cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia: MLL gene rearrangement and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for t(4; 11)(q21; q23)

Molecular techniques to detect MLL (11q23) and AF-4 (4q21) gene rearrangements are being evaluated for use in stratification of patients into prognostic groups. We studied 15 cases of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with Southern blotting for MLL gene rearrangement and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) for t(4;11) fusion transcripts and compared the results to cytogenetic and clinical data. Our results indicate that classic t(4;11)(q21;q23) translocations are detected by RT-PCR; however, unusual 4;11 translocations still require additional investigation. We also extended and updated our original study of MLL gene rearrangement in infant ALL to 40 patients with longer follow-up and show that the group with germline configuration of the MLL gene continues to have an excellent outcome. The results of salvage therapy (bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy) suggest that transplant may show advantage. Preliminary results of the use of RT-PCR to assess minimal disease are also reported.
Quasi-Static Time-Series PV Hosting Capacity Methodology and Metrics

Distributed photovoltaic systems (DPV) can cause adverse grid impacts, including voltage or thermal violations. The installed capacity at which violations first occur and above which would require system upgrades is called the hosting capacity. Current methods for determining hosting capacity tend to be conservative by either only considering infrequent worst-case snapshots in time and/or only capturing coarse time and spatial resolution. Additionally, current hosting capacity methods do not accurately capture the time-dependence making them unable to capture the behavior of voltage regulating equipment and of some advanced controls mitigations. This can trigger delays from unnecessary engineering analysis or deter solar installations in areas that are actually suitable. We propose a quasi-static-time-series (QSTS) based PV hosting capacity methodology to address these issues. With this approach, we conduct power flow analysis over the course of a full year, to capture time-varying parameters and control device actions explicitly. We show that this approach can more fully capture grid impacts of DPV than traditional methods.
Regularized integral equation methods for elastic scattering problems in three dimensions

Abstract This paper presents novel methodologies for the numerical simulation of scattering of elastic waves by both closed and open surfaces in three-dimensional space. The proposed approach utilizes new integral formulations as well as an extension to the elastic context of the efficient high-order singular-integration methods [13] introduced recently for the acoustic case. In order to obtain formulations leading to iterative solvers (GMRES) which converge in small numbers of iterations we investigate, theoretically and computationally, the character of the spectra of various operators associated with the elastic-wave Calderon relation—including some of their possible compositions and combinations. In particular, by relying on the fact that the eigenvalues of the composite operator NS are bounded away from zero and infinity, new uniquely-solvable, low-GMRES-iteration integral formulation for the closed-surface case are presented. The introduction of corresponding low-GMRES-iteration equations for the open-surface equations additionally requires, for both spectral quality as well as accuracy and efficiency, use of weighted versions of the classical integral operators to match the singularity of the unknown density at edges. Several numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Evaluation of the Consistency and Composition of Commercially Available Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Systems

Background:Bone marrow aspirate (BMA) concentrate (BMAC) has gained popularity as a treatment modality for various orthopaedic conditions; however, there are still inconsistencies in its reported t...
Channel Coding at Low Capacity

Low-capacity scenarios have become increasingly important in the technology of Internet of Things (IoT) and the next generation of mobile networks. Such scenarios require efficient and reliable transmission of information over channels with an extremely small capacity. Within these constraints, the performance of state-of-the-art coding techniques is far from optimal in terms of either rate or complexity. Moreover, the current non-asymptotic laws of optimal channel coding provide inaccurate predictions for coding in the low-capacity regime. In this paper, we provide the first comprehensive study of channel coding in the low-capacity regime. We will investigate the fundamental non-asymptotic limits for channel coding as well as challenges that must be overcome for efficient code design in low-capacity scenarios.
IOCA: High-Speed I/O-Aware LLC Management for Network-Centric Multi-Tenant Platform

In modern server CPUs, last-level cache (LLC) is a critical hardware resource that exerts significant influence on the performance of the workloads, and how to manage LLC is a key to the performance isolation and QoS in the cloud with multi-tenancy. In this paper, we argue that besides CPU cores, high-speed network I/O is also important for LLC management. This is because of an Intel architectural innovation -- Data Direct I/O (DDIO) -- that directly injects the inbound I/O traffic to (part of) the LLC instead of the main memory. We summarize two problems caused by DDIO and show that (1) the default DDIO configuration may not always achieve optimal performance, (2) DDIO can decrease the performance of non-I/O workloads which share LLC with it by as high as 32%. We then present IOCA, the first LLC management mechanism for network-centric platforms that treats the I/O as the first-class citizen. IOCA monitors and analyzes the performance of the cores, LLC, and DDIO using CPU's hardware performance counters, and adaptively adjusts the number of LLC ways for DDIO or the tenants that demand more LLC capacity. In addition, IOCA dynamically chooses the tenants that share its LLC resource with DDIO, to minimize the performance interference by both the tenants and the I/O. Our experiments with multiple microbenchmarks and real-world applications in two major end-host network models demonstrate that IOCA can effectively reduce the performance degradation caused by DDIO, with minimal overhead.
A Case of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Liver Injury

