cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Injury: Techniques

Cardiac wounds are uncommon and seen mainly at urban trauma centers. Despite advancements in surgical care, prehospital treatment, and resuscitation, cardiac injury remains highly lethal. In fact, over several decades survival has not improved, underscoring their lethality. One factor that may influence the poor outcome is a mortality bias due to the rapid transit of patients with devastating, non-survivable injuries to the hospital. When considering only the patients who survive to treatment at trauma centers, the incidence of cardiac injury is quite low. The number of patients with blunt cardiac rupture who survive to treatment is even less common. It is estimated that 8–86% of immediate deaths after significant blunt chest trauma are a result of blunt cardiac rupture. Gunshot wounds (GSWs) account for the majority of penetrating cardiac injuries (58–76%), while stab wounds account for most of the remainder. For patients surviving to the hospital, successful outcomes require prompt diagnosis and therapeutic intervention with an aggressive, precise, and coordinated effort on the part of the surgeon, trauma service, and anesthesia team.
Numerical Considerations in the Modeling of a High Explosive Cylinder Experiment Using an ALE Continuum Mechanics Code.

A series of experiments involving the detonation of PBX 9501 encased in a copper cylinder are modeled with the objective of evaluating a proposed set of phenomenological parameters for the Wescott–Stewart–Davis reactive burn model. The numerical analysis is conducted using the Los Alamos continuum mechanics code FLAG. Numerical considerations pertaining to various aspects of modeling the experiments using FLAG are discussed. It is shown that use of the proposed set of phenomenological parameters results in predictions of free-surface velocity that match empirically measured velocities reasonably well.
A first-principles study of carbon-related energy levels in GaN. I. Complexes formed by substitutional/interstitial carbons and gallium/nitrogen vacancies

Various forms of carbon based complexes in GaN are studied with first-principles calculations employing Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof hybrid functionals within the framework of the density functional theory. We consider carbon complexes made of the combinations of single impurities, i.e., CN−CGa, CI−CN, and CI−CGa, where CN, CGa, and CI denote C substituting nitrogen, C substituting gallium, and interstitial C, respectively, and of neighboring gallium/nitrogen vacancies ( VGa/ VN), i.e., CN−VGa and CGa−VN. Formation energies are computed for all these configurations with different charge states after full geometry optimizations. From our calculated formation energies, thermodynamic transition levels are evaluated, which are related to the thermal activation energies observed in experimental techniques such as deep level transient spectroscopy. Furthermore, the lattice relaxation energies (Franck-Condon shift) are computed to obtain optical activation energies, which are observed in experimental techniques such ...
Circulating Syndecan-1 and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor, Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction, Predict Mortality in Burn Patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between burn injury and admission plasma levels of Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), and their ability to predict 30-day mortality. BACKGROUND SDC-1 and TFPI are expressed by vascular endothelium and shed into the plasma as biomarkers of endothelial damage. Admission plasma biomarker levels have been associated with morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, but this has not been well characterized in burn patients.Methods: This cohort study enrolled burn patients admitted to a regional burn center between 2013 and 2017. Blood samples were collected within 4 h of admission and plasma SDC-1 and TFPI were quantified by ELISA. Demographics and injury characteristics were collected prospectively. The primary outcome was 30-day in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Of 158 patients, 74 met inclusion criteria. Most patients were male with median age of 41.5 years and burn TBSA of 20.5%. The overall mortality rate was 20.3%. Admission SDC-1 and TFPI were significantly higher among deceased patients. Plasma SDC-1 >34 ng/mL was associated with a 32-times higher likelihood of mortality [OR: 32.65 (95% CI, 2.67-399.78); P = 0.006] and a strong predictor of mortality (area under the ROC [AUROC] 0.92). TFPI was associated with a nine-times higher likelihood of mortality [OR: 9.59 (95% CI, 1.02-89.75); P = 0.002] and a fair predictor of mortality (AUROC 0.68). CONCLUSIONS SDC-1 and TFPI are associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality. We propose the measurement of SDC-1 on admission to identify burn patients at high risk of mortality. However, further investigation with a larger sample size is warranted.
A 35.5-127.2 TOPS/W Dynamic Sparsity-Aware Reconfigurable-Precision Compute-in-Memory SRAM Macro for Machine Learning

This letter presents an energy-efficient sparsity-aware reconfigurable-precision compute-in-memory (CIM) 8T-SRAM macro for machine learning (ML) applications. The proposed macro dynamically leverages workload sparsity by reconfiguring the output precision in the peripheral circuitry without degrading application accuracy. Specifically, we propose a new energy-efficient reconfigurable-precision SAR ADC design with the ability to form ( $n+m$ )-bit precision using $n$ -bit and $m$ -bit ADCs. Additionally, the transimpedance amplifier (TIA) “required to convert the summed current into voltage before conversion” is reconfigured based on sparsity to improve sense margin at lower output precision. The proposed macro, fabricated in 65-nm technology, provides 35.5-127.2 TOPS/W as the ADC precision varies from 6 to 2 bit, respectively.
Impact of Reticulated Platelets on Platelet Reactivity in Neonates.

