cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Ethnobotany Through Field Research: A Case Study Integrating Conservation with Tibetan Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Irrefutably, the best place to teach ethnobotany is in the field, whether the “field” is wilderness, an agricultural field, an indigenous village, or New York City. In the field, students, professors, experts, indigenous people, and participants of all sorts all learn and are all teachers. There is an equity and sense of discovery that no classroom can reproduce. Integrating multicultural and multidisciplinary perspectives—fundamental to ethnobotany—is simplified and organic. The significance of these goals is amplified when we teach ethnobotany in order to promote conservation and sustainable development, which are strongly supported by traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). A case study of teaching ethnobotany in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of NW Yunnan, China illustrates the process and advantages of teaching ethnobotany in the field. The prominent goal of this training was to integrate conservation with Tibetan traditional ecological knowledge. This training project took place over 4 years and included several components not often incorporated into training courses: Our multidisciplinary and multicultural constituency was incorporated in (1) needs assessment and project design; (2) development of training; and (3) participation; including (4) the multifaceted training and research; (5) subsequent ethnobotany projects, both applied and academic; (6) presentation of results; and (7) evaluations.
Simple Method of Analysis of Vierendeel Structures

An exact moment distribution process suitable for the analysis of rigid frames, simple Vierendeel girders, and multistory buildings with coupled shear walls subjected to transverse loads is presented and three examples of application are fully considered. The method eliminates the problem of slow convergence of conventional moment distribution procedures. In addition, the effects of axial distortions in the structure are easily calculated with the proposed method. A slide rule or desk calculator are the only tools required for the application of this procedure. Also, in the tradition of Hardy Cross, moments are distributed on a paper layout of the frame for a better physical significance of the process.
Repetitive firing in layer V neurons from cat neocortex in vitro

Input-output relations of large neurons from layer V of cat sensorimotor cortex were studied in an in vitro slice preparation using steps and ramps of intracellularly injected current. Depolarization attained during the interspike interval (ISI) was compared to the voltage levels required to activate a previously described (29) persistent sodium current (INaP). INaP was studied using a single-electrode voltage clamp in the same cells tested for firing behavior. Following an injected current step, firing rate declined smoothly to a steady level with a time course that was approximately exponential in most cells (tau, 9-43 ms). In most cells, the relation between firing rate and injected current (f-I relation) consisted of two linear segments, both for adapted, steady firing and for early intervals during adaptation. The slope of the steeper, initial (or sole) linear segment of the f-I curve averaged 26.2 Hz/nA during steady firing and was steeper when plotted for early interspike intervals. The variation of the depolarization at which spike initiation occurred (firing level) and the membrane potential between rhythmic spikes was examined during adaptation and steady firing. In most cells, firing level rose rapidly during a rhythmic train to a steady value. The steady firing level attained remained unchanged over a wide range of steady firing rates. Nevertheless, the mean depolarization during the interspike interval (V) increased approximately linearly with steady firing rate. Even at the slowest firing rates, V is sufficient to activate INaP. The use of injected current ramps demonstrated that neocortical cells were sensitive to rate of change of stimulus current (dI/dt) as well as its amplitude (I). The use of ramps followed by steady currents demonstrated that the repetitive response lagged behind changes in stimulus parameters and did not reach a steady state even during slow ramps; i.e., the response depended on time as well as on I and dI/dt. Instantaneous firing rate during the ramp increased linearly with time for a wide range of ramp slopes (dI/dt). The instantaneous firing rate of early interspike intervals was also linearly related to ramp slope for small ramp slopes. In spite of these linear relationships, quantitative analysis indicated that firing rate during ramp stimulation cannot, in general, be described by a simple linear combination of separate amplitude- and rate-dependent terms. The repetitive firing properties of the in vitro neurons are compared to those of in vivo neocortical neurons and other cell types.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A dosimetric evaluation of a single urethral constraint for high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy

Abstract Purpose The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) consensus guidelines for high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy suggest 11 different dose constraints for the urethra. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a single urethral constraint of D0.1 cm3 Methods This is a retrospective study of 18 consecutively treated HDR prostate brachytherapy patients treated between May 2018 to November 2018. Nine patients underwent HDR brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation therapy, and nine underwent HDR brachytherapy as monotherapy. Additional DVH values were extracted for the whole, proximal, middle, and distal urethra and compared for differences. Results None of the ABS suggested constraints were violated when optimizing the urethra D0.1 cm3 dose to be less than 110% of the prescription. An evaluation of the DVHs for the whole, proximal, middle, and distal urethra showed a large variation in the shape of the remainder of the DVH for all parts of the urethra. The largest standard deviations in dose to the whole and middle urethra were at the V14 dose level, and that to the proximal and distal urethra were at the V10 dose level. Conclusion A single urethral dose constraint of D0.1 cm3
Development and Validation of the Palliative Care Attitudes Scale (PCAS-9): A Measure of Patient Attitudes toward Palliative Care.