E-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) is a recently recognized acute or subacute respiratory illness which can be severe or even fatal (1). The main risk factor for EVALI is use of an e-cigarette or similar inhalation device using tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol with oils such as vitamin E acetate (1). In addition to the adverse pulmonary effects of e-cigarettes and other vaping related products, preliminary studies suggest a possible negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
Multibeam Phased-Arrays Using Dual-Vector Distributed Beamforming: Architecture Overview and 28 GHz Transceiver Prototypes

This article presents a dual-vector distributed beamformer architecture that employs a series-feed network and is capable of supporting up to four simultaneous beams. The multibeam array uses scalar functions within each front end to create Cartesian-weighted signals needed for phase shifting. A dual-vector series-feed network combines/distributes these signals for the receiver/transmitter whereas a global quadrature interpolator is used to create two conjugate beams. By using an interpolator on either end of the series feed, a total of four beams can be obtained. Among these four beams, a first beam can be controlled independently, a second beam is formed as an image of the first, a third beam is offset from the first based on the amount of phase shift within the series-feed structure, and a fourth beam is an image of the offset beam. In this work, the theory of operation of the series-feed DVDB is presented and then two different four-element 28 GHz DVDB transceiver array prototypes in 120 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology are described. One uses a hybrid coupler for global interpolation at radio frequency (RF) and the other uses quadrature mixers for global interpolation at baseband. Measurement results for the array employing passive interpolation at RF show excellent phase-shifting performance, including < 1 dB root-mean-squared (RMS) gain error, < 2 degree RMS phase error, 24% 3 dB bandwidth, with 16–18.6 dBm saturated output power in transmit mode and 4.9–7.3 dB noise figure in receive mode. Measurement results for the array employing mixer-based interpolation likewise show excellent phase-shifting performance with similar RMS gain and phase errors and slightly degraded overall RF performance. Comparing the two, we conclude that the DVDB with passive interpolation at RF is better suited for partitioned systems where beamformers and transceivers are realized on separate chips to support larger, scalable arrays. In contrast, the DVDB with mixer-based interpolation is better suited for integrated systems where beamformers and frequency translation functions must be integrated together.
Longing to Belong: Mentoring Relationships as a Pathway to Fostering a Sense of Belonging for Racially Minoritized Faculty at Predominantly White Institutions

As predominately white institutions (PWIs) seek to support racially minoritized faculty, there is evidence that racially minoritized faculty members at PWIs experience isolating, hostile, and unwelcoming environments (Bonner et al., 2014; Stanley, 2006; Turner, 2003). Existing higher education research does not explore the significance of sense of belonging for racially minoritized faculty and ways in which sense of belonging can be cultivated in these neoliberal institutions. Through a critical race theory lens and phenomenological method, this study focuses on ways in which mentoring relationships develop pathways to sense of belonging for racially minoritized faculty members at PWIs. Findings reveal a robust network of mentoring relationships for racially minoritized faculty, including holistic and critically conscious mentoring by colleagues, supportive peer mentoring, mentoring students, and community-based mentoring relationships. Implications for research and practice are outlined to further explore how these crucial relationships can develop sense of belonging for racially minoritized faculty members at PWIs.
Polygenic adaptation, clonal interference, and the evolution of mutators in experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations

In bacterial populations, switches in lifestyle from motile, planktonic growth to surface-associated biofilm is associated with persistence both in the environment and infections. Studies have identified the first steps of adaptation to biofilm growth but have yet to replicate the extensive genetic diversity observed in chronic infections or in the natural environment. We conducted an evolution experiment with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 in growth media that promotes biofilm formation for 90 days in either planktonic culture or in a biofilm bead model. Surprisingly, all populations evolved extensive genetic diversity with hundreds of mutations maintained at intermediate frequencies, while fixation events were rare. Instead of the expected few beneficial mutations rising in frequency through successive sweeps, we observe a remarkable 40 genes with parallel mutations spanning both environments and often on coexisting genotypes within a population. Additionally, the evolution of mutator genotypes (mutS or mutL mutator alleles) that rise to high frequencies in as little as 25 days contribute to the extensive genetic variation and strong clonal interference. Parallelism in several transporters (including pitA, pntB, nosD, and pchF) indicate probable adaptation to the arginine media that becomes highly alkaline during growth, whereas genes involved in signal transduction (including gacS, aer2, bdlA, and PA14_71750) reflect likely adaptations to biofilm-inducing conditions. This experiment shows how extensive genetic and phenotypic diversity can arise and persist in microbial populations despite strong selection that would normally purge diversity.
Recovery of cathode materials from spent lithium-ion batteries using eutectic system of lithium compounds

