cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AN UNCOMMON COMMON PROCEDURE: VENTRICULAR ANEURYSMECTOMY IN CHAGAS CARDIOMYOPATHY

Though Chagas disease is mainly found in Latin America, the CDC estimates over 300,000 persons with Trypanosoma cruzi infection living in the United States. The most common cardiac complications of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) are left ventricular (LV) dilation and dysfunction,
Interlayer exchange coupling in Pt/Co/Ru and Pt/Co/Ir superlattices

Author(s): Karayev, S; Murray, PD; Khadka, D; Thapaliya, TR; Liu, K; Huang, SX | Abstract: Magnetic multilayer thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (iDMI) are of intense interest for realizing magnetic skyrmions and modifying topological spin textures. We systematically investigate interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) in Pt/Co/Ru(Ir) superlattices that have PMA and large iDMI. The IEC is greatly tunable by varying Ru(Ir) or Pt thickness and the antiferromagnetic IEC is as large as 1.3mJ/m2 that is on the same order of magnitude as the iDMI. We find unusual magnetic hysteresis loop crossing between field-ascending and -descending magnetization curves. Furthermore, we identify magnetic phase diagrams for antiferromagnetic IEC and hysteresis loop crossing with respect to Ru(Ir) and Pt thickness. Our experimental findings may open a way in the development of synthetic antiferromagnetic spintronics and/or the realization of antiferromagnetic skyrmions.
Primary Mediastinal Nodal and Extranodal Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Current Concepts, Historical Evolution, and Useful Diagnostic Approach Part 2

Primary mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (PM-NHLs) represent ∼5% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and comprise lymphomas of B-cell and T-cell origin. PM-NHLs are defined as involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes, thymus, and/or mediastinal organs (heart, lung, pleura, pericardium) by NHL without evidence of systemic disease at presentation. The clinical scenario is variable and depends on the lymphoma subtype. The radiologic presentation is also variable ranging from a mediastinal mass with or without superior vena cava syndrome, a pleural or a cardiac mass associated with effusion, or as an effusion only. The diagnosis of PM-NHLs can only be established by microscopic evaluation, and therefore, general pathologists should be aware of these tumors and familiar with their diagnostic approach. The most common anterior mediastinal NHLs (90% to 95%) are primary mediastinal (PM) large B-cell lymphoma and T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Thymic marginal zone lymphoma and mediastinal gray zone lymphoma are very rare. The remainder PM-NHLs involving middle or posterior mediastinum include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and rare cases of T-cell lymphoma, including anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma extending to the anterior mediastinum. Primary pleural and cardiac NHLs are mostly DLBCLs. Other rare subtypes of PM-NHLs include DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation/pyothorax-associated lymphoma, fibrin-associated DLBCL (both Epstein-Barr virus positive), and pleural and/or pericardial primary effusion lymphoma (human herpesvirus-8 positive/Epstein-Barr virus positive). We review the historical aspects, epidemiology, clinicoradiologic features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, differential diagnosis, and relevant cytogenetic and molecular features of the remaining mediastinal B-cell lymphomas, including primary thymic marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type, other PM small B-cell lymphomas, PM plasmacytoma, and the most relevant PM T-cell lymphomas.
Subsystem Rényi Entropy of Thermal Ensembles for SYK-like models

The Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model is an $N$-modes fermionic model with infinite range random interactions. In this work, we study the thermal R\'enyi entropy for a subsystem of the SYK model using the path-integral formalism in the large-$N$ limit. The results are consistent with exact diagonalization [1] and can be well approximated by thermal entropy with an effective temperature [2] when subsystem size $M\leq N/2$. We also consider generalizations of the SYK model with quadratic random hopping term or $U(1)$ charge conservation.
Candida Infective Endocarditis: A Retrospective Study of Patient Characteristics and Risk Factors for Death in 703 United States Cases, 2015-2019.

Background Candida endocarditis is a rare, sometimes fatal complication of candidemia. Past investigations of this condition are limited by small sample sizes. We used the Vizient clinical database to report on characteristics of patients with Candida endocarditis and to examine risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 703 inpatients admitted to 179 US hospitals between October 2015 and April 2019. We reviewed demographic, diagnostic, medication administration, and procedural data from each patient's initial encounter. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results Of 703 patients, 114 (16.2%) died during the index encounter. One hundred fifty-eight (22.5%) underwent an intervention on a cardiac valve. On multivariate analysis, acute and subacute liver failure was the strongest predictor of death (odds ratio [OR], 9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8 -17.7). Female sex (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), transfer from an outside medical facility (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8), aortic valve pathology (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.5-4.9), hemodialysis (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8), neutropenia (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.8), and alcohol abuse (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.7) were also associated with death on adjusted analysis, whereas opiate abuse was associated with a lower odds of death (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). Conclusions We found that the inpatient mortality rate was 16.2% among patients with Candida endocarditis. Acute and subacute liver failure was associated with a high risk of death, whereas opiate abuse was associated with a lower risk of death.
Malignant Monetary Monocentricity

