cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advancing Therapeutic Development for Pulmonary Morbidities Associated with Preterm Birth

Chronic pulmonary and respiratory conditions associated with preterm birth are incompletely characterized, complicating long-term treatment and development of more effective therapies. Stakeholders face challenges in the development of validated, clinically meaningful endpoints that adequately measure morbidities and predict or represent health outcomes for preterm neonates. We propose in this paper a research agenda, informed by the input of experts from a 2018 workshop we convened on this topic, to advance endpoint and treatment development. We discuss the necessity of further evaluation of existing endpoints and the improved characterization of disease endotypes. We also discuss key steps to the development of optimized short- and long-term endpoints that can be linked to meaningful health outcomes. Finally, we discuss the importance of limiting variability in data collection and the application of new clinical trial endpoints as well as the critical nature of multi-stakeholder collaboration to advancing therapeutic development for this vulnerable patient population.
Performance and Feature Improvements in Parareal-based Power System Dynamic Simulation

In recent years, a novel Parareal-based approach has been developed for fast transient simulations of large power system interconnections. Parareal belongs to the class of Parallel-in-time algorithms for solution of systems of differential-algebraic equations in parallel over an interval of time. The selection of a reasonably fast and accurate coarse solution is crucial to improve the performance of Parareal algorithm. Semi-analytical solution methods are one promising approach to achieve this goal. They have been investigated, and some preliminary results are presented here. In addition, Parareal-based simulator has been expanded to enable co-simulation with OpenDSS, a widely used open-source distribution system simulator. Preserving the parallel nature of the Parareal approach and taking advantage of the parallel capabilities of the latest versions of OpenDSS, each distribution system can be solved in their entirety on different processors in parallel within the main Parareal simulator. This paper also presents the structure of the transmission and distribution co-simulation and some results with different dynamic models of inverter-based resources in the distribution systems.
The impact of an accountable care unit on mortality: an observational study.

Background: Despite enthusiasm for inpatient ward redesign, coordinated models require high effort with uncertain return on investment.Objective: We aimed to reduce mortality and achieve a benchmar...
Function and Significance of Tubules: Tubulibairdia vs. Microcheilinella

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comparative study of Tubulibairdia and Microcheilinella . They are morphologically similar. They differ in that the former has tubules in its shell wall and the latter does not. Indeed the type species of Microcheilinellu shows no evidence of special shell microstructures such as tubules or sensillum pores. The tubules in Tubulibairdia and other pachydomellids probably had a sensory function or a function in formation of the cuticle of the ostracode. In any case, tubules open only to the interior of the shell; they do not penetrate to the exterior surface. Tubules occur in pre-adult and adult moult stages of various pachydomellid genera including Tubulibairdia. Tubules are a stable character within species of Tubulibairdia and other pachydomellids. Therefore, they are considered as a diagnostic and taxonomically significant at least at the generic level. Although Microcheilinella and Tubulibairdia are distinct and separate genera, placement of species in these genera should be based upon examination of shell microstructure.
Real time dynamics of colliding gauge fields and the ``glue burst''

The Yang-Mills equations provide a classical mean field description of gauge fields. In view of developing a coherent description of the formation of the quark gluon plasma in high energetic nucleus-nucleus collisions we study pure gauge field dynamics in 3+1 dimensions. In collisions of wave packets, numerically simulated on a SU(2) gauge lattice, we study transverse and longitudinal energy currents. For wave packets with different polarizations in color space, we observe a time-delayed fragmentation after the collision resulting in a rapid expansion into transverse directions. We call this phenomenon the ''glue burst.'' An analysis of the Yang-Mills equations reveals the explanation for this behavior. It is pointed out that this effect could play a role in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
Serious Youth Gun Offenders and the Epidemic of Youth Violence in Boston

Boston, like many other major cities, experienced a sudden increase in youth homicides during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Research evidence suggests that the recent epidemic of urban youth violence was intensely concentrated among criminally active young black males residing in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods rather than all young black males residing in disadvantaged black neighborhoods. Other researchers, however, suggest that there was a diffusion of guns and gun violence from youth involved in street crack markets to youth outside the drug trade who armed themselves primarily for self-protection against the armed criminally active youth. In this paper, criminal history data are analyzed to determine whether the criminal profile of Boston arrested youth gun offenders changed over time and micro-level data on youth gun assault incidents in Boston are examined to unravel whether there were noteworthy changes in the nature of these violent events over time. The results of these analyses suggest that the youth violence epidemic in Boston was highly concentrated among serious youth gun offenders rather than a diffusion of guns away from the street drug trade, gangs, and criminally active youth.
Fibrinogen counteracts the antiadhesive effect of fibrin-bound plasminogen by preventing its activation by adherent U937 monocytic cells.