Abstract Context Palliative Care is underutilized, and research has neglected patient-level factors including attitudes that could contribute to avoidance or acceptance of Palliative Care referrals. This may be due in part to a lack of existing measures for this purpose. Objectives The objective of this study was to develop and validate a nine-item scale measuring patient attitudes toward Palliative Care, comprised of three subscales spanning emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors. Methods Data were collected online in three separate waves, targeting individuals with cancer (Sample 1: N = 633; Sample 2: N = 462) or noncancer serious illnesses (Sample 3: N = 225). Participants were recruited using ResearchMatch.org and postings on the web sites, social media pages, and listservs of international health organizations. Results Internal consistency was acceptable for the total scale (α = 0.84) and subscales: emotional (α = 0.84), cognitive (αs = 0.70), and behavioral (α = 0.90). The PCAS-9 was significantly associated with a separate measure of Palliative Care attitudes (ps Conclusion Findings support the overall reliability, validity, and generalizability of the PCAS-9 in serious illness samples and have implications for increasing Palliative Care utilization via clinical care and future research efforts.
Reconciling progressivism and xenophobia through scapegoating: anti-multiculturalism in South Korea’s online forums

ABSTRACTSouth Korea’s anti-multiculturalism discourse – the rejection of migrants and of a multicultural future for South Korea – made inroads in progressive popular online forums in the 2010s. Thr...
Different modes of Notch activation and strength regulation in the spermathecal secretory lineage

The strength of Notch signaling contributes to pleiotropic actions of Notch; however, we do not yet have a full understanding of the molecular regulation of Notch-signaling strength. We investigated the mode of Notch activation in the binary fate specification in the Drosophila spermathecal linage where Notch is asymmetrically activated across three divisions to specify different cell fates. Using clonal analysis, we showed that Delta (Dl) served as the ligand for Notch in the first and second divisions. Dl and Serrate (Ser) functioned redundantly in the third division. Compared to the third division, cell-fate decision in the second division required a lower level of Suppressor of Hairless protein, and, consequently, a lower level of Notch signaling. Several Notch endosomal trafficking regulators differentially regulated Notch signaling between the second and third divisions. Here, we demonstrate that cell differentiation in spermathecae involves different Notch-activation modes, Notch-signaling strengths, and Notch-trafficking regulations. Thus, the Drosophila spermathecal lineage is an exciting model for probing the molecular mechanisms that modulate the Notch signaling pathway.
Studying QGP with flow: A theory overview

Abstract I review recent developments in the phenomenological study of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) transport properties based on a personal selection of results that were presented at Quark Matter 2019. The constraints on the temperature dependence of QGP shear and bulk viscosity are summarized. I discuss new theory advancements towards more realistic 3D dynamical simulations of heavy-ion collisions at finite baryon density. The challenges and opportunities of applying hydrodynamics to small collision systems are highlighted.
Reciprocal associations between adolescent peer relationships and sleep.

Abstract Objective The present study investigated the bidirectional associations of adolescent peer experiences and sleep/wake problems during early adolescence. Design The study used a two-wave longitudinal design. Setting Participants were recruited from a small urban community in the Midwestern United States. Participants At T1, participants included 100 adolescents (53% boys; mean age = 11.05 years, SD = 0.33) and their mothers (96% biological), and 78 teachers (62% female). At T2, 89 adolescents and their mothers returned; 76 teachers participated. The racial/ethnic composition of the sample of adolescents and mothers included 57%–63% European American and 43%–37% racial/ethnic minorities (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino). Measurements At both waves, adolescents reported on their sleep quality (sleep/wake problems). Adolescent-, mother-, and teacher-reported peer victimization were composited at each wave, and a composite for positive peer relationships included adolescent-reported friendship quality; adolescent-, mother-, and teacher-reported friends’ prosociality; and mother- and teacher-reported peer acceptance. Results Findings from cross-lagged panel models revealed some support for reciprocal associations such that T1 positive peer relationships predicted fewer T2 sleep problems and T1 sleep problems predicted less positive peer relationships at T2. However, only T1 sleep problems predicted more peer victimization at T2, controlling for T1 peer victimization, with the effect driven by adolescent-reported peer victimization. Conclusions Findings provide new insight for prevention and intervention efforts regarding the potential protective function of positive peer relationships in reducing sleep problems, as well as the need to address sleep problems as a means to promote more positive peer relationships and less peer victimization over time.
The Development and Validation of the Islamic Knowledge of Living Organ Donation Knowledge Scale for Measuring Organ Donation Knowledge Among Muslim Communities

Introduction:Studies around the world demonstrate that Muslim attitudes toward organ donation are closely tied to religion, but also that Muslim publics suffer from a lack of detailed knowledge abo...
Braiding With Majorana Fermions

