cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joke retrieval: recognizing the same joke told differently

In a corpus of jokes, a human might judge two documents to be the "same joke" even if characters, locations, and other details are varied. A given joke could be retold with an entirely different vocabulary while still maintaining its identity. Since most retrieval systems consider documents to be related only when their word content is similar, we propose joke retrieval as a domain where standard language models may fail. Other meaning-centric domains include logic puzzles, proverbs and recipes; in such domains, new techniques may be required to enable us to search effectively. For jokes, a necessary component of any retrieval system will be the ability to identify the "same joke," so we examine this task in both ranking and classification settings. We exploit the structure of jokes to develop two domain-specific alternatives to the "bag of words" document model. In one, only the punch lines, or final sentences, are compared; in the second, certain categories of words (e.g., professions and countries) are tagged and treated as interchangeable. Each technique works well for certain jokes. By combining the methods using machine learning, we create a hybrid that achieves higher performance than any individual approach.
Transfer of the Radial Nerve Branch to the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Reconstruct Thumb and Finger Flexion

Purpose To report our experiences reconstructing thumb and finger flexion in patients with extensive palsy of the upper limb by transferring the radial nerve branch to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) to the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN). Methods Within 8 months after injury, 4 patients with either a combined high median/ulnar nerve palsy or C7-T1 brachial plexus root avulsion underwent surgical reconstruction for thumb and finger flexion. As part of the reconstructive procedure, the branch of the radial nerve to the ECRB was transferred to the AIN. Results At final evaluation, which averaged 13 months postoperatively, all patients had recovered full finger and thumb flexion, scoring M4 per Medical Research Council guidelines. Average grasp strength was 5 kg, and pinch strength was 2 kg. Even in anesthetic fingers and with their eyes closed, patients could correctly identify passive extension of their distal interphalangeal joints. Wrist extension was preserved in all patients. Conclusions In 4 patients, transfer of the branch of the radial nerve to the ECRB to the AIN predictably reconstructed thumb and finger flexion. Finger flexion also recovered in those fingers in which the flexor digitorum profundus was primarily innervated by the ulnar nerve. Despite extended sensory deficits, patients ultimately were able to use their hands regularly in daily life. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Adenosine for Myocardial Protection in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Although reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction is known to reduce infarct size, improve left ventricular function, and reduce mortality, the full potential benefit may be limited by acceleration of damage resulting from reperfusion, or "reperfusion injury." Evidence of a variety of mechanisms of reperfusion injury has led to a wide range of proposed therapeutic interventions, including agents to prevent oxygen free radical damage, inhibit white blood cell function, reduce calcium influx, improve microvascular blood flow, inhibit sympathetic stimulation, and improve energy stores. A multitude of agents have been shown to limit infarct size in animals when administered before or during reperfusion. Unfortunately, most have been disappointing when tested clinically. Adenosine, a theoretically attractive agent for preventing reperfusion injury, has shown promise in small, clinical studies, and appears to be an endogenous substance involved in the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning. When studied in the setting of angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction, adenosine was associated with small infarct size and improved coronary flow. As myocardial preservation with reperfusion during bypass surgery shares pathophysiologic characteristics with the reperfused myocardium in acute infarction, early results of adenosine during bypass surgery presented at this symposium support the concept that adenosine may be beneficial. Two ongoing Phase II trials of adenosine in acute myocardial infarction-one with thrombolysis and one with direct angioplasty-will provide important information about the potential benefits of adenosine in the context of reperfusion.
Residency Ethics Teaching: A Critique of Current Trends

• There is a growing effort to formalize ethics teaching for medical residents. Currently, this effort is overemphasizing a single approach—the clinical ethics consultation or ethics case conference—at the expense of several other important options. While the clinical ethics approach has many benefits, it also has harmful side effects when it is made the single method for residency ethics teaching: it constricts ethics teaching within too narrow a view of medical ethics, and it forfeits an opportunity for ethics to challenge some problematic features of residency education itself. ( Arch Intern Med 1988;148:1836-1838)
Effective Regurgitant Orifice Area: A Noninvasive Doppler Development of an Old Hemodynamic Concept

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility, relation to other methods and significance of the effective regurgitant orifice area measurement. Background. Assessment of the severity of valvular regurgita­ tion (effective regurgitant orifice area) has not been implemented in clinical practice but can be made by Doppler echocardiography. Methods. Effective regurgitant orifice area was calculated by Doppler echocardiography as the ratio of regurgitant volume/ regurgitant jet time-velocity integral and compared with color flow Doppler mapping, angiography, surgical classification, re­ gurgitant fraction and variables of volume overload. Results. In 210 consecutive patients examined prospectively, feasibility improved from the early to the late experience (65% to 95%). Effective regurgitant orifice area was 28 ± 23 mm 2 (mean ± SD) for aortic regurgitation (32 patients), 22 ± 13 mm 2 for ischemic/functional mitral regurgitation (50 patients) and 41 ± 32 mm 2 for organic mitral regurgitation (82 patients). Significant correlations were found between effective regurgitant orifice and mitral jet area by color flow Doppler mapping (r = 0.68 and r = 0.63, p < 0.0001, respectively) and angiographic grade (r = 0.77, Assessment of the severity of valvular regurgitation with both invasive and noninvasive techniques is widely used but remains essentially semiquantitative, and interpretation fre­ quently leaves room for uncertainty (1). By contrast, in valvular stenoses, quantitative measures of severity (2) are now the rule, and noninvasive measurement of the mitral (3,4) or aortic (5,6) stenotic valve area has greatly facilitated follow-up of patients. By analogy, in valvular regurgitation, it would be desirable to evaluate not only the volume overload by measuring the regurgitant volume but also the severity of the lesion by measuring the effective regurgitant orifice area. For this purpose, 40 years ago Gorlin and Dexter (7) described the principle of calculation of the mitral regurgi
On the occurrence of Schwann cells within the normal central nervous system.