Summary. Background: Fibrinogen and plasminogen strongly reduce adhesion of leukocytes and platelets to fibrin clots, highlighting a possible role for these plasma proteins in surface-mediated control of thrombus growth and stability. In particular, adsorption of fibrinogen on fibrin clots renders their surfaces non-adhesive, while the conversion of surface-bound plasminogen to plasmin by transiently adherent blood cells results in degradation of a superficial fibrin layer, leading to cell detachment. Although the mechanisms whereby these proteins exert their antiadhesive effects are different, the outcome is the same: the formation of a mechanically unstable surface that does not allow firm cell attachment. Objectives: Since fibrin clots in circulation are exposed to both fibrinogen and plasminogen, their combined effect on adhesion of monocytic cells was examined. Methods: Fibrin gels were coated with plasminogen and its activation by adherent U937 monocytic cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of fibrinogen was examined by either measuring 125I-labeled fibrin degradation products or plasmin amidolytic activity. Results: Unexpectedly, the antiadhesive effects of two fibrin binding proteins were not additive; in fact, in the presence of fibrinogen, the effect of plasminogen was strongly reduced. An investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that fibrinogen prevented activation of fibrin-bound plasminogen by cells. Confocal microscopy showed that fibrinogen accumulates in a thin superficial layer of a clot, where it exerts its blocking effect on activation of plasminogen. Conclusion: The results point to a complex interplay between the fibrinogen- and plasminogen-dependent antiadhesive systems, which may contribute to the mechanisms that control the adhesiveness of a fibrin shell on the surface of hemostatic thrombi.
Modelling azimuthal and vertical directionality of active sonar systems for undersea reverberation

Traditional methods for modelling undersea reverberation where either the transmitter or receiver has azimuthal directionality approximate the azimuthal component by sector coverage. Often, the effects from other than a main lobe are ignored. In some cases, the width of the sector is chosen such that the azimuthally-integrated response is the same for the sectored coverage as the original sonar in the horizontal plane. Unfortunately, should the sonar have both azimuthal and vertical directivity (which is often the case), accounting for only the main lobe or using a simple azimuthal integration may lead to erroneous reverberation estimates. Historically, inclusion of the full directionality or beam pattern has been too computationally costly to consider, but with the proliferation of modern high-speed computers, this is no longer the case. The full directionality can and in many cases should be included
Immunochemical studies of organ and tumor lipids: IX. Configuration of the carbohydrate residues in cytolipin H

Abstract The reaction between cytolipin H and antitumor serum is specifically inhibited by lactose. Cellobiose and d -galactose are ineffective. These observations provide strong evidence that the configuration of the glucose and galactose residues in cytolipin H have the configuration of the disaccharide 4-0-β- d -galactopyranosyl- d -glucopyranose (lactose).
The Growth of Research Triangle Park

In light of the history of Research Triangle Park, we develop an analytical model to characterize the Park's growth. The model is based on the hypothesis that the Park's growth can be thought of as the adoption of an innovation, where the innovation is the new innovative environment created by the Park and its infrastructure.
Constructive set theory and Brouwerian principles

The paper furnishes realizability models of constructive Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory, CZF, which also validate Brouwerian principles such as the axiom of continuous choice (CC), the fan theorem (FT), and monotone bar induction (BIM), and thereby determines the proof-theoretic strength of CZF augmented by these principles. The upshot is that CZF+CC+FT possesses the same strength as CZF, or more precisely, that CZF+CC+FTis conservative over CZF for 02 statements of arithmetic, whereas the addition of a restricted version of bar induction to CZF (called decidable bar induction, BID) leads to greater proof-theoretic strength in that CZF+BID proves the consistency of CZF.
Robotic assisted microsurgical vasal reconstruction in a model system

Our objective was to determine whether or not male reproductive microsurgery is adaptable to current robotic technology. We devised a model vas deferens system using rat vasa deferentia and completed vasal anastomosis with full-thickness and mucosal robotically placed, Sharpoint 10-0 bicurve nylon sutures. Experienced and inexperienced microsurgeons performed separate anastomoses. Both groups of microsurgeons completed anastomoses with accuracy and enhanced comfort. The robotic graspers had the dexterity to delicately handle the 10-0 sutures and needles. We conclude that through our model vas deferens system, we demonstrated the feasibility of applying robotic technology to male reproductive microsurgery. This pilot study reveals some advantages of the robot and suggests future use of this system in a new urological application domain.
Sequence-specific sequence comparison using pairwise statistical significance