This paper is an introduction to relationships between topology, quantum computing and the properties of fermions. In particular we study the remarkable unitary braid group representations associated with Majorana fermions.
Phytophthora Species Differ in Response to Phosphorous Acid and Mefenoxam for the Management of Phytophthora Root Rot in Rhododendron

Phytophthora root rot, caused by many soilborne Phytophthora spp., is a significant disease affecting the $42 million rhododendron nursery industry. Rhododendron growers have increasingly reported failure by two systemic fungicides, phosphorous acid and mefenoxam, to adequately control root rot. Both fungicides may be applied as a foliar spray or soil drench but it is unknown how application method, fungicide chemistry, or pathogen diversity affects disease control. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to (i) determine whether differences in application method or fungicide chemistry affect control of root rot caused by P. cinnamomi and P. plurivora and (ii) evaluate the sensitivity of Phytophthora spp. and isolates from the rhododendron industry to each fungicide. Results demonstrated that soil drenches of either fungicide were more effective than foliar sprays for control of P. cinnamomi but were ineffective for P. plurivora. Furthermore, Phytophthora spp. and isolates varied in sensitivity to phosphorous acid and mefenoxam, and there were multiple fungicide-insensitive isolates, especially within P. plurivora. Differences in sensitivity were also observed among isolates from different nurseries and production systems, with some nurseries having less sensitive isolates than others and with container systems generally having less sensitive isolates than field systems. Our results provide three potential reasons for why fungicide control of Phytophthora root rot might fail: (i) the fungicide can be applied to the wrong portion of the plant for optimal control, (ii) there are differences in fungicide sensitivity among soilborne Phytophthora spp. and isolates infecting rhododendron, and (iii) fungicide-insensitive isolates are present in the rhododendron nursery industry.
The Congressional Chaplaincies

Twenty five years ago, in Marsh v. Chambers, the Supreme Court considered the congressional chaplaincies, and concluded that they were not "an 'establishment' of religion or a step toward establishment," but instead were "simply a tolerable acknowledgment of beliefs widely held among the people of this country." That latter phrase has been repeated hundreds of times in cases and law review articles; it suggests that the chaplaincies are uninteresting and uncontroversial and that they have been so throughout our history.The Court in Marsh looked only briefly at the history of the chaplaincies. A deeper look at that history reveals an American institution that is neither boring nor entirely benign. The chaplaincies have a remarkable, and a remarkably checkered, history. Sometimes they have indeed been a source of unity for the country, as Marsh intimated. But they have also, at times, been a source of discord and dissension. Indeed, perhaps one lesson taught by the history of the chaplaincies is that they operate the way one would expect any religious establishment to operate - when the government is empowered to act religiously, there is a natural but sometimes unenviable fight for control. The history of the chaplaincies is, in part, a history of that fight for control.In the last decade, this fight has reached a critical stage. While Marsh approved legislative prayer, it did so only with constitutional restrictions - restrictions which have themselves now become sources of constant litigation. In these modern battles, as was the case with Marsh itself, history plays an influential role. It is thus now more important than ever to bring to light certain episodes, some untold and some somewhat misremembered, in the history of the chaplaincies.This Article takes up that burden. It considers the practices of the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, the origin of the congressional chaplaincies in 1789, the rise of Catholicism and the fight over Catholic chaplains, the collapse of Unitarianism and the decline of Unitarian chaplains, the crisis over and suspension of the chaplaincies in the 1850s, and the modern operations of the chaplaincy. With that history in mind, it reflects on Marsh and the practice of legislative prayer.
Life-Cycle Assessment of Asphalt Pavements with Recycled Post-Consumer Polyethylene:

Extensive amounts of plastic waste worldwide require viable methods of recycling and reuse. One such example is the use of recycled plastics (RP) in the asphalt pavement industry, which has massive...
Procedure Reimbursement, Inflation, and the Declining Buying Power of the Vascular Surgeon (2011-2021).