The presence of Schwann cells and P.N.S. myelin are reported in subpial areas of apparently normal spinal cord from one control rabbit, two experimental rabbits and one experimental guinea pig. These P.N.S. elements exerted no adverse effects upon local C.N.S. components. The occurrence of ectopic Schwann cells in the normal C.N.S. has also been reported elsewhere in studies on normal human spinal cord tissue. The propensity for Schwann cells to reside in the normal C.N.S. of several species makes it necessary for experiments and hypotheses on the aetiology of Schwann cell invasion into the abnormal C.N.S. to take the present phenomenon into consideration.
Fusion of unfertilized mouse eggs with somatic cells.

The purpose of these investigations was to study optimal conditions for the maintenance and stimulation of division of unfertilized mouse eggs in culture after fusion with somatic cells of various species origin. When unfertilized eggs obtained from superovulated C57B1/6 virgin mice were maintained in culture in Brinster's medium for 72 hours, less than 6% of the eggs divided. Following fusion in the presence of inactivated Sendai virus with somatic cells of mouse, hamster, monkey or human origin, 10 to 60% of the eggs divided, often developing to the early morula stage (3–10 cells). Blastomeres observed at this stage of development did not differ morphologically from embryo cells dividing after fertilization. Examination of autoradiograms obtained after fusion of eggs with labeled somatic cells support the belief that fusion may be a factor which initiates egg cell division. Ultimately, nuclei of the somatic cells inside the cytoplasm undergo karyorrhexis. Mouse fibroblasts infected with Moloney sarcoma virus fused better with egg cells than did non-infected fibroblasts.
Utilization of selective spin flips for manipulated two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy

Abstract Efficiency of J -resolved two-dimensional 13 C NMR can be increased by selective flips which are accomplished on either distant or directly attached protons. Data sets are compressed and specialized measurements of J couplings are significantly faster.
The use of intravenous immunoglobulin in Stevens-Johnson syndrome☆

Abstract Rationale Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare systemic disorder with significant mortality and in three cases we assessed current treatment. Methods We present three separate cases in which patients presented with distinct dermatologic manifestations of SJS. Patient A presented with skin lesions that were urticarial and treated initially with prednisone. Patient B presented with fever, lethargy, confluent rash, and desquamation. Patient C presented with target lesions and stomatitis. Results Each patient had different presentations making the diagnosis difficult. Patient A eventually developed oral pharyngeal swelling and ulcers. A diagnosis of SJS was made and the patient improved after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Patient B had dermatitis and desquamation consistent with SJS. The inciting agent was determined to be phenytoin and was discontinued. Patient C also was initially diagnosed with SJS. This patient required treatment with IVIG and management in an intensive burn unit. Conclusions The diagnosis of SJS can be obscure in cases where the patient only presents with rash. However, once the diagnosis is confirmed clinically, IVIG may provide clinical benefit. More severe cases evidenced by patient C may benefit from transfer to an acute burn unit.
Identification and characterization of selenium species in enriched green onion (Allium fistulosum) by HPLC-ICP-MS and ESI-ITMS

In this study speciation of selenium in selenium-enriched green onions (Allium fistulosum) was done with reversed-phase ion-pairing high performance liquid chromatography (RP-IP-HPLC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled on-line to ICP-MS for selenium specific detection. The plant extract obtained using sodium hydroxide (0.1 mol l−1) analyzed by SEC (CAPS 10 mmol l−1, pH 10.0) with ICP-MS detection showed the incorporation of selenium in both high (∼12 kDa) and low molecular weight (0.36–2 kDa) fractions. Presumably protein bound selenoamino acids were released using enzymes (Proteinase K and Protease XIV) and selenoamino acids found in cytosol in their free form were extracted using 0.1 M HCl. The extracts were analyzed for speciation studies by RP-IP-HPLC [0.1% (v/v) heptafluorobutyric acid, 5% (v/v) methanol, pH 2.5]. Matching the chromatographic retention times with commercially available standards provided evidence for the presence of Se-cystine, methylselenocysteine, Se-methionine, and inorganic selenium. Electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-ITMS) confirmed the presence of γ-glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine in green onions as has been reported in other onion types.
Political Attitudes and Ideologies of Multiracial Americans: The Implications of Mixed Race in the United States

