cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prostate Cancers Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsies Have a Higher Percentage of Gleason Pattern 4 Component and Are Less Likely to Be Upgraded in Radical Prostatectomies.

Context.— In Gleason score (GS) 7 prostate cancers, the quantity of Gleason pattern 4 (GP 4) is an important prognostic factor and influences treatment decisions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–t...
Application of automatic transformations to program verification

A technique for incorporating automatic transformations into processes such as the application of inference rules, subsumptlon, and demodulation provides a mechanism for improving search strategies for theorem proving problems arising from the field of program verification. The incorporation of automatic transformations into the inference process can later the search space for a given problem and is particularly useful for problems having "broad" rather than "deep" proofs. The technique can also be used to permit the generation of inferences that might otherwise be blocked and to build some commutatlvlty or associativity into the unification process. Appropriate choice of transformations and new literal clashing and unification algorithms for applying them showed significant improvement on several real problems according to several distinct criteria.
Ecology of Agriculture

Agroecosystems are characterized by both planned and unplanned diversity. Planned diversity includes the spatial and temporal arrangement of domesticated plants and animals that farmers purposely include in the system, along with beneficial organisms that are deliberately added. Unplanned diversity includes weedy plants, herbivores, predators, microbes, and other organisms that persist in the system after it has been converted to agriculture or colonize it from the surrounding landscape. Both types of diversity have strong effects on agroecosystem productivity, stability, pest regulation, soil processes, and the movement of organisms between agriculture and natural habitats in the agricultural landscape.
Genetic studies of human apolipoproteins. IX. Apolipoprotein D polymorphism and its relation to serum lipoprotein lipid levels.

Apolipoprotein D (APO D) is a constituent of plasma high-density lipoproteins. Its precise role in lipid metabolism is not well established, though it may be involved in cholesterol esterification and cholester ester transport to the liver for catabolism. No genetic polymorphism has been reported in the APO D gene product. To investigate the extent of genetic variation at the APO D structural locus, we have developed an isoelectric focusing-immunoblotting technique and have screened a large number of plasma samples from U.S. whites, U.S. blacks, Nigerian blacks, the Aleuts of the Pribilof Islands, Eskimo groups from Kodiak Island and St. Lawrence Island, and Amerindian populations from Mexico and Canada. Except for the U.S. blacks and Nigerian blacks, the APO D locus is monomorphic in all other population groups tested. In populations with black ancestry, the products of two alleles, APO D*1 and APO D*2, have been observed at respective allele frequencies .987 and .013 in U.S. blacks and .978 and .022 in Nigerian blacks. The detection of a unique protein polymorphism in blacks makes APO D a useful black marker of significance in anthropogenetics and racial admixture studies. In addition to the interindividual variation observed, APO D reveals extensive intraindividual molecular variation with a multiple banding pattern. The basis of this molecular variation is explained, in part, by variation in the number of terminal sialic acid residues. We have investigated the effect of the APO D polymorphism on triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-, VLDL-, HDL-, and HDL3 cholesterol in 352 Nigerian blacks (190 males and 162 females).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analysis of transfer length for prestressed FRP tendons in pretensioned concrete using composite beam theory

Abstract This study developed a new method for determining the transfer length for FRP tendons in prestressed concrete. The governing equations are derived by combining the local bond-slip relationship for FRP tendons in concrete with composite beam theory. Comparisons to test data strain results demonstrate that the derived closed form solutions predict the transfer length of prestressed FRP tendons with good accuracy and efficiency. The developed method is then used to assess and discuss the difference between sequential release and simultaneous release of the tendons during manufacture of prestressed concrete members. Finally, based upon the developed theory, the key mechanical factors that influence the transfer length of FRP tendons are discussed.
Towards heterogeneous AlxCoCrFeNi high entropy alloy via friction stir processing

Abstract A heterogeneous bimodal-grained AlxCoCrFeNi high entropy alloy was realized through friction stir processing (FSP) with the addition of Al powders. With the bimodal-grained structure and second phases, strength was increased and ductility was retained as compared with the friction stir processed base alloy. Face-centered cubic grains in the matrix were refined from ∼500 µm to ∼15 µm by FSP and subsequent recrystallization. With addition of Al powders, localized Al-rich regions facilitated the formation of body-centered cubic phase (Al, Ni-rich) and Al rich precipitates, which further refined grain size to ∼5 µm and enhanced local strength.
Partial Repeal of Foreign Tax Credits by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Resulting Behavioral Incentives, Self-Help, and New Mechanics for Some Remaining Portions of the Credit