Abstract The cathode material is the focus of end-of-life lithium-ion battery recycling due to its high value. Cathode-to-cathode direct recycling avoids the need to change the cathode material to other metal forms, which could have significant economic and environmental advantages. A process that separates the cathode layer from current collector and recovers the active cathode materials is highly desirable as this facilitates the following regeneration step. In the present work, eutectic mixtures of lithium compounds are studies as an efficient and environmentally friendly approach for the separation and recovery of active cathode materials. Three commonly used inorganic lithium compounds i.e. LiCl, LiNO3, and LiOH, and their binary eutectic systems are investigated. It is found that LiOH-LiNO3 eutectic system has the highest peel-off efficiency. At temperature of 260 °C with 30 min holding time and salts/cathode electrode mass ratio of 10:1, up to 98.3% of cathode active materials can be recovered. The recovered cathode materials show minimal change and destruction on chemical composition, crystal structure, and morphology. Results suggest that LiOH-LiNO3 eutectic system can facilitate the decomposition of polyvinylidene fluoride binder and capture the HF released. The process based on eutectic systems of lithium compounds provides an alternative binder removal approach to organic solvents, and offers re-lithiation benefit without introducing impurities. It has the potential to promote direct recycling and sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries.
Informing the Design of e-Learning Lessons on Data Science through Think-Aloud Experiments with Healthcare Professionals

Increasing data science adoption by healthcare professionals provides an opportunity to bridge the demand for analytics usage in clinical decision-making. One approach involves teaching data science concepts through an online education platform. We designed a think-aloud experiment in which we observed seven internal medicine residents complete an online interactive lesson using the Integrated Statistics Learning Environment (ISLE). The hour-long lesson focused on the predictive modeling lifecycle. Participants’ verbalizations and structured interactions with the platform were recorded. We observed a surprising misunderstanding of the lesson’s three main data science concepts. We also noticed a willingness to spend more time on familiar concepts and a comparative disengagement when seeing new topics. Many are amenable to the idea of learning data science through an online forum. However, it is important to first consult prospective clinician users prior to designing lessons to ensure that lessons align with clinical backgrounds, expectations and just-in-time learning needs.
Aging, Disease Prevention, and Technology

Technology is one of the indispensable parts of our daily life. The effects of globalization and the digital revolution bringing about technologically assisted living need to be looked at more closely. We can avoid many of our responsibilities by incorporating various technologies in the world of older adults. Our smart world is designed with newer advanced technologies, and the trend is increasing due to our demands for robotics. Our body is perhaps the oldest, largest, and finest technology ever assembled. However, unless we maintain the proper functionality of this biological machine, everything will be meaningless. The ways of health promotion are the guidelines to maintain the optimum functionality of our systems. The extract of the Eastern traditional extended multigenerational family culture has the potential to provide beneficial results in this context. The two extreme age groups of people, older adults and children, specifically the individuals of the world of orphans, can benefit most if we use our inner technology to be the technology for humankind. Suggestions for understanding cultural contexts to provide insights for care organizations are discussed.
Accelerating in-silico saturation mutagenesis using compressed sensing

In-silico saturation mutagenesis (ISM) is a popular approach in computational genomics for calculating feature attributions on biological sequences that proceeds by systematically perturbing each position in a sequence and recording the difference in model output. However, this method can be slow because systematically perturbing each position requires performing a number of forward passes proportional to the length of the sequence being examined. In this work, we propose a modification of ISM that leverages the principles of compressed sensing to require only a constant number of forward passes, regardless of sequence length, when applied to models that contain operations with a limited receptive field, such as convolutions. Our method, named Yuzu, can reduce the time that ISM spends in convolution operations by several orders of magnitude and, consequently, Yuzu can speed up ISM on several commonly used architectures in genomics by over an order of magnitude. Notably, we found that Yuzu provides speedups that increase with the complexity of the convolution operation and the length of the sequence being analyzed, suggesting that Yuzu provides large benefits in realistic settings. We have made this tool available at https://github.com/kundajelab/yuzu.
Judicial Independence, Constitutionalism and Governance in Cameroon: Lessons from French Constitutional Practice