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in Medicare reimbursement for common vascular procedures over the last decade. To enrich the context of this analysis, vascular procedure reimbursement is directly compared to inflation-adjusted changes in other surgical specialties. Methods The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary file was utilized to identify the 20 procedures most commonly performed by vascular surgeons from 2011–2021. A similar analysis was performed for orthopedic, general, and neurological surgeons. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Physician-Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool was queried for each procedure, and reimbursement data was extracted. All monetary data was adjusted for inflation to 2021 dollars utilizing the consumer price index. Average year-over-year and total percentage change in reimbursement were calculated based on adjusted data for included procedures. Comparisons to other specialty data were made with ANOVA. Results From 2011–2021, the average, unadjusted change in reimbursement for vascular procedures was -7.2%. Accounting for inflation, the average procedural reimbursement declined by 20.1%. The greatest decline was observed in phlebectomy of varicose veins (-50.6%). Open arteriovenous fistula revision was the only vascular procedure with an increase in inflation-adjusted reimbursement (+7.5%). Year-over-year, inflation-adjusted reimbursement for common vascular procedures decreased by 2.0% per year. Venous procedures experienced the largest decrease in average adjusted reimbursement (-42.4%), followed by endovascular (-20.1%) and open procedures (-13.9%). These changes were significantly different across procedural subgroups (P Conclusion Medicare reimbursement for common surgical procedures has declined over the last decade. While absolute reimbursement has remained relatively stable for several procedures, accounting for a decade of inflation demonstrates the true diminution of buying power for equivalent work. The most alarming observation is that vascular surgeons have faced a disproportionate decrease in inflation-adjusted reimbursement in comparison to other surgical specialists. Awareness of these trends is a crucial first step towards improved advocacy and efforts to ensure the “value” of vascular surgery does not continue to erode.
Nociceptor subtypes are born continuously over DRG development peaking at E10.5—E11.5

Abstract Sensory neurogenesis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) occurs in two waves of differentiation with larger, myelinated proprioceptive and low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) neurons differentiating before smaller, unmyelinated (C) nociceptive neurons. This temporal difference was established from early birthdating studies based on DRG soma cell size. However, distinctions in birthdates between molecular subtypes of sensory neurons, particularly nociceptors, is unknown. Here, we assess the birthdate of lumbar DRG neurons in mice using a thymidine analog, EdU, to label developing neurons exiting mitosis combined with co-labeling of known sensory neuron markers. We find that different nociceptor subtypes are born on similar timescales, with continuous births between E9.5 to E13.5, and peak births from E10.5 to E11.5. Notably, we find that thinly myelinated Aδ-fiber nociceptors and peptidergic C-fibers are born more broadly between E10.5 and E11.5 than previously thought and that non-peptidergic C-fibers and C-LTMRs are born with a peak birth date of E11.5. Moreover, we find that the percentages of nociceptor subtypes born at a particular timepoint are the same for any given nociceptor cell type marker, indicating that intrinsic or extrinsic influences on cell type diversity are occurring similarly across developmental time. Overall, the patterns of birth still fit within the classical “two wave” description, as touch and proprioceptive fibers are born primarily at E10.5, but suggest that nociceptors have a slightly broader wave of birthdates with different nociceptor subtypes continually differentiating throughout sensory neurogenesis irrespective of myelination.
Characterization of Nanostructures in the High Pressure Die Cast A383 Alloys

Several interesting nanostructures of high pressure die cast A383 alloys were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). The refinement of the eutectic Si, which was caused by Sr addition, was found to be associated with the formation of nano-Al particles (~5 nm), with Cu partitioning (up to 5 at. %) at the Al/Si interface, within the eutectic Si. Direct observation of Sr segregation (0.4 at. %) was achieved at the interface between the eutectic Al and refined eutectic Si using APT. It is proposed that Sr refines the eutectic Si by restricting the growth of Si. Interestingly, the segregation of Mg (10.2 at. %) and Cu (0.9 at. %) is also present at the interface between the eutectic Al and the refined eutectic Si. Moreover, the presence of nano-Si particles (~20 nm) in the primary Al was characterized in the primary Al via APT. Segregations of Mg (2.9 at. %) and Cu (2.8 at. %) were also found at the interface between the primary Al and the nano-Si particles. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to assess the driving force for the segregation behavior of Cu and Mg at the Al/Si interface. DFT results also suggest that the segregation of Cu and Mg slightly decreases the cohesive energy of Al/Si interface but is a function of the length scale of the interface.
Behavioral Monitoring Tool for Pig Farmers: Ear Tag Sensors, Machine Intelligence, and Technology Adoption Roadmap

Precision swine production can benefit from autonomous, noninvasive, and affordable devices that conduct frequent checks on the well-being status of pigs. Here, we present a remote monitoring tool for the objective measurement of some behavioral indicators that may help in assessing the health and welfare status—namely, posture, gait, vocalization, and external temperature. The multiparameter electronic sensor board is characterized by laboratory measurements and by animal tests. Relevant behavioral health indicators are discussed for implementing machine learning algorithms and decision support tools to detect animal lameness, lethargy, pain, injury, and distress. The roadmap for technology adoption is also discussed, along with challenges and the path forward. The presented technology can potentially lead to efficient management of farm animals, targeted focus on sick animals, medical cost savings, and less use of antibiotics.
Dynamic competition between a ligand and transcription factor NusA governs riboswitch-mediated transcription regulation.