Neonatal megakaryopoiesis and platelet turnover form a developmentally unique pattern by generating a pool of newly released reticulated platelets from the bone marrow into the circulation. Reticul...
Do contravention attempts affect public support for presidential term limits?: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

Leaders in many African countries have attempted to subvert constitutional limits on the number of terms they can serve in office. By comparing attitudes among citizens who have experienced term li...
Molecular dynamics modeling of atomic displacement cascades in 3C–SiC: Comparison of interatomic potentials

Abstract We used molecular dynamics modeling of atomic displacement cascades to characterize the nature of primary radiation damage in 3C–SiC. We demonstrated that the most commonly used interatomic potentials are inconsistent with ab initio calculations of defect energetics. Both the Tersoff potential used in this work and a modified embedded-atom method potential reveal a barrier to recombination of the carbon interstitial and carbon vacancy which is much higher than the density functional theory (DFT) results. The barrier obtained with a newer potential by Gao and Weber is closer to the DFT result. This difference results in significant differences in the cascade production of point defects. We have completed both 10 keV and 50 keV cascade simulations in 3C–SiC at a range of temperatures. In contrast to the Tersoff potential, the Gao-Weber potential produces almost twice as many C vacancies and interstitials at the time of maximum disorder (∼0.2 ps) but only about 25% more stable defects at the end of the simulation. Only about 20% of the carbon defects produced with the Tersoff potential recombine during the in–cascade annealing phase, while about 60% recombine with the Gao-Weber potential. The Gao-Weber potential appears to give a more realistic description of cascade dynamics in SiC, but still has some shortcomings when the defect migration barriers are compared to the ab initio results.
Rail and insulator spectra from plasma railgun armatures

Summary form only. High-resolution radiation spectra of the plasma armature in a railgun have been recorded in the rail and insulator simultaneously, at the same axial location, using optical multichannel analyzers and 1-mm quartz fibers. The spectra have been obtained at approximately 6 mm and 24 mm from the leading edge of the armature, which correspond to the increasing current and peak current parts of the plasma armature, respectively. The gate width was 1 mu s, resulting in a spatial resolution of about 1.5 mm. The rail emission signal follows the armature current profile very closely, while the radiation through the insulator side is partially blocked due to ablation products in the insulator boundary layer. Resonance absorption lines of AlI, CuI, and CaII have been identified along with possible traces of carbon and nitrogen compounds. A detailed radiation model has been used to estimate the plasma centerline temperature, the temperature profile, and the plasma composition. >
Symptoms and esophageal motility based on phenotypic findings of scleroderma

Scleroderma esophagus is characterized by ineffective peristalsis and reduced esophageal sphincter pressure. Esophageal disease in scleroderma can precede cutaneous manifestations and has been associated with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of cutaneous findings, RP, and PF on demographics, symptoms, and esophageal motility in patients with scleroderma. Scleroderma patients with esophageal involvement were included after review of esophageal manometries and charts over a 6-year period. High-resolution esophageal manometry was performed. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire. The study enrolled 28 patients (22 females; mean age 50.3 ± 12.8 years) with scleroderma esophagus. Patients without skin involvement (n= 12) reported more severe heartburn (P= 0.02), while those with cutaneous findings (n= 16) had more frequent dysphagia with solids (P= 0.02). Patients with RP (n= 22) had lower amplitude of distal esophageal contractions (P= 0.01) than those without RP (n= 6). Patients with PF (n= 11) reported more severe coughing and wheezing (both P= 0.03) than those without lung disease (n= 17). This study highlights subgroups of patients with scleroderma esophagus according to phenotypic findings of dermatologic changes, RP, and PF. Heartburn and dysphagia are important symptoms that may be associated with different stages of disease progression based on skin changes in scleroderma. RP was associated with greater esophageal dysmotility. Coughing and wheezing were more severe in patients with PF.
Reconfigurable MEMS transmission lines with independent Z/sub o/- and /spl beta/-tuning

A reconfigurable MEMS transmission line based on cascaded capacitors and slow-wave sections has been developed to provide independent Z/sub o/- and /spl beta/-tuning. In the Z/sub o/-mode of operation, a 7.4mm long line provides Z/sub o/-tuning from 52 to 40/spl Omega/ (+/-2/spl Omega/) with constant phase between the states through 50GHz. The same transmission line is reconfigured by addressing the MEM elements differently and experimental data for a 1-bit version shows 358/spl deg//dB (or 58/spl deg//mm) with S/sub 11/ less than -25dB at 50GHz. The combined effect of Z/sub o/- and /spl beta/-tuning is realized using a 5-bit version and provides 52/40/spl Omega/ impedance tuning with 304/spl deg//dB phase shift.
Role of the Y-group of the vestibular nuclei and flocculus of the cerebellum in motor learning of the vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex.

