cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P077: Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Postischemic Cardiac Function by Preserving PTEN Activity

Background Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) increases post-ischemic functional recovery. Although reduced infarct size is associated with the better outcome, its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) promotes cell death and increases myocardial contractility. We recently reported that IPC attenuates loss of PTEN activity in post-ischemic hearts. In the present study, we have investigated the hypothesis that IPC improves post-ischemic cardiac function by preserving PTEN activity. Methods and Results Isolated mouse hearts were exposed to no ischemia as control (CON) or IPC, consisting of 10-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion (I-10/R-5), followed by I-30/R-120. bpV(phen) (10 µM), a PTEN inhibitor, or vehicle was added into the perfusion line in IPC group following reperfusion. Isolated hearts from muscle-specific PTEN knockout mice ( Ptenloxp/loxp;ckm+/− ) and control mice ( Ptenloxp/loxp;ckm−/− ) were exposed to I-30/R-30. Left ventricular (LV) pressure was monitored by a pressure catheter. Myocardial infarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. After I-30/R-120, IPC increased LV developed pressure (LVDP) and maximal +dp/dt (+dp/dtm) compared with CON. bpV blocked the effects of IPC (LVDP: 42±4 vs. 63±4 mmHg, p<0.01; +dp/dtm: 1209±101 vs. 1880±155 mmHg/sec, p<0.01). However, it did not increase infarct size compared with vehicle. Muscle-specific PTEN knockout modestly decreased LVDP and +dp/dtm in isolated perfused hearts under basal conditions, but it markedly impaired their recovery after I-30/R-30 compared with control (LVDP: 21±4 vs. 45±5 mmHg, p<0.01; +dp/dtm: 784±146 vs. 1795±154 mmHg/sec, p<0.01). Myocardial infarct size was decreased in PTEN knockout hearts after I/R. Conclusions: PTEN inhibition blocks the improvement of cardiac functional recovery induced by IPC. Loss of PTEN exacerbates post-ischemic dysfunction in isolated hearts. Therefore, our studies suggest that IPC attenuates post-ischemic cardiac dysfunction by preserving PTEN activity.
Pleomorphic liposarcoma of the chest wall: A case report

Liposarcomas represent the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma. Liposarcoma is sub-classified into dedifferentiated, myxoid, pleomorphic, and unspecified types, with the pleomorphic form being the most rare. The most common locations of this tumor are the popliteal fossa, retroperitoneum, neck and genitourinary system. Primary axillary, chest wall and intrathoracic origin of this lesion is extremely rare with few studies available to guide treatment. This study describes the wide surgical excision of a pleomorphic liposarcoma of the chest wall, which was successfully resected after obtaining magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic angiogram, and positron emission tomography scan. We also describe how the definitive diagnosis was established by histopathologic analysis.
Remediation of an acidic mine spoil: Miscanthus biochar and lime amendment affects metal availability, plant growth, and soil enzyme activity.

Biochar may be a tool for mine spoil remediation; however, its mechanisms for achieving this goal remain unclear. In this study, Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) biochar was evaluated for its ability to reclaim acidic mine spoils (pH < 3) through reducing metal availability, improving soil microbial enzymatic activity, and initial growth of grass seedlings. Biochar was applied at 0, 1, 2.5 and 5% (w/w) along with lime/no lime and fertilizer additions. Blue Wildrye (Elymus glaucus cv. 'Elkton') was planted and later the shoots and roots were collected and metal concentrations determined. Afterwards, each pot was leached with deionized water, and the leachate analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soluble metal concentrations. After drying, the spoil was extracted with 0.01 M CaCl2 and Mehlich 3 (M3) to determine extractable Al, Cu, and Zn concentrations. Additionally, microbial activity was measured using a fluorescent β-glucosidase and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase assay. Spoil treated with lime and biochar had significantly greater pH and EC values. Significantly greater β-glucosidase activity occurred only in the 5% biochar plus lime treatment, while N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activities were not altered. Metal concentrations in rye shoot and roots were mixed. Lime additions significantly reduced extractable metal concentrations. Increasing biochar rates alone significantly reduced leachate DOC concentrations, and subsequently reduced leachable metal concentrations. Surprisingly, miscanthus biochar, by itself, was limited at mitigation, but when combined with lime, the combination was capable of further reducing extractable metal concentrations and improving β-glucosidase enzyme activity.
Production of heparin-binding angiogenic factor(s) by bovine corpora lutea during pregnancy.