Cotranscriptional RNA folding is widely assumed to influence the timely control of gene expression, but our understanding remains limited. In bacteria, the fluoride (F−)-sensing riboswitch is a transcriptional control element essential to defend against toxic F− levels. Using this model riboswitch, we find that its ligand F− and essential bacterial transcription factor NusA compete to bind the cotranscriptionally folding RNA, opposing each other’s modulation of downstream pausing and termination by RNA polymerase. Single-molecule fluorescence assays probing active transcription elongation complexes discover that NusA unexpectedly binds highly reversibly, frequently interrogating the complex for emerging, cotranscriptionally folding RNA duplexes. NusA thus fine-tunes the transcription rate in dependence of the ligand-responsive higher-order structure of the riboswitch. At the high NusA concentrations found intracellularly, this dynamic modulation is expected to lead to adaptive bacterial transcription regulation with fast response times.
Sufficient and Necessary Graphical Conditions for MISO Identification in Networks with Observational Data

This article addresses the problem of consistently identifying a single transfer function in a network of dynamic systems using only observational data. It is assumed that the topology is partially known, the forcing inputs are not measured, and that only a subset of the nodes outputs is accessible. The developed technique is applicable to scenarios encompassing confounding variables and feedback loops, which are complicating factors potentially introducing bias in the estimate of the transfer function. The results are based on the prediction of the output node using the input node along with a set of additional auxiliary variables which are selected only from the observed nodes. Similar prediction error methods provide only sufficient conditions for the appropriate choice of auxiliary variables and assume a priori information about the location of strictly causal operators in the network. In this article, such an a priori knowledge is not required. A most remarkable feature of our approach is that the conditions for the selection of the auxiliary variables are purely graphical. Furthermore, within single-output prediction methods such conditions are proven to
The Use of Molecular Biology to Study Sperm Function

Current molecular biology technology provides an increased level of sensitivity for the analysis of sperm structure and function. Excellent laboratory manuals are available that provide familiarity with the few basic concepts required for mastery of these techniques (Maniatis et al.,1982; Ausubel et al.,1987; Berger and Kimmel, 1987). Therefore, this chapter does not detail such laboratory procedures but rather attempts to review the recent literature in which sperm function has been studied by using the tools of molecular biology. Basically, I focus on the investigations that involve DNA and RNA isolation, cloning, and analysis to shed light on the mechanisms whereby the spermatozoan acquires the unique properties necessary to achieve success in accomplishing its primary function, fertilization of the egg. This overview is intended to be instructive rather than exhaustive, and I hope it will provide a resource with which to initiate further study of fertilization.
How the New Economics Can Improve Discrimination Law, and How Economics Can Survive the Demise of the 'Rational Actor'

Much employment discrimination law is premised on a purely money-focused “reasonable” employee, the sort who can be made whole with damages equal to lost wages, and who does not hesitate to challenge workplace discrimination. This type of “rational” actor populated older economic models but has been since modified by behavioral economics and research on happiness. Behavioral and traditional economists alike have analyzed broad employment policies, such as the wisdom of discrimination statutes, but the devil is in the details of employment law, and on critical damages-and-liability issues the Supreme Court and litigators face regularly, the law essentially ignores the lessons of behavioral economics and the affective sciences. This Article analyzes particularly damages, employer duties, and employee duties. This Article also analyzes broad implications of behavioral and happiness research for law and economics. This Article thus offers a half-full/half-empty assessment of the usefulness of economics, and of behavioral and happiness research, to law. It sounds a cautionary note against using social science to assess grand legal policies, but a hopeful note that such research can improve decision-making by judges, firms, and individuals.
Mortgage Loan Modification: Promises and Pitfalls

Servicing is costly, and increasing loan modifications increases the costs of servicing. While the practice of modifying loans shows promise, the practice is highly risky, both to the consumer and the lender, and substantially unproven. Moreover, there are currently no industry standards for modification and financial reporting, and no consumer safeguards to monitor or prohibit predatory practices. Modification will not be suited to helping avoid the massive defaults expected as a result of ARM interest rate resets, which account for the majority of the industries problems into 2008. Legislative pushes to mis-apply the practice to those ends will substantially worsen industry performance. One of the key reasons loan modification has grown has been to skew financial reporting of delinquencies, modifying loans to help borrowers make a few payments and then aggressively reaging the accounts to classify them as "current," instead of "delinquent." Regulators can already require modified loans to be reported as material considerations under Sarbanes-Oxley with standardized reporting practices promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and Regulation AB. It does not make sense, therefore, to push a broad unmonitored application of loan modification onto the industry or the public without serious consideration. Doing so runs a substantial risk of consumers being used to prop up the mortgage industry in the short term by keeping financially-strapped consumers in homes they cannot hope to afford. It does make sense, however, to apply limited modification programs to appropriately-selected consumers while helping to smooth the transition to smaller homes or rentals for others.
A survey of local and global pairings on elliptic curves and abelian varieties

