented. The model is fit to the measured closed-loop transfer function data and the extracted parameters are then used to calculate optimal tuning and corrections to the loop control elements in the physical channel. These techniques allow fine-tuning of RF feedback with stored beam as well as diagnosis of misconfigured or malfunctioning elements of the system. Results from PEP-II operation will be presented to illustrate the techniques and their applications.
Globally Optimal Interactive Boundary Extraction Using Markov Chain Modeling

We present a novel boundary-based (discontinuity tracking) hierarchical statistical criterion to address the interactive contour extraction problem. Our criterion relies on a Markov Chain representation of the boundary and can be efficiently optimized using Dijkstras algorithm for solving the shortest paths problem. Unlike other criteria optimized with Dijkstras algorithm, ours is capable of extracting geometrically complex boundaries even when the features incorporated in the objective function are based only on user markings on a small part of the image. The critical quantity in our criterion that yields the above-mentioned results is a normalization factor that boosts the probability of a particular boundary segment based on the candidate boundary segments in its vicinity. Although similar in spirit to the technique of non-maximum suppression routinely employed in edge detection, our method boosts gradually the probability of a particular segment given its surroundings using windows of increasing size in a hierarchical fashion.
Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology: Leadership Considerations for Promoting Inclusive Education in Today’s Secondary Schools

The increased number of students with learning disabilities in general education secondary school classrooms presents complex challenges for today’s educators. This article describes how the Universal Design for Learning theoretical framework can be used with assistive technology to enhance educational opportunities for secondary students with learning disabilities. Barriers that prevent secondary teachers from effectively selecting, adopting, implementing, and assessing assistive technology devices are discussed and potential solutions are identified. The article concludes with recommendations for enhancing secondary teachers’ professional development opportunities.
Immune Recognition of Exposed Xenoantigens on the Surface of PEGylated Bovine Red Blood Cells

Due to potential problems that can occur during blood transfusion and increasing blood shortages, our group engineered methoxypolyethylene glycol conjugated bovine red blood cells (mPEG-bRBCs) as a potential universal oxygen therapeutic. This current work investigates the immunological properties of mPEG-bRBCs incubated with human plasma (hP) and correlates these properties to exposed Galalpha(1,3)Gal xenoantigens. After mPEG-bRBCs were incubated with hP, the amount of bound IgG and IgM was assessed via flow cytometry. Flow cytometry also assessed the amount of GS-IB4 bound to exposed Galalpha(1,3)Gal xenoantigens. The results of this study demonstrate that most hP samples strongly promote agglutination of mPEG-bRBCs regardless of the extent of mPEG surface coverage or donor blood type. IgG and IgM from hP bound strongly to mPEG-bRBCs. In general, the Galalpha(1,3)Gal xenoantigen remains exposed at all levels of PEG surface coverage. PEGylation did block some of the xenoantigens as the amount of exposed Galalpha (1,3)Gal decreased with increased mPEG surface coverage. However, this was not sufficient to prevent a strong agglutination reaction. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the current strategy for PEGylating bRBCs is unsatisfactory for the development of immunologically silent oxygen therapeutics.
Unfinished Nation-Building in Belarus and the 2006 Presidential Election

A U.S.-based geographer interprets the results of the March 19, 2006 presidential elections in Belarus as a contest among three emergent strands of Belarusian nationalism. The study is based on national surveys conducted by an independent research/polling organization, analysis of websites of Radio Liberty's Belarusian Service and opposition-minded and official media outlets, as well as field observations and selected interviews. The author begins by examining polling results believed to reflect mass attitudes of rank-and-file Belarusians; the three strands of nationalism (personified by the three major presidential candidates) are then described in detail. He argues that lack of national consolidation presents a far greater problem for Belarus than the much-reviled Lukashenka regime, particularly in the context of recent disputes with Russia over oil and gas transit and pricing. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O18, P20, Z00. 5 tables, 70 references.
Recent studies of fat digestion and absorption.