Effects of luteal-conditioned media (LCMI on proliferation and migration of en- dothelial cells were used to assess angiogenic activity of corpora lutea (CL) obtained from cows on d 100 Cn = 51, 150 (n = 61,200 Cn = 61, and 250 Cn = 6) of gestation. Explants of CL (200 mg) were incubated for 6 h in 3 mL of senun-free media containing no hormone, LH (1 pg/mW, prostaglan- din Fza BGF2,; 3 pM), or both hormones. Media from the four stages of gestation were subjected to the following procedures: 1) ultrafiltration, 21 high-salt (3.0 M NaCU treatment and then ultrafiltration, 3) heat treatment, 4) heparin- Sepharose affinity chromatography, 5) immuno- neutralization with specific antibodies against heparin-binding growth factor (HBGFI-1 and against HBGF-2, and 6) dot immunoblot assay for HBGF-2. Fractions from the fwst five procedures were evaluated in the endothelial cell prolifera- tion bioassay. In addition, progesterone concen- tration of LCM was determined by RIA. Across all days of gestation and hormone treatments, LCM stimulated CP 100,000. The mitogenic activity fraction had an apparent Mr > 100,000 even after treatment with high salt and was heat- labile. This endothelial mitogen was retained on heparin-Sepharose columns and was eluted with 2.0 M NaCl. Mitogenic activity was partly neutral- ized (P < .05) by antibodies against HBGF-2 but not HBGF-1. Presence of HBGF-2 in LCM was detected by dot immunoblot assay. Secretion of progesterone by luteal tissue was stimulated by LH and PGFza on all days of gestation, indicating that progesterone secretion is regulated indepen- dently from production of angiogenic factor(s1. These data demonstrate that bovine CL secrete angiogenic factor(s1 throughout gestation. Bovine angiogenic factor(s1 seems to belong to the family of heparin-binding (fibroblast) growth factors. ~~ ~~~~~
Fetal growth of beef calves. II. Effect of sire on prenatal development of the calf and related placental characteristics.

Fifteen Hereford and 47 crossbred heifers were allotted by breed and body weight to be artificially inseminated to one of two Angus sires selected for progeny birth weights (L = low; H = high). Forty-two of the heifers were randomly assigned to be slaughtered at 200, 215, 230, 245 or 260 d of gestation for measurement of fetal and placental characteristics. Twenty heifers were allowed to go to term and five calves from each sire group were randomly assigned to be euthanized and dissected within 24 h after birth. Sire differences in birth weight (BW) and dystocia score (32.9 vs 35.4 kg; 1.8 vs 3.1, L vs H sires, respectively) existed (P less than .01), and there was a sire effect (P less than .01) for fetal calf weights (FW) and eviscerated calf weights (EW). However, there was a sire X calf sex interaction for BW (P less than .05), EW (P less than .01), FW (P less than .01), femur length (P less than .05), heart weight (P less than .05), kidney weight (P less than .01) and pituitary weight (P less than .01). Weight differences suggested these interactions were a result of the relationship of the organ weights to fetal body weights and the interaction effects on calf weights resulted from limitations in the maternal environment which restricted growth of H-sired male calves in utero. Sire X fetal age interaction effects were all nonsignificant (P greater than .10) except for cerebrum weight. This finding indicates that fetus and calf growth rates were parallel for the L and H sires. A sire effect was found for biceps (P less than .01) and liver weights (P less than .01), but not for cerebrum weights (P greater than .10). Increasing weight due to fetal age was attributed to hypertrophy for the cerebrum (P less than .05) and liver (P approximately equal to .01), while the biceps increased (P less than .05) by both hypertrophy and hyperplasia, as determined from deoxyribonucleic acid and protein analyses. All measured fetal organ weights except heart, when expressed as a ratio with EW, decreased (P less than .05) with increasing fetal age. Brain (cerebrum + cerebellum):liver weight ratios were higher (P less than .01) in L-sired calves (.32 vs. .28) than in H-sired calves. Total placentome weight (b' = 91; P less than .01) and placental fluid volume (b' = .32; P less than .01) were highly associated with FW, accounting for 84% of the variation in FW.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Collagen Vascular Diseases and Disorders of Connective Tissue

The collagen vascular diseases, also referred to as connective tissue diseases, are a diverse group of systemic inflammatory disorders thought to be immunologically mediated. The concept of collagen vascular disease began to take shape in the 1930s, when it was recognized that rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis can affect connective tissues throughout the body.1,2 During the following decade, as conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma came to be viewed as systemic diseases of connective tissue, the terms diffuse connective disease and diffuse collagen disease were proposed.3,4 During the same period, the designation of diffuse vascular disease was proposed for diseases such as scleroderma, polymyositis, SLE, and polyarteritis nodosa, which featured widespread vascular involvement.5 With the realization that many of these entities can exhibit both systemic connective tissue manifestations and vascular abnormalities, the unifying designation of collagen vascular disease was introduced.6
Feature Extraction by MLP