The new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repeals approximately one-third of the foreign tax credit system. (The foreign tax credit generally reduces U.S. tax by the amount of the U.S. taxpayer’s foreign income taxes, subject to many requirements.) Essentially, partial repeal will make it much harder to claim credits for foreign taxes imposed on a foreign subsidiary’s active income, other than limited credits for certain foreign taxes associated with the newly created GILTI (“global intangible low-taxed income”) inclusion. However, taxpayers are likely to engage in self-help by creating do-it-yourself replacements for the repealed provision. These self-help strategies may use hybrid entities (entities treated differently under U.S. and foreign law) and the legal liability rule’s deference to the relevant foreign law’s determination of which taxpayer bears the foreign tax. Absent such self-help, partial repeal of the foreign tax credit is likely to change taxpayer behavior, because it alters the incentives for choosing between locations for earning income. Foreign tax rates are now more likely, compared to pre-2018 taxable years, to make a difference when taxpayers choose between doing business in the U.S. and doing business abroad, and between various foreign countries. The net result may be an incentive to earn active income in low-tax foreign countries, rather than in the U.S. or in high-tax foreign countries. In addition, the mechanics have drastically changed for one of the remaining portions of the foreign tax credit. The “deemed paid” credit for certain foreign subsidiaries’ foreign taxes, available in connection with a U.S. shareholder’s inclusion of the “subpart F” (usually passive-type) income of such subsidiaries, formerly cross-referenced a pro rata formula. That formula has been repealed. Now such deemed paid taxes will be computed using a completely different approach that requires identifying the “properly attributable” foreign taxes. Because this new concept is undefined, taxpayers can take aggressive interpretations of the new standard until agency guidance is issued.
An improved nucleic acid extraction method from dried blood spots for amplification of Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 for detection of artemisinin resistance

Mutational analysis of the Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 (k13) gene is routinely performed to track the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance. Surveillance of resistance markers has been impeded by the difficulty of extracting sufficient DNA from low parasite density infections common in low-transmission settings, such as Southeast Asia. This problem can be overcome by collecting large volumes of venous blood. Efficient methods for extracting and amplifying k13 from dried blood spots (DBS) would facilitate resistance surveillance. Methods for k13 amplification from standard Whatman 3MM DBS (stored for 14 days at 28 °C with 80% relative humidity) were optimized by systematically testing different extraction conditions. Conditions that improved parasite DNA recovery as assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 18S rDNA were then tested for their impact on k13 PCR amplification. The optimized protocol for amplification of k13 from DBS is markedly more sensitive than standard methods using commercial kits. Using this method, k13 was successfully amplified from laboratory-created DBS samples with parasite densities as low as 500 parasites/mL. Importantly, the method recovers both DNA and RNA, making it compatible with RNA-based ultrasensitive techniques currently in use. The optimized DBS protocol should facilitate drug resistance surveillance, especially in low-transmission settings where clinical malaria infections with high parasite densities are rare.
Physical activity, exercise, and chronic diseases: A brief review

Abstract Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide with increasing prevalence in all age groups, genders, and ethnicities. Most chronic disease deaths occur in middle- to low-income countries but are also a significant health problem in developed nations. Multiple chronic diseases now affect children and adolescents as well as adults. Being physically inactive is associated with increased chronic disease risk. Global societies are being negatively impacted by the increasing prevalence of chronic disease which is directly related to rising healthcare expenditures, workforce complications regarding attendance and productivity, military personnel recruitment, and academic success. However, increased physical activity (PA) and exercise are associated with reduced chronic disease risk. Most physiologic systems in the body benefit positively from PA and exercise by primary disease prevention and secondary disease prevention/treatment. The purpose of this brief review is to describe the significant global problem of chronic diseases for adults and children, and how PA and exercise can provide a non-invasive means for added prevention and treatment.
End of an era for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in oncology.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are available to treat chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA). In 2007-2008, regulatory notifications advised of venous thromboembolism and mortality risks while the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' restricted ESA initiation to patients with hemoglobin <10 g/dl. In 2010, a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies required consent prior to administration. We evaluated ESA utilization from 2003 to 2012 and obtained private health insurer claims data for persons with lung, colorectal, or breast cancer from 2001 to 2012. ESA use for CIA was determined by an ESA claim after chemotherapy, up to 6 months after treatment. We identified 839,948 commercially insured patients, including 24,785 patients with ESA-treated CIA (3.2%). Darbepoetin use increased 3.9-fold from 2003 to 2007 (12.3% to 48.7%) and then decreased 95% to 2.6% by 2012. Epoetin use decreased 90% from 2003 to 2012 (30.3% to 3.1%). Between 2003 and 2012, mean epoetin dosing decreased 0.8-fold (244,979 in 2003 vs. 196,216 units in 2012), but increased 1.8-fold for darbepoetin-treated CIA (262 in 2003 to 467 μg in 2012). Among CIA patients, transfusions were low (4.5%) in 2002-2007, then increased 2.2-fold between 2008 and 2012. Safety initiatives between 2007 and 2010 facilitated reductions in ESA use combined with changes in coverage. These data show the efficacy of regulatory efforts, publication of adverse events and changes in reimbursement in reducing use of ESAs. Future studies are warranted to optimize deimplementation strategies to improve patient safety.
From Urban Citizens to Ocean Liners: Miami Beach Hotels and the Enclosure Movement, 1935-1955:

This article analyzes changes in hotel urbanism in Miami Beach. Most of the Art Deco hotels built between 1935 and 1942 were “urban citizens”—visually integrated into an ensemble of architecturally...
The foxtail millet (Setaria italica) terpene synthase gene family

Terpenoid metabolism plays vital roles in stress defense and the environmental adaptation of monocot crops. Here, we describe the identification of the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family of the panicoid food and bioenergy model crop foxtail millet (Setaria italica). The diploid S. italica genome contains 32 TPS genes, 17 of which were biochemically characterized in this study. Unlike other thus far investigated grasses, S. italica contains TPSs producing all three ent-, (+)- and syn-copalyl pyrophosphate stereoisomers that naturally occur as central building blocks in the biosynthesis of distinct monocot diterpenoids. Conversion of these intermediates by the promiscuous TPS SiTPS8 yielded different diterpenoid scaffolds. Additionally, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP99A17), which genomically clustered with SiTPS8, catalyzes the C19 hydroxylation of SiTPS8 products to generate the corresponding diterpene alcohols. The presence of syntenic orthologs to about 19% of the S. italica TPSs in related grasses supports a common ancestry of selected pathway branches. Among the identified enzyme products, abietadien-19-ol, syn-pimara-7,15-dien-19-ol and germacrene-d-4-ol were detectable in planta, and gene expression analysis of the biosynthetic TPSs showed distinct and, albeit moderately, inducible expression patterns in response to biotic and abiotic stress. In vitro growth-inhibiting activity of abietadien-19-ol and syn-pimara-7,15-dien-19-ol against Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium subglutinans may indicate pathogen defensive functions, whereas the low antifungal efficacy of tested sesquiterpenoids supports other bioactivities. Together, these findings expand the known chemical space of monocot terpenoid metabolism to enable further investigations of terpenoid-mediated stress resilience in these agriculturally important species.
Dragonfly Inspired Smart Soft Robot

Recent advancements in soft robotics have led to the development of compliant robots that can exhibit complex motions driven by living cells(1, 2), chemical reactions(3), or electronics(4). Further innovations are however needed to create the next generation of soft robots that can carry out advanced functions beyond locomotion. Here we describe DraBot—a dragonfly-inspired, entirely soft, multifunctional robot that combines long-term locomotion over water surface with sensing, responding, and adaptation capabilities. By integrating soft actuators, stimuli-responsive materials, and microarchitectural features, we created a circuitry of pneumatic and microfluidic logic that enabled the robot to undergo user- and environment-controlled (pH) locomotion, including navigating hazardous (acidic) conditions. DraBot was also engineered to sense additional environmental perturbations (temperature) and detect and clean up chemicals (oil). The design, fabrication, and integration strategies demonstrated here pave a way for developing futuristic soft robots that can acclimatize and adapt to harsh conditions while carrying out complex tasks such as exploration, environmental remediation, and health care in complex environments.
Assist-As-Needed Control of a Wearable Lightweight Knee Robotic Device

Knee joint actuation plays a critical role to keep human walking locomotion and balance under abnormal conditions, such as foot slip or work-related musculoskeletal disorders etc. Wearable assistive robotic knee devices provide additional support and actuation for human walkers. We present assist-as-needed control strategy for a lightweight, highly-backdrivable soft knee assistive device. The control design takes advantages of the custom-built high-performance knee assistive device and the muscle synergy-based human walking actuation model. A model predictive control (MPC) design is used for real-time tuning physical human-robot interactions. Human-in-the-loop simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the robotic control systems under normal walking condition.
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Various Endovascular Approaches for Treatment of Infectious Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review.

Objective A review of endovascular cerebral mycotic aneurysm treatment with Onyx liquid embolic, N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), or coil embolization has not been reported. The authors conduct a systematic review on endovascular treatment methods of mycotic aneurysms. Methods A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases for studies published between 1986 and 2020. All studies assessing outcomes related to endovascular Onyx embolization, NBCA embolization, or coiling were included. Results A total of 73 studies were ultimately selected including 180 (67% male) patients comprising 243 aneurysms treated endovascularly. The mean age was 38.2 ± 17.6 years, and the most common symptom on presentation was headache (31%). Most aneurysms were located on the middle cerebral artery (52.5%), and over half presented with rupture (53.8%). Coiling was the most commonly employed technique (50.4%), and obliteration rates were comparable across coiling, NBCA, and Onyx (99.1%, 100%, 100%, respectively). Complication rates were also comparable (4.3% vs. 15.2% vs. 8.1%). Conclusions Embolization for infectious intracranial aneurysm appears to be an effective treatment option for mycotic aneurysms. Embolization rates were comparable among coiling, NBCA, and Onyx embolization. Noninferiority among these modalities cannot be demonstrated given the retrospective nature of this review, evolution of endovascular techniques over the years, and changes in treatment paradigms in the past 2 decades. Ideally, further prospective research will be necessary to find which treatment method offers the lowest complication rates and the best outcomes for patients with mycotic aneurysms.
Evaluating Input Domain and Model Selection for Deep Network Ultrasound Beamforming