I develop the idea of malignant monetary monocentricity: that contemporary central banks are systematically unlikely to deliver macroeconomic stability due to institutionally entrenched information and incentive problems. I also argue that polycentric monetary systems, best approximated by historical free banking systems, are information- and incentive-compatible in terms of delivering macroeconomic stability. I conclude by demonstrating why monetary monocentricity is incompatible with democratic self-governance, and that the only way to cure the malignancy is to replace monetary monocentricity with monetary polycentricity.
Bioproduced Proteins On Demand (Bio-POD) in hydrogels using Pichia pastoris

Traditional production of industrial and therapeutic proteins by eukaryotic cells typically requires large-scale fermentation capacity. As a result, these systems are not easily portable or reusable for on-demand protein production applications. In this study, we employ Bioproduced Proteins On Demand (Bio-POD), a F127-bisurethane methacrylate hydrogel-based technique that immobilizes engineered Pichia pastoris for preservable, on-demand production and secretion of medium- and high-molecular weight proteins (in this case, SEAP, α-amylase, and anti-HER2). The gel samples containing encapsulated-yeast demonstrated sustained protein production and exhibited productivity immediately after lyophilization and rehydration. The hydrogel platform described here is the first hydrogel immobilization using a P. pastoris system to produce recombinant proteins of this breadth. These results highlight the potential of this formulation to establish a cost-effective bioprocessing strategy for on-demand protein production.
Impact of neck CT on the management of suspected pediatric deep neck space infection.

Abstract Objective To identify clinical and radiographic factors that predict successful medical management in children with suspected deep neck space infection. Methods Retrospective chart review of 313 immunocompetent children admitted to a tertiary care children's hospital after undergoing a CT scan for a suspected neck abscess. Results A rim-enhancing hypodensity, suggestive of an abscess, was identified in 131/313 patients (42%). Medical management with IV antibiotics was utilized for more than 24 h in 57/131 (43%) of children with radiographic findings suggestive of a coalescent or evolving abscess. Medical management was successful in 36/57 (63%) of patients with a rim-enhancing collection. Children who underwent incision and drainage within 24 h had a larger fluid collection than those who underwent initial medical management (mean diameter 30 mm vs 20.5 mm; p Conclusion The majority of children with suspected DNSI were successfully managed with IV antibiotics alone, however, clinical and radiographic factors are not reliable predictors of successful medical management. In children who are hemodynamically stable without airway symptoms, one should consider a trial of IV antibiotics prior to requesting a CT scan.
The Role of Business Management in the Business Wworld with Historical and Present Perspective

I discussed in this paper regarding the role of Business management with the historical, present, past present, education perspective.
Sex Determination in Insects

Resolving the molecular genetic basis of sex determination in arthropods has applications that potentially could result in improved genetic control programs for pest insects or in useful genetic modifications of beneficial species. Sex determination is studied intensively in D. melanogaster . Sex determination in D. melanogaster has three components—dosage compensation, somatic sexual development, and germ-line sexual development. The primary cue for determining sex in D. melanogaster is the number of X chromosomes relative to autosomes (A) in a cell. This ratio determines somatic sex, germline sex, and dosage compensation by regulating functions of sets of regulatory genes. One model suggests that sex determination in all insects is based on modifications of the Drosophila scheme in which sexual development is controlled by a hierarchy of key regulatory genes. At the top of the regulatory cascade is Sex lethal+ (Sxl+), which must be ON to determine a female pathway. If Sxl+ is OFF, a male pathway is the “default” developmental process. Sex, subsequently, is determined by the differential splicing of messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs). At the end of the pathway, sex determination is influenced by a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding regulatory protein coded for by a doublesex+ gene. Although sex determination in arthropods is clearly determined by chromosomal and genetic processes, environment also plays a role in some. Infectious agents, including Wolbachia , Rickettsia , spiroplasmas, and viruses are able to modify sex determination or sex ratio in many arthropods.
Software reuse in the IV&V of system of systems

In this paper we address the need to increase the effectiveness and productivity of independent verification and validation (IV&V) of complex system-of-systems software via software reuse. We build upon our previous work on computer-aided IV&V techniques that advocate the use of a system reference model (SRM) to capture the IV&V team's understanding of the problem. An SRM is composed of use cases, Unified Modeling Language (UML) artifacts (e.g., activity diagrams, sequence diagrams, and class diagrams), and executable statechart-based assertions. Each statechart-based assertion is accompanied by a set of test scenarios, which is indispensable for a precise description of the required behaviors that satisfy the system goals. This paper describes a framework for reusing the SRM artifacts in the IV&V of system-of-systems software and presents a high-level architecture of a software reuse environment to support the framework.
Analysis of a Model for Multiseptation in Bacteria