In the preceding chapters, emphasis was put on the use of MLPs as discriminant pattern classifiers for speech recognition applications. Although pattern classification plays a crucial role, it is only part of the vast speech recognition task. In spite of the spectacular progress made over the last decade, unrestricted speech recognition is still out of reach, and it is suspected that part of the difficulty lies in the use of inappropriate features for recognizing speech. A priori phonetic knowledge seems of little practical use in this respect. The elementary sounds composing speech can indeed be described by place and manner of articulation for instance, but it seems difficult to translate this knowledge to a precise characterization at the signal level. On the other hand, one can consider that the hidden units of an MLP develop an internal representation of the input signal which is the most appropriate for the classification task. From this point of view, the MLP performs some type of feature extraction which is given by the activity levels of the hidden units. This view of an MLP as a trainable feature extractor for speech processing was described in [Rumelhart et al., 1986a], was systematically investigated in [Elman & Zipser ,1988], and was more generally the original perspective in some of the work of Rosenblatt and his students.
The Use of Visual Imagery in Training Professional Helpers

The process of developing into a professional therapist is, in most instances, a rather stressful one. It requires the integration of cognitive and affective material with one’s own current and previous life experiences. To facilitate this process some professions have required a personal and/or a training analysis of their candidates. Other mental health professions have tried to ease the pains of becoming a professional helper through various advising and monitoring/mentoring arrangements. Still other professions have simply expected the developing practitioner to absorb and deal the best he/she could with the stresses concomitant to his/her professional development.* “If you do not suffer you do not grow,” was the ethos of one branch of early social work (Taft, 1944).
Paediatric window falls and interannual temperature variability in the Seattle metro area

We explore whether the timing and burden of paediatric window fall injuries in the Seattle area have changed with higher temperatures and increased air conditioning (AC) prevalence. Using hospital trauma registry records from 2005 to 2017, along with population estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics, we calculate trauma incidence rates from paediatric window falls. Using local temperature data, we explore the relationship between temperature increases over time and the seasonality and rate of incidents. Window falls are a substantial cause of injury among children, with an annual trauma incidence rate among children age 0–8 of 10.4 per 100 000 boys and 5.9 per 100 000 girls in our sample. We find a mildly positive trend in the crude rate of window falls over the study period, increasing further when a population-level adjustment for AC prevalence is included. We do not find evidence of earlier injury timing during the calendar year.
Evolution of propped fractures in shales: The microscale controlling factors as revealed by in situ X-Ray microtomography

Abstract The behavior of proppant at the microscale during fracture closure in oil and gas shales is not yet well understood. In this context, we used a combination of dynamic synchrotron X-ray micro computed tomography with morphometric analysis and flow modeling to provide new insight into the dominant physical processes acting at the microscale during fracture closure, and understand their impact on hydraulic properties of the fracture. The roles of three variables have been investigated in proppant monolayers: i) Shale mineralogy and microstructure; ii) Shale bedding orientation with respect to the fracture plane; iii) Proppant characteristics. Unsurprisingly, all three variables have an impact on the permeability evolution during closure and their extent has been quantified via Stokes flow simulations. For the fracture geometry considered, proppant rearrangement during loading is the leading cause of permeability loss. The mechanical strength of proppant and shale becomes important at the later stages of the fracture closure. Bedding orientation has an impact on the mechanical response of the proppant-shale contact areas. The more regular morphology and higher mechanical strength of ceramic proppant allows to maintain a better permeability throughout the whole fracture evolution cycle when compared to quartz sand. This combined analysis approach allowed us to understand and quantify the processes involved during the closure of a propped fracture and to directly link them to the evolution of morphology and hydraulic properties. A better understanding of the contributions of these processes could ultimately help in the design and optimization of proppants, enabling more efficient extraction of hydrocarbons from unconventional systems.
Pseudo Bayesian Estimation of One-way ANOVA Model in Complex Surveys

We devise survey-weighted pseudo posterior distribution estimators under 2-stage informative sampling of both primary clusters and secondary nested units for a one-way ANOVA population generating model as a simple canonical case where population model random effects are defined to be coincident with the primary clusters. We consider estimation on an observed informative sample under both an augmented pseudo likelihood that co-samples random effects, as well as an integrated likelihood that marginalizes out the random effects from the survey-weighted augmented pseudo likelihood. This paper includes a theoretical exposition that enumerates easily verified conditions for which estimation under the augmented pseudo posterior is guaranteed to be consistent at the true generating parameters. We reveal in simulation that both approaches produce asymptotically unbiased estimation of the generating hyperparameters for the random effects when a key condition on the sum of within cluster weighted residuals is met. We present a comparison with frequentist EM and a methods that requires pairwise sampling weights.
931-P: Hyperglycemia following Early vs. Late Meal Boluses