A review of the mechanism of digestion and absorption of fat has been presented. A new working hypothesis is suggested, based on the uses of tracer techniques.
Summing one-loop graphs in a theory with broken symmetry.

The method suggested by Brown for calculating multiparticle threshold amplitudes is extended to the one-loop level in scalar theories with broken reflection symmetry. A result for the threshold amplitude for multiparticle production is derived. It is also shown that the tree-level amplitude for two on-mass-shell particles producing [ital n] particles vanishes at the kinematical threshold for [ital n][gt]2.
Hind Paw Incision in the Rat Produces Long-Lasting Colon Hypersensitivity

Abstract Visceral injury has been shown to alter somatic sensitivity, but little is known about the effect of somatic insult on the viscera. In the present study, we examined (1) the effect of colon inflammation on somatic sensitivity and (2) the affect of hind paw incision on colon sensitivity. After intracolonic administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) or zymosan, visceromotor responses to colorectal distension were increased to post-treatment day 8. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds in the hind paw were decreased in TNBS- and in zymosan-treated rats until post–intracolonic treatment day 2. There was no change in hind paw heat withdrawal latency in either group. Plantar incision of the hind paw resulted in a decrease in both hind paw mechanical withdrawal threshold and heat withdrawal latency and significantly increased the visceromotor response to colorectal distension from postincision days 1 to 8. The colon hypersensitivity was of longer duration than hyperalgesia at the site of hind paw incision. These results support the hypothesis that somatic injury and visceral inflammation can alter central processing of visceral and somatic inputs, respectively. Perspective Surgical procedures are common and typically associated with hyperalgesia at and around the site of incision. This report establishes in a model of postsurgical pain and hyperalgesia that a long-lasting visceral hypersensitivity may also accompany postsurgical hyperalgesia.
Cryptogenic Group A Streptococcal Bacteremia: Experience at an Urban General Hospital and Review of the Literature

The clinical features of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis were studied in 15 consecutive patients seen at an urban general hospital over a two-year period. Although 14 of the 15 patients had underlying disease, no patient had malignancy and none had undergone immunosuppressive therapy. Only one infection was nosocomially acquired. Mortality was 20%. Bacteremia arose from a cutaneous infection in 10 cases, from pneumonia in two, and from the urinary tract in one. Streptococcal bacteremia was unexpected in the remaining patients, two women who presented with severe abdominal pain. Unlike most other patients described in the literature, neither woman had an identifiable primary focus of infection. A review of the literature for potential sources of group A streptococcal bacteremia revealed that this pathogen is not part of the indigenous flora of the normal host at any body site.
Targeted capture in evolutionary and ecological genomics

The rapid expansion of next-generation sequencing has yielded a powerful array of tools to address fundamental biological questions at a scale that was inconceivable just a few years ago. Various genome-partitioning strategies to sequence select subsets of the genome have emerged as powerful alternatives to whole-genome sequencing in ecological and evolutionary genomic studies. High-throughput targeted capture is one such strategy that involves the parallel enrichment of preselected genomic regions of interest. The growing use of targeted capture demonstrates its potential power to address a range of research questions, yet these approaches have yet to expand broadly across laboratories focused on evolutionary and ecological genomics. In part, the use of targeted capture has been hindered by the logistics of capture design and implementation in species without established reference genomes. Here we aim to (i) increase the accessibility of targeted capture to researchers working in nonmodel taxa by discussing capture methods that circumvent the need of a reference genome, (ii) highlight the evolutionary and ecological applications where this approach is emerging as a powerful sequencing strategy and (iii) discuss the future of targeted capture and other genome-partitioning approaches in the light of the increasing accessibility of whole-genome sequencing. Given the practical advantages and increasing feasibility of high-throughput targeted capture, we anticipate an ongoing expansion of capture-based approaches in evolutionary and ecological research, synergistic with an expansion of whole-genome sequencing.
Herbal medicine course within pharmacy curriculum.