Abstract The predictions of a model for multiseptation in bacteria recently proposed by Paulton are derived mathematically. It is shown that independent of the growth rate, the time between septum formation and cell division is given by ts = · t, where is the average number of successive division sites and t is the generation time. This result is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Electric, thermoelectric, and thermal conductivities of graphene with short-range unitary and charged impurities

Motivated by the experimental measurement of electrical and Hall conductivity, thermopower, and the Nernst effect, we calculate the longitudinal and transverse electrical and heat transport in graphene in the presence of unitary scatterers as well as charged impurities. The temperature and carrier density dependence in this system displays a number of anomalous features that arise due to the relativistic nature of the low-energy fermionic degrees of freedom. We derive the properties in detail including the effect of unitary and charged impurities self-consistently, and present tables giving the analytic expressions for all the transport properties in the limit of small and large temperature compared to the chemical potential and the scattering rates. We compare our results with the available experimental data. While the qualitative variations with temperature and density of carriers or chemical potential of all transport properties can be reproduced, we find that a given set of parameters of the impurities cannot fit all the observed data.
Topology of membrane proteins in native membranes using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/mass spectrometry

Publisher Summary Information on topology is important for understanding the structural basis underlying the translocation function of cation pumps like the Na,K-ATPase, Ca-ATPase or H,K-ATPase. Previous efforts to define topology have used approaches like hydropathy plots, proteolysis of vesicles, binding of regio-specific antibodies, or labeling with group-specific, membrane-sided reagents followed by identifying the modified sites. Proteolysis of sided vesicles followed by analysis of peptide products has been one of the most common approaches to determine exposed peptide sequences. Conversely, remaining membrane-associated peptides can be analyzed after exhaustive protease digestion. In the study in this chapter, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) is used to identify the peptides released from gastric parietal cell microsomes. MALDI, because of its sensitivity and relative tolerance to the presence of salts and buffers is examined for the analysis of unfractionated proteolytic digests. MALDI with postsource decay (PSD) analysis has been used to obtain sequence information on peptides even in crude digestion mixtures. The strategy in this chapter consists of proteolysis of intact vesicles, centrifugation at high speeds to separate membrane bound and soluble fractions and analysis of the mixture of released peptides by MALDI/MS. In addition, to increase the sensitivity and breadth of analysis, supernatant peptides are separated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and individual fractions are analyzed by MALDI/MS. PSD-analysis is also performed to obtain partial sequence information and identify peptides. On the basis of the released peptide products, a topological map for a major portion of the H,K-ATPase in gastric parietal cell tubulovesicles is proposed. The chapter focuses on the gastric H,K-ATPase as a test protein because purified gastric microsomal vesicles are well-enriched in the enzyme, the vesicles are oriented with a common asymmetry—that is, cytoplasmic side out, the vesicles are sealed allowing selective cytoplasmic digestion, and there is a pool of existing topological data from other methods.
US depletion policy: Some changes and likely effects

Abstract Major modifications to the US Federal taxation laws effectively remove oil and gas depletion allowances for large companies. The likely consequence is discouragement of US domestic exploration, reduced domestic supplies and higher prices. A greater section of US output will be provided by the smaller independent companies. Consumption of oil and gas is likely to fall, resulting in a greater degree of national self-sufficiency in these products. Most Americans will gain as taxpayers what they lose as consumers of higher priced oil and gas; the only long-term losers will be owners of land on which oil and gas is found.
R-134a liquid over-feeding mobile air conditioning systems

For most air conditioning systems, usually only 85% of the evaporator is effectively used. The other 15% is used to superheat the refrigerant so that the compressor will be protected from liquid slugging, but this practice results in excessive evaporator volume. In mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems where the space available for the evaporator is very limited, the evaporator should be fully used, yet MAC designs have not reflected this need. This study reports on the designing and testing of a novel liquid over-feeding (LOF) MAC system that can use 100% of the evaporator effectively. A LOF system is designed so that not all liquid refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator. The low pressure liquid and vapor flow into an accumulator-heat exchanger where the liquid is boiled off by the warm, high pressure liquid leaving the condenser. This concept not only allows 100% evaporator utilization, but will also reduce system power consumption and improve compressor reliability. Preliminary test results of LOF MACs, compared with thermal expansion valved MACS, indicated increases in cooling capacity of 20%, and refrigerant mass flow rate of 19%, coefficient of performance (COP) of 20%, and a reduction in power consumption of 5% at a compressor speedmore » of 1560 revolutions per minute (rpm). This design is expected to only marginally increase the cost of MAC systems.« less
Web 2.0

The Web is growing and changing from a paradigm of static publishing to one of participation and interaction. This change has implications for people with disabilities who rely on access to the Web for employment, information, entertainment, and increased independence. The interactive and collaborative nature of Web 2.0 can present access problems for some users. There are some best practices which can be put in place today to improve access. New specifications such as Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) and IAccessible2 are opening the doors to increasing the accessibility of Web 2.0 and beyond.
Calcium and the heart: exchange at the tissue, cell, and organelle levels.

