cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uniform texture synthesis and texture mapping using global parameterization

Texture mapping and texture synthesis are two popular methods for the decoration of surfaces with visual detail. Here, an existing challenge is to preserve, or at least balance, two competing metrics: scale and angle. In this paper we present two methods for this, both based on global conformal parameterization. First, we describe a texture synthesis algorithm for surfaces with arbitrary topology. By using the conformal parameterization, the 3D surface texture synthesis problem can be converted to a 2D image synthesis problem, which is more intuitive, easier, and conceptually simpler. While the conformality of the parameterization naturally preserves the angles of the texture, in this paper we provide a multi-scale technique to also maintain a more uniform area scaling factor. A second novel contribution is to employ the global parameterization to simultaneously preserve orthogonality and size in texture mapping. For this, we show that a conformal factor-driven mass-spring method offers a convenient way to trade off these two qualitative metrics. Our algorithms are simple, efficient and automatic, and they are theoretically sound and universal to general surfaces as well.
Safety of postoperative paediatric analgesia

Abstract Aim: To audit the safety and effectiveness of continuous regional blockade compared with systemic opioids in children. Methods: The complication and critical incident rates of acute analgesic modalities in a children's hospital were reviewed for the first three years (1994–1996) of a pain service on the surgical wards. Results: The acute pain service (APS) managed 1,002 patients over the study period. No complications resulting in sustained morbidity or mortality occurred. Problems without sequelae occurred in 51 of these children (5.1%). More than half of these were procedural violations and the remainder were clinical complications. Epidural analgesia was inadequate in 81 of the 382 children (21%) who received it, ineffective neurological blockade (11%) being the most common cause. Significant incidents without sequelae occurred in 17 of the of 382 children treated with epidural blockade (4.5%), 15 of 343 children using PCA pumps (4.4%) and in 19 of 252 patients (7.5%) receiving opioid infusions. Respiratory depression occurred in 10 of 595 children (1.7%) given intravenous opioids. This side effect occurred in a predictable subgroup of children — infants under 3 months, children given supplemental sedatives and those suffering disease processes associated with reduced clearance of opioids or their active metabolites. Organisational and system problems decreased over the study period. Conclusion: Epidural analgesia had a higher failure rate and a similar potential for complications compared to intravenous opioids. Many of the potential complications documented in children receiving intravenous opioids were system related and improved with staff education and training. Respiratory depression is common in a subgroup of children and these children require intensive monitoring. Systemic opioids, administered by strict protocol in conjunction with staff education programmes, are a safe alternative to central neuroaxial blockade.
In vitro study of ablated lung tissue in Nd:YAG laser irradiation

Background. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet lasers are used to reduce lung volume. An assessment of the relationship between the histologic and gross findings in the lung irradiated by a laser would be helpful in laser-assisted pneumoplastic procedures. Methods. In vitro lung lobes surgically resected for pulmonary carcinomas were irradiated with a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet laser at three energy levels in three modes: contact rubbing, contact pointing, and noncontact. Pleural degeneration in 216 samples from 24 lobes was classified as coegulative, amorphous, or destructive. At all energy levels, the laser was applied for 1.5 seconds. Results. Noncontact mode at 7.5 W or 15 W and contact rubbing at 5 W caused coagulative or amorphous degeneration but no destructive degeneration. The energy level correlated with the color of the degenerated pleura. The incidence of destructive pleural degeneration, which led to air leaks as revealed by an air inflation test, was 0% in pink and white samples, 59% in brown samples, and 100% in black samples ( p Conclusions. In neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet laser ablation of lung tissue, the color of the degenerated pleura correlates with the intensity of the applied laser energy and the degree of pleural degeneration.
Protective effect of dimethylthiourea against mucosal injury in rat stomach. Implications for hydroxyl radical mechanism.