A contemporary rise in multiracial self-identification provokes a number of questions about the significance that this racial identity may hold for American politics. This research focuses on the p...
The effect of color centers on the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time in lithium fluoride

Abstract The dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time of fluorine nuclei in lithium fluoride on the concentration of radiation-induced color centers has been investigated under rigidly controlled conditions, F -center concentrations have been determined from ultraviolet absorption spectra. The data agree with the theoretical predictions for diffusion-limited relaxation, with respect to the dependence on both the concentration of color centers and the diffusion constant for nuclear-spin diffusion. Some linewidth measurements were made for the fluorine resonance; data were obtained with the [110] crystalline axis parallel to the d.c. magnetic field.
Transplantation: Negative vaccination to modulate transplant immunity

Ezzelarab et al. report that regulatory dendritic cells administered prior to transplantation modulate alloimmunity and increase kidney allograft survival. This finding provides the first evidence of the immunosuppressive efficacy of modified dendritic cells in a stringent pre-clinical primate model, offering hope that long-term immunosuppression of transplant recipients could be minimized or avoided.
Subjective patient-reported experiences after surgery for Peyronie's disease: corporeal plication versus plaque incision with vein graft.

OBJECTIVES To compare patient-perceived outcomes of corporeal plication to plaque incision with saphenous vein grafting for the correction of Peyronie's disease. METHODS Patients with stable Peyronie's disease deemed to be good operative candidates for both tunical plication and plaque incision with saphenous vein graft were counseled on both procedures and chose which operation they would undergo. At 1 year, the records were reviewed and the patients were contacted. The variables included age, operative time, and outcome ("satisfactorily straight," loss of rigidity, loss of sensation, new use of erectile aids, ability to have intercourse, palpable nodules, erectile pain, penile shortening, and being "completely satisfied"). RESULTS Of the 67 patients, 35 underwent tunical plication and 32 underwent plaque incision with vein grafting. No differences were present in patient age between the two groups. The average operative time was shorter for the plication group (P = 0.0001). No differences were found regarding satisfactory straightness (P = 0.13), satisfaction with the operation (P = 0.71), new use of erectile aids (P = 0.06), erectile pain (P = 0.12), or subjective penile shortening (P = 0.41). Patients who underwent plaque incision with grafting were more likely to experience loss of rigidity (P = 0.03), inability to have intercourse (P = 0.05), and loss of sensation (P = 0.0045). Patients who underwent plication were more likely to experience palpable nodules (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that both procedures are effective surgical options for the correction of Peyronie's disease. Plication is a simple procedure with less morbidity. Shortening is a common complaint, regardless of the type of operation done.
Quantitation of precordial movement. II. Mitral regurgitation.

A method has been devised for calibrating and measuring aspects of displacement records of cardiac movement. Forty-five normal subjects have been studied using this method, and a normal range has been calculated for the heights of the a wave, systolic outward movement, rapid-filling wave, and the ratio of rapid-filling wave to duration. The consistency of the results obtained and factors producing variations are discussed.
Oral xylitol in American adults

Abstract Twelve healthy adult subjects were given xylitol in incrementally increasing daily doses from 30 g in 3 doses to 100 g in two doses along with a regulated diet. All subjects encountered dose related gastrointestinal side effects. One subject was intolerant of doses greater than 20 g. Eleven subjects tolerated daily doses to 100 g. All subjects encountered diarrhea of varying degree with adaptation being observed in most subjects. Gastrointestinal side effects may limit the maximum tolerated xylitol dosage to 20 g per dose up to 60 g per day. Biochemical parameters all remained within normal range with a nonsignificant increase in uric acid being observed during a brief period of administration. These results suggested that oral xylitol in combination with normal American diet imposes no side effect other than gastro-intestinal intolerance as those observed in West Germany and Scandanivian countries.
The role of the frontal ganglion in foregut movements of the moth, Manduca sexta

Two types of rhythmic foregut movements are described in fifth instar larvae of the moth, Manduca sexta. These consist of posteriorly-directed waves of peristalsis which move food toward the midgut, and synchronous constrictions of the esophageal region, which appear to retain food within the crop. We describe these movements and the muscles of the foregut that generate them.The firing patterns of a subset of these muscles, including a constrictor and dilator pair from both the esophageal and buccal regions of the foregut, are described for both types of foregut movement. The motor patterns for the foregut muscles require innervation by the frontal ganglion (FG), which lies anterior to the brain and contains about 35 neurons. Eliminating the ventral nerve cord, leaving the brain and FG intact, did not affect the muscle firing patterns in most cases. Eliminating both the brain and the ventral nerve cord, leaving only the FG to innervate the foregut, generally resulted in an increased period for both gut movements and muscle bursts. This manipulation also produced increases in burst durations for most muscles, and had variable effects on the phasing of muscle activity. Despite these changes, the foregut muscles still maintained a rhythmic firing pattern when innervated by the FG alone. Two nerves exit the FG to innervate the foregut musculature: the anteriorly-projecting frontal nerve, and the posteriorly-directed recurrent nerve. Cutting the frontal nerve immediately and irreversibly stopped all muscle activity in the buccal region, while cutting the recurrent nerve immediately stopped all muscle activity in the pharyngeal and esophageal regions. Recordings from the cut nerves leaving the FG showed that the ganglion was spontaneously active, with rhythmic activity continuing within the nerves. These observations indicate that all of the foregut muscle motoneurons are located within the FG, and the FG in isolation produces a rhythmic firing pattern in the motoneurons. We have identified several motoneurons within the FG, by cobalt backfills and/or simultaneous intracellular recordings and fills from putative motoneurons and their muscles.
The Global Climate for September–November 1991: Warm (ENSO) Episode Conditions Strengthen