Cellular calcium (Ca) exchange in arterially perfused whole heart is markedly perfusion-limited. Therefore, a large fraction of exchangeable Ca recycles within the cell before exchanging with extracellular Ca. Ca enters the cell via sarcolemmal (SL) transient (T) and long-lasting (L) channels activated at more negative and less negative membrane potential, respectively. The larger L currents are controlled via phosphorylation and G protein interaction to provide Ca to induce Ca release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and for direct myofilament activation. Troponin C (TNC) binds 3 mol of Ca/mol. Only the low affinity site is responsible for activation of force and regulation of myofilament ATPase rate. This occurs through a shift in troponin I (TNI) with respect to actin induced by the TNC Ca binding. Relaxation depends on reduction of cytosolic (Ca) and occurs via 1) Ca pumping into the longitudinal SR modulated by phospholamban; 2) the recently cloned high-capacity electrogenic SL Na-Ca exchanger; and 3...
Exit cycling for the Van der Pol oscillator and quasipotential calculations

We discuss the phenomenon of cycling for noise induced escape to a unstable periodic orbit. The presence of cycling is shown to follow from qualitative properties of two quasipotential functions. A method of numerically evaluating these quasipotential functions is described, and applied to the Van der Pol oscillator as an example. Figures resulting from these calculations reveal that nonconvergent cycling of exit measures does occur for the Van der Pol example.
The Digital Provide: Information (Technology), Market Performance, and Welfare in the South Indian Fisheries Sector

When information is limited or costly, agents are unable to engage in optimal arbitrage. Excess price dispersion across markets can arise, and goods may not be allocated efficiently. In this setting, information technologies may improve market performance and increase welfare. Between 1997 and 2001, mobile phone service was introduced throughout Kerala, a state in India with a large fishing industry. Using microlevel survey data, we show that the adoption of mobile phones by fishermen and wholesalers was associated with a dramatic reduction in price dispersion, the complete elimination of waste, and near-perfect adherence to the Law of One Price. Both consumer and producer welfare increased.
3D CT evaluation of retained foreign bodies

Retained foreign bodies in the abdomen and pelvis are an uncommon occurrence after surgical operations but have serious medicolegal implications. The radiologist plays an important role in suggesting the diagnosis of a retained foreign body. This article reviews the use of three-dimensional CT as a problem-solving tool in the identification, localization, and presurgical planning of retained surgical foreign bodies.
Fast reactor fuel alloys: Retrospective and prospective views☆

Abstract The relationship between the physical metallurgy of the EBR-II metallic fuel, U-5% Fs, and its performance in the reactor are described. An understanding of these relationships, along with the optimal matching of fuel properties to fuel-element design, have been essential in the 23 year successful utilization of the fuel. The knowledge and experience gained are being employed in the current development of a new metal fuel for a proposed advanced reactor.
SU-FF-T-402: The Development of a New Radiochromic Film Protocol for Three-Dimensional and Beta Dosimetry

Purpose: To develop a film‐specific correction factor for radiochromic film (RCF) when exposed to 60 Co in a parallel geometry and to use this technique with three‐dimensional and beta dosimetry.Method and Materials: Radiochromic films were placed in a Virtual Water™ phantom at 100 SSD and exposed to 60 Co radiation using both parallel and orthogonal exposure techniques. The dose rate was determined using an Exradin A12 ionization chamber at 5 cm depth in the same phantom. Response curves were generated for each technique using a novel film readout protocol employing an i900 Microtek flatbed scanner and localized background subtraction. Several film readout techniques were investigated including transmission and reflective modes. All films were scanned simultaneously using a film template to ensure millimeter alignment for pre‐ and post‐irradiation scans. A correction factor was determined to account for the different response of RCF to parallel and orthogonal exposures. This correction factor was then applied to a parallel 60 Co exposure to allow comparison with an orthogonal exposure from a NIST‐traceable 90 Sr ophthalmic applicator. The ophthalmic exposure was conducted using a certified technique. Results: The depth dose exposure method resulted in an average over response at depths > 1 cm of 5% and 15% and was proportional to film thickness. Film‐specific correction factors were determined for EBT and HD‐810 radiochromic films. Using these correction factors, the parallel exposure method was within the 3.5% uncertainty of the ophthalmic applicator. An accurate film readout protocol was essential to obtaining precise results and it was determined that the reflective black and white protocol was the most reliable and reproducible. Conclusion: A “many points” calibration method was developed using a single film exposed to 60 Co in a parallel (on‐edge) geometry. This technique, along with a film‐specific correction factor, allows for improved accuracy when applied to 3D and beta dosimetry.
Chemisorption of O2 and N2O on Cu/Ru(001)