Sequence comparison is one of the most fundamental computational problems in bioinformatics for which many approaches have been and are still being developed. In particular, pairwise sequence alignment forms the crux of both DNA and protein sequence comparison techniques, which in turn forms the basis of many other applications in bioinformatics. Pair-wise sequence alignment methods align two sequences using a substitution matrix consisting of pairwise scores of aligning different residues with each other (like BLOSUM62), and give an alignment score for the given sequence-pair. The biologists routinely use such pairwise alignment programs to identify similar, or more specifically, related sequences (having common ancestor). It is widely accepted that the relatedness of two sequences is better judged by statistical significance of the alignment score rather than by the alignment score alone. This research addresses the problem of accurately estimating statistical significance of pairwise alignment for the purpose of identifying related sequences, by making the sequence comparison process more sequence-specific. The major contributions of this research work are as follows. Firstly, using sequence-specific strategies for pairwise sequence alignment in conjunction with sequence-specific strategies for statistical significance estimation, wherein accurate methods for pairwise statistical significance estimation using standard, sequence-specific, and position-specific substitution matrices are developed. Secondly, using pairwise statistical significance to improve the performance of the most popular database search program PSI-BLAST. Thirdly, design and implementation of heuristics to speed-up pairwise statistical significance estimation by an factor of more than 200. The implementation of all the methods developed in this work is freely available online. With the all-pervasive application of sequence alignment methods in bioinformatics using the ever-increasing sequence data, this work is expected to offer useful contributions to the research community.
Measuring uncertainty associated with convex sets of probability distributions: a new approach

After reviewing the research program known as generalized information theory (GIT) and research efforts within this research program to find justifiable ways of measuring information-based uncertainty and the associated uncertainty-based information, a new approach to measuring uncertainty/information is introduced that is applicable to theories of uncertainty/information based on convex sets of probability distributions of any type.
Effect of a tricyclic antidepressant and opiate antagonist on binge-eating behavior in normoweight bulimic and obese, binge-eating subjects.

A subset of the obese population (25−30%) has been reported to engage in binge eating at least twice weekly (bingers) and to exhibit personality traits and food attitudes similar to those of normoweight bulimic women (bulimics). Tricyclic antidepressants and opiate antagonists effectively suppress binge eating in normoweight bulimics. This 8-wk placebo-controlled, double-blind trial investigated the effect of naltrexone and imipramine on 33 obese bingers and 22 bulimics. Naltrexone (100−150 mg/d) produced a significant reduction in binge duration in bulimics (36 ± 16%, median ± SIQR; P= 0.02) whereas imipramine significantly reduced binge duration in obese bingers (88 ± 31%; P= 0.02)
Three-dimensional high-frequency quantitative ultrasound for the detection of metastases in lymph nodes of colorectal, gastric, and breast cancers

RESULTS: Discriminant analysis showed that optimal classification required only 2 to 4 parameters (scatterer size and others). 26/ 160 GI-cancer nodes were metastatic; classification gave an area under the ROC curve of 0.974 0.011 (95% CI: 0.952 – 0.997); sensitivity 99.3% (corresponding specificity 73.1%); sensitivity 100% (corresponding specificity 62.1%). 15/94 breast-cancer nodes were metastatic; classification gave an area under the ROC curve of 0.889 0.046 (95% CI: 0.799 – 0.979); sensitivity 93.3% (corresponding specificity 67.1%); sensitivity 100% (corresponding specificity 41.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Theseresultssuggestthatthisoperator-independent QUS method will allow accurate entire-volume LN examination. 3D reconstruction with QUS parameter images can help pathologists identify metastatic foci that may be missed using conventional histological methods.
Joint optimization of physical layer parameters and routing in wireless mesh networks

Achieving the best performance in a wireless mesh network requires striking the right balance between the performance of links carrying traffic and the extent of spatial reuse of the wireless medium. The performance of a link depends on its transmit power and data rate as well as the level of interference caused by concurrent transmissions in the network; the latter is function of the Energy Detect (ED) threshold that determines when a node may access the medium. Which links in the network carry traffic is determined by the routing function; routing selects paths according to a link metric that reflects the relative performance of links (e.g., the expected transmission time of a packet on the link). In this paper, we seek to maximize end-to-end network throughput by jointly optimizing physical layer parameters and routing. We consider a random topology with a uniform node density. We consider that the signal attenuation between a pair of nodes is determined by a power law path loss model with an exponent equal to 3. Our findings are as follows. Consider first that the same transmit power and same data rate are used on all links. For any transmit power, data rate and ED threshold setting, the highest feasible load is obtained when the level of interference experienced by links used by routing is the highest possible. For a given transmit power and data rate setting, there is an optimum ED threshold that maximizes network performance. At the optimum ED threshold and maximum load, the range of link lengths used by routing is the lowest possible given the topology and routing metric used. With an ED threshold higher than the optimum, the same range of links is used by routing; however, the highest feasible load in this case is lower due to the fact that concurrent transmitters are allowed to be closer. With a lower ED threshold, concurrent transmitters are forced to be farther apart, and thus longer links become more attractive; as a result, the range of link lengths used by routing is higher. Among all data rates, one particular data rate results in the best network performance at the corresponding optimum ED threshold. Finally, we find that adjusting the transmit power downwards for shorter links results in an improvement of about 15%, while adjusting the data rate upward on shorter links results in a rather modest improvement.
RNPC1, an RNA-binding Protein and a p53 Target, Regulates Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1 (MIC-1) Expression through mRNA Stability

Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), a secreted cytokine, is a direct target of p53 and known to play a role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell metastasis, and angiogenesis through autocrine and paracrine signaling. Previous studies have shown that serum levels of MIC-1 closely parallel cancer progression and are being explored as a diagnostic tool. MIC-1 has also shown potential as a therapeutic agent as it has exhibited several anti-carcinogenic activities. Thus, MIC-1 displays two opposing effects: tumor suppression versus promotion. However, it remains unclear whether MIC-1 is regulated by a mechanism other than transcription and how MIC-1 exerts its tumor suppression. In this study, we show that overexpression of RNA-binding protein RNPC1 can increase, whereas knockdown or knock-out of RNPC1 decreases, MIC-1 transcript and protein levels. Additionally, we demonstrate that RNPC1 can bind to MIC-1 mRNA via an AU-rich element within MIC-1 3′-UTR and then enhances MIC-1 mRNA stability. Finally, to explore the functional significance of MIC-1, we showed that knockdown of MIC-1 can decrease RNPC1-induced cell growth suppression. Altogether, we uncover a novel mechanism by which MIC-1 can be regulated through RNPC1 via mRNA stability. Background: The mechanism by which MIC-1 expression is regulated post-transcriptionally is not clear. Results: MIC-1 transcript can be stabilized and mediate cell growth suppression via RNPC1. Conclusion: RNPC1 can increase MIC-1 expression and inhibit cell growth by binding its 3′-UTR. Significance: A novel post-transcriptional mechanism is found to regulate MIC-1 expression by RNPC1.
A compound index of cultural dimensions: implications and applications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer a compound index of cultural dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – First, the idea of the compound index is described. Then, by integrating Hofstede's and Inglehart's frameworks, the Compound Culture Index (CCI) is constructed, its scores for different countries are computed, and its robustness is validated. Finally, the theoretical implications and practical applications are discussed and some avenues for future research are pointed out.Findings – A Compound Culture Index (CCI) on the basis of Hofstede's and Inglehart's frameworks is conceptualized, computed, and validated.Research limitations/implications – Culture is a very complex concept and cannot be fully grasped by a few dimensions or a dichotomous index. Hofstede's and Inglehart's models have some theoretical/operational differences and correspond to dissimilar time frames that may make their integration imperfect. Due to lack of data, Hofstede's fifth dimension (Timer Orientation) was not includ...
Doctoral program in optical science and engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville

The Optical Science and Engineering Program at The University of Alabama in Huntsville was initiated in 1993 to provide advanced graduate eduction in fundamental and applied optics with a strong optoelectronics orientation. As a multidisciplinary program with the participation from science and engineering departments as well as the Center for Applied Optics, the OSE program integrates all of the optics assets at UAH to offer outstanding research and instructional opportunities.
Health Disparities among Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Adults with other Disabilities, and Adults Not Reporting Disability in North Carolina:

Objectives.The purposes of this study were (1) to identify disparities between adults with developmental disabilities and non-disabled adults in health and medical care, and (2) to compare this pat...
Amniotic Fluid Bilirubin: A Comparison of Two Methods of Measurement

The Liley technique used to obtain an indirect measure of amniotic fluid bilirubin is compared with a direct spectrophotometric bilirubin method which corrects for interference from pigments and turbidity. The relationship established enables results from the spectrophotometric method to be used in conjunction with the clinical interpretation chart originally described by Liley.
ConsNet--A tabu search approach to the spatially coherent conservation area network design problem

This paper presents a new approach to the solution of the well-studied conservation area network design problem (CANP), which is closely related to the classical set cover problem (SCP). The goal is to find the smallest amount of land that (when placed under conservation) will contain and protect a specified representation level of biodiversity resources. A new tabu search methodology is applied to an extension of the "basic" CANP which explicitly considers additional spatial requirements for improved conservation planning. The underlying search engine, modular adaptive self-learning tabu search (MASTS), incorporates state-of-the-art techniques including adaptive tabu search, dynamic neighborhood selection, and rule-based objectives. The ability to utilize intransitive orderings within a rule-based objective gives the search flexibility, improving solution quality while saving computation. This paper demonstrates how rule-based objectives can be used to design near optimal conservation area networks in which the individual conservation areas are well connected. The results represent a considerable improvement over classical techniques that do not consider spatial features. This paper provides an initial description of ConsNet, a comprehensive software package for systematic conservation planning.
Economic study of transport methods for ethernet services in the metropolitan network

Two popular metro network architectures are compared using a hypothetical, representative metro network model. Costs of provisioning near-term and long-term traffic are analyzed. Oversubscription gains due to statistical multiplexing of packet traffic are measured. (2 pages)
Associations between gene expression variations and ovarian cancer risk alleles identified from genome wide association studies.