Improving ultrasound B-mode image quality remains an important area of research. Recently, there has been increased interest in using deep neural networks (DNNs) to perform beamforming to improve image quality more efficiently. Several approaches have been proposed that use different representations of channel data for network processing, including a frequency-domain approach that we previously developed. We previously assumed that the frequency domain would be more robust to varying pulse shapes. However, frequency- and time-domain implementations have not been directly compared. In addition, because our approach operates on aperture domain data as an intermediate beamforming step, a discrepancy often exists between network performance and image quality on fully reconstructed images, making model selection challenging. Here, we perform a systematic comparison of frequency- and time-domain implementations. In addition, we propose a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)-based regularization to address previous challenges with model selection. Training channel data were generated from simulated anechoic cysts. Test channel data were generated from simulated anechoic cysts with and without varied pulse shapes, in addition to physical phantom and in vivo data. We demonstrate that simplified time-domain implementations are more robust than we previously assumed, especially when using phase preserving data representations. Specifically, 0.39- and 0.36-dB median improvements in in vivo CNR compared to DAS were achieved with frequency- and time-domain implementations, respectively. We also demonstrate that CNR regularization improves the correlation between training validation loss and simulated CNR by 0.83 and between simulated and in vivo CNR by 0.35 compared to DNNs trained without CNR regularization.
Genetically Engineered DENV Produces Antigenically Distinct Mature Particles

Abstract Maturation of Dengue viruses (DENV) alters the structure, immunity and infectivity of the virion and highly mature particles represent the dominant form in vivo. The production of highly mature virions principally relies on the structure and function of the viral premature protein (prM) and its cleavage by the host protease furin. We developed a reliable clonal cell line which produces single-round mature DENVs without the need for DENV reverse genetics. More importantly, using protein engineering coupled with natural and directed evolution of the prM cleavage site, we engineered genetically stable mature DENVs without comprising viral yield and independent of cell, host, or passage. Using these complementary strategies to regulate maturation, we demonstrate that the resulting mature DENVs are antigenically distinct from their isogenic immature forms. Given the clinical importance of mature DENVs in immunity, our strategy provides a reliable strategy for the production of stable, high-titer mature candidate DENV live virus vaccines, genetically stabilized viruses for DENV maturation and immunity studies, and models for maturation-regulated experimental evolution in mammalian and invertebrate cells. Our data from directed-evolution across host species reveals distinct maturation-dependent selective pressures between mammalian and insect cells, which sheds light on the divergent evolutionary relationship of DENVs between its host and vector.
Robustification of the H∞ controller combined with fuzzy logic and PI&PID-Fd for hybrid control of Wind Energy Conversion System Connected to the Power Grid Based on DFIG

Abstract This paper proposes a strategy for hybrid control of variable speed wind turbines connected to the electrical grid, using a Double Fed Induction Generator (DFIG). An efficient validation approach is presented in three steps. The first step concerns the comparison of performances between Fuzzy Logic (FL), H infinity ( H ∞ ) and Integral Proportional action (PI) controllers. In a system context based on the DFIG direct vector control structure, the strengths of H ∞ are reinforced in the second step by implementing two new advanced mixed controllers, namely the FL- H ∞ and the combination of the PI, the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) action, the Filter Derivative (Fd) action and the H ∞ (PI&PID-Fd)- H ∞ . The second step, based on a simplified system of indirect vector control structure of the DFIG, allows the performance of the (PI&PID-Fd)- H ∞ to be compared with that of the FL- H ∞ . In contrast to the latter, it emerges that, in addition to its simplicity of implementation and the reduction in calculation and simulation time, the (PI&PID-Fd)- H ∞ is very reassuring in terms of robustness against mixed uncertainties, stability, precision, tracking and decoupling between active ( P S ) and reactive ( Q S )power. This makes (PI&PID-Fd)- H ∞ a very advantageous choice for the design of the proposed hybrid control system. The final step gives a more real-life picture of hybrid control of the wind system as follows, a random wind model is considered, an FL regulates the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of the turbine model, the PI- H ∞ and (PID-Fd)- H ∞ control the Ps and Qs on the nominal DFIG model via a Rotor Side Converter (RSC), an FL regulates the DC-BUS voltage and the H ∞ control the currents via a Grid Side Converter (GSC) and filter. According to the results, and in contrast to a conventional PI control system, the hybrid control system offered has very good performance, particularly with regard to, for example, optimal extraction of energy from the wind, the currents fed into the grid are well balanced, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is reduced and the cos ϕ is almost equal to unity. In addition, a good compromise between stability and expected performance is ensured. Consequently, the proposed strategy has reasonable and very favourable advantages for the optimisation of energy conversion in grid-connected wind energy systems. The results are developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
The Coral Triangle Initiative and regional exchanges: Strengthening capacity through a regional learning network