Abstract The interaction of O 2 and N 2 O are compared on the basal plane of Ru as a function of the coverage of copper. Dissociative N 2 O uptake (N 2 O(g) → O(a) + N 2 (g)) on clean Ru was measured using AES and transient partial pressures. The initial dissociative reaction probability is a steadily declining function of temperature while the saturation uptake of oxygen remains constant from 300–900 K. The saturation oxygen AES signal for N 2 O chemisorption was one half that observed for O 2 chemisorption. The presence of 0.02 monolayers of Cu retards the initial dissociative adsorption of N 2 O by 40% but has little effect on the total uptake of oxygen. The initial dissociative sticking coefficient for O 2 is not retarded significantly by small amounts of copper. Deposition of larger amounts of Cu leads to the completion of a 2D overlayer before growth in 3D begins. Surfaces covered with less than 3 monolayers of Cu exhibit larger O 2 sticking coefficients and greater oxygen stability than pure Cu.
Characterization of high titer antithyroglobulin antibodies.

Few autoantibodies directed against thyroglobulin (TgAbs) have been fully characterized in man. The present study was designed to characterize TgAbs from patients with unusually high titers (> 1: 512) using the tanned red cell hemagglutination technique (TRC). IgG was isolated from the sera of subjects with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (n = 4), subacute thyroiditis (n = 1) and Graves’ disease (n = 1) using DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. Isolated TgAbs were substituted as first antibody in a double antibody thyroglobulin (Tg) RIA and the Ka’s were determined by Scatchard analysis. Molecular ratios of antibody to antigen, TgAb: Tg, were calculated from quantitative precipitin curves. The clonality of each antibody was determined using agarose isoelectric focusing and131 I labeled Tg as an autoradiographic probe. All six TgAbs were polyclonal. The Ka’s were on the order of 109–1010. In two sera TgAb: Tg ratios of 20: 1 and 8: 1 were obtained. These results are significant when compared to previously characterized Tg autoantibodies which have been of low titer, low Ka (105), and have been directed towards a restricted portion of the Tg molecule (TgAb: Tg ratios of 2: 1 to 6:1). In view of their high affinity constants and recognition of a less restricted portion of the Tg molecule, some of the TgAb’s with unusually high titers behave more like Tg heteroantibodies than autoantibodies.
Implementation of Single Feedback Control Loop for Constant Power Regulated Swash Plate Axial Piston Pumps

AbstractVariable displacement pumps are often used in both industrial applications and mobile hydraulic machinery. In such pumps, flow rate is dictated by the system requirements. Mathematical model has been previously developed to simulate the dynamic performance of the electrically controlled constant power regulated swash plate axial piston pump with conical cylinder blocks. The pump is currently equipped with a double negative feedback control loop with an inner control loop to control the position of proportional valve using PID controller. Consequently, the proportional valve distributes the control pressure across the two sides of a control piston that is mechanically attached to the pump swash plate in order to change the pump flow rate. The outer control loop is used to control the pump flow rate in accordance with the system pressure change in order to keep the constant power operation using PD controller. For the convenience of pump constant power operation, PD controller is tuned to keep limit...
Visual/Verbal Collaboration in Print: Complementary Differences, Necessary Ties, and an Untapped Rhetorical Opportunity:

Those who focus on the study of visual information continue to search for effective ways to conceptualize that inquiry. However, many visual examples are better categorized as visual/verbal collabo...
Representational disfluency in algebra: evidence from student gestures and speech

In this investigation, we analyzed US middle school students’ (grades 6–8) gestures and speech during interviews to understand students’ reasoning while interpreting quantitative patterns represented by Cartesian graphs. We studied students’ representational fluency, defined as their abilities to work within and translate among representations. While students translated across representations to address task demands, they also translated to a different representation when reaching an impasse, where the initial representation could not be used to answer a task. During these impasse events, which we call representational disfluencies, three categories of behavior were observed. Some students perceived the graph to be bounded by its physical and numerical limits, and these students were categorized as physically grounded. A second, related, disfluency was categorized as spatially grounded. Students who were classified as spatially grounded exhibited a bounded view of the graph that limited their ability to make far predictions until they physically altered the spatial configuration of the graph by rescaling or extending the axes. Finally, students who recovered from one or more of these disfluencies by translating the quantitative information to alternative but equivalent representations (i.e., exhibiting representational fluency), while retaining the connection back to the linear pattern as graphed, were categorized as interpretatively grounded. Understanding the causes and varieties of representational fluency and disfluency contributes directly to our understanding of mathematics knowledge, learning and adaptive forms of reasoning. These findings also provide implications for mathematics instruction and assessment.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty seismic monitoring: 2012 USNAS report and recent explosions, earthquakes, and other seismic sources