After an extended period of warm episode-like conditions in the western tropical Pacific, ENSO conditions began affecting the central and eastern tropical Pacific during September through November (SON) 1991. The increased convection in the regions of positive SST anomalies provided solid evidence of atmospheric-oceanic coupling, critical in ENSO development and sustenance. In the midlatitudes, the most pronounced climatic feature during SON 91 was the preponderance of above-normal land surface temperatures throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. 11 refs., 24 figs., 1 tab.
Metabolic control analysis in a cellular model of elevated MAO-B: relevance to Parkinson's disease.

We previously demonstrated that spare respiratory capacity of the TCA cycle enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) was completely abolished upon increasing levels of MAO-B activity in a dopaminergic cell model system (Kumar et al., J Biol Chem 278:46432–46439, 2003). MAO-B mediated increases in H2O2 also appeared to result in direct oxidative inhibition of both mitochondrial complex I and aconitase. In order to elucidate the contribution that each of these components exerts over metabolic respiratory control as well as the impact of MAO-B elevation on their spare respiratory capacities, we performed metabolic respiratory control analysis. In addition to KGDH, we assessed the activities and substrate-mediated respiration of complex I, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and mitochondrial aconitase in the absence and presence of complex-specific inhibitors in specific and mixed substrate conditions in mitochondria from our MAO-B elevated cells versus controls. Data from this study indicates that Complex I and KGDH are the most sensitive to inhibition by MAO-B mediated H2O2 generation, and could be instrumental in determining the fate of mitochondrial metabolism in this cellular PD model system.
Estimated vs Actual Values for Dead Space/Tidal Volume Ratios During Incremental Exercise in Patients Evaluated for Dyspnea

The physiologic dead space/tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) at rest and during exercise is a sensitive measurement of gas exchange that reflects matching of ventilation to perfusion, but requires an invasive measurement for its calculation. Determining VD/VT noninvasively uses estimations of arterial PCO2 based on the end-tidal PCO2. To further standardize incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing, we compared actual VD/VT with estimated VD/VT values in 35 patients referred for evaluation of dyspnea. Estimates of VD/VT used the Jones' equation (VD/VT[J]) derived from healthy subjects during steady-state exercise or PETCO2 alone (VD/VT[ET]) to approximate PaCO2. At rest, mean values for VD/VT(J) and actual VD/VT were not different: 0.372 +/- 0.08 vs 0.376 +/- 0.09, p = not significant (NS). Each method identified 61 percent of values > or = to 0.36. In 26 subjects who achieved higher work rates, the mean difference between actual VD/VT and VD/VT(J) increased from 0.009 +/- 0.04 (NS) at low work rate (VO2 = 28.3 percent pred max) to 0.040 +/- 0.06 at high work rate (VO2 = 54.7 percent pred max), p = 0.006. Actual VD/VT identified 18 (69 percent) patients as abnormal vs 13 (50 percent) so identified by VD/VT(J). With exercise, VD/VT(J) was no better than VD/VT(ET). We conclude that during incremental exercise in a patient population, methods for estimating VD/VT progressively underestimate this measurement; and therefore, "normal" estimated VD/VT values may fail to identify underlying pulmonary and/or pulmonary vascular impairment.
Polyborane-derived metal borides. 1. Hydrodesulphurization catalysts with potential for coal liquefaction☆

Abstract A new class of metal borides prepared at elevated temperatures and under hydrogen pressure from borane anions and cobalt or nickel salts catalyse the hydrodesulphurization of thiophene at 400 °C to butane and H 2 S. The most active catalysts are prepared from the anions NaB 5 H 8 and NaB 10 H 13 . These borides have unusually high boron levels (12–17%) and exhibit high sulphidation resistances. Using these catalysts, 88–99% conversion of thiophene is observed. With less active catalyst systems or at lower temperatures, butene and tetrahydrothiophene are also produced. Under similar reaction conditions, the nickel-pentaborane derived catalyst promotes 93% hydrogenolysis of furan. The boride catalysts do not promote hydrogenation of non-heterocyclic aromatics such as toluene and ethylbenzene. The potential of these new boride systems in processes related to coal liquefaction is discussed.
The Japanese existential possession: A case study of pragmatic disambiguation