Abstract Natural resource management and conservation programs that promote building capacity and social learning among participants often lead to the formation of learning networks: a type of social network where learning is both a goal and potential outcome of the network. Through forming relationships and sharing information, participants in a learning network build social capital that can help a network achieve social and environmental goals. In this study, we explored social capital in a learning network that emerged through a large-scale marine governance effort, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security. Through a mixture of social network analysis and key informant interviews, we examined the major patterns of information exchange among individuals who had participated in regional learning exchanges; evaluated whether the network's structure resulted in information sharing; and considered implications for strengthening network sustainability, capacity building, and learning. We found that the Regional Exchange network fostered information sharing among participants across national and organizational boundaries. While the network had individuals who were more central to information sharing, the network structure was generally decentralized, indicating potential resilience to changes in leadership and membership. Participants stressed the importance of the knowledge and connections they had acquired through the learning network; however, they expressed doubts regarding its sustainability and stressed the need for a strong coordinating entity. Our findings suggest that conservation learning networks have the ability to bridge cultural divides and promote social learning; however, a strong network coordinator and continuing efforts to support information sharing and learning are crucial to the network's strength and sustainability. The tangible learning and capacity development outcomes cultivated through Regional Exchange network underscore the value of and need to invest in conservation networks that support peer-to-peer learning.
Application of integration algorithms in a parallel processing environment for the simulation of jet engines

The development of digital dynamic simulations requires careful selection of an appropriate integration algorithm. This paper illustrates the application of predictor-corrector integration algorithms developed for the digital parallel processing environment. The algorithms are implemented and evaluated through the use of a software simulator which provides an approximate representation of the parallel processing hardware. Test cases which focus on the use of the algorithms are presented and a specific application using a linear model of a turbofan engine is considered. Results are presented showing the effects of integration step size and the number of processors on simulation accuracy. Real-time performance, inter-processor communication, and algorithm startup are also discussed.
Microscopic bio-corrosion evaluations of magnesium surfaces in static and dynamic conditions

Biodegradable materials including biodegradable metals are continuously being investigated for the development of next generation cardiovascular stents. Predictive in vitro tests are needed that could evaluate potential materials while simulating in vivo conditions. In this manuscript we report the microscopic bio-corrosion evaluations of magnesium surfaces in static and dynamic conditions. A corrosion test bench was designed and fabricated and static and dynamic corrosion tests were carried out with samples of magnesium alloy. The fluid wall shear stress equation and the Churchill's friction factor equation were used to calculate the fluid velocity required to generate the desired shear stress on samples in the test bench. Static and dynamic corrosion tests at 24 and 72 h were carried out at 0.88 Pa shear stress mimicking the in vivo shear stress. Microscopic evaluations of the corroded surfaces were carried out by optical, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate the corrosion behaviour and surface properties of the test samples. The surface and interface analysis of magnesium samples post test indicated that dynamic conditions prevented the build-up of corrosion by-products on the sample surface and the corrosion mechanism was uniform as compared to static conditions. The use of a masking element to restrict the exposed area of the sample didn't result in increased corrosion at the boundary. Thus, we have demonstrated the feasibility of the designed test bench as a viable method for bio-corrosion surface analysis under dynamic corrosion conditions for potential biodegradable cardiovascular stent materials.
Mathematical modeling of electromechanical processes in ship's power systems

The study of transients in marine power systems (MPS) is necessary in their design and in the choice of regulators and their components and for control of system as a whole. Ship power systems are characterized by the equivalence of the generator and the individual loads and high speed flow processes in them. In the present article by using of non-iterative method is created mathematical model of MPS with radial network. Studied are electromechanical transient processes caused by various disorders. All obtained results are illustrated analyzed
Establishment of Vietnamese Personal Names

Abstract The fall of South Vietnam in 1975 has led to a massive exodus to Western countries. Imbued with the Confucian ideal of social promotion through education, these refugees encouraged their children to pursue higher education. Today, one witnesses an increasing number of theses, dissertations, and publications authored by Vietnamese. Vietnamese names may pose a special challenge to catalogers, since some names are entered in the Vietnamese order while others appear in the Western order. To complicate matters further, some writers with Western given names will add them at the beginning or at the end of their Vietnamese full names. This paper hopes to clarify this confusing situation with a brief history of the Vietnamese alphabet, an explanation of the formation of Vietnamese names, and a proposal for changing AACR2 rules pertaining to the establishment of Vietnamese personl names.
Improving the temperature performance of low-density ceramic heatshields through sol-gel processing

The performance of rigid insulations for use as thermal protection materials on reentry vehicles can be characterized by their resistance to dimensional and morphological change when exposed to an isothermal environment equivalent to that generated in entry. Improvements in these material characteristics for alumina-enhanced thermal barrier insulation by compositional modification through sol-gel processing are reported.
Stimulation of oxidative drug metabolism by parenteral refeeding of nutritionally depleted patients.