The present study was undertaken to determine whether dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a hydroxyl radical scavenger, could prevent gastric injury in the rat stomach induced by various noxious agents. Fasted rats (N=6–8/group) were given a 1-ml oral bolus of saline or DMTU over the dose range 10–500 mg/kg. After 30 min, animals received 1 ml of 100% ethanol orally and were sacrificed 5 min later. At sacrifice, stomachs were harvested and the degree of macroscopic damage was assessed by planimetry. In selected animals, specimens of gastric mucosa were also processed for histology. Saline pretreatment prior to ethanol exposure resulted in 22.5% injury to the glandular epithelium when assessed macroscopically. DMTU pretreatment prevented such injury in a dose-related fashion with only 2% of the mucosa showing injury with a 500 mg/kg dose (P<0.01 vs control). Although the superficial injury involving surface mucous cells induced by ethanol was not altered by DMTU, the deep damage to gastric glands was almost completely prevented. Other experiments in which DMTU was given intraperitoneally demonstrated similar protective effects against ethanol injury. Additional studies showed that indomethacin did not prevent the protective effects of oral or intraperitoneal DMTU, excluding a role for endogenous prostaglandins, and that DMTU was equally protective when administered within minutes or as long as 2 hr prior to ethanol exposure. Furthermore, DMTU was also shown to be protective against gastric injury induced by concentrated acid or base. Inin vitro studies in which hydroxyl radicals were actually generated, DMTU was noted to scavenge the hydroxyl radical in a dose-related fashion. The ability of DMTU to prevent gastric injury by three different damaging agents suggests that the hydroxyl radical may play a major role in the pathogenesis of such injury and that DMTU mediated its protective action by scavenging this radical species.
Kinase suppressor of Ras is ceramide-activated protein kinase.

Abstract A proline-directed serine/threonine ceramide-activated protein (CAP) kinase mediates transmembrane signaling through the sphingomyelin pathway. CAP kinase reportedly initiates proinflammatory TNFα action by phosphorylating and activating Raf-1. The present studies delineate kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR), identified genetically in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, as CAP kinase. Mouse KSR, like CAP kinase, renatures and autophosphorylates as a 100-kDa membrane-bound polypeptide. KSR overexpression constitutively activates Raf-1. TNFα or ceramide analogs markedly enhance KSR autophosphorylation and its ability to complex with, phosphorylate, and activate Raf-1. In vitro, low nanomolar concentrations of natural ceramide stimulate KSR to autophosphorylate, and transactivate Raf-1. Other lipid second messengers were ineffective. Moreover, Thr 269 , the Raf-1 site phosphorylated by CAP kinase, is also recognized by KSR. Thus, by previously established criteria, KSR appears to be CAP kinase.
Light-sensitive melatonin synthesis by Xenopus photoreceptors after destruction of the inner retina.

Several lines of evidence indicate that retinal photoreceptors produce melatonin. However, there are other potential melatonin sources in the retina, and melatonin synthesis can be regulated by feedback from the inner retina. To analyze cellular mechanisms of melatonin regulation in retinal photoreceptors, we have developed an in vitro method for destruction of the inner retina that preserves functional photoreceptors in contact with the pigment epithelium. Eyecups, which include the neural retina, retinal pigment epithelium, choroid, and sclera were prepared. The vitreal surface of the retina in each eyecup was washed sequentially with 1% Triton X-100, water, and culture medium. This lysed the ganglion cells and neurons and glia of the inner nuclear layer, causing the retina to split apart within the inner nuclear layer. The damaged inner retina was peeled away, leaving photoreceptors attached to the pigment epithelium. The cell density of the inner nuclear layer was reduced 94% by this method, but there was little apparent damage to the photoreceptors. Lesioned eyecups produced normal melatonin levels in darkness at night, and melatonin production was inhibited by light. These results indicate that the inner retina is not necessary for melatonin production nor for regulation of photoreceptor melatonin synthesis by light. The lesion method used in this study may be useful for other physiological and biochemical studies of photoreceptors.
DETENTION, EXILE AND THE AFRICAN PLAYWRIGHT: THE CASE OF NGUGI WA THIONG'O

(1993). DETENTION, EXILE AND THE AFRICAN PLAYWRIGHT: THE CASE OF NGUGI WA THIONG'O. South African Theatre Journal: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 33-38.
Are there lasting impacts of aid to poor areas