The Japanese existential construction can be used either to assert the presence of some entity in a certain location or to indicate that something is an integral part of another. It has been noted, however, that the part–whole reading seems to disappear when the nominative NP precedes the locative PP. Contrary to the existing analyses which make appeal to some constraint on movement to derive this disambiguation effect, this paper presents an information structural account. The analysis is empirically supported by the lack of disambiguation in embedded contexts and the significant role of contextual information that encourages the ‘missing’ part–whole interpretation to re-emerge.
Empirical perspectives in mental health consultation

Although mental health consultation has evolved into one of the most significant forms of intervention in the area of community mental health, its growth has not been one of smooth and steady progress. During periods of austerity it is still the easiest service activity to trim with the least risk of incurring community resistance. This vulnerability of mental health consultation makes it increasingly necessary to use whatever means are possible to affirm its credibility as a viable practice method. One such means, discussed in this paper, is through the use of research and evaluation to gain greater knowledge and understanding of consultation as a helping process, and through the practical application of knowledge gained to continuously upgrade and improve consultation as a practice method.
Ultrafest: a novel approach to ultrasound in medical education leads to improvement in written and clinical examinations.

Introduction: Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of hands-on training at a bedside ultrasound (US) symposium (“Ultrafest”) to improve both clinical knowledge and image acquisition skills of medical students. Primary outcome measure was improvement in multiple choice questions on pulmonary or Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) US knowledge. Secondary outcome was improvement in image acquisition for either pulmonary or FAST. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 48 volunteers at “Ultrafest,” a free symposium where students received five contact training hours. Students were evaluated before and after training for proficiency in either pulmonary US or FAST. Proficiency was assessed by clinical knowledge through written multiple-choice exam, and clinical skills through accuracy of image acquisition. We used paired sample t-tests with students as their own controls. Results: Pulmonary knowledge scores increased by a mean of 10.1 points (95% CI [8.9-11.3], p<0.00005), from 8.4 to a posttest average of 18.5/21 possible points. The FAST knowledge scores increased by a mean of 7.5 points (95% CI [6.3-8.7] p<0.00005), from 8.1 to a posttest average of 15.6/ 21. We analyzed clinical skills data on 32 students. The mean score was 1.7 pretest and 4.7 posttest of 12 possible points. Mean improvement was 3.0 points (p<0.00005) overall, 3.3 (p=0.0001) for FAST, and 2.6 (p=0.003) for the pulmonary US exam. Conclusion: This study suggests that a symposium on US can improve clinical knowledge, but is limited in achieving image acquisition for pulmonary and FAST US assessments. US training external to official medical school curriculum may augment students’ education. [West J Emerg Med. 2015;16(1):–0.]
AuGe/Au ohmic contacts to n-type InP by hot-plate alloying

We report on the fabrication and characteristics of AuGe/Au ohmic contacts to ion-implanted n-type InP. The contacts have smooth surface morphology, excellent adhesion and good contact resistance uniformity. For samples with carrier concentrations of 1.7×1017 and 1.6×1015cm−3, contact resistances of 0.07 and 0.03 Ωmm, respectively, have been obtained. These values are among the lowest contact resistances reported for n-type InP.
Multi-threading : A new dimension to massively parallel scientific computation

Multi-threading is becoming widely available for Unix-like operating systems, and the application of multi-threading opens new ways for performing parallel computations with greater efficiency. We here briefly discuss the principles of multi-threading and illustrate the application of multi-threading for a massively parallel direct four-index transformation of electron repulsion integrals. Finally, other potential applications of multi-threading in scientific computing are outlined.
Novel 3-O-pegylated carboxylate and 3-O-pegylated carbamate prodrugs of naltrexone for microneedle-enhanced transdermal delivery

A small library of novel 3-O-pegylated carboxylate prodrugs (4a-4b) and 3-O-pegylated carbamate prodrugs (9a-9b) of naltrexone were synthesized. The goal behind the design of these prodrugs was to investigate their potential for microneedle-enhanced transdermal delivery. All the synthesized 3-O-pegylated carboxylate prodrugs (4a-4b) and 3-O-pegylated carbamate prodrugs (9a-9b) of naltrexone were found to have adequate stability in a transdermal formulation and improved apparent solubility compared to naltrexone. Viscosity effects were postulated to be responsible for the observed non-linearity in the flux-concentration profile of these prodrugs.
Structure–activity relationships and hepatic safety risks of thiazole agonists of the thrombopoietin receptor

5-F substitution of an aminothiazole moiety within a series of thrombopoietin receptor agonists leads to potent agents with an improved hepatic safety profile in rodent toxicology studies.
A Socioecological View of Higher-Performing Diverse Elementary Schools

This multiple case study relied upon a socioecological framework and the lens of resilience to investigate practices and processes that are correlated with higher academic achievement among African American, Hispanic, and English language learners. Utilizing quantitative measures for sample selection of 10 higher-performing and 5 average-performing schools and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, findings indicate that 4 interrelated practices characterize higher-performing diverse schools: close engagement with and understanding of the student population; intensive literacy- and technology-enriched instruction; a collaborative and iterative approach to curriculum revision and data use; and fluid adaptation and deployment of resources. One of the 15 diverse high-poverty case study schools is discussed in detail as an exemplar. The findings from this study suggest that research cutting across levels of classrooms, schools, and districts sheds light on the interrelated proximal and distal proce...
Loss comparison between SiC, hybrid Si/SiC, and Si devices in direct AC/AC converters