There are many bilinear pairings that naturally appear when one studies elliptic curves, abelian varieties, and related groups. Some of these pairings, notably the Weil and Lichtenbaum-Tate pairings, can be defined over finite fields and have important applications in cryptography. Others, such as the Neron-Tate canonical height pairing and the Cassels-Tate pairing on the Shafarevich-Tate group, are of fundamental importance in number theory and arithmetic geometry, but have seen limited use in cryptography. In this article I will present a survey of some of the pairings that are used to study elliptic curves and abelian varieties. I will attempt to show why they are natural pairings and how they fit into a wider framework.
Hemiarch replacement with concomitant antegrade stent grafting of the descending thoracic aorta versus total arch replacement for treatment of acute DeBakey I aortic dissection with arch tear

Objectives For acute DeBakey I aortic dissection with arch tear, conventional distal reconstruction entails total arch replacement (TAR). Some surgeons at our institution have utilized an alternative reconstructive strategy-primary arch tear repair and transverse hemiarch reconstruction (THR) with concomitant antegrade thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We assessed early and mid-term outcomes comparing these two surgical strategies for arch tear management. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained institutional aortic dissection database was carried out to compare early and mid-term outcomes for patients undergoing intervention for DeBakey I aortic dissection with arch tear. Hemiarch reconstruction with concomitant antegrade TEVAR was compared against conventional TAR. Arch tear at the origin of great vessels or greater curve was primarily repaired with interrupted sutures in TEVAR patients. Results From 2006 to 2013, 61 of 284 DeBakey I aortic dissection patients undergoing intervention for arch tear were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-one patients had TAR (TAR group) and 30 patients had hemiarch + TEVAR (TEVAR group). Demographics and clinical presentation were similar. TEVAR group had more patients presenting in cardiogenic shock [3% (n = 1) vs 13% (n = 4), P = 0.2] and tamponade [10% (n = 3) vs 23% (n = 7), P = 0.2]. Intraoperatively, TEVAR group had lower cardiopulmonary bypass (239 ± 34 vs 313 ± 80 min, p0.001) and circulatory arrest (60 ± 15 vs 78 ± 45 min, P = 0.04) times. TAR group had higher in-hospital/30-day mortality [26% (n = 8) vs 13% (n = 4), P = 0.3], but stroke rates were similar [6% (n = 2) vs 7% (n = 2), P = 1]. One-year (80 ± 7.3 vs 71 ± 8.3%), 3-year (73 ± 8.3 vs 67 ± 8.6%) and 5-year (73 ± 8.3 vs 67 ± 8.6%) actuarial survival were improved in TEVAR group, although not significantly (log-rank, P = 0.56). TEVAR promoted increased false lumen thrombosis (43 vs 85%, P = 0.002). Conclusion In treating DeBakey I aortic dissection with arch tear, hemiarch replacement with primary tear repair and concomitant TEVAR is a safe alternative to conventional TAR, with improved distal aortic remodelling.
Origin of high P/S spectral ratios from the Guerrero accelerograph array

P -wave spectral amplitudes from records of the Guerrero accelerograph array frequently equal of exceed the S -wave spectra at high frequencies ( f > 10 Hz). Since the instruments are located on granitic or metamorphic outcrops with expected high values of Q , uncertainties due to attenuation are minimized. A range of plausible values of QP/QS established simple diagnostic tests to distinguish the path effects between P and S waves from those caused by the source. We also used wave arrivals that have traveled along similar paths and have been recorded on the same sites to eliminate the path effect. It is likely that both attenuation and source processes contribute to the high P -to S spectra observed. Attenuation alone cannot account for such high ratios, and simple shear dislocation models do not predict them either. To explain the results, Haskell's (1964) formulation was used to calculate the energy radiated by a shear fault, with energy from tensile motion superimposed. It was found that small motions normal to the fault can account for P / S spectral ratios close to one, suggesting that fault tensile motions may be causing the anomalous P -wave radiation observed. To be consistent with the entire data set, we propose that such tensile motions are a common but not universal feature of fault rupture.
Nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism in developing amphibian embryos--III. Metabolism of acid-soluble nucleotides.