Abstract To determine whether intravenous nutritional repletion can influence oxidative drug metabolizing capacity, antipyrine metabolism was studied in 6 malnourished patients on the second day of a 2-day baseline period and on the last day of two sequential, 8-day intravenous nutritional repletion periods. During the baseline period they received 5% dextrose, 440 kcal per day, intravenously. During the repletion periods they received 20 mg of nitrogen per kilocalorie of baseline resting energy expenditure and, in random order, dextrose to provide a total caloric intake of either 0.95 or 1.75 times baseline resting energy expenditure. There were no statistically significant differences between the high- and low-dextrose repletion regimens in their effects on antipyrine metabolism. Seven days of nutritional repletion resulted in a 42% decrease in mean halflife (range 12%–52%) and an 87% increase in mean metabolic clearance rate (range 29%–155%) for antipyrine. An additional 8 days of nutritional repletion resulted in no further change in these pharmacokinetic parameters.
The Need for Centralized Securities Regulations in the European Union

Developing a system of securities regulation in the European Union has been a difficult task. Currently, markets are regulated at the national level and are guided by certain minimum standards established by EU Directives. The Investment Services Directive, enacted in 1996, was heralded as the final piece of legislation required to complete a unified market for securities. This Note discusses the lSD's failure to result in a fully integrated market and concludes that EU markets need supervision by a centralized regulatory body to allow them to become fully integrated.
Modeling of Molecular Emission from Centres of Galaxies

Evidence is mounting that the molecular clouds pervading the inner regions of galaxies are rather different from the cold Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) dominating the emission in the disk of our Galaxy.
Geometry controls the stability of FeSi14.

First-principles theoretical studies have been carried out to investigate the stability of Sin cages impregnated with a Fe atom. It is shown that FeSi9, FeSi11, and FeSi14 clusters exhibit enhanced local stability as seen through an increase in Si binding energy, Fe embedding energy, the gap between the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO), and the Ionization Potential (IP). The conventional picture for the stability of such species combines an assumption of electron precise bonding with the 18-electron rule; however, we find this to be inadequate to explain the enhanced stability in FeSi11 and FeSi14 because the d-band is filled for all FeSin clusters for n ≥ 9. FeSi14 is shown to be the most stable due to a compact and highly symmetric Si14 cage with octahedral symmetry that allows better mixing between Fe 3d- and Si 3p-electronic states.
A non-random walk through the genome

Recent publications on a wide range of eukaryotes indicate that genes showing particular expression patterns are not randomly distributed in the genome but are clustered into contiguous regions that we call neighborhoods. It seems probable that this organization is related to chromatin and the structure of the nucleus.
De sueños y palacios en el teatro dentro del teatro

Abstract: This article offers an exploration of the relationship between two metaphysical concepts of human existence that are encapsulated in the titles of the two most canonical plays of Pedro Calderon de la Barca: La vida es sueno and El gran teatro del mundo . How these concepts are dramatized by means of the combination of dreams and theater within theatre in Las fortunas de Andromeda y Perseo , Darlo todo y no dar nada, and the Mojiganga de las visiones de la muerte is studied, as are the ideological implications that we can identify in his use of these dramatic formulations. Resumen: En este trabajo, se explora la relacion entre los dos conceptos metafisicos de la existencia humana que encapsulan los titulos de las dos obras mas canonicas de Pedro Calderon de la Barca: La vida en sueno y El gran teatro del mundo. Se examina como se dramatizan por medio de la combinacion del sueno y el teatro dentro del teatro en Las fortunas de Andromeda y Perseo, Darlo todo y no dar nada y la Mojiganga de las visiones de la muerte. Y se considera las implicaciones ideologicas que podemos identificar en estas formulaciones dramaticas en el Barroco espanol.
The effect of lithium on urinary MHPG in unipolar and bipolar depressed patients