Publisher Summary The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes ocular gaze during head movement. The gain of this reflex, eye velocity/head velocity can be plastically adapted by manipulating the animal's vision so that the gain remains compensatory. The VOR and particularly a vertical slow phase eye movement of vestibular origin are among the simplest of motor acts. This chapter illustrates the putative neuronal circuit underlying the vertical VOR. Because the illustrated elements are inclusive, motor learning should take place within or among them. There are three sites, which satisfy the criterion of receiving both a head and eye velocity signal. They are the Y group of the vestibular nuclei, the flocculus target neurons (FTN) of the superior vestibular nucleus, and the floccular Purkinje cells. Additionally, for the case where the learning is precerebellar and transmitted through the flocculus, it is considered that the eye velocity circuit might also undergo the modification of its output to command a gain change in the system. The Y group receives both a head velocity signal via a disynaptic pathway through the vestibular nuclei and an eye velocity signal via floccular vertical zone Purkinje cells that innervate Y.
PAHs in Galaxies: their Properties and Evolution

I summarize the results of two recent studies, based on ISO and Spitzer mid-IR spectra of galaxies and Galactic regions, aimed at understanding the origins of the variations of the aromatic features among and inside galaxies. I show that the ratios between the most intense bands (6.2, 7.7, 8.6 and 11.3 microns) are principally sensitive to the charge of the molecules, and therefore represent a powerful diagnostic tool of the physical conditions inside the region where the emission is originating. Then, I show that the weakness of the aromatic bands, in low-metallicity environments, is a consequence of the delayed injection of their carriers, the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), into the interstellar medium (ISM) of galaxies. Indeed, PAHs are believed to form in the envelopes of post-AGB stars, several hundreds of million years after the beginning of the star formation, when the system is already chemically evolved.
Regulators of membrane trafficking and Mycobacterium tuberculosis phagosome maturation block

The biogenesis and maturation of phagosomes is an area of study which has been employing aspects of proteomic analyses and variations on that theme by identifying components on isolated organelles and following their dynamic changes and interactions with the endocytic pathway. In the case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis phagosome, the arrest of its maturation in infected macrophages, referred to in classical texts as the inhibition of phagosome-lysosome fusion, represents a phenomenon that is used to functionally dissect the phagosomal maturation pathway. In this review, we summarize the recent studies on regulators of membrane trafficking and other organelle components in the context of phagosomal biogenesis and mycobacterial phagosome maturation arrest.
“The filthiest service in the world”: Sodomy, emasculation, honor and shame in the Early Modern period

There are countless literary and historical representations of the Thirty Years War. Common to many of the accounts is the excessive violence done not only soldier to soldier, but soldier to civilian. As Andreas Gryphius writes in Thranen des Vaterlands/Anno 1636 (quoted from Fischetti 1975:63): Die Turme stehn in Glutt / die Kirch ist umgekehret. Das Rathaus ligt im Graus / die Starcken sind zerhaun. Die Jungfern sind geschand’t / und wo wir hin nur schaun / Ist Feuer / Pest und Tod / der Hertz und Geist durchfahret. Indeed, much has been written on the “raping” or pillaging of towns and cities, and the raping of the townswomen by invading soldiers. Yet what of the sexual violence that male soldiers waged on males? What does one make of references such as “ihnen den Hintern zu lecken” (translated in English as “the filthiest service in the world”) in Grimmelshausen’s Simplicissimus? This reference is an example of Entehrung through sexual conquest on the battlefield, and relates the fear and shame felt by such conquered soldiers. To further shame the defeated soldiers, the victors sodomized their captors as a statement of ultimate conquest. Thus, capture by the victor was often not merely an issue of losing one’s honor as a soldier, but of losing one’s honor as a man. In my paper I wish to: 1) discuss the relationship between honor and shame with respect to sodomy in the Medieval and Early Modern period, 2) bring representations of male-male violence to light, 3) examine such representations with respect to honor and shame, and 4) further analyze the concepts of masculinity, sodomy and shame with respect to an excerpt from Grimmelshausen’s Simplicissimus Teutsch 1.
Books, Bytes, and Buildings: The Academic Library's Unique Role in Improving Student Success

ABSTRACTStudent persistence and completion are paramount in higher education, and institutions are employing targeted programs and initiatives to address these concerns. The academic library can play an especially important role in these efforts, given its unique interdisciplinary mission and its integrated instructional programs. With a foundation in both higher education and library and information science literatures, this article describes how one academic library engaged in cross-campus programs, partnerships, and initiatives to contribute to student success efforts. Other libraries may find these examples useful as they consider how to frame their work in the context of their institutions’ student persistence efforts.
Hidden Dipole Dark Matter