Functional genetic variations play important roles in shaping phenotypic differences among individuals through affecting gene expression, and thus, very likely to influence disease susceptibility, such as cancer susceptibility. One critical question in this era of post-genome wide association studies (GWAS) is how to assess the functional significance of the genetic variations identified from GWAS. In the current study, with lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from 74 non-related women with familial ovarian cancer and 47 unrelated controls matched on gender and race, we explored the associations between seven ovarian cancer risk variants identified from GWAS (rs3814113 on 9p22.2, rs2072590 on 2q31, rs2665390 on 3q25, rs10088218, rs1516982, rs10098821 on 8q24.21, and rs2363956 on 19p13) and whole genome mRNA expression profiles. We observed 95 significant trans-associations at a permutation level of 0.001. Compared to the other risk variants, rs10088218, rs1516982, and rs10098821 on 8q24.21 had the greatest number of significant associations (25, 16, and 38, respectively). Two possible cis-associations were observed between rs10098821 and c-Myc, and rs2072590 and HS.565379 (Permutated P = 0.0198 and 0.0399, respectively). Pathway enrichment analysis showed that several key biological pathways, such as cell cycle (P = 2.59×10−06), etc, were significantly overrepresented. Further characterization of significant associations between mRNAs and risk alleles might facilitate understanding the functions of GWAS discovered risk alleles in the genetic etiology of ovarian cancer.
The decay of 20 min 115gAg

The decay of 20 min 115Ag has been studied using Ge(Li) and NaI(T1) detectors, and 4096-channel pulse-height analysers. This decay was found to involve at least 66 γ-rays. A partial decay scheme of 115Ag, which includes 40 of the γ-rays, has been constructed from the results of γγ and βγ coincidence experiments. A set of negative parity levels has been found in 115Cd that is remarkably analogous to negative parity levels found in our recent study of the 5.3 h 113Ag decay. In 115Cd, as in 113Cd, one of the negative parity states is believed to be a 92− state. The existence of this state has been explained as a member of an h112 three-quasiparticle multiplet.
Detection of mecA-mediated resistance using reference and commercial testing methods in a collection of Staphylococcus aureus expressing borderline oxacillin MICs

Phenotypic methods for detecting mecA-mediated resistance in Staphylococcus aureus include both oxacillin and cefoxitin susceptibility tests; many laboratories perform multiple tests. Conflicting oxacillin and cefoxitin susceptibility results are most likely to occur for isolates that either have reduced susceptibility to oxacillin by a non-mecA-mediated mechanism or are mecA positive but are very heteroresistant. To understand the performance of oxacillin and cefoxitin tests for such isolates, we tested 135 S. aureus isolates using either cefoxitin or oxacillin and compared the results with mecA polymerase chain reaction. These strains either expressed borderline oxacillin MICs (1-4 microg/mL) and had undetermined mecA status or were mecA positive but were not detected by oxacillin broth microdilution (BMD) or disk diffusion (DD) in original testing. For 24-h readings, performance of cefoxitin tests (sensitivity/specificity) were DD (99/100), Etest using < or =6 microg/mL as susceptible (99/98), and Phoenix MIC using < or =4 microg/mL as susceptible (98/100). Using 6 microg/mL of cefoxitin as a screen test in both BMD and agar dilution also worked well (98/98-100). Sensitivity/specificity of oxacillin methods were oxacillin agar screen (BBL: 80/86; Remel, Lenexa, KS: 85/50), DD (91/59), BMD (85/88), MicroScan (89/96), VITEK Legacy (82/93), VITEK 2 (91/73), and Phoenix, (67/96). These results suggest that a cefoxitin test can be used alone to predict mecA-mediated resistance in S. aureus.
A simple mixture theory for ν Newtonian and generalized Newtonian constituents