Countries incorporate the principle of the separation of powers, including judicial independence, into their constitutions in an effort to meet several goals, the most important of which is to minimise government-induced tyranny. Specifically, countries that make this principle part of their constitutional practice intend to limit public servants by national laws and institutions, enhance government accountability, minimise opportunistic behaviors by civil servants and politicians, provide for checks and balances, and generally improve government efficiency. Cameroon, part of which was colonised by France, has a constitution that is modeled closely on the French Constitution of 4 October 1958. As a consequence, the country has adopted France’s hybrid system of the separation of powers. Using French constitutional practice as a model, this paper examines constitutional developments in Cameroon to determine why the country’s governing process, which is based on the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, has failed to guarantee constitutional justice.
Abstract 16550: Physician Annual Volume and In-Hospital Mortality Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction: Although ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines recommend that physicians perform a total volume of >=75 PCI annually, there is conflicting data supporting this recommendation. We assessed the 75 PCI...
Enhanced mechanical properties of poly (ε-caprolactone) nanofibers produced by the addition of non-stoichiometric inclusion complexes of poly (ε-caprolactone) and α-cyclodextrin

Abstract A unique nanofibrous structure consisting of poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) and non-stoichiometric α-cyclodextrin-poly (e-caprolactone) inclusion complexes [(n-s)-PCL-α-CD-ICs] was produced by electrospinning. For electrospinning experiments, stoichiometric ratios of the (n-s)-PCL-α-CD-ICs, their percentage loading, and the concentration of the PCL solutions were varied. With their partially un-included guest PCL chain portions, the effects of the (n-s)-PCL-α-CD-ICs on the thermal behavior and mechanical properties of the PCL nanofibers have been investigated. SEM indicated that at lower PCL concentrations (12%), loading of up to 15% (n-s)-PCL-α-CD-ICs resulted in bead-free fibers. However, at 14% PCL concentration, bead-free fibers were obtained only until 10% loading; beyond this loading, some beads were observed. DSC analyses indicated, compared to neat PCL nanowebs, there were significant increases in the melting and the crystallization temperatures of the PCL/(n-s)-PCL-α-CD-IC nanowebs. Absence of water loss and enhanced thermal stability of α-CDs was observed by TGA analyses, which indicated the presence of α-CDs threaded by PCL chains. Mechanical properties of the composite webs indicated, with the addition of the ICs, the tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength of the composite fibers increased significantly (200–400% for the modulus) over those of neat PCL or uncomplexed PCL/α-CD nanofibers. At the same time, their extensions at break were reduced by factors of ∼ (2–3). With better mechanical and stiffness properties, these novel nanocomposite fibers, which are non-toxic, but biodegradable and biocompatible, would be potential candidates as scaffolds for various applications.
Ideas that Score

(1960). Ideas that Score. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 31, No. 2, pp. 63-63.
A comparison of the NO–CO reaction over Rh(100), Rh(110) and Rh(111)

Reaction rates and product selectivities were measured over the Rh(100) surface as a function of temperature, and CO and NO partial pressures. These results are compared with our prior studies of the NO–CO reaction on the Rh(111) and Rh(110) surfaces. The only products detected for all three surfaces were CO2, N2O, and N2. Furthermore, for the Rh(100) surface we have found a significant change in the apparent activation energy (Ea) with reaction temperature. For the Rh(100) surface it was found that the Ea can change by a factor of 2.3 in the temperature range investigated here, from 528 to 700 K, with the lower values obtained at higher temperatures. In contrast, Ea's were found to remain constant over the same temperature range for the Rh(110) and Rh(111) surfaces. The results observed for the Rh(100) surface suggest that reaction kinetics are dominated by variations in NO coverages. At low temperatures, the surface is fully saturated with NO, and dissociation is limited by the availability of vacancy sites through NO desorption. At high temperatures, the surface is still primarily covered with NO, however, the number of vacancy sites has increased substantially. In this case, we propose that the apparent activation energy is now reflecting NO dissociation kinetics rather than those for NO desorption.
Comparison of homework systems (four web-based) used in first-semester general chemistry

Web-based homework systems are becoming more common in general chemistry as instructors face ever-increasing enrollment. Yet providing meaningful feedback on assignments remains of the utmost importance. Chemistry instructors consider completion of homework integral to students' success in chemistry, yet only a few studies have compared the use of Web-based systems to the traditional paper-and-pencil homework within general chemistry. This study compares the traditional homework system to four different Web-based systems. Data from eight, semester classes consisting of a diagnostic pre-test, final semester grades, and the number of successful and unsuccessful students are analyzed. Statistically significant results suggest a chemistry instructor should carefully consider options when selecting a homework system.
Deprofessionalization of curriculum decision -making