A comprehensive ban on nuclear explosive testing is briefly characterized as an arms control initiative related to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The work of monitoring for nuclear explosions uses several technologies of which the most important is seismology-a physics discipline that draws upon extensive and ever-growing assets to monitor for earthquakes and other ground-motion phenomena as well as for explosions. This paper outlines the basic methods of seismic monitoring within that wider context, and lists web-based and other resources for learning details. It also summarizes the main conclusions, concerning capability to monitor for test-ban treaty compliance, contained in a major study published in March 2012 by the US National Academy of Sciences.
Domestic Agricultural Policy in an International Environment: Effects of Other Countries' Policies on the United States

The United States has not been a mere bystander in what has emerged as the international setting within which our and other agricultures function. Sometimes this is the impression obtained from political discussions, whether from the secretary of agriculture, Capitol Hill, or a meeting of the beef producers. Such discussions often leave the impression that the United States is a small country besieged on all sides by rich and powerful competitors who are taking advantage of us. Or, so it sometimes seems, we are being taken advantage of by those who are much smarter or adept or more devious than we are. Such discussions ignore the enormous role and importance of the United States in international trade in agricultural products. They also ignore the fact that the agenda for consideration of agricultural policies of the world has been set very largely by the United States, both directly and through specific actions. We should never forget that the weaknesses and defects of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) in dealing with agricultural trade derive in large part upon important exceptions to the general principles that were demanded by us (Johnson 1950, Dam, Hillman). The general GATT principles were that both quantitative restrictions and subsidies, including export subsidies, were prohibited. However, exceptions to these principles were made for primary products at our insistence. The agricultural exceptions to the general prohibition against the use of quantitative restrictions may be appropriately called to our attention because occasional reference to them is needed, for we ignore them so often and so blatantly. Article XI, paragraph 2 exempts certain restrictions from the general ban of all "restrictions other than duties, taxes or other charges:"'
Effects of Fenfluramine on EEG and Brainstem Average Evoked Response in Infantile Autism

The effects of fenfluramine on electrophysiological activity in autistic children were assessed by computerized EEG power analysis and brainstem evoked responses (BSER). Prolonged administration of fenfluramine resulted in a decrease of relative share of α-waves in the EEG power spectrum and in corresponding increase in slow activity. No effects of the drug on BSER latencies were observed. The spectral EEG pattern of fenfluramine identified in this sample was compared to the spectra reported for normal volunteers on an acute dose of fenfluramine. The implications of these findings for EEG classification of fenfluramine and neurochemical mechanisms of autism are discussed.
IDEC's History: Important Milestones 1963–1978

IDEC began to compile its history in 1972, and later had anniversary celebrations at its annual conferences in 1982, 1987, 1992, and 2008. When the first efforts began, members recognized that IDEC had a significant history and that the history was important internally as well as externally to the profession as a whole. Without these early efforts and continuing ones by IDEC members, IDEC would not have its developmental footprint, historical archives, historical identity, or milestone markers charted herein. In essence, its history served as its memory keeper and its foundation for growth.
Diisopropylphosphorofluoridate-Induced Cholinergic Hyperactivity and Lipid Peroxidation

In the present study, the association between acetylcholine (ACh)-induced muscle necrosis and the appearance of lipid peroxidation products was investigated. Lipid peroxidation in this injury was quantified by the malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid complex (TBA-MDA) using HPLC. To induce muscle necrosis, rats were treated with 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP), an irreversible inhibitor of AChE that induced muscle fasciculations, and were euthanized 30-120 min after the DFP treatment. DFP caused a dose-dependent increase in AChE inhibition, muscle fasciculations, TBA-MDA formation, and muscle necrosis. Reduction of glutathione (GSH) by pretreatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) potentiated the DFP-induced changes in TBA-MDA and caused an increase in the number of necrotic muscle fibers. Prevention of fasciculations by pretreatment with cholinergic antagonists such as atropine and d-tubocurarine, before DFP, inhibited the increase in lipid peroxidation, and significantly attenuated the muscle fiber necrosis. Without affecting muscle fasciculations, the antioxidant U-78517F prevented the increase in lipid peroxidation and reduced the number of muscle fibers that became necrotic. It is suggested that DFP-induced AChE inhibition causes pronounced muscle hyperactivity as the initial step that triggers free radical-induced lipid peroxidation as the final common pathway to muscle injury.
The Effects of Ovine Prolactin on Water and Electrolyte Excretion in Man Are Attributable to Vasopressin Contamination