Abstract The paper re-visits the site of a large, World Bank-financed, rural development program in China, 10 years after it began and four years after disbursements ended. The program emphasized community participation in multi-sectoral interventions (including farming, animal husbandry, infrastructure and social services). Data were collected on 2000 households in project and non-project areas, spanning 10 years. A double-difference estimator of the program's impact (on top of pre-existing governmental programs) reveals sizeable short-term income gains that were mostly saved. Only small and statistically insignificant gains to mean consumption emerged in the longer-term — though in rough accord with the average gain to permanent income. The use of community-based beneficiary selection greatly reduced the overall impact, given that the educated poor were under-covered. The main results are robust to corrections for various sources of selection bias, including village targeting and interference due to spillover effects generated by the response of local governments to the external aid.
RB69 DNA polymerase structure, kinetics, and fidelity.

This review will summarize our structural and kinetic studies of RB69 DNA polymerase (RB69pol) as well as selected variants of the wild-type enzyme that were undertaken to obtain a deeper understanding of the exquisitely high fidelity of B family replicative DNA polymerases. We discuss how the structures of the various RB69pol ternary complexes can be used to rationalize the results obtained from pre-steady-state kinetic assays. Our main findings can be summarized as follows. (i) Interbase hydrogen bond interactions can increase catalytic efficiency by 5000-fold; meanwhile, base selectivity is not solely determined by the number of hydrogen bonds between the incoming dNTP and the templating base. (ii) Minor-groove hydrogen bond interactions at positions n - 1 and n - 2 of the primer strand and position n - 1 of the template strand in RB69pol ternary complexes are essential for efficient primer extension and base selectivity. (iii) Partial charge interactions among the incoming dNTP, the penultimate base pair, and the hydration shell surrounding the incoming dNTP modulate nucleotide insertion efficiency and base selectivity. (iv) Steric clashes between mismatched incoming dNTPs and templating bases with amino acid side chains in the nascent base pair binding pocket (NBP) as well as weak interactions and large gaps between the incoming dNTPs and the templating base are some of the reasons that incorrect dNTPs are incorporated so inefficiently by wild-type RB69pol. In addition, we developed a tC°-tCnitro Forster resonance energy transfer assay to monitor partitioning of the primer terminus between the polymerase and exonuclease subdomains.
Tests and limits for the common odds ratio of several 2 × 2 contingency tables: methods in analogy with the Mantel-Haenszel procedure

Abstract For a postulated common odds ratio for several 2 × 2 contingency tables one may, by conditioning on the marginals of the seperate tables, determine the exact expectation and variance of the entry in a particular cell of each table, hence for the total of such cells across all tables. This makes it feasible to determine limiting values, via single-degree-of-freedom, continuity-corrected chi-square tests on the common odds ratio–one determines lower and upper limits corresponding to just barely significant chi-square values. The Mantel-Haenszel approach can be viewed as a special application of this, but directed specifically to the case of unity for the odds ratio, for which the expectation and variance formulas are particularly simple. Computation of exact expectations and variances may be feasible only for 2 × 2 tables of limited size, but asymptotic formulas can be applied in other instances. Illustration is given for a particular set of four 2 × 2 tables in which both exact limits and limits by the proposed method could be applied, the two methods giving reasonably good agreement. Both procedures are directed at the distribution of the total over the designated cells, the proposed method treating that distribution as being asymptotically normal. Especially good agreement of proposed with exact limits could be anticipated in more asymptotic situations (overall, not for individual tables) but in practice this may not be demonstrable as the computation of exact limits is then unfeasible.
An automated method of separating patient from ventilator work on the lungs.