OF THE DISSERTATION DEPROFESSIONALIZATION OF CURRICULUM DECISION-MAKING by Martha M. Barantovich Florida International University, 2006 Miami, Florida Professor Stephen M. Fain, Major Professor The purpose of this study was to analyze the evolution of Florida state level policy efforts and to assess the responding educational policy development and implementation at the local school district level. The focus of this study was the secondary language arts curriculum in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Data was collected using document analysis as a source of meaning making out of the language sets proffered by agencies at each level. A matrix was created based on Klein's levels of curriculum decision-making and Functional Process Theory categories of policy formation. The matrix allowed the researcher to code and classify specific information in terms accountability/high-stakes testing; authority; outside influences; and operational/structural organization. Federal policy documents provided a background and impetus for much of what originated at the State level. The State then produced policy directives which were accepted by the District and specific policy directives and guidelines for practice. No evidence was found indicating the involvement of any other agencies in the development, transmission or implementation of the State level initiated policies.
Developing performance-appraisal systems

The development and applications of performance-appraisal systems for hospital pharmacy personnel are discussed. The need for a performance-appraisal system is explained from the perspectives of the employee, the manager, and the hospital. Ethical standards that should be considered by managers during the appraisal process are listed. Performance standards are a key component of a performance-appraisal system and should be developed jointly by management and staff. Types of appraisal methods, personnel who should conduct appraisals, and the frequency at which appraisals should be conducted are discussed. Potential biases in appraisal methods and the preparation for and conduct of employee appraisals are discussed. A performance-appraisal system should be designed to meet the needs of employees, managers, and the hospital. Such a system will be more effective if it ensures the regular, frequent flow of data on employee performance, the systematic comparison of these data with previously agreed-upon expectations, and the frequent reporting of the results of these comparisons to both employees and managers.
The "lover" and early modern fandom

A look at 17th century fannish practices through the works of "lovers" (or "amateurs") who primarily focussed on ideas, practices, and entities rather than individuals.
The glyoxylate cycle is required for fungal virulence

Candida albicans, a normal component of the mammalian gastrointestinal flora, is responsible for most fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients. Candida is normally phagocytosed by macrophages and neutrophils, which secrete cytokines and induce hyphal development in this fungus1,2. Neutropenic patients, deficient in these immune cells, are particularly susceptible to systemic candidiasis3,4. Here we use genome-wide expression profiles of the related yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to obtain a signature of the events that take place in the fungus on ingestion by a mammalian macrophage. Live S. cerevisiae cells isolated from the phagolysosome are induced for genes of the glyoxylate cycle, a metabolic pathway that permits the use of two-carbon compounds as carbon sources. In C. albicans, phagocytosis also upregulates the principal enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, isocitrate lyase (ICL1) and malate synthase (MLS1). Candida albicans mutants lacking ICL1 are markedly less virulent in mice than the wild type. These findings in fungi, in conjunction with reports that isocitrate lyase is both upregulated and required for the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis5,6, demonstrate the wide-ranging significance of the glyoxylate cycle in microbial pathogenesis.
Frequency and Severity of Parenteral Nutrition Medication Errors at a Large Children’s Hospital After Implementation of Electronic Ordering and Compounding

Introduction: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has stated that parenteral nutrition (PN) is considered a high-risk medication and has the potential of causing harm. Three organizations—American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and National Advisory Group—have published guidelines for ordering, transcribing, compounding and administering PN. These national organizations have published data on compliance to the guidelines and the risk of errors. The purpose of this article is to compare total compliance with ordering, transcription, compounding, administration, and error rate with a large pediatric institution. Method: A computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) program was developed that incorporates dosing with soft and hard stop recommendations and simultaneously eliminating the need for paper transcription. A CPOE team prioritized and identified issues, then developed solutions and integrated innovative CPOE and automat...
TMEM33: a new stress-inducible endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein and modulator of the unfolded protein response signaling

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leads to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling cascade and induction of an apoptotic cell death, autophagy, oncogenesis, metastasis, and/or resistance to cancer therapies. Mechanisms underlying regulation of ER transmembrane proteins PERK, IRE1α, and ATF6α/β, and how the balance of these activities determines outcome of the activated UPR, remain largely unclear. Here, we report a novel molecule transmembrane protein 33 (TMEM33) and its actions in UPR signaling. Immunoblotting and northern blot hybridization assays were used to determine the effects of ER stress on TMEM33 expression levels in various cell lines. Transient transfections, immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting were used to study the subcellular localization of TMEM33, the binding partners of TMEM33, and the expression of downstream effectors of PERK and IRE1α. Our data demonstrate that TMEM33 is a unique ER stress-inducible and ER transmembrane molecule, and a new binding partner of PERK. Exogenous expression of TMEM33 led to increased expression of p-eIF2α and p-IRE1α and their known downstream effectors, ATF4-CHOP and XBP1-S, respectively, in breast cancer cells. TMEM33 overexpression also correlated with increased expression of apoptotic signals including cleaved caspase-7 and cleaved PARP, and an autophagosome protein LC3II, and reduced expression of the autophagy marker p62. TMEM33 is a novel regulator of the PERK-eIE2α-ATF4 and IRE1-XBP1 axes of the UPR signaling. Therefore, TMEM33 may function as a determinant of the ER stress-responsive events in cancer cells.
Insurgent Collective Action and Civil War in El Salvador: EXPLAINING INSURGENT COLLECTIVE ACTION