Direct AC/AC topologies for AC-to-AC power conversion benefit from the absence of DC-link capacitors and therefore high reliability as compared to traditional VSI-based topologies. Moreover, it is shown in this paper that the direct AC/AC converters also promise to provide higher efficiency than their voltage source inverter (VSI) based back-to-back (BTB) counterparts due to a dramatic reduction in switching losses. These factors allow the direct AC/AC converter to switch faster, and maintain much smaller size and lower cost relative to their competition. This paper compares the performance of three different device types (SiC, hybrid Si/SiC and Si) for use in a direct AC/AC converter. It is conjectured that traditional datasheets lack the level of detail needed for designing highly efficient direct AC/AC converters. Therefore, comprehensive loss models for all the devices are formed through a rigorous device characterization under varying (V, I, T) operating conditions. Finally, a loss comparison is performed to identify the most suitable device (among those characterized) for a specific 13 kV / 1 MW highly efficient direct AC/AC power flow controller.
Life‐long protein malnutrition in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) results in altered patterns of craniofacial growth and smaller individuals

Dietary protein is a limiting factor in mammalian growth, significantly affecting the non-linear trajectories of skeletal growth. Young females may be particularly vulnerable to protein malnutrition if the restriction is not lifted before they become reproductive. With such early malnutrition, limited amino acids would be partitioned between two physiological objectives, successful reproduction vs. continued growth. Thus, the consequences of protein malnutrition could affect more than one generation. However, few studies have quantified these cross-generational effects. Our objective was to test for differences in skeletal growth in a second generation of malnourished rats compared with rats malnourished only post-weaning, the first generation and with controls. In this longitudinal study we modelled the growth of 22 craniofacial measurements with the logistic Gompertz equation, and tested for differences in the equation's parameters among the diet groups. The female offspring of post-weaning malnourished dams did not catch up in size to the first generation or to controls, although certain aspects of their craniofacial skeleton were less affected than others. The second generation's growth trajectories resembled the longer and slower growth of the first malnourished generation. There was a complex interaction between developmental processes and early nutritional environment, which affected variation of adult size.
Incorporation of adhesion peptides into nonadhesive hydrogels useful for tissue resurfacing

Photopolymerized crosslinked networks of poly(ethylene glycol; PEG) diacrylate (MW 8000) were derivitized throughout their bulk with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing peptide sequences. Incorporation was achieved by functionalizing the amine terminus of the peptide with an acrylate moiety, thereby enabling the adhesion peptide to copolymerize rapidly with the PEG diacrylate upon photoinitiation. PEG diacrylate hydrogels derivitized with RGD peptide at surface concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1 pmol/cm2 were studied in vitro for their ability to promote spreading of human foreskin fibroblasts over 24 h. Hydrogels not derivitized with peptides were poor substrates for adhesion, permitting spreading of only 5% of the seeded cells. When immobilized with no spacer arm, both RGD and RDG (inactive control) supported spreading of approximately 50% and approximately 15% of cells at 1 and 0.1 pmol/cm2 surface concentrations respectively; lower concentrations did not promote spreading. When a MW 3400 PEG spacer arm was incorporated between the hydrogel and the peptide linkage, incorporation of 1 pmol/cm2 RGD promoted 70% spreading whereas RDG at the same concentration did not promote spreading. In addition, when cells were seeded in serum-free medium, only RGD peptides incorporated with a spacer arm were able to promote spreading. Thus peptide incorporated into PEG 8000 diacrylate hydrogels without a spacer arm nonspecifically mediated cell spreading whereas incorporation via a MW 3400 PEG spacer arm was required to permit cell spreading to be specifically mediated.
Intra-hour forecasting with a total sky imager at the UC San Diego solar energy testbed

Intra-hour forecasting with a total sky imager at the UC San Diego solar energy testbed Chi Wai Chow 1 , Bryan Urquhart 1 , Matthew Lave 1 , Anthony Dominguez 1 , Jan Kleissl 1 , Janet Shields 2 , Byron Washom 3 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Director, Strategic Energy Initiatives University of California, San Diego Phone: +1 858 534 8087 email: jkleissl@ucsd.edu Abstract A method for intra-hour, sub-kilometer cloud forecasting and irradiance nowcasting using a ground- based sky imager at the University of California, San Diego is presented. Sky images taken every 30 seconds were processed to determine sky cover using a clear sky library and sunshine parameter. From a two-dimensional cloud map generated from coordinate-transformed sky cover, cloud shadows at the surface were estimated. Limited validation on four partly cloudy days showed that (binary) cloud conditions were correctly nowcast 70% of the time for a network of six pyranometer ground stations spread out over an area of 2 km 2 . Cloud motion vectors were generated by cross-correlating two consecutive sky images. Cloud locations up to five minutes ahead were forecasted by advection of the two-dimensional cloud map. Cloud forecast error increased with increasing forecast horizon due to high cloud cover variability over the coastal site.
A hydrolysis procedure for the analysis of total cocaine residues in wastewater