We consider models where a hidden $U(1{)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ interacts with the Standard Model via kinetic mixing. We assume the dark matter is neutral under this $U(1{)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, but interacts with it via higher-dimensional operators. In particular, we consider a hidden dipole operator for fermionic dark matter, and charge radius and Rayleigh operators for scalar dark matter. These models naturally explain the absence of direct detection signals, but allow for a thermal cosmology. LHC searches for the ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ represent a powerful probe.
Using the CATE model to help SMEs expand to global e-commerce markets

This paper starts with an overview of global e-commerce development and 2004 Global E-readiness Rankings (GER). Considering limited resources and economies of scale, a Cultural, Administrative, Technological and Economical (CATE) model is recommended to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) develop appropriate marketing strategies. The paper continues with discussion of cultural, administrative, technological and economical considerations relevant to e-commerce global expansion in the eight world regions. The paper concludes with managerial implications for SMEs to use the CATE model and capture mass global e-commerce markets, especially in developing countries.
Membrane and synaptic effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on periaqueductal gray neurons of the rat.

Abstract Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been identified as a major component of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. By stimulating the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), CRF acts as a key mediator of the stress response. However, CRF receptors and neuronal elements are present in many extrahypothalamic regions of the brain. A region that contains both CRF-ergic neurons and CRF receptors is the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). The physiological effects of CRF in the PAG are unknown. In this study, an in vitro preparation, extracellular and intracellular patch-clamp recordings, were used to examine the effects of CRF, applied through an injecting electrode, on PAG neurons. Recordings were made from 147 neurons in the PAG. CRF injecting electrode concentrations of 0.05 and 1 μM were tested. At the higher concentration, CRF had a predominant excitatory effect on the neurons, and at the lower concentration, CRF produced no significant effect on the neurons. The excitatory effect was dose dependent and was often associated with a depolarization in membrane potential in intracellular recordings. Application of the CRF antagonist, α-helical CRF, blocked this excitatory effect. It is concluded that CRF has a predominant excitatory effect on PAG neurons. It is also concluded that CRF is not acting presynaptically. This excitatory effect of CRF on PAG neurons may lead to activation of a descending analgesic pathway.
Stream macroinvertebrate communities in paired hemlock and deciduous watersheds.

Abstract Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) is a common forest species that is declining throughout its range in the eastern United States because of the invasion of an exotic forest pest, Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid). This pest kills infected trees, and over time, infected stands are replaced by deciduous forests. The conversion of forests from hemlock to deciduous species is predicted to impact the hydrology, chemistry, and biology of associated headwater streams. In this study, we examined the macroinvertebrate communities of two adjacent headwater streams with differing hemlock influence in central Massachusetts. Abundance, taxa richness, diversity, and unique taxa were generally greater in the deciduous stream. Differences in the distribution of functional feeding groups were observed: the hemlock stream had a greater percentage of collector-gatherers while the deciduous stream had a greater percentage of shredders and predators. These findings suggest that macroinvertebrate communities in...
Recognizing and optimizing flight opportunities with hardware and life sciences limitations

The availability of orbital space flight opportunities to conduct life sciences research has been limited. It is possible to use parabolic flight and sounding rocket programs to conduct some kinds of experiments during short episodes (seconds to minutes) of reduced gravity, but there are constraints and limitations to these programs. Orbital flight opportunities are major undertakings, and the potential science achievable is often a function of the flight hardware available. A variety of generic types of flight hardware have been developed and tested, and show great promise for use during NSTS flights. One such payload configuration is described which has already flown.
Determination of phosphate position in hexose monosaccharides using an FTICR mass spectrometer: ion/molecule reactions, labeling studies, and dissociation mechanisms

Abstract Determination of phosphate position in carbohydrates using mass spectrometry is difficult due to the low energy loss of the phosphate either as a neutral or as an ion in MS/MS experiments. A possible solution to this problem is proposed in this work, whereby we use ion/molecule reactions in combination with tandem mass spectrometry to determine the site of phosphorylation on phosphorylated monosaccharides. Singly charged negative ions from phosphorylated monosaccharides are reacted with trimethyl borate in an FTICR MS analyzer cell to produce ion/molecule reaction products with the loss of a neutral methanol molecule. This reaction product likely involves a covalent bond between one of the phosphate oxygen atoms and boron. Derivatization of the phosphate in this manner allows stabilization of the phosphate group under SORI-CID conditions, allowing generation of ions characteristic of the phosphate linkage. Ion structures and dissociation mechanisms explaining these results are presented and discussed. The mechanistic studies suggest that the extra degrees of freedom provided by the 6-linked phosphate allows formation of diagnostic ions in the 6-linked case that are not formed from the 1-linked isomer. The dissociation of the ion/molecule reaction products using infrared multi-photon dissociation (IRMPD) as an activation method was also investigated. While SORI-CID and IRMPD activation yield similar dissociation patterns, the characteristic differences in the product ion spectra between the monosaccharides phosphorylated in the 1- and 6-positions are not observed using IRMPD.
Hot Fusion: An Efficient Method to Clone Multiple DNA Fragments as Well as Inverted Repeats without Ligase