Due to the growing use of herbs and dietary supplements by consumers, pharmacists now need a basic knowledge of this topic for their professional practices. To meet this need, an elective course on herbs and dietary supplements is being taught at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science. The objective of the course is to teach students basic phytopharmacology, counseling skills on herbal medicine, evidence-based resources, manufacturing practices, and dietary regulations. A review of over 50 herbs touches on clinical use, efficacy, safety, and drug interactions. This paper reviews the course curriculum, resources and exercises used throughout the course.
Review Paper: Current Strategies in the Development of Anti-obesity Drugs and Their Safety Concerns:

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, orthopedic disorders, and certain cancers. Despite this risk, the prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide, and there is a growing demand for safe and effective antiobesity drugs. Previous antiobesity drugs or anorexigens, particularly centrally acting agents, have poor safety records. Life-threatening safety issues led to the withdrawal of aminorex in 1968, fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine in 1997, and phenylpropanolamine in 2000. Many of the safety issues, such as valvulopathy with fenfluramine and pulmonary arterial hypertension with aminorex, were initially not predicted by routine preclinical toxicology studies. To date, there are no validated animal models or preclinical and/or toxicologic screens to accurately predict anorexigen-induced valvulopathy and pulmonary arterial hypertension in humans. This review covers the current state of antiobesity drugs and their safety concerns, and highlights new therapeutic targets and scientific advances toward the development of appropriate animal models by using novel techniques that will aid in understanding pathogenesis and pathophysiology of anorexigen-related safety issues.
New design methodology for electrically small HF antenna

The design of electrically small HF antennas continues to be a challenging effort, primarily due to the tradeoffs involved in reducing antenna electrical size while attempting to maintain some level of acceptable impedance and bandwidth at lower frequencies. Current doctrine dictates that optimization can only be achieved when the conductive elements are placed on the surface of the sphere enclosing the volume of the antenna. This paper presents an alternative design methodology that actually uses the inner volume to achieve self-resonances at much lower frequencies within a given volume, with performance consistent with the fundamental properties related to antenna height, volume, and wire length. This methodology offers designers an alternative when the design requirements and restrictions on maximum height and volume would otherwise not support self-resonance at a lower required frequency. Four alternative designs have been simulated and performance parameters including radiation resistance, Q, bandwidth, and the minimum operating frequency have been compared. Results from these simulations are presented and tradeoffs discussed.
ON “THE GIFT” IN TANNER's THEOLOGY: A PATRISTIC PARABLE

Kathryn Tanner's theology of “the gift” is examined and contrasted with that of John Milbank. To clarify the relation between spiritual and material gifts implied in Tanner's thought, as well as the role of “nature”, the author revisits patristic commentaries on the Lord's Prayer regarding “the gift” of daily bread. Differing interpretations by Origen and Gregory of Nyssa resemble differences obtaining between Tanner and Milbank; Maximus the Confessor's harmonizing reading may provide a way beyond the present impasse and illumine the importance of nature for further discussions of “the gift” in Anglo-American theology.
Phenolic metabolism and ethanolic fermentation of intact and cut lettuce exposed to CO2-enriched atmospheres

Abstract Intact heads and cut leaf midrib tissue of crisphead lettuce ( Lactuca sativa , L., cv. ‘Salinas’ and ‘Vanguard’) were kept in air or air +5%, 10%, or 20% CO 2 for 10 or 20 days at 2.5°C and then transferred to air at 20°C for 12 hrs to study CO 2 effects on phenolic metabolism and fermentative products. Exposure of cut midribs to 20% CO 2 increased extractable activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) when assayed at its optimum pH (8.5). However, under the 20% CO 2 treatment PAL activity was reduced as a result of a decrease in cytoplasmic pH. Total phenolic content of cut midribs was reduced under 20% CO 2 -enriched atmosphere probably due to this decrease in PAL activity. The phenolic content rapidly increased after the tissue was transferred from 20% CO 2 at 2.5°C to air at 20°C when cytoplasmic pH returned to its normal value and the PAL activity was restored. Such effects of CO 2 on PAL and phenolics were of lower magnitude in intact heads, probably due to their lower sensitivity to phenolic metabolism. Off-flavor developed in the intact heads exposed to 20% CO 2 , which was associated with increased concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde. When exposed to 20% CO 2 , levels of ethanol and acetaldehyde in cut midribs were only about half of those in intact heads.
Semantic zooming of code change history