We report a sample pretreatment approach for the analysis of total cocaine residues in wastewater that eliminates the need for two key assumptions often made in estimating cocaine utilization from measurement of its benzoylecgonine metabolite: that benzoylecgonine is neither degraded nor generated during transport in a sewer system, and that it is excreted as a constant fraction of cocaine ingested. By adding NaOH and incubating samples at 55 °C, cocaine and its principal metabolites are efficiently hydrolyzed into ecgonine, anhydroecgonine, and norecgonine. Ecgonine, estimated to represent between 37% and 90% (on a molar basis) of cocaine residues, can be directly determined (without preconcentration via solid-phase extraction (SPE)) by reversed-phase (RP) or hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). If samples are subjected to SPE, anhydroecgonine can also be determined; this metabolite (and its precursors) represents ≈7% of urinary cocaine residues (based on spot collections from living individuals). Although a reference standard for norecgonine is not commercially available, such nortropanes are also a minor fraction (up to 2%) of urinary cocaine residues. The stability of two human markers (cotinine and creatinine) to the hydrolysis procedure was also investigated. Results obtained by applying the hydrolysis approach for the analysis of total cocaine in an untreated municipal wastewater sample (obtained from Baltimore, MD) were generally in excellent agreement with those obtained from split samples analyzed using a more comprehensive solid-phase extraction RPLC/MS/MS method as described in our previous work. In particular, total tropane-based cocaine residues were found to be hydrolyzed to ecgonine with 98–99% efficiency.
Determination of theophylline by liquid chromatography with sensitized lanthanide luminescence detection

Abstract A highly selective micellar liquid Chromatographic technique has been developed for the determination of theophylline. The detection scheme is based on an intermolecular energy transfer from theophylline to the Tb(III) counterions of the surfactant. The procedure involves direct injection of a sample containing theophylline in ethyl acetate onto a normal phase column using fluorescence detection. Determination is achieved by comparing peak heights of the analyte and standard samples of theophylline. The linear dynamic range of this technique is over two orders of magnitude and a detection limit down to 9 ng/ml has been achieved for theophylline.
Research Article: Reweaving Earth: An Indigenous Perspective on Restoration Planning and the National Environmental Policy Act

Tribal restoration planning, based on indigenous ideas and practices, evolved with the self-determination and self-governance initiatives of tribal governments in the United States. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementation was roughly concurrent with the return of management authority over Indian trust lands to tribes in the 1970s and 1980s. Many, but not all, of the 556 federally recognized tribal governments have assumed responsibility for NEPA planning processes. Other planning processes pursued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Indian trust lands and those of the State of Washington for educational trust lands offer significant contrasts; to further delineate these contrasts, the author overlays tribal planning activities with a four-point methodological framework. The tribal restoration planning approach begs the question of how to maintain a dynamic range where human and natural environments are connected in past, present, and future. Tribal resource planning supports ecosystem proce...
Use of capillary electrophoresis with UV detection as a screening method to determine histamine in fish samples.

Histamine levels in fish, extracted with methanol, were determined by capillary electrophoresis (CE) using phosphate buffer pH 2.5 and U.V. detection at 210 nm. Histamine was well separated from the other co-extracted components under the given CE condition without any cleanup of the methanol extract. The average recovery of spiked histamine in various types of fish samples was 96%. Using the same methanol extracts from various fish samples, we then compared histamine concentration obtained by CE and fluorometric methods.
Random gravitational lensing

A simple three-dimensional approach to calculate the probability of observing gravitational lensing, caused by a chance superposition of lens and source, is presented. The formalism is then used to estimate the lensing probabilities in a number of astrophysical situations. As indicated in earlier works, we find that the chance of random gravitational lensing being detected locally is small, and the chance at extra-galactic distances is large.
Tunable diode laser absorption sensor for temperature and velocity measurements of O2 in air flows

A fast and nonintrusive velocity and temperature diagnostic based on oxygen absorption is presented. The system uses a GaAlAs tunable diode laser, ramped and modulated in wavelength at high frequency. Detection is performed at twice the modulating frequency, leading to second harmonic absorption lineshapes. Velocity is inferred from the wavelength shift of the absorption line center due to the Doppler effect. Temperature is determined by comparing experimental and calculated lineshapes. Capabilities of the technique for studies of transient high-speed flows are demonstrated in shock tube experiments. Good agreement is obtained with predicted temperatures and velocities when pressure-induced shifts are accounted for.
NF-κB1/p105 Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated MAP Kinase Signaling by Governing the Stability and Function of the Tpl2 Kinase