Background: Late-meal blousing increases the risk of hyperglycemia following a meal using meter blood glucose data. We used data from the Donors to the Tidepool Big Data Donation project to evaluate real-life bolusing and glycemic excursions using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: We analyzed 214,087 meal boluses from 120 subjects, mean age 22 years (range 3-66), average CGM glucose 155mg/dL (range 103-239 mg/dL). We screened for meals meeting the following criteria: carbs of ≥20g, premeal glucose between 70 and 200mg/dL, no glucose Results: The post meal bolus had significantly higher CGM glucose levels at the time of bolus (p Conclusions: Using integrated pump and CGM data from a large data base, late meal bolusing occurred with 12% of selected meal boluses and was associated with higher CGM values at the time of bolus, and higher peak post prandial CGM values. Disclosure L.M. Norlander: None. E.T. Nykaza: None. B. Arbiter: Employee; Self; Tidepool Project. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Abbott Laboratories, Dexcom, Inc. B.A. Buckingham: Advisory Panel; Self; ConvaTec Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Profusa, Inc. Consultant; Self; Medtronic MiniMed, Inc. Research Support; Self; Beta Bionics, ConvaTec Inc., Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care. Other Relationship; Self; Insulet Corporation, Tandem Diabetes Care. R. Lal: Consultant; Self; Abbott.
Scripture as Guide and Comfort During a Crisis

The Bible has many examples of people and leaders dealing with crises. In this chapter I will provide examples of biblical figures dealing with a crisis and will compare their response to the suggested steps from this book. The Bible tells us early on to expect crises when it is written that “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” Jesus tells us that God “cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2). This provides a clear indication that we should expect trials in our lives. Since we know there will be trials and crisis there is no reason why we should not prepare for them and one of the best ways for leaders to prepare to lead during a crisis is to seek examples to follow and guidance in scripture.
Is biological control for earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) Feasible in the United States

Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth) is a fast-growing, evergreen tree from Australia that was introduced into the United States as an ornamental plant, but it has become a serio...
The Cost of Hip and Knee Revision Arthroplasty by Diagnosis-Related Groups: Comparing Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing and Traditional Accounting.

Abstract Background Traditional hospital cost accounting (TA) has innate disadvantages that limit the ability to meaningfully measure care pathways and quality improvement. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) allows a meticulous account of costs in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, differences between TA and TDABC have not been examined in revision hip and knee TJA (rTJA). We aimed to compare total costs of rTJA by the diagnosis-related group (DRG), measured by TDABC vs TA. Methods Overall costs were calculated for rTJA care cycles by DRG for 2 years of financial data (2018-2019) at our single-specialty orthopedic institution using TA and TDABC. Costs derived from TDABC, based on time and resources used, were compared with costs derived from TA based on historical costs. Proportions of implant and nonimplant costs were measured to total TA costs. Results Seven hundred ninety-three rTJAs were included in this study, with TA methodology resulting in higher cost estimates. The total cost per DRG 468, rTJA with no comorbidities or complications (CC), DRG 467, rTJA with CC, and DRG 466, rTJA with major CC, estimated by TDABC was 69%, 67%, and 49% of the estimation by TA, respectively. Implant and nonimplant costs represented different proportions between methodologies. Conclusion Considerable differences exist, as TA estimations were 31%-51% higher than TDABC. The true cost is likely a value between the estimations, but TDABC presents granular and patient-specific cost data. TDABC for rTJA provides valuable bottom-up information on cost centers in the care pathway and, with targeted interventions, may lead to a more optimal delivery of value-based health care.
Preadolescent Advanced Readers: Exploring Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors:

Despite dedication of tremendous resources to developing literary proficiencies, advanced readers may remain an underserved and understudied population. This qualitative study included nine preadol...
Seismic Behavior and Design of Precast Concrete Structures

This paper analyzed the process of seismic response and earthquake-resistant behavior of precast concrete structures as well as their design approach. The studied structural systems include moment frames and shear walls. The key research objects in this paper would be the connections between the precast structural members and between the members at the base and the foundation because of the dominance characteristics of these connections within structures in the seismic resistant behavior. At last, after analyzing the development and innovation about seismic resistant precast concrete structure and comparing performance-based and energy-based design approach, this paper concludes that the performance-based design allows more innovations and we still need to have accurate calculation methods for the energy dissipation mechanisms at the local and system level.
The Influence of Memorable Message Receipt on Dietary and Exercise Behavior among Self-Identified Black Women.

Guided by Control Theory and the memorable messages framework, the current investigation examined the relationship between receipt of a health-related memorable message and self-reported diet and e...
Collective caregivers: A novel examination of health literacy management approaches.