On my first visit to the Cooperativa Candelaria un Nuevo Amanecer and the Cooperativa Montecristo, two groups of insurgent campesinos occupying properties high on the side of a war-ravaged volcano north of San Jorge (recall Figs. 3.5 and 3.6), I arrived a bit late at the meeting place, an isolated peasant home. I had reached there by driving about an hour up a dry river bed (whether it was the right river bed or not was not clear until the very end), a definite challenge for my small pickup truck. As arranged at a regional meeting of the Las Marias Land Defense Committee the previous week, I expected to meet with cooperative leaders to discuss the history of the difficult emergence of the cooperatives in the midst of the civil war. Rather than three or four people, I found over fifteen people gathered in the farmyard. Another seven soon arrived. The interview took four hours, as almost everyone, men and women alike, wanted to speak, to tell what had happened to a brother or sister, or to tell a story of the time they occupied some property. At the end of the interview, I asked for the names of a few people for whom I could inquire when I returned to visit again, as I feared that I would not again succeed in finding the place.
Hospital Executives’ Perceptions of End-of-Life Care

1. Kimberly K. Garner[1][1],[2][2] 2. Leanne L. Lefler[2][2] 3. Jean C. McSweeney[2][2] 4. Patricia M. Dubbert[1][1],[2][2] 5. Dennis H. Sullivan[1][1],[2][2] 6. JoAnn E. Kirchner[1][1],[2][2] 1. 1Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Department of Veteran Affairs, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA 2. 2University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA 1. Kimberly K. Garner, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, 3J/NLR, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72214, USA. Email: kimberly.garner{at}va.gov Hospital executives are key stakeholders in the hospital setting. However, despite extensive medical and nursing literature on the importance of end-of-life (EOL) care in hospitals, little is known about hospital executives’ perceptions of the provision of EOL care in their facilities. The objective of this study was to capture hospital executives’ perceptions of the provision of EOL care in the hospital setting. This descriptive, naturalistic phenomenological, qualitative study utilized in-person interviews to explore executives’ opinions and beliefs. The sample consisted of 14 individuals in the roles of medical center directors, chiefs of staff, chief medical officers, hospital administrators, hospital risk managers, and regional counsel in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. An interview guide was developed and conducted utilizing a global question followed by probes concerning perceptions of EOL care provision. Hospital executives acknowledged that EOL care was a very important issue, and more attention should be paid to it in the hospital setting. Their comments and suggestions for improvement focused on (a) current EOL care, (b) barriers to changing EOL care, and (c) enhancing provision of EOL care in the hospital setting. The findings of this study suggest that hospital executives although key change agents, may have insufficient EOL information to implement steps toward cultural and infrastructural change and should therefore be included in any EOL discussions and education. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #aff-2
Alternative perspectives on early childhood education

Abstract This article examines the issue of developmentally “appropriate” versus “inappropriate” practices by situating the discussion within the broad field of curriculum studies. To begin, several problems with the justification for child-centered practices based on developmental theory are set forth. Next, the philosophical, historical, and political dimensions of a curriculum based on appropriate practices are illuminated. Finally, an alternative model based on the concept of early childhood education as schooling for democracy is suggested as an alternative justification for a child-centered curriculum based on the principles of developmentally appropriate practices.
Molecular phylogenetics of Calycadenia (Compositae) based on its sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA: chromosomal and morphological evolution reexamined