NF-kappaB family of transcription factors plays a pivotal role in regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. NF-kappaB is known to function by binding to the kappaB enhancer and directly activating target gene transcription. Here we demonstrate another function of NF-kappaB, in which the nfkappab1 gene product p105 regulates MAP kinase signaling triggered by the bacterial component lipopolysaccharide. p105 exerts this signaling function by controlling the stability and function of an upstream kinase, Tpl2. In macrophages, Tpl2 forms a stable and inactive complex with p105, and activation of Tpl2 involves its dissociation from p105 and subsequent degradation. Thus, p105 functions as a physiological partner and inhibitor of Tpl2, which provides an example of how a transcription factor component regulates upstream signaling events.
Characterization of the strength and microstructural evolution of a heavily cold rolled Cu-20% Nb composite

Abstract The mechanical properties and microstructures have been evaluated for a heavily cold rolled Cu-20 vol.% Nb composite. The strength of the rolled composite dramatically increases with increasing rolling deformation up to a true strain of 6.9, the maximum investigated. Longitudinal and transverse specimens both possessed equivalent mechanical properties. The unusually high tensile strengths observed in this material are dependent upon the microstructures which develop during cold rolling. Nb elongates during deformation, and forms ribbon-like filaments that are perfectly aligned parallel to the sheet surface, that is, in two directions longitudinal and transverse, while the Cu matrix undergoes a cycle of deformation-dynamic recovery-recrystallization which allows for the further reduction of the Nb. The dislocation density of the Cu matrix is found to be on the order of 1010/cm2 throughout the rolling process. The strengthening in rolled and wire drawn CuNb correlates with the amount of deformation in a similar manner even though during wire drawing the Nb filaments curl about the wire axis and, therefore, are aligned only in the longitudinal direction. As a consequence of the Nb morphological difference in the sheet versus the wire composite, strengthening in the sheet does not show a Hall-Petch relationship, as the wire does, but a much weaker dependence on Nb filament spacing. Strengthening in the rolled composite is in accord with a modified rule of mixtures model but this model cannot account for the observed strengthening in wire drawn CuNb.
Studies of the interactions of H2 and CO with Pd/TiO2 and TiO2-promoted Pd/SiO2

The interactions of H2 and CO with PdSiO2, PdTiO2, and titania-promoted PdSiO2 have been investigated using temperature-programmed desorption and temperature-programmed surface reaction. In the presence of TiO2, as a support or promoter, a portion of the TiO2 is reduced to TiOx moieties which decorate the surfaces of the Pd particles. These species cause a suppression in chemisorption of H2 and CO, the magnitude of which is a function of the catalyst reduction temperature. The TiOx moieties have little influence on distribution of H2 adstates but cause a noticeable change in CO adstates. Decoration of Pd by TiOx moieties also aids the dissociation of CO, and raises thereby the activity for CH4 synthesis relative to that for PdSiO2.
Design of RNS frequency sampling filter banks

Frequency sampling filters (FSF) are of interest to the designers of multirate filter banks due to their intrinsic low-order, complexity, and linear phase behavior. Fast FSFs residing in smaller packages will be required to support future high-bandwidth, mobile image and signal processing applications. Since FSF designs rely on the exact annihilation of selected poles-zeros, a new facilitating technology is required which is fast, compact, and numerically exact. Exact FSF pole-zero annihilation is guaranteed by implementing polynomial filters over an integer ring in the residue arithmetic system (RNS). The design methodology is evaluated as an ASIC. Based on an FPGA technology, at least an 86% complexity reduction can be achieved with even greater advantages gained as a custom VLSI. An RNS-based FSF implementation of an eight channel cochlea, filter bank is presented which demonstrates both the performance and packaging advantages of the new FSF paradigm.
Petrologic and Rb-Sr Isotopic Study of the Chiquimula Pluton, Southeastern Guatemala

The Chiquimula pluton is one of a chain of plutons that extends across southern Guatemala and northern Honduras. Its exposed area of about 300 sq km in southeastern Guatemala is highly irregular. Exposed parts of the epizonal pluton are dominantly granodiorite; gabbro may be abundant, but it is exposed only in the deepest canyons. Diorite is predominant along the southern and western margins, and the rock is an intergrading mixture of granodiorite with subordinate adamellite and granite near the northern and eastern margins. A whole-rock Rb-Sr isochron diagram shows data points falling in two distinct groups. Granite and adamellite form a scattering of points indicating relatively high Rb/Sr (3.3 to 4.6) and high Sr 87 /Sr 86 (0.72 to 0.75). Points from the volumetrically more important gabbro and grand diorite, indicative of low Rb/Sr (1.2 or less) and Sr 87 /Sr 86 (0.706 to 0.708), form a well-defined isochron corresponding to an age of 50 ± 5 m.y. and initial Sr 87 /Sr 86 = 0.7060 ± 0.0002. K-Ar and Rb-Sr biotite ages from granite of 84 m.y. and 95 m.y., respectively, are younger than the whole-rock Rb-Sr age (215 m.y.) of the same specimen, but older than the age of emplacement of the pluton as suggested by the whole-rock isochron from granodiorite and gabbro. Field relations, petrographic data, and isotopic data are consistent with the interpretation that the Chiquimula pluton is just beginning to be unroofed. The compositional variation probably resulted from a combination of assimilation and differentiation of a granodioritic magma. The more granitic parts may be due to partially assimilated more siliceous exotic blocks of basement rock.