This work presents the development of mathematical models based on conservation laws for a saturated mixture of ν homogeneous, isotropic, and incompressible constituents for isothermal flows. The constituents and the mixture are assumed to be Newtonian or generalized Newtonian fluids. Power law and Carreau–Yasuda models are considered for generalized Newtonian shear thinning fluids. The mathematical model is derived for a ν constituent mixture with volume fractions \({\phi_\alpha}\) using principles of continuum mechanics: conservation of mass, balance of momenta, first and second laws of thermodynamics, and principles of mixture theory yielding continuity equations, momentum equations, energy equation, and constitutive theories for mechanical pressures and deviatoric Cauchy stress tensors in terms of the dependent variables related to the constituents. It is shown that for Newtonian fluids with constant transport properties, the mathematical models for constituents are decoupled. In this case, one could use individual constituent models to obtain constituent deformation fields, and then use mixture theory to obtain the deformation field for the mixture. In the case of generalized Newtonian fluids, the dependence of viscosities on deformation field does not permit decoupling. Numerical studies are also presented to demonstrate this aspect. Using fully developed flow of Newtonian and generalized Newtonian fluids between parallel plates as a model problem, it is shown that partial pressures pα of the constituents must be expressed in terms of the mixture pressure p. In this work, we propose \({p_\alpha=\phi_\alpha p}\) and \({\sum_\alpha^\nu p_\alpha = p}\) which implies \({\sum_\alpha^\nu \phi_\alpha = 1}\) which obviously holds. This rule for partial pressure is shown to be valid for a mixture of Newtonian and generalized Newtonian constituents yielding Newtonian and generalized Newtonian mixture. Modifications of the currently used constitutive theories for deviatoric Cauchy stress tensor are proposed. These modifications are demonstrated to be essential in order for the mixture theory for ν constituents to yield a valid mathematical model when the constituents are the same. Dimensionless form of the mathematical models is derived and used to present numerical studies for boundary value problems using finite element processes based on a residual functional, that is, least squares finite element processes in which local approximations are considered in \({H^{k,p}\left(\bar{\Omega}^e\right)}\) scalar product spaces. Fully developed flow between parallel plates and 1:2 asymmetric backward facing step is used as model problems for a mixture of two constituents.
FX2-POOL - A two-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic thermodynamic and neutronic computer model for hypothetical core disruptive accident analysis.

Subroutine POOL was developed for the study of hypothetical core disruptive accidents in nuclear reactors and, as such, is set up for use as a subroutine in the FX-2 Dynamic Neutronics Code. This combination permits scoping studies of the total neutronic/hydrodynamic interactions and is capable of performing phenomenological investigations of hypothetical problems ranging from the high ramp disassembly calculations, performed in the past by the Lagrangian code VENUS, to the study of recriticality in boiling pools of fuel and steel. POOL specifically includes, in at least parametric fashion, the following phenomena: (1) intra- and inter-element heat transfer by diffusion, convection, and radiation for both fuel and steel inside the pool and at the boundaries; (2) local vapor generation and concurrent local pressurization; and (3) hydrodynamic behavior using the inviscid Navier-Stokes equations in a Eulerian formulation. Sample results are shown for boil-up of an initially quiescent dense pool of fuel and steel. Subroutine POOL was modified by removing the free surface portion of the calculation and the associated expansion of the Eulerian Grid. The combined code, known as FX2-POOL, was used to perform prompt burst calculations for two comparison cases for a 1000-MW(t) demo-like reactor. Good agreement is shown between FX2-POOLmore » and VENUS II for these two hypothetical situations, indicating that the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic assumptions made in POOL are accurate enough for prompt burst analysis and compare well with the VENUS models.« less
Theory and reality in the vision of Adriano Olivetti

This article describes and analyses the ideas and activities of the Italian industrialist, Adriano Olivetti (1901–1960). Although by most interpretations of the term philanthropy, Olivetti would be considered a philanthropist, Italians have not viewed him in that way, and outside of Italy his ‘philanthropic’ work has not received the attention it deserves. In this article the theory and praxis of Adriano Olivetti are analysed in order to shed light on two significant issues in the study of philanthropy generally: first, the basic problem of the applicability of the concept in different cultural contexts; and second, a related question about the borderlines between philanthropic, third sector activities and political activities, and how these borders may shift or even disappear under certain conditions of time and place.
Diagnosis, management, and outcome of patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma systemic metastasis.

Background Dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLPSs) result in worse patient outcomes than well-differentiated tumors despite shared molecular derangements. Prevalence and pattern of DDLPS systemic metastases have not been extensively reported; information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of metastatic DDLPS patients is limited. Our study seeks to address this knowledge gap.
Nonlinear dynamics of a breakable chain at threshold

The dynamics of a chain of N oscillators with one end fixed\char21{}a model originally invoked to describe charge-density waves\char21{}is dominated by the coexistence of a large number of attractors. One of these attractors, the minimally stable state, plays a central role. We report analytic and numerical results for the case of N=2. The model exhibits polarization phenomena and bimodal distributions of depinning times like those seen in experiments on so-called switching samples. However, the model is at odds with experiments away from threshold.
A light and electron microscopic study of sporulation in the myxomyceteStemonitis virginiensis