Abstract Objective Health literacy and communication skills are necessary for family caregivers who often work in pairs, known as collective caregiving. Health literacy management is a relational process where communication between caregivers can be a barrier or pathway to improving or co-creating health literacy. The purpose of this study was to examine how collective caregivers manage health literacy. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted separately for 42 caregiving pairs (n = 84). The interview guide was developed using a cancer caregiver health literacy framework. Caregiving pairs were placed into one of three collective caregiving communication patterns (absolute concordant, semi-concordant, absolute discordant). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and a thematic analysis was performed by independent coders. Results The analysis revealed three different health literacy management approaches: a defined approach where caregiver roles were clearly designated (absolute concordant pairs); a contrasting approach where one caregiver was the health literacy expert (semi-concordant pairs); an independent approach characterized by individual information seeking, processing, and patient/provider engagement (absolute discordant pairs). Conclusions Health literacy support should address aspects of the family system such as caregiver-caregiver communication which influence variance in health literacy management. Practice implications Our study can inform provider communication and healthcare interventions aimed at supporting health literacy for caregivers.
Subjective Probability: The Real Thing

This book offers a concise survey of basic probability theory from a thoroughly subjective point of view whereby probability is a mode of judgment. Written by one of the greatest figures in the field of probability theory, the book is both a summation and synthesis of a lifetime of wrestling with these problems and issues. After an introduction to basic probability theory, there are chapters on scientific hypothesis-testing, on changing your mind in response to generally uncertain observations, on expectations of the values of random variables, on de Finetti's dissolution of the so-called problem of induction, and on decision theory.
Acid rain and N-deposition

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulfur compounds to terrestrial ecosystems has increased significantly over the last several decades due to the emissions of reactive trace gases associated with human activity. Whereas the stable, long-lived greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) operate on a global scale, the effects of reactive, short-lived gases such as nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide (NO and NO2, combined as NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3) are primarily regional. In the troposphere, SO2, NOx, and NH3 combine with water and other atmospheric constituents and can enter into ecosystems as acids and particulates within a few to thousands of kilometers from their source.
Protein synthesis by cell-free extracts of tobacco leaves. 3. Comparison of the physical properties and protein synthesizing activities of 70 s chloroplast and 80 s cytoplasmic ribosomes.

Young tobacco leaves contain two classes of ribosomes in about equal quantities. From ultracentrifugal analyses of chloroplast and cytoplasmic extracts, it is concluded that the 70 s class of ribosomes is located in the chloroplasts and the 80 s class in the cytoplasm. The 70 s ribosomes in a chloroplast extract are 10 to 20-fold more active in protein synthesis (200 to 300 μμmole [14C]valine incorporated/mg ribosome/30 minutes) than the 80 s ribosomes in a cytoplasmic extract. If the chloroplasts are disrupted by homogenization of leaves in a medium of low molarity, the 70 s ribosomes become mixed with the cytoplasm and are less active than the 70 s ribosomes in a chloroplast extract. Inactivation does not seem to result from nuclease action, or deficiencies in sRNA and/or activating enzymes or messenger RNA. Pelleting the ribosomes of a chloroplast extract markedly reduces their incorporating activity. In contrast, the 80 s ribosomes of a cytoplasmic extract are more active after purification. The 70 s and 80 s ribosomes have different magnesium ion requirements for maximum incorporating activity, the optimum concentration being 11 to 15 mM for 70 s ribosomes and 5 ml for 80 S ribosomes. At low concentrations of magnesium ions, most of the 70 s ribosomes dissociate into subunits of 50 s and 35 s, which reconstitute 70 s ribosomes on restoration of the magnesium. The 80 s ribosomes are resistant to dissociation in low concentrations of magnesium ions, but on prolonged dialysis dissociate into 58 s and 35 s particles, which do not reconstitute 80 s particles. 80 s ribosomes aggregate preferentially at high concentration of magnesium. The corrected sedimentation coefficients (S20.w0) of the 70 s and 80 s ribosomes are 69·9 and 82·0s, respectively.
Simulations of Generic Singularities in Harmonic Coordinates

This paper presents both a numerical method for general relativity and an application of that method. The method involves the use of harmonic coordinates in a 3+1 code to evolve the Einstein equations with scalar field matter. In such coordinates, the terms in Einstein’s equations with the highest number of derivatives take a form similar to that of the wave equation. The application is an exploration of the generic approach to the singularity for this type of matter. The preliminary results indicate that the dynamics as one approaches the singularity is locally the dynamics of the Kasner spacetimes.
How to Support the Specification of Observation Needs by Instructional Designers: A Learning-Scenario-Centered Approach

In this paper, we present the conceptual model we propose to specify observation needs. Because our work takes place in a learning scenario re-engineering context, the observation process is prepared while instructional designers define their learning scenarios. Our work aims at helping these designers to specify the informations they want to get by the observation of the learning situation progress in order to improve the underlying learning scenario for future uses. In this paper we show how the observation needs specification can be guided by informations specified in learning scenarios. We will show how we use the Engestrom triangle to model the observation context and how, from the context, some observables will be proposed and used by some observation techniques we propose to use, to define the informations to get by the observation process.
A Systolic Array Structure for Matrix Multiplication in the Residue Number System