Molecular cloning is utilized in nearly every facet of biological and medical research. We have developed a method, termed Hot Fusion, to efficiently clone one or multiple DNA fragments into plasmid vectors without the use of ligase. The method is directional, produces seamless junctions and is not dependent on the availability of restriction sites for inserts. Fragments are assembled based on shared homology regions of 17-30 bp at the junctions, which greatly simplifies the construct design. Hot Fusion is carried out in a one-step, single tube reaction at 50 °C for one hour followed by cooling to room temperature. In addition to its utility for multi-fragment assembly Hot Fusion provides a highly efficient method for cloning DNA fragments containing inverted repeats for applications such as RNAi. The overall cloning efficiency is in the order of 90-95%.
Accelerated life tests under competing weibull causes of failure

Accelerated life testing of a product under more severe than normal conditions is cawiionly used to reduce test time and cost. Data collected at such accelerated conditions is used to obtain estimates of parameters of a stress translation function which is then used to make inference about the product's, per" formance under normal conditions. This problem is considered when the product is a p component series system with WeibuH distributed component lifetimes liaving a caimon shape parameter. A general stress translation function is used and estimates of model parameters are obtained for various censoring schemes.
Heavy metals and their leachability in incinerator ash

Samples of ash from municipal refuse incinerators in six Connecticut towns as well as samples of incinerated sewage sludge were collected during 1988 and 1989. The samples were analyzed for pH, metal content by HNO3 + H2O2 digestion, extractable metals by solvents including NaOAc, DTPA, H2CO3 and H2O. Two samples were examined for metals that could be leached by H2O from laboratory columns. Most ash samples were highly alkaline and their pH changed slowly, decreasing by about two pH units over a 6-week period. The variability in metal content of ash from different incinerators was similar to that observed in samples obtained from the same facility at different times. Only a portion of the metals were extracted by the solvents in the order NaOAc > DTPA > H2CO3 > H2O. The relative amounts of the total metals in the ash that could be extracted with specific solvents varied widely, suggesting different chemical forms in different ashes. After the initial removal of large concentrations of metals in the leachates from laboratory columns over 2 to 3 days, leaching of metals continued at extremely low concentrations that were generally below drinking water standards.
Poly(Vinyl chloride): Viscoelastic and fatigue properties as a function of molecular weight in ethanol vapor

Viscoelastic fatigue studies were made on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films using oscillatory loading on prestressed samples in an ethanol vapor environment. Samples include unfractionated PVC, relatively narrow molecular weight distribution fractions, and blends made from the fractions. Strain, complex modulus, and tan δ were studied as a function of time until rupture occurred. A marked dependence on molecular weight was observed, for example, a fraction with Mw = 51,000 failed in a few seconds, while one with Mw = 228,000 did not fracture after 1600 min.
Computer animation for visualizing terrain data

Until recently, the study of terrain data gathered by satellites has meant the time-consuming analysis of hundreds of still images. An attempt to use computer animation to analyze such images more effectively is described. A simulated fly-by created by computer animation allows scientists to study many different perspective views of the data quickly. Using this technique, scientists can often detect features they might otherwise have missed. >
Total ischemic burden: Definition, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications

The concept of the total ischemic burden includes all types of ischemia encompassing both silent and symptomatic ischemic episodes. This concept is currently causing a re-evaluation of current therapeutic goals for patients with coronary heart disease. Although the mechanism of cardiac pain is still unclear, we do have some information about other pathophysiologic mechanisms at work in this disorder. We think of ischemia as occurring secondary to reduced supply (primary ischemia), increased demand (secondary ischemia), or a combination of the two (mixed ischemia). Because of the lower heart rate associated with many episodes of ischemia during everyday activities, suggesting that vasoconstriction is playing a role in the patient's supply/demand imbalance, calcium antagonists appear to be particularly useful agents for the treatment of vasoconstriction in patients with angina.
Evaluating window joins over punctuated streams

We explore join optimizations in the presence of both time-based constraints (sliding windows) and value-based constraints (punctuations). We present the first join solution named PWJoin that exploits such combined constraints to shrink the runtime join state and to propagate punctuations to benefit downstream operators. We design a state structure for PWJoin that facilitates the exploitation of both constraint types. We also explore optimizations enabled by the interactions between window and punctuation, e.g., early punctuation propagation. The costs of the PWJoin are analyzed using a cost model. We also conduct an experimental study using CAPE continuous query system. The experimental results show that in most cases, by exploiting punctuations, PWJoin outperforms the pure window join with regard to both memory overhead and throughput. Our technique complements the joins in the literature, such as symmetric hash join or window join, to now require less runtime resources without compromising the accuracy of the result.
Bean fly, management practices, and biological control in Malawian subsistence agriculture