The conversion of the plasmodium ofS. virginiensis into sporophores has been examined at both the light and electron microscopic levels. Particular attention has been paid to stalk and columella formation, capillitial formation, nuclear behavior during sporulation and spore formation. Both the stalk and columella are formed within the sporangial initial as intraprotoplasmic secretions. A portion of the capillitium arises directly from the columella while the remainder forms within an anastomosing system of tubular vacuoles. As spore cleavage begins the nuclei within the sporangium begin to divide mitotically. The protoplasmic content of the sporangium is first divided into small protospores which typically contain a single dividing nucleus. Following the completion of mitosis each of these segments cleaves into yet smaller segments which develop into spores. Meiosis occurs in the spores some 12–16 hours after cleavage.
Pancreaticocolonic Fistulas Secondary to Severe Acute Pancreatitis Treated by Percutaneous Drainage: Successful Nonsurgical Outcomes in a Single-center Case Series

Abstract Purpose Pancreaticocolonic fistulas (PCFs) are uncommon complications of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Studies advocating primary surgical treatment showed severe morbidity and mortality with nonsurgical treatment, with survival rates of approximately 50%. However, a nonsurgical treatment scheme with primary percutaneous drainage and other interventions may show improved outcomes. This retrospective single-center study describes the presentation, diagnosis, course, treatment strategy, and outcome of successfully treated PCFs, with an emphasis on nonsurgical interventions. Materials and Methods Twenty patients with PCFs caused by ANP were treated with percutaneous drainage and medical therapy. Additional interventions included endoscopic transenteric drainage and pancreatic duct (PD) stent placement. Surgery was reserved for patients in whom this nonsurgical management failed. Results All PCFs closed during a median follow-up of 56 days (mean, 106 d; range, 13–827 d). Treatment included percutaneous drainage of the PCF-related collection in all patients, PD stents in 60%, transenteric drainage in 15%, and definitive surgery in 15%. Indications for surgery included severe PCF-related symptoms, large feculent peritoneal collection, and colonic stricture. Two patients (10%) died, one of complications of ANP and one of esophageal carcinoma. Additional enteric fistulas were identified in 50% of patients. Median time from the most recent diagnosis of pancreatitis to PCF diagnosis was 89 days (mean, 113 d; range, 13–394 d). Conclusions A nonsurgical approach to PCFs caused by ANP, including percutaneous drainage and other techniques, yields good survival, with surgery reserved for cases in which this approach fails.
A Pilot Common Reading Experience to Integrate Basic and Clinical Sciences in Pharmacy Education

Objective. To use a common reading experience that engages students in academic discourse both before and during a PharmD degree program and introduces students to basic science and ethical foundations in health care. Design. First-year (P1) pharmacy students were assigned a nonfiction text to read during the summer prior to admission to be followed by facilitated discussions. Activities using the text were integrated into the first-year curriculum. Pre-experience and post-experience student and faculty survey instruments were administered. Assessment. Students and faculty members reported that 3 first-year courses used the text. Students noted that the text's historical perspective enhanced their understanding of both healthcare delivery and clinical research. Most students (78%) recommended continuation of the common reading experience activity. Conclusion. Students and participating faculty members found the common reading experience, which provided a hub for discussion around issues such as health literacy and ethical treatment of patients, to be a positive addition to the curriculum. Future intentions for this project include expansion across all healthcare colleges at the university.
Activin Alters the Kinetics of Endoderm Induction in Embryonic Stem Cells Cultured on Collagen Gels

Embryonic stem cell-derived endoderm is critical for the development of cellular therapies for the treatment of disease such as diabetes, liver cirrhosis, or pulmonary emphysema. Here, we describe a novel approach to induce endoderm from mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells using fibronectin-coated collagen gels. This technique results in a homogeneous endoderm-like cell population, demonstrating endoderm-specific gene and protein expression, which remains committed following in vivo transplantation. In this system, activin, normally an endoderm inducer, caused an 80% decrease in the Foxa2-positive endoderm fraction, whereas follistatin increased the Foxa2-positive endoderm fraction to 78%. Our work suggests that activin delays the induction of endoderm through its transient precursors, the epiblast and mesendoderm. Long-term differentiation displays a twofold reduction in hepatic gene expression and threefold reduction in hepatic protein expression of activin-treated cells compared with follistatin-treated cells. Moreover, subcutaneous transplantation of activin-treated cells in a syngeneic mouse generated a heterogeneous teratoma-like mass, suggesting that these were a more primitive population. In contrast, follistatin-treated cells resulted in an encapsulated epithelial-like mass, suggesting that these cells remained committed to the endoderm lineage. In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel technique to induce the direct differentiation of endoderm from mES cells without cell sorting. In addition, our work suggests a new role for activin in induction of the precursors to endoderm and a new endoderm-enrichment technique using follistatin.
Indirectly heated biomass gasification using a latent heat ballast — 1: experimental evaluations