This paper describes a new scheme for matrix multiplication in the residue number system (RNS) by a VLSI systolic structure. The basic goal is to accelerate matrix multiplication by exploiting the "double parallelism" involved in the systolic structure and in the RNS. The scheme consists of a N × N rhombus-like array of residue-based processors for RNS N × N matrix multiplication. Each processor operates in parallel, pipeline or hybrid modes using an arrangement of q moduli adders and multipliers, q>1. The operations of residue addition and multiplication are performed by associative table lookup processing, which has been shown to be particularly efficient for fast residue arithmetic implementations in VLSI technology.
The Effect of Processing, Tantalum‐Replacement, and Lanthanumdoping on the Dielectric Properties of Lead Magnesium Niobate‐Lead Titanate Ceramics

A series of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) relaxor ferroelectrics have been produced via attrition milling and the columbite precursor method. These were synthesized in order to study the effect of La-doping and Ta-replacement of Nb on PMN-PT ceramics. La-doping led to a decrease in K max (maximum permittivity), T max (temperature of maximum permittivity), and average grain size. With increasing La-doping levels the PMN-PT ceramic exhibited relaxor-ferroelectric-like behavior as its dielectric constant spectrum became more diffuse. Ta replacement of Nb in PMN-PT ceramics led to PMTa-PT (lead magnesium tantalate-lead titanate) ceramics whose overall dielectric constant spectra were similar to that of the PMN-PT. B-site precursor processing, columbite precursor processing, and conventional mixed-oxide processing all yielded monophasic perovskite PMTa-PT ceramics after sintering at 1200°C.
Esophageal cardiac pacing effects on arterial pulsations

Electrical stimulation via the esophageal pathway has been demonstrated to be a relatively noninvasive and recommendable approach to cardiac pacing to the termination of arrhythmias. Hemodynamics consequences of this mode of pacing on arterial system function have not been reported. The authors anaesthetized dogs using bipolar catheter electrodes; their results show that transesophageal cardiac pacing alters arterial pulse transmission characteristics only to a limited extent. >
Self healing network (Centralized Restoration Gateway)

A collection of slides from the author's conference presentation was given. The topics discussed were manual fault isolation and restoration and automatic fault location isolation and service restoration.
COHERENTISM AND THE EPISTEMIC JUSTIFICATION OF MORAL BELIEFS: A CASE STUDY IN HOW TO DO PRACTICAL ETHICS WITHOUT APPEAL TO A MORAL THEORY

This paper defends a coherentist approach to moral epistemology. In “The Immorality of Eating Meat” (2000), I offer a coherentist consistency argument to show that our own beliefs rationally commit us to the immorality of eating meat. Elsewhere, I use our own beliefs as premises to argue that we have positive duties to assist the poor (2004) and to argue that biomedical animal experimentation is wrong (2012). The present paper explores whether this consistency-based coherentist approach of grounding particular moral judgments on beliefs we already hold, with no appeal to moral theory, is a legitimate way of doing practical ethics. I argue (i) that grounding particular moral judgments on our core moral convictions and other core nonmoral beliefs is a legitimate way to justify moral judgments, (ii) that these moral judgments possess as much epistemic justification and have as much claim to objectivity as moral judgments grounded on particular ethical theories, and (iii) that this internalistic coherentist method of grounding moral judgments is more likely to result in behavioral guidance than traditional theory-based approaches to practical ethics. By way of illustrating the approach, I briefly recapitulate my consistency-based argument for ethical vegetarianism. I then defend the coherentist approach implicit in the argument against a number of potentially fatal metatheoretical attacks.
Fine-needle aspiration of follicular lesions of the thyroid. Diagnosis and follow-Up

The differential diagnosis of a follicular lesion/neoplasm in thyroid FNA specimens includes hyperplastic/adenomatoid nodule, follicular adenoma and carcinoma, and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. In our laboratory we separate follicular lesions of thyroid into hyperplastic/adenomatoid nodule (HN), follicular neoplasm (FON) and follicular derived neoplasm with focal nuclear features suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma (FDN). This study reports our experience with 339 cases diagnosed as FON and 120 as FDN. All cases were evaluated for histologic diagnosis, age, sex and size of the nodule. Histopathologic follow-up was available in all cases. The malignancy rate was 22% (74/359) and 72% (86/120) for cases diagnosed as FON and FDN, respectively. In the FON category almost half of the malignant cases were papillary carcinoma. The risk of malignancy was higher in patients younger than 40 yr (53% vs. 30%) than in patients 40 year or more years old and greater in males (41% vs. 33%) than females. No statistically significant relationship was noted between the sizes of the nodules and benign vs. malignant diagnosis. According to this study it is important to divide follicular patterned lesions of thyroid into FON and FDN in the cytology specimens due to significantly different risk of malignancy (22% vs. 72%). In addition, clinical features, including gender and age can be part of the decision analysis in selecting patients for surgery.
In search of a theory of complexity: An overview on the Denton workshop