Abstract Subsistence farmers with little access to costly farm inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers must rely on natural pest regulation and cultural controls. To assess the effects of different management practices on a key pest, bean fly densities were compared among 19 farmers' field in central Malawi. The close proximity of these fields, synchrony of planting dates, and similar field sizes allowed a rigorous, empirical comparison of the relative susceptibility of different bean varieties, the effects of soil fertility, and effects of surrounding vegetation. The two most commonly used varieties differed significantly in bean fly infestation levels. Total soil nitrogen was positively correlated with the most common species of bean fly (Ophiomyia spencerella); and soil phosphorus levels were negatively correlated with population densities of both bean fly species. Similar rates of biological control of bean flies by parasitic wasps occurred in all fields. Complementary experiments with potted plants showed a direct relationship between synthetic NPK fertilizer level and O. spencerella density. However, the effect was reversed in treatments with soluble fish protein fertilizer. In addition, straw mulching of newly sown fields, a practice not used by farmers in the study, may reduce bean fly damage.
Malignant gliomas: current perspectives in diagnosis, treatment, and early response assessment using advanced quantitative imaging methods

Malignant gliomas consist of glioblastomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, anaplastic oligodendrogliomas and anaplastic oligoastrocytomas, and some less common tumors such as anaplastic ependymomas and anaplastic gangliogliomas. Malignant gliomas have high morbidity and mortality. Even with optimal treatment, median survival is only 12–15 months for glioblastomas and 2–5 years for anaplastic gliomas. However, recent advances in imaging and quantitative analysis of image data have led to earlier diagnosis of tumors and tumor response to therapy, providing oncologists with a greater time window for therapy management. In addition, improved understanding of tumor biology, genetics, and resistance mechanisms has enhanced surgical techniques, chemotherapy methods, and radiotherapy administration. After proper diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy, there is now a vital need for quantitative methods that can sensitively detect malignant glioma response to therapy at early follow-up times, when changes in management of nonresponders can have its greatest effect. Currently, response is largely evaluated by measuring magnetic resonance contrast and size change, but this approach does not take into account the key biologic steps that precede tumor size reduction. Molecular imaging is ideally suited to measuring early response by quantifying cellular metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis, activities altered early in treatment. We expect that successful integration of quantitative imaging biomarker assessment into the early phase of clinical trials could provide a novel approach for testing new therapies, and importantly, for facilitating patient management, sparing patients from weeks or months of toxicity and ineffective treatment. This review will present an overview of epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis and current advances in diagnoses, and management of malignant gliomas.
THE COORDINATION OF AMINOPHOSPHONATES TO CHROMIUM(III)

Abstract Attempts to induce coordination of the amine group in aminophosphonate complexes of chromium(III) were unsuccessful. However, N-phosphonomethylglycine forms a stable complex in which the amine, the carboxylate, and one phosphonate oxygen are coordinated. A similarly coordinated complex of N,N-diphosphonomethylglycine is unstable and reverts to an isomer in which the amine group is free. Several potential reasons for the failure of the amine group to coordinate in aminophosphonates in contrast to analogous aminocarboxylate complexes were explored. Steric factors appear unimportant. Contributing factors are (1) there is a driving force for the transfer of a proton from a phosphonate oxygen to the amine, establishing a preference for oxygen coordination; (2) coordination of the phosphonate end of an aminophosphonate appears to lower the basicity of the amine group much more than carboxylate coordination in an aminocarboxylate; (3) in an aminophosphonate the nitrogen lone pair orbitals lie lower in e...
Central pontine myelinolysis following acute hypoglycemia.

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) was first described in 1959 s a complication seen in alcoholic malnourished patients [1]. It efers to a demyelinating lesion of the central pons, thought to arise econdary to osmotic stress and be part of an osmotic demyelinaion syndrome (ODS) that can affect areas outside of the brain stem ike axons in the putamina, caudate nuclei, thalami, cerebellum, plenium of the corpus callosum, and subcortical white matter [2]. utative pathomechanisms, in conjunction with osmotic dysreguation may include break down of the blood brain barrier and an ctive demyelination process involving activated glial and inflamatory cells. Here we present a case of a patient who developed PM in the setting of acute hypoglycemia and Levofloxacin adminstration.
The effect of downhill running on Notch signaling in regenerating skeletal muscle.