Prolactin is an important osmoregulatory hormone in several lower vertebrate species. The present study was undertaken to clarify the effects of prolactin, if any, on human renal function. Eight normal adult male subjects on a 150 mEq sodium (Na), 60 mEq potassium (K) diet for 5 days were studied during 12 h of oral water (H2O) loading on 2 consecutive days. On day 1, after a 6 h control period, a 1 ml normal saline placebo was given im; on day 2, 25 mg of ovine prolactin (OP) was substituted. The subjects were supine and received a constant infusion of Na and K. After OP, serum prolactin rose from 6.9 ± 0.8 ng/ml to 15.0 ± 2.5 ng/ml (P < .01) at 1 h, 27.6 ± 4.0 ng/ml (P <.002) at 2 h, 33.1 ±4.3 ng/ml (P <.001) at 3 h and remained elevated for the remaining 3 h of study. The ovine prolactin had 20– 25% of the potency of human prolactin in the human prolactin radioimmunoassay system. In response to OP, free H2O clearance (CH2o) promptly decreased from 10.1 ± .06 ml/min to 6.1 ± .05 ml/min (P <.01) at 1 h, ...
Work in progress — Examining a finished product as a method for reinforcement of concepts

A common method for teaching the normalization of relational database tables is to begin with definitions for various normal forms and to illustrate them by creating examples of tables that fail to meet those definitions. Such examples can be artificial and often contain only hypothetical data. This paper examines a reverse approach: starting with real-life tabular data discovered outside the context of databases and then relating that data to the definitions. The goal of this approach is to reinforce concepts without focusing solely on formal definitions presented without meaningful context. A variation of this approach, yet to be studied, would require the students to locate such data on a subject of interest to them. This alternate approach might be found to have the side effect of improving the understanding of the subject to which the data relates, as well as the meeting the original goal of reinforcing database concepts.
N-H tautomerization in triaryl corroles

Two high resolution single X-ray crystal structures of meso-substituted free-base corroles are presented: 5,10,15-triphenylcorrole (1) and 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole (2). The internal NH protons are clearly assignable to different nitrogens, which represents the two tautomer limits of corrole.
Trapping and Surface Recombination of Deuterium in Fusion Reactor Metals

Ion implantation and ion beam analysis were used to examine bulk trapping and surface recombination for deuterium in Fe, Ni, and austenitic stainless steel. Irradiation-defect traps were characterized in the three metals, and substantially stronger traps were shown to be associated with small He bubbles. The rate of deuterium release at stainlesssteel and Fe surfaces was measured as a function of temperature and solution concentration. Trapping and surface recombination parameters were extracted by applying established theory for solute diffusion within a field of traps.
Cytochrome P-450scc a review of the specificity and properties of the cholesterol binding site.

Cytochrome P-450scc is unusual among members of this class of enzymes in showing a high degree of substrate specificity. Features of the cholesterol structure which are particularly important for binding include the 3$sZ-hydroxyl, the $DL 5-ring configuration, and the side-chain organization in the 20–22 region. Regarding the ring system, binding appears to require planarity and limited size at the 4–5–6 carbons (the A-B ring juncture). In the region of the 3$sZ-hydroxyl, a “cleft” in the binding site extends about 4 A beyond the hydroxyl and can accommodate two additional ether-linked carbons. Evidence indicates that an enzyme residue hydrogen-bonds to the oxygen of the 3$sZ hydroxyl, providing much of the energy for the initial enzyme-substrate interaction. The cytochrome shows less specificity for the side-chain structure, except in the region of carbons 20–22 where hydroxylation/side-chain cleavage takes place. The binding cleft for the side-chain is limited to approximately the length of the isocapro...
The Detrimental Role of Glial Acidification during Ischemia

In this issue of Neuron, Beppu et al. (2014) demonstrate that glial acidification during ischemia contributes to neurotoxicity. Using a suite of in vivo optogenetic tools, the authors are able to exacerbate or attenuate neuronal damage during ischemia with glial acidification or alkalization, respectively.
A Novel In Vitro Model for Irreversible Electroporation Based Cancer Therapies and Treatment Planning

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a minimally invasive, localized, non-thermal tissue ablation technique that has shown tremendous promise as an effective cancer therapy option. This procedure uses electrodes to apply a series of short-duration, high intensity electric pulses to a targeted tissue region. These pulses can produce irreversible structural changes in the cell membranes within the targeted region, generating a controllable range of cell death [1].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin to Decrease Blood Pressure: Review of Efficacy and Mechanisms

Epidemiological studies beginning in the 1990s have reported that intake of quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid found in a wide variety of plant-based foods, such as apples, onions, berries, and red wine, is inversely related to cardiovascular disease. More recent work using hypertensive animals and humans (>140 mm Hg systolic and >90 mm Hg diastolic) indicates a decrease in blood pressure after quercetin supplementation. A number of proposed mechanisms may be responsible for the observed blood pressure decrease such as antioxidant effects, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, and improved endothelium-dependent and -independent function. The majority of these mechanisms have been identified using animal models treated with quercetin, and relatively few have been corroborated in human studies. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence supporting the role of quercetin as a potential therapeutic agent and the mechanisms by which quercetin might exert its blood pressure-lowering effect.
Heme oxygenase-1–mediated autophagy protects against hepatocyte cell death and hepatic injury from infection/sepsis in mice