Phylogenetic patterns within Calycadenia were estimated from 1 8-26S nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in 19 representatives of all species in Calycadenia, including Osmadenia (C.) tenella, and in two outgroup species. In pairwise comparisons among the Calycadenia and Osmadenia sequences, divergence ranged from 0 to 11.2% of nucleotides in ITS 1 and from 0 to 8.6% in ITS 2. Of 62 nucleotide sites with potential phylogenetic information, 51.6% were in ITS 1, 46.8% were in ITS 2, and 1.6% were in the 5.8S subunit. A highly resolved, strict consensus tree from Wagner parsimony analysis of these data agrees well with morphological and cytological evidence. This tree suggests that: 1) the monotypic Osmadenia tenella is the sister-group to Calycadenia; 2) the base chromosome number in Calycadenia is n = 7, from which other numbers were derived; 3) species with multiple T-glands on cylindrical bracts and chromosome numbers of n = 5 or 6 (or 7 in C. oppositifolia) form a monophyletic group derived from an n = 7 species similar or identical in genomic structure to C. hooveri or C. villosa; 4) C. spicata (n = 4) is the product of an independent dysploid reduction from n = 7; 5) C. multiglandulosa and C. pauciflora, sensu Keck, are not monophyletic taxa; and 6) loss of chromosomal homology between Calycadenia species, as reflected by meiotic chromosomal association in hybrids, is positively correlated with time since evolutionary divergence. These results offer little evidence of homoplasy in chromosomal and phenotypic characters in Calycadenia and provide further support for the phylogenetic utility of plant ITS sequences.
Assay of urinary 2,3-dinor-6-oxo prostaglandin F1α by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract Prostacyclin (PGI 2 ), an important determinant of cardiovascular biology, is produced from arachidonic acid by endothelial cells. Measurement of its stable urinary metabolite, 2,3-dinor-6-oxo prostaglandin F 1α (PGI 2 -M), is the approach of choice to assess variations of the endogenous synthesis of PGI 2 that occur in response to dietary, pharmacological and pathological alterations. We developed a relatively simple stable isotope dilution assay for PGI 2 -M which involves solid-phase extraction of 10 ml of urine with Chem Elut disposable columns, water/solvent partitioning from basic and acidic environments with ethyl acetate and methylene chloride, derivatization to 1-pentafluorobenzyl ester followed by TLC, methoximation and trimethylsilylation. Quantification was achieved, for the first time for PGI 2 -M, by capillary GC—electron capture negative ion MS—MS with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in the negative ion detection mode with methane as moderating gas. The mean inter-assay R.S.D., determined on 12 different urine samples, was 5.1 (range 0.4% to 10.5%). The excretion of PGI 2 -M in 34 healthy male subjects (age 26 to 57) was 156.2 ± 65.2 (mean ± S.D.) ng/24 h.
Light-scattering properties of plate and column ice crystals generated in a laboratory cold chamber

Angular scattering properties of ice crystal particles generated in a laboratory cloud chamber are measured with a lightweight polar nephelometer with a diode laser beam. This cloud chamber produces distinct plate and hollow column ice crystal types for light-scattering experiments and provides a controlled test bed for comparison with results computed from theory. Ice clouds composed predominantly of plates and hollow columns generated noticeable 22 degrees and 46 degrees halo patterns, which are predicted from geometric ray-tracing calculations. With the measured ice crystal shape and size distribution, the angular scattering patterns computed from geometrical optics with a significant contribution by rough surfaces closely match those observed from the nephelometer.
Effect of the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor Rosuvastatin on Early Chronic Kidney Injury in Obese Zucker Rats Fed With an Atherogenic Diet

The obese Zucker rat (OZR) spontaneously develops hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and microalbuminuria. In this study, the initial metabolic, functional, and glomerular pathology in young OZR fed with an atherogenic diet resembles the characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Hyperlipidemia and other metabolic derangement cause early glomerular damage in OZR by 10 weeks of age, before overt diabetes is developed. Consequently, the effects of potential interventions should also be evaluated at the young age. In OZR fed with an atherogenic high-fat diet, low (5 mg/kg) and high (20 mg/kg) dosages of rosuvastatin started at 5 weeks and maintained for 10 weeks induced a significant improvement in metabolic abnormalities, blood pressure, and renal function, including microalbuminuria. The low dose of rosuvastatin significantly decreased mesangial expansion, and the high dose exerted a marked protective effect on the development of both glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial expansion. The statin also attenuated the inflammatory expression in the kidney cortex.
Corrosion of rapidly solidified neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets and protection via sacrificial zinc coatings

Abstract Rapidly solidified NdFeB alloys were found to corrode actively at open circuit in aerated Na 2 SO 4 and NaCl at 30 °C and 80 °C. Estimated penetration rates (greater than 27 mil year −1 ) indicate the need for corrosion control methods. The use of sacrificial zinc coatings in controlling the corrosion of NdFeB alloys may have previously been overlooked because of two potential limitations: incomplete protection and hydrogen damage. The electrochemical activity of Nd may prevent zinc from providing complete sacrificial protection to NdFeB at breaks in the coating, and cracking could occur when hydrogen production is galvanically stimulated on NdFeB at breaks in the coating. This study focuses on the evaluation of the protection conferred to NdFeB when a Zn/NdFeB galvanic couple is formed due to coating penetration. Quantitative solution analysis was used to demonstrate that the dissolution of Nd, Fe and B is essentially prevented by the galvanic coupling of NdFeB to zinc in NaCl at 25 °C. Galvanic coupling to zinc also reduces the rate of environmentally assisted cracking of NdFeB. Sacrificial zinc coatings appear to be a viable, cost-effective corrosion control method for NdFeB, and the limitations described above should not preclude their use in this application.
SIMULATION OF A MIXTURE MODEL FOR ULTRASOUND PROPAGATION THROUGH CANCELLOUS BONE USING STAGGERED-GRID FINITE DIFFERENCES