Abstract This paper is an outgrowth of the discussions held during the 2005 Denton Workshop, In Search of a Theory of Complexity. The workshop title captures the intent of the scientists who had come from Europe, the middle east and the United States to discuss the possibility that recent advances in statistical physics might provide a perspective that could guide us in constructing a theory of complexity. In this first paper of the proceedings we attempt to summarize the concepts introduced in the various debates and to draw some conclusions. But we caution the reader that these conclusions are our own and are not necessarily shared by the other participants of the workshop.
Non-traditional therapies for diabetes: fact or fiction

The number of medications now available to treat Type 2 Diabetes has been expanding quickly over the past two decades. At the same time, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has also been rising. Individuals with diabetes are 1.6 times more likely than those without diabetes to use modalities that are not considered part of conventional medicine. Numerous dietary supplements are available over the counter and are being advertized to treat diabetes and its co morbidities. No conclusive data on their clinical benefit, potential harms, dosing or interaction with other medications is yet available. But for clinicians to maintain a trusting relationship with their patient, a respectful non-confrontational attitude is needed to encourage open dialogue, provide accurate information, and facilitate changes to the medical regimen. It is essential that clinicians stay informed and advise their patient with the available scientific data accordingly. In this review, we focus on current data on six supplements commonly encountered in community practice for treating diabetes, including cinnamon, fenugreek, vinegar, ginseng, bitter melon, gymnema, chromium, and vanadium.
Complex splicing patterns of RNAs from the early regions of adenovirus-2

The RNA species encoded by the five early regions of adenovirus serotype 2 (Ad2) were isolated from the cytoplasm of HeLa cells at various times after infection either in the absence or in the presence of cycloheximide or cytosine arabinoside. The transcripts were characterized by electron microscopy of heteroduplexes formed with single-stranded Ad2 DNA. Each early region gave rise to a family of composite RNA species with up to four conserved segments spliced together after the deletion of intervening sequences. Transcripts from each family contained some sequences in common but differed in the lengths and positions of the conserved segments and thus had alternative splicing patterns. They were mapped on the adenovirus genome and the relative abundance of each species was determined. The map co-ordinates of the early region promoters were refined, based upon the indication that the 5′ ends of mature cytoplasmic RNAs are derived from promoter-proximal DNA sequences. The 5′ leader segment of the region 2 message for the single-stranded DNA binding protein changed during the course of infection, suggesting the utilization of different promoters at early and late times. The transition was prevented by blocking protein synthesis with cycloheximide. Transcription of region 3 was under the control of its own promoter at early times but could also be directed by the major r-strand late promoter at intermediate to late times. The internal splicing patterns of the region 3 transcripts seen at early times persisted at late times, but some molecules had the 5′ tripartite leaders common to late r-strand mRNAs. One of the major early region 3 transcripts contained three RNA segments which are also present in a presumptive processing intermediate for the fiber RNA, a late message which is separated from its promoter by early region 3. These extra segments in some fiber RNAs apparently reflect the recognition of early RNA splicing signals at late times. From the large, complex arrays of composite RNA structures, numerous insights into the RNA splicing mechanisms were inferred.
Framing Peace Policies: The Competition for Resonant Themes

Political organizations make use of culturally resonant symbols to bring their message to the public. In response to a political organization's use of a culturally resonant symbol, competing political organizations attack the connection between that organization's message and the symbol. Rochon and Wolfsfeld propose a process for the movement of policy justification symbols from interest groups and social movements to governments. This article examines this process in the context of the struggle among the Israeli nationalist movement, the Israeli peace movement, and the Israeli government, identifying a typology of tactical frames applicable to research beyond the Israeli context: denial, incorporation, and end run. Press releases by these political competitors show a specialization of tactical frames by social organization. Nationalists prefer to deny the validity of competing resonant symbols. Peace activists prefer to invent or search for new symbols, in an end run. Governments tend to absorb and redir...
Beyond Core Indicators of Retention in HIV Care: Missed Clinic Visits Are Independently Associated With All-Cause Mortality