Abstract 1. 1. The metabolism of ribonucleotides during development of Rana pipiens was investigated by means of a combined technique of column chromatography and radiophosphate incorporation. 2. 2. The behavior of the developing egg was studied with respect to concentration and specific activity changes in each free nucleotide fraction. 3. 3. The concentration of free ribonucleotides increased during early cleavage with the largest gain occurring in the adenosine polyphosphates. During this period of growth an increase in specific activity of the purine nucleoside mono- and triphosphates was noticed. 4. 4. A decrease in both concentration and specific activity occurred in all nucleoside polyphosphate fractions during gastrulation. 5. 5. The striking increase in total nucleotide concentration and changes in specific activity observed during early development suggests the possibility of de novo nucleotide synthesis.
Seasonal risk for early recurrence of unipolar depression after discontinuation of antidepressant medication

The results of this retrospective chart review suggest that early depressive recurrence is more likely when antidepressant medications are discontinued during fall-winter months. Forty-one patients with non-seasonal unipolar major depression were studied. All patients were considered markedly improved or fully remitted for at least 3 months and had a total duration of treatment between 6 and 18 months before medication was stopped. Recurrence of depression within 3 months of stopping medication was more likely among patients who discontinued their antidepressant regimen between October and March (76% vs. 29%). Patients with comorbid dysthymia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or alcohol or substance abuse were at high risk for early recurrence, but did not show a pattern of increased risk of recurrence following fall-winter antidepressant discontinuation. Depression 1:324-326 (1993). © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and biological activities of conformationally restricted, tricyclic nonclassical antifolates as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductases.

Seven novel tricyclic pyrimido[4,5-c][2,7]naphthyridones 5−8 and the corresponding naphthyridines 9−11 were synthesized as conformationally restricted inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and as antitumor and/or antiinfectious agents. The analogues were designed to orient the side chain trimethoxyphenyl group in different conformationally defined positions in order to explore the effect of the side chain orientation on binding affinity and selectivity for DHFR from various species. The semirigid orientations were achieved by bridging the C5 and N10 of compound 12 with a N-ethyl bridge and by variation of the position of double bonds in rings B and C as well as substitution at the 2‘,6‘- positions of the phenyl ring. The synthesis of compounds 5−11 were accomplished by cyclocondensation of the appropriate keto ester (as the biselectrophile) with 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine to afford the lactam 5. The dehydrolactams 6 and 7 were prepared by air oxidation and PtO2-catalyzed dehydrogenation of 7, respect...
Induced suppression of the efferent phase of contact sensitivity in rats

Abstract A study of the immunosuppressive systems of rats has been conducted with special attention to whether suppressor cells can be induced to down-regulate the efferent limb of contact sensitivity. Contact sensitivity (CS) 1 was induced in DA rats 5 days after immunization with trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). Intravenous pretreatment of naive rats with TNP-coupled syngeneic spleen cells 7 days before sensitization suppressed the induction of CS by 60%. Suppression of the inductive phase of CS could be transferred adoptively into syngeneic rats with spleen cells of such tolerized animals. Cell fractionation studies showed the OX8 + (CD8) T cell population (cytotoxic/suppressor) was responsible for the suppression in the afferent phase of CS. Such cells were incapable of suppressing preexisting CS. To investigate whether suppression could be induced for the efferent phase, spleen and peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) from rats tolerized by administering TNP-spleen cells iv plus epidermal paintings with TNCB were adoptively transferred into recipients sensitized 4 days earlier. Both spleen cells and PEC suppressed the efferent phase of CS but PEC did so more efficiently. Separation of splenic cells revealed the suppressors to be CD8 + T cells. Furthermore, separation of PEC into plastic adherent and nonadherent cells showed the nonadherent (T cell enriched) cells to be noneffective alone. The adherent subpopulation conveyed suppression but did so more effectively upon addition of the T cells. Thus, T cells and macrophages may operate in concert to achieve suppression of the efferent limb of CS. PEC from tolerized rats suppressed preformed CS of any specificity but only after the suppressor cells were triggered with the same antigen that induced them. Since both the afferent and efferent phases of CS have now been shown to be suppressable, two separate suppressor mechanisms may be operable in rats.
Multiple drug resistance and intermediate filaments.

One major obstacle to the successful treatment of epithelial derived tumors, such as breast and prostate carcinoma, is the presence of a multiple drug resistance phenotype. The drug resistance which is observed in growing epithelial derived cancer cells could either be an intrinsic, selected and/or an acquired characteristic. A survey of the survival data from several laboratories suggests that epithelial derived tumor cells, which have never been challenged with damaging agents, are in some cases 10 to 2,000 times more resistant to various chemotherapeutic agents as compared to hematopoietic cell lines. An intrinsic characteristic of epithelial cells is their resistance to the lethal effects of multiple types of damaging agents. A major feature of epithelial derived tumors is the expression of the intermediate filament type proteins known as cytokeratin. The simplest cytokeratin combination, cytokeratin 8 and 18, is a major cytoplasmic element within the cells of epithelial derived tumors. Earlier work showed that cytokeratin could be modified by mitoxantrone, a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of breast cancer. Increasing data indicates that the intrinsic drug resistance phenotype is due in part to the presence of continued expression of the cytokeratin 8 and 18. The cytokeratin dependent drug resistance (C-MDR) has been observed in two different cell types that were engineered to contain cytokeratin 8 and 18 expression. The cytokeratin monomers are known to self assemble into intermediate filament networks as shown by numerous basic studies. Experiments using transfected cell lines which are unable to assemble networks indicated that C-MDR does not depend upon the formation of an intermediate filament network. Selection of cytokeratin network defective tumor cells did not increase their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. These data are interesting since it suggests that the C-MDR phenotype is not dependent upon the structural nature (i.e. network forming ability) of the cytokeratin. Our current working hypothesis is that the interaction of the damaging agent with cytokeratin may initiate signaling response(s) for cell survival.
Wave-Induced Sediment Transport and Sandbar Migration