Previously, we presented our technique for visualizing fine-grained code changes in a timeline view, designed to facilitate reviewing and interacting with the code change history. During user evaluations, it became evident that users often wanted to see the code changes at a higher level of abstraction. Therefore, we developed a novel approach to automatically summarize fine-grained code changes into more conceptual, higher-level changes in real time. Our system provides four collapse levels, which are integrated with the timeline via semantic zooming: raw level (no collapsing), statement level, method level, and type level. Compared to the raw level, the number of code changes shown in the timeline at each level is reduced by 55%, 77%, and 83%, respectively. This implies that the semantic zooming would help users better understand and interact with the history by minimizing the potential information overload.
Corporate Innovation, Price Momentum, and Equity Returns

We define corporate innovation (CI) as the proportion of a firm's change in gross profit margin not explained by the change in the capital and labor it utilizes. We show that CI contains important information about expected equity returns. This information is very different from information contained in earnings surprises variables. It is however strongly related to the information contained in past returns, and can explain much of the performance of price momentum strategies.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma : an update

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with an overall poor prognosis. Recent reports have observed an increase in its incidence both among the patients with immunodeficient patients as well as immunocompetent individuals. This review highlights the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical profile, diagnosis, treatment modalities and prognosis of this extranodal lymphoma.
Flexible for whom? Flex crops, crises, fixes and the politics of exchanging use values in US corn production

Flexible allocation of crops among food and non-food uses is a key driver of global agri-food system change. Focusing on United States corn production, I explore the dynamics of flex crops, scrutinizing agri-industrial relationships and the distribution of agri-food system value and control. I situate crop flexing as exchanging use value, as opposed to converting use into exchange value without altering the commodity's use. Asking ‘Flexible for whom?' in the context of agri-food system crises, I find: (1) flex crops exacerbate contradictory food security and over supply crises, and that the distribution of flexibility and benefit in the agri-food system they provide depends on the organization of labor; (2) crises of accumulation tie flex crops to agri-food system financialization, which subordinates use to exchange value, obfuscating their relationship and distancing agricultural products and uses from their basis in nature and labor; and (3) debates over US corn flexing illustrate the utility of focusin...
Abstract 289: Effect of Central Sympatholytic Treatment on the Anti-Hypertensive Response of Renal Denervation in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Renal nerve ablation has been shown to elicit a chronic, anti-hypertensive effect in drug-resistant hypertensive patients. Precise understanding of the mechanisms underlying the clinical success of renal denervation is currently unknown, and as a consequence, it is predicted the technology will be under-utilized until such information is uncovered. Retrospective multivariate analyses of responders suggest treatment with a central sympatholytic may correlate with a successful response to renal denervation. However, this hypothesis remains untested. This study tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with a central sympatholytic would augment the response to renal denervation (RDX) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. In rats pre-treated for 1 week with clonidine (125ug/kg/day), MAP was significantly reduced from baseline but there was no difference in response to clonidine between groups (Sham(n=7): -21.3±0.8 vs RDX(n=7): -22.8±1.3mmHg, p>0.05). During clonidine treatment RDX significantly reduced MAP within 48hrs in RDX animals compared to shams (Sham: 145.9±2.5 vs. RDX: 135.0±1.7mmHg, p 0.05). Discontinuation of clonidine caused blood pressure to rise, but once pressures stabilized, the average MAP was significantly lower in RDX treated rats (Sham:157.4 ± 0.8 vs. RDX: 146.4 ± 0.8mmHg, p
Validating land data quality of simultaneous multiple vibrator acquisition