Notch signaling expression in regenerating muscle following injurious downhill running (DHR) was characterized in male C57BL/J6 mice (3 mo). Hindlimb muscles were harvested from control mice or at 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h post-DHR. Muscle injury was observed at 96 h (3.3-fold) and 120 h (3.7-fold) post-DHR (P < 0.01) and elevated MCadherin expression at 72 h (2.7-fold), 96 h (2.4-fold) post-DHR (P < 0.05) and 120 h (3.3-fold) post-DHR (P < 0.01). Desmin increased at 72 h (2.2-fold), 96 h (3-fold) and 120 h (1.8-fold) post-DHR (P < 0.05). Delta1 +/MCadherin + cells increased ~2-fold at 72, 96 (P < 0.01) and 120 h post-DHR (P < 0.05). Isolated muscle-associated cells increased Delta1 (2.6-fold) (P < 0.05) and Notch1 (fourfold) (P < 0.01) expression at 120 h post-DHR. The results of this novel study indicate that DHR up-regulates Notch components within myoblasts and regenerating muscle.
Synthesis of cis- and trans-Davanoids: Artemone, Hydroxydavanone, Isodavanone, and Nordavanone

A concise and versatile synthesis of both cis and trans dia­stereomers of the natural products artemone, hydroxydavanone, isodavanone, and nordavanone has been accomplished. The preparation of trans -davanone is also described. Each synthesis is six to eight steps from geranyl acetate, with differentiation between cis and trans products occurring through a diastereoselective cyclization prior to derivatization. Many of these compounds are minor components of davana oil and have now been synthesized for the first time.
Disaccharidases in the small intestine of the mouse: Normal development and influence of cortisone, actinomycin D, and cycloheximide☆

Abstract The development of maltase, sucrase, and lactase activity has been examined in the small intestine of the mouse. After increasing during 2 days before birth, maltase remains unchanged for 14 days, after which activity surges up throughout the intestine. Sucrase is absent during the first 14 days, but then rises in a pattern similar to, but distinct from, that for maltase. Both enzymes rise faster in the proximal third of the intestine than in the terminal third. Lactase, which is high in the infant intestine, falls after 12 days in the proximal segment, but only after 16 days in the more posterior segments. Cortisone administered at 8 days causes a rise of maltase activity that continues for at least 72 hours. At 4 days the same treatment causes an increase that ceases after 48 hours. Sucrase activity is elicited by cortisone at 8 days but not at 4 days. Between 10 and 13 days both actinomycin D and cycloheximide evoke significant increases of both maltase and sucrase activity in all regions of the intestine. When administered in concert with cortisone, actinomycin D inhibits, but does not prevent, the stimulatory influence of the hormone on sucrase; with maltase activity, significant inhibition occurs only in the middle third of the intestine. Cycloheximide does not interfere with the effects of cortisone. No additive effects between hormone and antibiotics were obtained. These results are discussed in relation to results of similar studies on intestinal alkaline phosphatase and leucylnaphthylamidase.
A comparison of R&D project termination factors in four industrial nations

With firms establishing R&D facilities abroad, it is important for R&D managers to understand how decisions are made and the factors that affect them in different countries. The decision to terminate an ongoing R&D project is made based on a number of factors. Some of these are objective and based on actual data, while others are mostly qualitative and subjective. Previous studies have identified a number of factors found to be important in the context of firms in the United States. Some recent studies have identified such factors in Germany and in the United Kingdom. This study examines the factors in the Japanese context in addition to the three countries. It further compares these factors from the four countries and provides some explanations for the similarities and the differences between the factors. Based on the results of this comparative study it suggests the implications for R&D management.
HIPO: a high-speed imaging photometer for occultations

HIPO is a special purpose instrument for SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy. It is a high-speed, imaging photometer that will be used for a variety of time-resolved precise photometry observations, including stellar occultations by solar system objects and transits by extrasolar planets. HIPO has two independent CCD detectors and can also co-mount with FLITECAM, an InSb imager and spectrometer, making simultaneous photometry at three wavelengths possible. HIPO's flexible design and high-speed imaging capability make it well suited to carry out initial test observations on the completed SOFIA system, and to this end a number of additional features have been incorporated. Earlier papers have discussed the design requirements and optical design of HIPO. This paper provides an overview of the instrument, describes the instrument's features, and reviews the actual performance, in most areas, of the completed instrument.
Isozyme profiles and protein patterns in specific organ damage

Serum lactic dehydrogenase isozymes have been utilized as a means of detecting specific organ damage in rats. The serum LDH isozyme patterns seen in response to liver or kidney damage are markedly different, thus these patterns were utilized to identify the damaged organ. Liver damage resulted in increased activity of the serum LDH-5 isozyme while kidney damage produced increased activity of LDH-1 and LDH-2. The ip injection of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) resulted in elevated activity of LDH-1 and LDH-2, characteristic of kidney damage, after doses as low as 2 mg/kg. In a time sequence study following the injection of 4 mg HgCl2/kg body weight, there was an early elevation of LDH-5 suggestive of liver damage. This was followed approximately 12 hours after injection by marked increase of LDH-1 and LDH-2 characteristic of kidney damage. An alteration of the serum protein electrophoretic pattern was also noticed in HgCl2 treated animals. This technique of studying serum isozyme patterns may become a valuable tool in the detection of organ damage produced by toxic compounds.
Topographic Influences on the Path of the Gulf Stream