Background. The continuum of care is at the forefront of the domestic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) agenda, with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently releasing clinical core indicators. Core indicators for retention in care are calculated based on attended HIV care clinic visits. Beyond these retention core indicators, we evaluated the additional prognostic value of missed clinic visits for all-cause mortality. Methods. We conducted a multisite cohort study of 3672 antiretroviral-naive patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) during 2000–2010. Retention in care was measured by the IOM and DHHS core indicators (2 attended visits at defined intervals per 12-month period), and also as a count of missed primary HIV care visits (no show) during a 24-month measurement period following ART initiation. All-cause mortality was ascertained by query of the Social Security Death Index and/or National Death Index, with adjusted survival analyses starting at 24 months after ART initiation. Results. Among participants, 64% and 59% met the IOM and DHHS retention core indicators, respectively, at 24 months. Subsequently, 332 patients died during 16 102 person-years of follow-up. Failure to achieve the IOM and DHHS indicators through 24 months following ART initiation increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79–2.80 and HR = 2.36; 95% CI, 1.89–2.96, respectively). Among patients classified as retained by the IOM or DHHS clinical core indicators, >2 missed visits further increased mortality risk (HR = 3.61; 95% CI, 2.35–5.55 and HR = 3.62; 95% CI, 2.30–5.68, respectively). Conclusions. Beyond HIV retention core indicators, missed clinic visits were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Caution is warranted in relying solely upon retention in care core indicators for policy, clinical, and programmatic purposes.
Domains of social communication handicap in autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate whether specific “social communication” handicaps could be identified in autism spectrum disorder using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and to compare the results with those found in a previous factor-analysis study using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Method All subjects were evaluated with both instruments. J.R. and RET. independently diagnosed autism, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified in 51 children. Items from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule that represented social communication behaviors were factor-analyzed. Results Three factors were identified: joint attention, affective reciprocity, and theory of mind. These are the same social communication domains that were identified in the previous study. Conclusions These 3 social communication domains have been discussed in the literature regarding normal development and in previous research on autism spectrum disorders. If these domains are replicated in larger sample sizes, they could be used to monitor the results of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in autism spectrum disorders.
Buprenorphine-containing treatments : Place in the management of opioid addiction

Although the synthetic opioid buprenorphine has been available clinically for almost 30 years, its use has only recently become much more widespread for the treatment of opioid addiction.
Validation of a treatment plan-based calibration method for 2D detectors used for treatment delivery quality assurance

Purpose: Dosimetry using film, CR, electronic portal imaging, or other 2D detectors requires calibration of the raw image data to obtain dose. Typically, a series of known doses are given to the detector, the raw signal for each dose is obtained, and a calibration curve is created. This calibration curve is then applied to the measured raw signals to convert them to dose. With the advent of IMRT, film dosimetry for quality assurance has become a routine and labor intensive part of the physicist's day. The process of calibrating the film or other 2D detector takes time and additional film or images for performing the calibration, and comes with its own source of errors. This article studies a new methodology for the relative dose calibration of 2D imaging detectors especially useful for IMRT QA, which relies on the treatment plan dose image to provide the dose information which is paired with the raw QA image data after registration of the two images (plan-based calibration). Methods: Validation of the accuracy and robustness of the method is performed on ten IMRT cases performed using EDR2 film with conventional and plan-based calibration. Also, for each of the ten cases, a 5 mm registrationmore » error was introduced and the Gamma analysis was reevaluated. In addition, synthetic image tests were performed to test the limits of the method. The Gamma analysis is used as a measure of dosimetric agreement between plan and film for the clinical cases and a dose difference metric for the synthetic cases. Results: The QA image calibrated by the plan-based method was found to more accurately match the treatment plan doses than the conventionally calibrated films and also to reveal dose errors more effectively when a registration error was introduced. When synthetic acquired images were systematically studied, localized and randomly placed dose errors were correctly identified without excessive falsely passing or falsely failing pixels, unless the errors were concentrated in a majority of pixels in a contiguous narrow dose band. Irregularities seen in the calibration curve expose these errors. Conclusions: The plan-based calibration method was found to be an accurate, efficient procedure, capable of detecting IMRT QA relative dosimetry errors as well as, or better than conventional calibration methods.« less
A method for measuring nasal resistance without intranasal instrumentation

Abstract A method of measuring nasal resistance, without intranasal instrumentation, that neither disturbs turbinate size nor obstructs air flow is described. Its usefulness in the study of physiologic responses to physical and allergenic stimuli in vasomotor rhinitis is suggested.
Salesperson knowledge distinctions and sales performance

Although it is conceptually and practically posited that salesperson knowledge has a direct relationship to performance, empirical research concerning this topic has been limited. In a free elicitation study of 150 multi-line insurance agents, the authors demonstrate that higher performing sales personnel have more elaborate, contingent and context-specific procedural knowledge than that of less effective agents. Moreover, higher performing sales personnel's contingent knowledge is shown to be more relevant to the sales call and more adaptive or responsive to the specific contingency than lower performers. In addition, higher performers have more intermediary and indirect goals prior to initially contacting a prospect. These results fuel a call for further research concerning the procedural knowledge roots underlying sales performance, as well as the practical exigencies involved in developing, managing and retaining the knowledge resource of the sales force as a firm-level asset.