Summary In 2007, ConocoPhillips conducted field experiments designed to evaluate the data quality of multi-offset VSPs acquired by a single vibrator and simultaneous multiple vibrators. To check the repeatability of vibrator sources, we recorded 8 repeated sweeps at the same source location for both acquisitions. The data quality is consistent from sweep to sweep at the same source location showing good repeatability of vibrator sources. Inverting 8 repeated sweeps simultaneously by a least-squares approach produces a solution that is very comparable to an average solution derived from inverting each sweep separately. In some cases, the least-squares solution tends to handle the ambient noise better and gives a slightly better solution than the average solution. The analyses of downgoing and upgoing VSPs demonstrates that simultaneous multiple vibrator acquisition yields equivalent data quality when compared with a single vibrator and cross-talk artifacts generated by simultaneous multiple vibrators are minimal in this case.
Experimental investigations of electrostatic fluid accelerators under alternating polarity single and multi-stage DC excitation

While electrostatic fluid accelerators (EFA) are gaining new ground in small scale applications, little documentation exists on the topics of enhancing the induced wind velocity by exploiting the corona discharge and on configurations involving the series cascading of alternating polarity EFA stages. This paper presents experimental results for single and multi-stage DC corona driven EFA system including aluminum point, carbon steel brush, two grids of varying dimensions and a ring with inner cross sectional areas of 44.9 mm, as electrode elements, with gap sizes ranging from 6.35 to 44.45 mm. The unique carbon steel brush electrode, in brush to ring configuration, results in higher velocities when compared to traditional point to ring configurations. The increase of corona initiation sites within a single EFA stage, resulted in an induced wind velocity increase of 66% for positive polarity and 25% for negative. Results for an encased alternating polarity cascading system are presented and compared to single polarity series cascaded systems. Preliminary results for an open air alternating polarity cascaded system demonstrate a maximum of 2.9 m/s induced air velocity at a distance of 20.65 mm from the “exhaust” ring.
The Design of 8m~3 High Altitude Simulated Control System

The overview and the design of 8m~3 high altitude simulated control system,and the process of applying Visual C++ technique to design system with LabVIEW components were introduced.The key technologies such as control,data processing integration were solved,and the experimental efficiency of high altitude simulated control system was raised.
Effect of Macitentan on the Development of New Ischemic Digital Ulcers in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: DUAL-1 and DUAL-2 Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance Digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis are associated with pain and poor quality of life. Endothelin-1 promotes vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis after macitentan, an endothelin-1 blocker. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of macitentan in reducing the number of new digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. Design, Setting, and Participants Two international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (DUAL-1, DUAL-2) were conducted between January 2012 and February 2014. Participants were patients with systemic sclerosis and active digital ulcers at baseline. Target enrollment for each study was 285 patients. Interventions Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to receive oral doses of 3 mg of macitentan, 10 mg of macitentan, or placebo once daily and stratified according to number of digital ulcers at baseline (≤3 or >3). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome for each trial was the cumulative number of new digital ulcers from baseline to week 16. Treatment effect was expressed as the ratio between treatment groups. Results In DUAL-1, among 289 randomized patients (mean age 51.2 years; 85.8% women), 226 completed the study. The adjusted mean number of new digital ulcers per patient over 16 weeks was 0.94 in the 3-mg macitentan group (n = 95) and 1.08 in the 10-mg macitentan group (n = 97) compared with 0.85 in the placebo group (n = 97) (absolute difference, 0.09 [95% CI, −0.37 to 0.54] for 3 mg of macitentan vs placebo and 0.23 [−0.27 to 0.72] for 10 mg of macitentan vs placebo). Among 265 patients randomized in DUAL-2 (mean age 49.6 years; 81.9% women), 216 completed the study. In DUAL-2, the adjusted mean number of new digital ulcers was 1.44 in the 3-mg macitentan group (n = 88) and 1.46 in the 10-mg macitentan group (n = 88) compared with 1.21 in the placebo group (n = 89) (absolute difference, 0.23 [95% CI, −0.35 to 0.82] for 3 mg of macitentan vs placebo and 0.25 [95% CI, −0.34 to 0.84] for 10 mg of macitentan vs placebo). Adverse events more frequently associated with macitentan than with placebo were headache, peripheral edema, skin ulcer, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with systemic sclerosis and active ischemic digital ulcers, treatment with macitentan did not reduce new digital ulcers over 16 weeks. These results do not support the use of macitentan for the treatment of digital ulcers in this patient population. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers:NCT01474109,NCT01474122
Phototherapy of bladder cancer: dose/effect relationships.