Abstract The objective of this study is to improve the heating value of gas produced during gasification of biomass using an indirectly heated gasifier equipped with a latent heat ballast. The latent heat ballast consists of lithium fluoride salt encased in tubes suspended in the reactor. The lithium fluoride has a melting point that is near the desired gasification temperature. With the ballast, a single, cyclically operating reactor stores energy during a combustion phase and releases it during a pyrolysis phase. Tests were carried out in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor to evaluate the concept. The time to cool the reactor during the pyrolysis phase from 1172 K (1650°F) to 922 K (1200°F) increased 102% by use of the ballast system. The extended pyrolysis time allowed 33% more biomass to be processed compared to an unballasted reactor. Additionally, the total fuel fraction converted to fuel gas increased from 74 to 80%. Higher heating values of 14.2– 16.6 MJ Nm −3 (382– 445 Btu scf −1 ) on a dry basis were obtained from the ballasted gasifier.
Role for gap junctional intercellular communications in wound repair

The participation of fibroblasts in wound repair is a coordinated effort requiring sequential cellular modulations to behavior including migration (entering), proliferation (increasing cell numbers), synthesis (depositing a collagen matrix), remodeling (organizing collagen), transformation into myofibroblasts, apoptosis, and elimination. Disruptions in that orderly sequence of behaviors will alter repair. Insights into controlling wound repair have focused on soluble factors such as cytokines and growth factors. Here we examine the direct communications between coupled cells through gap junctional intercellular communications. Molecules of less than 1000 MW pass directly between cells through gated gap junction channels. Sugars, amino acids, and oxygen, as well as second messengers such as cAMP, inositol phosphates, and calcium can pass directly between coupled cells. Does gap junctional intercellular communication affect fibroblast phenotype progression in granulation tissue maturation? In rats gap junctional intercellular communication uncouplers heptanol and endosulfan were injected daily into polyvinyl alcohol sponge implants. At 7 days, uncoupler-treated implants had capsules with increased fibroblast density, reduced cell penetration into the sponge, and diminished numbers of myofibroblasts. By polarized light, the uncouplers reduced the deposition and organization of collagen and thereby disrupted the coordinated phenotypic changes seen in fibroblasts during the repair process. It is proposed that gap junctional intercellular communication is critical for fibroblast progression from migratory cell to apoptosis as granulation tissue matures into scar.
Keeping Steady as She Goes: A Negotiated Order Perspective on Technological Evolution

A central idea in the theory of technology cycles is that social and political mechanisms are most important during the selection of a dominant design, and that eras of incremental change are socially uninteresting periods in which innovation is driven by technological momentum and elaboration of the dominant design. In this essay, we overturn the ontological assumption that social order is inherently stable, drawing on Anselm Strauss’s concept of negotiated order to analyze the persistence of a dominant design as a social accomplishment: an outcome of ongoing processes that reinforce or challenge a socially negotiated order. Thus, we shift focus from battles over standards to periods of normal innovation. We extend the technology cycles model to explain social dynamics in periods of incremental change, and to make predictions specifying how contextual conditions in standards-setting organizations affect social interaction, leading to reinforcement or challenge to a socio-technical order.
Information processing and feedback: Effects of mood and information favorability on the cognitive processing of personally relevant information

Although the cognitive processing of personally relevant feedback appears to be an important clinical issue, previous research has generally not examined this process. The present study presented a theoretical framework for conceptualizing the cognitive processing of feedback and employed this framework to investigate the influence of mood and feedback favorability upon feedback processing. Generally, it was proposed that in order for feedback to be understood and assimilated it must be processed “deeply,” where depth refers to the amont of cognitive analysis that the feedback receives. Using both reaction time and feedback recall to examine depth of processing, results indicated that unfavorable feedback is processed deeply when individuals are primed by a prior negative mood experience. Prior priming by a positive mood experience did not appear to have similar processing effects upon favorable feedback. Implications of these results for psychotherapy were discussed.
Freeze-fracture of sperm of Plumbago zeylanica L. in pollen and in vitro

Sperm of Plumbago zeylanica are dimorphic with regard to numbers of mitochondria and plastids. In most cases examined, the plastid-rich sperm fused with the egg while the sperm with fewer plastids fused with the central cell. However, plastids cannot be directly responsible for fusion because fusion occurs between the plasma membranes of egg and sperm. The question is whether sperm cell membranes are distinctive and possibly dimorphic. Sperm in whole pollen grains and isolated sperm were freeze-fractured. In pollen, freeze-fractured sperm appeared only in cross fractures. No extended membrane fracture faces of sperm were found. Among isolated sperm, two sizes of sperm with different organelles were observed. Isolated sperm were assigned to two categories based on cell diameter and on size and density of organelles. Membrane particles on most sperm were arranged without distinctive pattern. Some hexagonal arrays were observed. In sperm that had been maintained at 4°C, particle-free areas, a probable consequence of lipid phase separations, appeared on plasma membrane fracture faces. No unique fracture patterns and no patterns of dimorphism were detected on freeze-fractured plasma membranes of Plumbago sperm.