This paper describes a method of determining the amount of work on the lungs done by the patient and the ventilator using various modes of ventilation. The method uses a pneumotachograph to measure air flow, and measures pressure from an esophageal balloon and at the airway. The patient’s work is separated from the ventilator work by analysis of the esophageal pressure. When esophageal pressure is below end-expiratory esophageal pressure during inspiration, work is being done by the patient. When esophageal pressure is above end-expiratory level, the ventilator is doing the work. The calculations are done using an IBM PC computer. The studies of normal subjects show that in the assist mode with increased airway resistance, significant work by the subject is required to trigger the ventilator. Two patients are presented where the assist mode resulted in excessive amounts of work and fatal outcomes. Measurement of the mechanical work required of the patient can provide useful information for the control of ventilator therapy.
Narrative Inheritance: A Nuclear Family With Toxic Secrets

A narrative inheritance refers to stories given to children by and about family members. Using the case of his own “nuclear family,” the author explores the power of these stories in our lives, particularly when they are later shown to have been constructed out of serious omissions, distortions, secrets, and lies. The implications of this personal ethnographic account speak to issues of family communication, narrative inquiry, and the relationship of work and home life in families whose everyday lives are defined by codes of secrecy.
Structural–activity relationship study of highly-functionalized imidazolines as potent inhibitors of nuclear transcription factor-κB mediated IL-6 production

Abstract We herein describe the synthesis and anti-inflammatory properties of a small library of imidazoline-based NF-κB inhibitors. The structure–activity relationship of various substituents on an imidazoline core structure was evaluated for the ability to inhibit NF-κB mediated IL-6 production. Optimization of the scaffolds was pursued by correlating luciferase-based NF-κB reporter assays with inhibition of IL-6 production in IL-1β stimulated human blood. Several derivatives were found to inhibit NF-κB mediated IL-6 production in the nanomolar range in IL-1β stimulated human blood.
The Conception of Revolution in Persianate Political Thought

Abstract The modern Persian term for “revolution,” enqelāb, often used in conjunction with dawlat as the divinely ordained turn in power, stretches way back to the medieval period, and was in fact even used shortly before the revival of literary Persian to describe the Khorasanian uprising against the Umayyads. We find two very different ideas of revolution in the Persianate literature. The first is a deterministic theory of revolution in earthly kingdoms as a natural phenomenon; this has received little or no attention in the secondary literature on the subject. The idea had Indian origins, was developed in the late Sasanian Iran and absorbed in the astronomical theories of the early ʿAbbasid period. The second conception is a normative one, and belongs to the literature on statecraft and political ethics. It explains revolution as a consequence of the moral decay of the ruler and his failure to uphold the principles of statecraft. According to this second theory, revolutionary upheaval and changes of dynasty result from the failure of the rulers to maintain the prosperity of the kingdom through justice. This conception, too, can be traced to the Khorasan uprising. The mutual articulation and reconciliation of the deterministic and the normative conceptions of revolution represents the Persianate understanding of human agency within the framework of cosmic laws.
Rapid radiochemical analysis of 131I in environmental samples using a well-type Ge-detector

Large-scale production of 131I in a nuclear reactor, the gaseous nature of 131I, and its selective uptake by the human thyroid gland, make this radioisotope a health hazard in the event of a nuclear accident. The maximum concentration of 131I in drinking water has been set at 1 pCi/l. Human ingestion of 131I through the grass-cow-milk pathway makes milk an environmentally significant matrix to be monitored for. In this paper, we report a simple and a rapid radiochemical procedure for the analysis of 131I in water and milk samples. A quick single-step separation on anion-exchange resin concentrates radioiodine from large sample volumes. The resin is then directly counted in the cavity of a low-background well-type HPGe detector that has high counting efficiency for X-rays and low-energy γ-radiation. Chemical recovery is evaluated from the intensity of the 29.6 keV X-rays of the 129I spike, and 131I is assayed through the intensity of its 364.5 keV g-peak. The method's minimum detection limit is 0.5 pCi 131I based on a 1 liter sample and a 200-minute count.
Genomewide Distribution of High-Frequency, Completely Mismatching SNP Haplotype Pairs Observed To Be Common across Human Populations