AbstractHematoporphyrin derivative photodynamic therapy has very important clinical applicability in the diagnosis and treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, but many aspects of the photodynamic process are yet to be elucidated. This paper investigates the role of dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE) concentration, the duration of light exposure, and the initial size of the tumors in the treatment of a transplantable murine transitional cell tumor system.The best results were noted in tumors less than sixmm. in diameter when treated with 15mg./kg. DHE and exposed to 100 to 180 minutes of visible light. Animals with small initial tumor size combined with higher DHE concentration and longer light exposure time were most likely to show tumor response.
Does Learning Alternations Affect Phonotactic Judgments

It has long been recognized that alternations often serve to resolve violations of the phonotactic constraints of a language, and it has often been claimed that this entails a unified analysis. However, alternations and phonotactics do not always reflect identical constraints or processes. We provide experimental evidence that the learning of an alternation may affect phonotactic judgments. Participants were trained on one of two artificial languages. Each language contained evidence for one of two alternations, while not excluding the possibility that the other alternation occurs. The constraints motivating the alternations were not violated in either language. All participants were then tested on their phonotactic preference for the sequences avoided by each alternation. Experiment 1 found a significant interaction between alternation trained on and phonotactic preference, supporting the hypothesis that the learning of an alternation to avoid a sequence reduces the phonotactic acceptability of that sequence. Experiment 2 found a nonsignificant trend in the same direction. We conclude that while further investigation is needed, there is reason to consider potential interactions between alternations and phonotactics in the modeling of phonological learning.
Multimodal Classification of Schizophrenia Patients with MEG and fMRI Data Using Static and Dynamic Connectivity Measures.

Mental disorders like schizophrenia are currently diagnosed by physicians/psychiatrists through clinical assessment and their evaluation of patient’s self-reported experiences as the illness emerges. There is great interest in identifying biological markers of prognosis at the onset of illness, rather than relying on the evolution of symptoms across time. Functional network connectivity, which indicates a subject's overall level of 'synchronicity' of activity between brain regions, demonstrates promise in providing individual subject predictive power. Many previous studies reported functional connectivity changes during resting-state using only functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Nevertheless, exclusive reliance on fMRI to generate such networks may limit the inference of the underlying dysfunctional connectivity, which is hypothesized to be a factor in patient symptoms, as fMRI measures connectivity via hemodynamics. Therefore, combination of connectivity assessments using fMRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG), which more directly measures neuronal activity, may provide improved classification of schizophrenia than either modality alone. Moreover, recent evidence indicates that metrics of dynamic connectivity may also be critical for understanding pathology in schizophrenia. In this work, we propose a new framework for extraction of important disease related features and classification of patients with schizophrenia based on using both fMRI and MEG to investigate functional network components in the resting state. Results of this study show that the integration of fMRI and MEG provides important information that captures fundamental characteristics of functional network connectivity in schizophrenia and is helpful for prediction of schizophrenia patient group membership. Combined fMRI/MEG methods, using static functional network connectivity analyses, improved classification accuracy relative to use of fMRI or MEG methods alone (by 15% and 12.45%, respectively), while combined fMRI/MEG methods using dynamic functional network connectivity analyses improved classification up to 5.12% relative to use of fMRI alone and up to 17.21% relative to use of MEG alone.
Comprehensive mapping of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine epigenetic dynamics in axon regeneration.