Adaptive responses to sepsis are necessary to prevent organ failure and death. Cellular signaling responses that limit cell death and structural damage allow a cell to withstand insult from sepsis to prevent irreversible organ dysfunction. One such protective pathway to reduce hepatocellular injury is the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. HO-1 is up-regulated in the liver in response to multiple stressors, including sepsis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and has been shown to limit cell death. Another recently recognized rudimentary cellular response to injury is autophagy. The aim of these investigations was to test the hypothesis that HO-1 protects against hepatocyte cell death in experimental sepsis in vivo or LPS in vitro via induction of autophagy. These data demonstrate that both HO-1 and autophagy are up-regulated in the liver after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57BL/6 mice or in primary mouse hepatocytes after treatment with LPS (100 ng/mL). CLP or LPS results in minimal hepatocyte cell death. Pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 activity using tin protoporphyrin or knockdown of HO-1 prevents the induction of autophagic signaling in these models and results in increased hepatocellular injury, apoptosis, and death. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine or small interfering RNA specific to VPS34, a class III phosphoinositide 3-kinase that is an upstream regulator of autophagy, resulted in hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo or in vitro. LPS induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), in part, via HO-dependent signaling. Moreover, inhibition of p38 MAPK prevented CLP- or LPS-induced autophagy. Conclusion: Sepsis or LPS-induced autophagy protects against hepatocellular death, in part via an HO-1 p38 MAPK-dependent signaling. Further investigations are needed to elucidate how autophagic signaling prevents apoptosis and cell death. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
An autoradiographic study of the localization of androgen concentrating cells in the chaffinch

Abstract The distribution of labeled cells in the chaffinch brain has been examined by autoradiography after an intramuscular injection of [ 3 H]testosterone. In the telencephalon labeled cells were particularly concentrated in nucleus magnocellularis neostriatalis anterioris, nucleus septalis lateralis, and hyperstriatum ventrale, pars caudale. In the diencephalon the nucleus periventricularis magnocellularis, the nucleus magnocellularis posterioris and the area infundibularis contained many heavily labeled cells. In the mesencephalon and medulla, labeled cells were found in the nucleus intercollicularis and in the nucleus nervi hypoglossi, respectively. Measurements of the density of grains per cell revealed (1) clear quantitative differences in the extent of labeling in different regions of the brain and (2) a wide variation in the density of labeling of individual cells within a region. The relationship between these sites of hormone binding and known sites of androgen action in the avian brain is discussed.
Are There Blue, Massive E/S0 Galaxies at z < 1? Kinematics of Blue Spheroidal Galaxy Candidates

Several recent studies find that 10%–50% of morphologically selected field early-type galaxies at redshifts z 1 have blue colors indicative of recent star formation. Such "blue spheroids" might be massive early-type galaxies with active star formation, perhaps induced by recent merger events. Alternatively, they could be starbursting, low-mass spheroids. To distinguish between these two choices, we have selected 10 "Blue Spheroid Candidates" (BSCs) from a quantitatively selected E/S0 sample to study their properties, including kinematics from Keck spectra obtained as part of the DEEP Groth Strip Survey (GSS). Most BSCs (70%) turn out to belong to two broad categories, while the remaining objects are likely to be misclassified objects. Type 1 BSCs have underlying red stellar components with bluer inner components. Type 2 BSCs do not show an obvious sign of the underlying red stellar component, and their overall colors are quite blue [(U-B)rest < 0]. Both type 1 and type 2 BSCs have internal velocity dispersions measured from emission lines σ 80 km s-1 and estimated dynamical masses of only a few ×1010 M⊙ or less. For type 1 BSCs, we estimate σ of the red component using the fundamental plane relation of distant field absorption-line galaxies and find that these σ estimates are similar to the σ measured from emission lines. Overall, we conclude that our type 1 and type 2 BSCs are more likely to be star-forming low-mass spheroids than star-forming, massive, early-type galaxies.
High population density of black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) in Costa Rican lowland wet forest.

The main objective of this study was to estimate the population density and demographic structure of spider monkeys living in wet forest in the vicinity of Sirena Biological Station, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. Results of a 14-month line-transect survey showed that spider monkeys of Sirena have one of the highest population densities ever recorded for this genus. Density estimates varied, however, depending on the method chosen to estimate transect width. Data from behavioral monitoring were available to compare density estimates derived from the survey, providing a check of the survey’s accuracy. A combination of factors has most probably contributed to the high density of Ateles, including habitat protection within a national park and high diversity of trees of the fig family, Moraceae. Although natural densities of spider monkeys at Sirena are substantially higher than those recorded at most other sites and in previous studies at this site, mean subgroup size and age ratios were similar to those determined in previous studies. Sex ratios were similar to those of other sites with high productivity. Although high densities of preferred fruit trees in the wet, productive forests of Sirena may support a dense population of spider monkeys, other demographic traits recorded at Sirena fall well within the range of values recorded elsewhere for the species.