Meander patterns observed in the Gulf Stream east of Cape Hatteras exhibit correlations with bottom topography. An examination of the orders of magnitude of terms in the Gulf Stream vorticity balance suggests that if the current extends to the ocean bottom, as implied by some recent deep velocity measurements, its path must indeed be controlled principally by the topography of the Continental Rise, with a generally smaller constraint imposed by the meridional variation of the Coriolis parameter. Approximate current paths calculated according to this mechanism—steady-state conservation of potential vorticity—agree sufficiently well with observed paths to confirm the topographic explanation of large-scale meanders. The observed variety in meander patterns is attributed to fluctuations in current direction and path curvature near Cape Hatteras. These conclusions make doubtful any direct relation between large-scale meanders and possible instabilities of the Gulf Stream east of Cape Hatteras, and between the distribution of wind stress and the separation of Stream from coast. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1963.tb01376.x
Systems thinking for safety and security

The fundamental challenge facing security professionals is preventing losses, be they operational, financial or mission losses. As a result, one could argue that security professionals share this challenge with safety professionals. Despite their shared challenge, there is little evidence that recent advances that enable one community to better prevent losses have been shared with the other for possible implementation. Limitations in current safety approaches have led researchers and practitioners to develop new models and techniques. These techniques could potentially benefit the field of security. This paper describes a new systems thinking approach to safety that may be suitable for meeting the challenge of securing complex systems against cyber disruptions. Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis for Security (STPA-Sec) augments traditional security approaches by introducing a top-down analysis process designed to help a multidisciplinary team consisting of security, operations, and domain experts identify and constrain the system from entering vulnerable states that lead to losses. This new framework shifts the focus of the security analysis away from threats as the proximate cause of losses and focuses instead on the broader system structure that allowed the system to enter a vulnerable system state that the threat exploits to produce the disruption leading to the loss.
Microsatellite Instability and TARBP2 Mutation Study in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Microsatellite instability (MSI) contributes to the tumorigenesis of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT-UCs). In this study, we first used MLH1 and MSH2 immunohistochemistry to identify patients with loss of expression of either or both of these proteins in 132 UUT-UCs. We found a total loss of MSH2 expression in 4 patients. MSI was evaluated using 5 markers in these 4 cases. All of the tumors had high MSI (MSI-H) status. Trans-activation responsive RNA-binding protein 2, an integral component of DICER1-containing complex, was a putative target of DNA mismatch repair deficiency. Truncating mutation has been identified in gastrointestinal cancers with MSI. No previous study has evaluated the mutation status of this gene in MSI UUT-UCs. In this study, we analyze the mutation of TARBP2 in MSI-H UUT-UCs with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. No truncating mutations were identified in the MSI-H UUT-UCs.
Bank funds management by goal programming

Abstract A goal programming model was developed which attempts to achieve a number of objectives normally desired in the banking industry. The model incorporates objectives relative to providing sufficient liquidity, minimizing risk, maintaining adequate levels of capital, minimizing the cost of capital, maximizing profit and providing reasonable dividends. The constraints on the model relate to pledged assets required by the government, required reserves and limits on certain balance sheet items. Model validation is accomplished by utilizing data obtained from a commercial bank. The data includes financial information for 1982–1984. The 1982 actual data is utilized by the model to project 1983 and 1984 conditions. These projected numbers are then compared with actual financial data to compare the model's performance with results achieved by management without the use of the model. Total underachievement of several goals in banking is minimized within the limits of the actual decision environment.
Breaking out of the software engineering mind-mold

I read an article proposing that software engineering is an attempt to merge two opposing themes. Paraphrasing a bit, I would call the first theme a discipline of completeness; the second is freedom of creation. The two disciplines are overviewed. The discipline of completeness is a willingness and ability to search for and deal not just with every conceivable mode of failure but with as many inconceivable modes as you can find through exploration and testing. The opposing theme is freedom of creation, as in: If you are not a highly creative person, why in the world are you writing software?.
“I Will Be Your God and You Will Be My People”: Attachment Theory and the Grand Narrative of Scripture

In this article, we apply attachment theory to the grand narrative of Christian Scripture: creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. First, utilizing four key features of attachment theory—secure base, exploration, attachment behaviors, and safe haven—we attempt to integrate the “circle of attachment” with the biblical story of creation. Next, we explore the overlap between maternal deprivation, including the stages of protest, despair, and detachment, and the fall of humankind elucidated in the biblical storyline. Finally, we discuss the relationship between attachment theory and redemption and new creation within the grand narrative of Scripture. By focusing on the relationship between God and humankind found within the Old and New Testaments, we seek to expand the theological underpinnings of the attachment to God literature and conclude by offering suggestions for therapists and pastoral counselors working with Christians exhibiting disordered attachment patterns.