Onshore sediment transport and sandbar migration are important to the morphological evolution of beaches but are not well understood. Here, a model that accounts for fluid accelerations in waves predicts the onshore sandbar migration observed on an ocean beach. In both the observations and the model, the location of the maximum acceleration-induced transport moves shoreward with the sandbar, resulting in feedback between waves and morphology that drives the bar shoreward until conditions change. A model that combines the effects of transport by waves and mean currents simulated both onshore and offshore bar migration observed over a 45-day period.
Graphic-Based Human-Machine Interface for Construction Manipulator Control

Large-scale construction manipulators are important to productivity and safety on the construction site. Traditionally, manipulators are controlled by an operator, who pulls and pushes levers, whic...
Hemodialysis hypotension: interaction of inhibitors, iNOS, and the interdialytic period

Hypotension during hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) not explained by excessive ultrafiltration has been linked to an apparent increase in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). The authors tested whether the induction of NO synthase (iNOS) by cytokines or differences in the concentrations of inhibitors of NOS or both could account for variability in the amount of NO synthesized during hemodialysis. Plasma levels of an inhibitor of NOS, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), L-arginine, the substrate for NOS, the end-products N02+N03, iNOS activity in circulating buffy coat cells, and their interdialytic changes were measured in 10 patients during three treatments. Predialysis (0') levels of ADMA were markedly elevated with a mean of 0.008+/-0.002 micromol/mL of deproteinized plasma, compared to controls where ADMA is present in trace amounts. ADMA levels from 30 minutes to the end of dialysis correlated directly with the drop in blood pressure (BP), with levels being much higher in patients with severe hypotension. Postdialysis ADMA levels correlated directly with the 0' systolic BP and the drop in BP at the next dialysis treatment. NOS activity was detected in two thirds of the predialysis buffy coat samples, and appeared to increase as dialysis progressed. 0' iNOS activity correlated inversely with the 0' BP, but activities did not differ based on percent drop in BP. iNOS activity in the 0' samples correlated inversely with the time since the last dialysis, reflecting the greater accumulation of dialyzable inhibitors of NOS as the interval is prolonged. The interdialytic change in iNOS activity correlated inversely with the drop in BP. The isoform detected immunochemically in the buffy coat samples had an Mr of 130 kDa and was reactive with antihuman iNOS. Thus, iNOS is already induced in the cells of the buffy coat in many intermittently hemodialyzed ESRD subjects, but its expression may be masked by inhibitors. After 60 minutes of dialysis (too brief a time for the de novo induction of iNOS,) the appearance of or increase in iNOS activity suggests that an inhibitor had been removed. Because ADMA levels are associated with higher predialysis systolic BPs that result in a greater severity of hypotension, reduction in ADMA concentrations would appear to play a major role in the resumption of NO synthesis by various isoforms.
Interactive hyper-engineering career planning

The authors address a critical area of undergraduate engineering education that has been consistently criticized and undervalued: academic advising and career development. A comprehensive program to meet career development needs within undergraduate engineering education is proposed using emerging computer technology. The goal of the hyper-engineering career planning project is to provide a user-friendly interface, with graphics, sound, and direct manipulation of input devices, to familiarize students both with the value of working in fields and with the specific character of problem-solving in technical disciplines. This software should help engage students with possible careers as well as inform them about various engineering fields. The Macintosh II with hypercard was chosen for the delivery of the counseling services planned. The hypertext has the ability to access multi-media and gives the user flexibility in implementing computer-based modules. In hypertext it is not necessary for the developers to decide in advance which instructional approach they want to utilize at the beginning or late stages of development; they can have the flexibility to insert materials at any place where they are appropriate and at any time during the development of program modules. >
Speech recognition using dynamic features of acoustic subword spectra

A novel approach for speech signal analysis has been developed that incorporates both steady-state and dynamic spectral features into a unified model. This model has been successfully applied in automatic speech recognition contexts and does not require frame-based optimal search algorithms. The model decomposes an utterance into a chain of acoustic subwords and simultaneously generates a mathematical description of instantaneous acoustic-phonetic features and dynamic transitions. The algorithm was tested using a speaker-dependent limited vocabulary recognition task and achieved higher recognition rates than both vector quantization and hidden Markov models. >