ABSTRACTIn contrast to central nervous system neurons, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons can switch to a regenerative state after peripheral axotomy. In a screen for chromatin regulators of the regenerative responses in this conditioning lesion paradigm, we identified Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (Tet3) as upregulated in DRG neurons, along with increased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). We generated genome-wide 5hmC maps in adult DRG, which revealed that peripheral and central axotomy (leading to no regenerative effect) triggered differential 5hmC changes that are associated with distinct signaling pathways. 5hmC was altered in a large set of regeneration-associated genes (RAGs), including well-known RAGs, such as Atf3, Bdnf, and Smad1, that regulate axon growth potential of DRG neurons, thus supporting its role for RAG regulation. Our analyses also predicted HIF-1, STAT, and IRF as potential transcription factors that may collaborate with Tet3 for 5hmC modifications. Intriguingly, central axotomy resu...
Clarifying the landscape approach: A Letter to the Editor on “Integrated landscape approaches to managing social and environmental issues in the tropics”

Objectives, assumptions, and methods for landscape restoration and the landscape approach. World leaders have pledged 350 Mha for restoration using a landscape approach. The landscape approach is thus poised to become one of the most influential methods for multi-functional land management. Reed et al (2016) meaningfully advance scholarship on the landscape approach, but they incorrectly define the approach as it exists within their text. This Letter to the Editor clarifies the landscape approach as an ethic for land management, demonstrates how it relates to landscape restoration, and motivates continued theoretical development and empirical assessment of the landscape approach.
Verbal Participation and Leadership Voting Behavior in a Leaderless Group Discussion

In a Leaderless Group Discussion the relationship between verbal duration and voting behavior was analyzed for fifteen groups of 3 girls each. It was found that voting behavior was influenced by speech duration very early in the sessions and diminished only slightly during the experimental periods. Reinforcements (S being correct on a given problem) affected voting behavior for only one trial beyond the reinforcement and medium talkers received as many votes as high talkers in the group situation.
Examining the Gendered Effect of Experienced and Vicarious Victimization: A General Strain Theory Perspective

Although general strain theory has broadened our theoretical perspectives, there remains a need to learn about the relationship between victimization and violence. In addition, studies applying general strain theory have yielded mixed findings about gender issues. Using data from the National Survey of Adolescents (NSA), the current study examined the effects of violent victimization on violent offending by gender. More specifically, the study assessed the relationship between two types of victimization (experienced and vicarious) and three types of violent offending (gang fights, robbery, and assault) and investigated whether gender plays a role in the association. Findings of negative binomial regression analyses offered overall support for experienced and vicarious victimization as predictors of violence. However, gendered effects of experienced and vicarious victimization on violence were not supported by results. Interaction effects between gender and victimization were only significant in baseline models (without control factors), however, became insignificant in full models. The implications of these results and limitations were discussed.
Impairment of consciousness induced by bilateral electrical stimulation of the frontal convexity.

Abstract We report a case of impairment of consciousness (IOC) induced by electrical cortical stimulation (ECS) of homologous regions within the lateral frontal convexities in a patient with medically intractable epilepsy. The patient had mixed features of idiopathic generalized and focal epilepsy. On intracranial EEG recording, interictal and ictal discharges showed a high degree of synchrony across widespread bilateral fronto-parietal areas. We identified regions in the lateral frontal lobes that reliably and produced loss of consciousness by ECS. This was accompanied by evoked EEG activity of admixed frequencies over the fronto-parietal, mesial frontal and temporal regions during stimulation and was not associated with after-discharges. Symptoms were immediately reversible upon cessation of stimulation. This finding suggests that focal cortical stimulation can disrupt widespread networks that underlie consciousness. Individuals with high degrees of speculated thalamo-frontal cortical connectivity might be more susceptible to this effect, and the findings highlight the importance of standardizing the testing of level of consciousness during mapping sessions. Although consciousness is commonly impaired in epileptic seizures, limited literature is available on loss of consciousness induced by electrical cortical stimulation (ECS) in humans undergoing intracranial EEG evaluations for localization of epileptic focus. One theory advocates the presence of consciousness ‘switch’ in subcortical structures. While this model is novel and simplistic, it has its inherent limitations. In this case study, we propose an alternative approach on the entity and discuss the complex circuits underlying it and correlate that with the electrophysiological findings and the pathophysiology of the phenotype of the disease and discuss potential causes for rarity of reports on the subject.