Twenty-four hour urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxphaeylglycol (MHPG), the metabolite thought best to reflect brain norepinephrine metabolism, was studied longitudinally in ten depressed patients before and during the acute and chronic phases of lithium treatment. Five of the patients were identified as bipolar I (prior history of mania), 3 as bipolar II (history of hypomania) and 2 as unipolar (history of depression). During acute lithium administration (first week) there was no consistent pattern of change in MHPG. Comparing the predrug period with the third and fourth week of treatment, all of the responders showed an increase in MHPG, while the non-responders showed no change or a decrease. It is concluded that the change in clinical state is the most important variable contributing to MHPG changes in these patients. There was a tendency for the pretreatment MHPG excretion to be low in the patients who went on to show a clear-cut antidepressant response to lithium compared to those who were unequivocal non-responders. The predrug MHPG for the bipolar patients (prior history of mania) was significantly lower than the unipolar patients, a difference which apparently contributes to the lower MHPG in the lithium responders, all of whom were in the bipolar group.
Exposure of piglet coronary arterial muscle cells to low concentrations of Mg2+ found in blood of ischemic heart disease patients result in rapid elevation of cytosolic Ca2+: relevance to sudden infant death syndrome.

Exposure of cultured piglet primary neonatal coronary arterial smooth muscle cells to concentrations of ionized Mg2+ ([Mg2+]o (i.e., 0.48, 0.3, 0.15 mM) found in blood of patients presenting with ischemic heart disease and in hypoxic neonates resulted in concentration-dependent elevation in intracellular free Ca2+ ions ([Ca2+]i; the lower the [Mg2+]o, the higher the [Ca2+]i rise. The lowest concentration of [Mg2+]o tested, i.e., 0.15 mM, resulted in a clear rounding-up (i.e., contraction) of many of the coronary smooth muscle cells; reintroduction of normal 1.2 mM [Mg2+]o failed to restore either normal [Ca2+]i or cell shape.
Normal tactile threshold in monkeys with neglect

To learn whether animals with parietotemporal lesions have sensory inattention or defective intention, we trained monkeys to respond with the contralateral limb to a threshold tactile stimulus. After parietotemporal lesions that induced neglect, the monkeys continued to respond normally to threshold stimuli on the side opposite the lesion (the neglected side), but made errors when stimulated on the normal side (ipsilateral to the lesion), often failing to use the contralateral extremity. On this learned task, there was no abnormality of sensory input or sensory attention. The problem was attributed to an impaired preparation to respond (intention).
Bevacizumab vs. Ranibizumab in Preserving or Improving Vision in Patients with Wet, Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A cost-effectiveness Review:

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of monthly and as-needed dosing protocols using ranibizumab or bevacizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), when the treatment costs of severe ocular and systemic adverse events are considered. Methods: A Markov model was developed to assess the cost effectiveness of each of the following protocols: monthly ranibizumab, monthly bevacizumab, as-needed ranibizumab and as-needed bevacizumab. Direct costs and utilities were assessed from the perspective of a third-party payer or an insurance company. Cost effectiveness was evaluated in 2011 US dollars per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Results: Considering the treatment costs of severe medical and ocular adverse events, the cost effectiveness of each protocol is as follows: monthly ranibizumab $63,333/QALY, ranibizumab as needed $18,571/QALY, bevacizumab monthly $2,676/QALY and bevacizumab as needed $3,333/QALY. Sensitivity analysis of the treatment costs of medical and ocular adverse events demonstrated minimal impact on relative cost-effectiveness. Conclusion: At current prices, monthly bevacizumab is the most cost-effective anti-VEGF AMD treatment protocol. Ranibizumab is as cost effective as bevacizumab at a maximum price of $158 per dose.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate Versus Chloroxylenol for Preoperative Skin Preparation in Dogs

The efficacy of 3% chloroxylenol (PCMX) or 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) for preoperative skin preparation was assessed in 100 dogs undergoing clean or clean-contaminated surgical procedures. Replication Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) plates were used to quantify skin bacteria colony forming units (CFU) at the operative site before and after skin preparation and immediately postoperatively. Reduction of CFU after skin preparation and immediately postoperatively was significant for each agent. However, CFU levels were significantly lower in the CG group than in the PCMX group after surgical preparation, regardless of initial CFU numbers. No significant difference in CFU counts was observed between antiseptic groups postoperatively. Within-group comparisons showed PCMX to be significantly less efficacious when the prescrub CFU number was greater than 1,000. Bacterial reduction was similar in the CG group regardless of prescrub CFU levels. The number of negative cultures after skin preparation was significantly greater with CG than with PCMX. Chlorhexidine gluconate also had fewer cultures with heavy bacterial growth (> 5 CFUs) after surgical preparation. There was no significant difference between antiseptics in the number of negative cultures or cultures with more than 5 CFUs immediately after surgery. The number of skin reactions and postoperative wound infections that occurred with each technique were similar. Three percent PCMX, as used in this study, was less effective than 4% CG in its immediate antimicrobial activity, however, this difference was not associated with an increased wound infection rate.
Quantitative analysis and molecular species fingerprinting of triacylglyceride molecular species directly from lipid extracts of biological samples by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Herein we describe a rapid, simple, and reliable method for the quantitative analysis and molecular species fingerprinting of triacylglycerides (TAG) directly from chloroform extracts of biological samples. Previous attempts at direct TAG quantitation by positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) were confounded by the presence of overlapping peaks from choline glycerophospholipids requiring chromatographic separation of lipid extracts prior to ESI/MS analyses. By exploiting the rapid loss of phosphocholine from choline glycerophospholipids, in conjunction with neutral-loss scanning for individual fatty acids, overlapping peaks in the ESI mass spectrum were deconvoluted generating a detailed molecular species fingerprint of individual TAG molecular species directly from chloroform extracts of biological samples. This method readily detects as little as 0.1 pmol of each TAG molecular species from chloroform extracts and is linear over a 1000-fold dynamic range. The sensitivity of individual TAG molecular species to ESI/MS/MS analyses correlated with the unsaturation index and inversely correlated with total aliphatic chain length of TAG. An algorithm was developed which identifies sensitivity factors, thereby allowing the rapid quantitation and molecular species fingerprinting of TAG molecular species directly from chloroform extracts of biological samples.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use in the Elder Emergency Department Patient: Assessment of Rates and Medical Care Utilization