In this paper we treat the cancellous bone as is done in mixture theory, i.e. each point in the material has both a fluid and a solid phase co-existing there. Each phase is weighted by the volume fraction of material in the composite structure. It is seen that in such a material attenuation of amplitude as frequency increases occurs as is observed in laboratory experiments33,34 and as was observed in the finite element homogenization approach used by Hackl, Ilic and Gilbert.
Nonlinear wave forces on vertical cylinder arrays

A complete second-order solution is presented for the hydrodynamic forces due to the action of monochromatic waves on an array of bottom-mounted, surface-piercing, vertical cylinders of arbitrary cross-section in water of uniform, finite depth. Exploiting the constant structural cross-sections, the vertical dependency of the linearized potentials is expressed in terms of eigenfunction expansions. The first-order problem is then solved utilizing a two-dimensional Green's function approach. Through the application of Green's second identity, the second-order forces due to the second-order potential are expressed in terms of free-surface and structural integrals involving first-order quantities and associated linearized radiation potentials obtained by oscillating each of the structures in turn at the second-order wave frequency. An efficient numerical technique is presented to treat the oscillatory free-surface integral appearing in the second-order force formulation. The integration of this term in the far-field is carried out analytically utilizing the asymptotic behavior of the potential components, thus eliminating the need to define a truncation boundary specifying the extent of a finite, free-surface, computational domain. Numerical results are presented for arrays of cylinders of circular and elliptical cross-sections which illustrate the relative importance of second-order effects for a range of wave frequencies and incident wave directions.
Undescended testis: current theories of etiology.

Purpose of reviewNonsyndromic cryptorchidism or undescended testis is a structural defect of infants and children whose etiology is unknown but likely related to a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. This review will focus on factors that may contribute to the etiology o
Localization of Xenopus Vg1 mRNA by Vera Protein and the Endoplasmic Reticulum

In many organisms, pattern formation in the embryo develops from the polarized distributions of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the egg. In Xenopus, the mRNA encoding Vg1, a growth factor involved in mesoderm induction, is localized to the vegetal cortex of oocytes. A protein named Vera was shown to be involved in Vg1 mRNA localization. Vera cofractionates with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes, and endogenous Vg1 mRNA is associated with a subcompartment of the ER. Vera may promote mRNA localization in Xenopus oocytes by mediating an interaction between the Vg1 3' untranslated region and the ER subcompartment.
Dependence of Simulated Precipitation on Surface Evaporation during the 1993 United States Summer Floods

Abstract Regional summertime atmospheric conditions of 1993 are analyzed with the University of Utah Local Area Model (ULAM) by nudging boundary values and large internal scales of the local model toward values produced by the Nested Grid Model (NCEP/NOAA) initial analyses and forecasts archived at 6-h intervals. The approach allows the local ULAM to develop finer-scale structures in the precipitation and circulation forecasts than those resolved by the NGM. The study focuses on the influence of surface evaporation upon rainfall and low-level flow in regional simulations. Much of the rainfall simulated in the control experiment occurred from the late afternoon to early morning hours, with a pronounced midday minimum over the flood region. The moisture flux from the south due to the low-level jet (LLJ) provides much of the moisture source for the precipitation, and it is shown that the net moisture influx is significantly larger than the rainfall rate over the flood region. As a consequence, modifications ...
Modeling the effects of climate change on water resources - a review

Hydrologic models provide a framework in which to conceptualize and investigate the relationships between climate and water resources. A review of current studies that assess the impacts of climate change using hydrologie models indicates a number of problem areas common to the variety of models applied. These problem areas include parameter estimation, scale, model validation, climate scenario generation, and data. Research needs to address these problems include development of (1) a more physically based understanding of hydrologie processes and their interactions; (2) parameter measurement and estimation techniques for application over a range of spatial and temporal scales; (3) quantitative measures of uncertainty in model parameters and model results; (4) improved methodologies of climate scenario generation; (5) detailed data sets in a variety of climatic and physiographic regions; and (6) modular modeling tools to provide a framework to facilitate interdisciplinary research. Solutions to these problems would significantly improve the capability of models to assess the effects of climate change.
Derailing Presidential Fast-Track Authority: The Impact of Constituency Pressures and Political Ideology on Trade Policy in Congress

This article explores the relative impact of constituency, political ideology, and labor strength on support for presidential fast-track trade authority in 1991 and 1997. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of legislators' positions shows that constituency factors have increased in importance while political ideology explains less of the variation in support for fast-track over time. The stronger constituency basis of legislators' positions reflects both the impact of NAFTA on Democrats' stances toward free trade and the growing divide among Republicans on trade issues. Future presidential bids for fast-track authority must center on specific trade agreements and will require grassroots support to sur