Objectives: To determine rates of alcohol and tobacco use among independent elder emergency department (ED) patients and assess the extent of health care use of this population. Methods: A convenience sample of independent elders (age ≥65 years) in an urban academic ED was enrolled. Patients were excluded if they were medically unstable or had a change in mental status. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scales were used to measure tobacco and alcohol use. Subjects completed questionnaires about their health and use of the health care system. Data were analyzed by using t-tests to compare independent variables. Results: A total of 565 subjects completed the study. Of these, 296 (52.4%) were male and 269 (47.6%) were female; mean age was 77.1 years. Fifty-four (9.5%) were smokers, and 22 (3.9%) were nicotine-dependent by the Fagerstrom test (Fagerstrom+). Alcohol use was reported at least once monthly by 176 (31.2%) and twice monthly by 76 (13.5%) patients; 12 (2.1%) were alcohol-dependent by the AUDIT scale (AUDIT+). Two (0.35%) were both Fagerstrom+ and AUDIT+. Fagerstrom+ subjects visited a physician less often than Fagerstrom− subjects (3.9 vs. 4.6 annual visits, p < 0.0009). AUDIT+ subjects visited a primary care physician less (3.3 vs. 4.2 annual visits, p < 0.007) or “any” physician less (3.9 vs. 4.6 annual visits, p < 0.01) than AUDIT− subjects. AUDIT+ and Fagerstrom+ subjects did not differ from AUDIT− and Fagerstrom− subjects in number of annual ED visits, self-reported general health, physical symptoms (except nervousness, p < 0.004), comorbid illnesses, hospital admissions, and injuries requiring treatment. Conclusions: Elder ED patients have low rates of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Nicotine- or alcohol-dependent elders use outpatient providers less often than nondependent elders but use EDs at the same rate and report similar health patterns.
Contracting in strategic situations

Abstract Cooperative games are distinguished from noncooperative games by the ability to form binding pre-play agreements. The notion of a binding agreement, however, is ambiguous, for two reasons. First, contracts can be enforced by various provisions for the payment of damages in the event of breach. Second, contracts generally are incomplete, not specifying unique actions for each possible state of the world. This paper examines the interaction between incompletely specified and enforced pre-play contracts, and the outcomes that are achieved, in 2-player strategic situations. Comparisons are made among various damage measures for breach of contract.
Food Purchase Patterns at the Supermarket and their Relationship to Family Characteristics

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a system for characterizing food purchases by families using supermarket receipt data. One hundred and five shoppers contributed data that represented 363 people (138 children and 225 adults). Participants provided food purchase receipt data for at least 6 weeks, which included an average of at least 20 food items/week. Receipt information was entered by trained technicians for analysis using a database of over 2600 distinct foods containing nutritional information. Eighty-five percent of the items on the store receipts were identifiable by item and quantity from the information printed on the receipt; the data on the remaining items was determined by shopper annotation or by use of a default value. The average percent of energy purchased as fat by this convenience sample was 38.4%, total fiber purchased was 6.61 g/1000 kcal, and number of servings of fruits and vegetables was 1.44/1000 kcal. All foods were divided among 11 categories to evaluate the contributions of particular food groups to energy, fat, and fiber purchase.The three major contributors to fat purchase were, in order, “add-on and cooking fats;” “meats, poultry, and fish;” and “dairy.” Purchased fiber came primarily from “produce,” with “breads” and “cereals” next in proportion. The families at highest risk for poor nutrition quality of purchases were those with lower socioeconomic status, more children, and younger age of the primary shopper. This receipt collection system was successful in providing specific nutrition data on purchases of over 100 families. The assessment system is unique in that tracking of shopping patterns of individual families can be accomplished.