Knowledge of human haplotype structure has important implications for strategies of disease-gene mapping and for understanding human evolutionary history. Many attributes of SNPs and haplotypes appear to exhibit highly nonrandom behavior, suggesting past operation of selection or other nonneutral forces. We report the exceptional abundance of a particular haplotype pattern in which two high-frequency haplotypes have different alleles at every SNP site (hence the name “yin yang haplotypes”). Analysis of common haplotypes in 62 random genomic loci and 85 gene coding regions in humans shows that the proportion of the genome spanned by yin yang haplotypes is 75%–85%. Population data of 28 genomic loci in Drosophila melanogaster reveal a similar pattern. The high recurrence (⩾85%) of these haplotype patterns in four distinct human populations suggests that the yin yang haplotypes are likely to predate the African diaspora. The pattern initially appeared to suggest deep population splitting or maintenance of ancient lineages by selection; however, coalescent simulation reveals that the yin yang phenomenon can be explained by strictly neutral evolution in a well-mixed population.
Appetitive behavior in rats after circumsection of the hypothalamus

Abstract Hypothalamic islands were made in rats by means of a knife which was inserted down into the brain and then rotated so as to sever the neural connections of the hypothalamus with the rest of the brain while leaving intact its connections with the pituitary gland. Rats are aphagic and adipsic after the major pathways from the hypothalamus are cut, but their syndrome is similar to that seen in decerebrate rats rather than like that in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions. These results stand in contrast with those obtained from cats, who can show eating behavior immediately after similar neural isolation of the hypothalamus.
Diagnostic scheduling in finite-capacity production environments

Abstract Planning releases and prioritizing work in manufacturing facilities must be done with the often conflicting goals of meeting due dates and minimizing in-process inventory. The ideal system is one in which the planner can enter the current logistical configuration and let the system evaluate the configurations' feasibility by developing a schedule. If a feasible schedule is obtained, the system reports on the schedule derived, otherwise it provides diagnostic information suggesting how the situation can be improved. The user can then decide to keep the current schedule, at the risk of missing due dates, or might choose to modify the inputs (e.g. renegotiate a due date, schedule overtime), retest them with the system, and continue until an acceptable work plan has been established. Our procedure, MRP-C, performs the necessary operations needed at the core of such a decision-support system. MRP-C generates good schedules for finite capacity production scheduling problems when all demands can be met within capacity limitations. Otherwise, it detects scheduling infeasibilities if the instance has no feasible schedule, provides analysis on the possible causes of the infeasibilities and suggests modifications of the input to make the schedule feasible.
Decision making regarding multifetal reduction.

Objective To identify salient variables that influence decision making regarding multifetal reduction (MFR) and describe their effect on individuals over time. Design Prospective, exploratory, descriptive design, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Setting Midwestern tertiary care center. Participants A convenience sample of 11 consecutive consenting couples with triplet or higher-order pregnancies who elected to undergo MFR. Methods Semistructured audiotaped telephone interviews at three points: (a) 2 weeks postreduction, (b) 6 weeks postpartum, and (c) 6 months postpartum; a demographic and marital adjustment questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures Themes identified by content analysis and compared via matrix analysis between males and females and at three points in time; trends in marital adjustment. Results Dominant variables influencing MFR decision making were risks associated with higher-order pregnancies and preservation of infants’ and mothers’ health. Most participants identified emotional issues, including moral and ethical dilemmas, as the most difficult aspect of reduction. Over time, participants reported feeling more positive about their decision; nonetheless, negative feelings emerged progressively. Conclusions Risk aversion favored MFR decision making. Yet, both making and living with the decision were emotionally difficult for this sample. Interventions are needed to assist couples with this decision and its consequences.
Current landscape and trends in transdermal drug delivery systems

"Generic pharmaceutical marketers are increasingly keen to have a presence in generic patches as they represent high-margin, high entry-barrier opportunities with a smaller field of competition".
Effect of Feed Withdrawal on Composition and Quality of Broiler Meat

The effect of feed withdrawal or total withdrawal (simultaneous feed and water withdrawal) on the composition and quality of broiler meat was evaluated. Feed or water or both were withdrawn 0, 6, 12, or 18 h before slaughter. A gradual and significant (P less than .05) increase in weight loss was seen as hours of withdrawal increased. Overall, birds subjected to feed withdrawal treatments experienced a 3.8% shrinkage; birds on total withdrawal treatments lost 4.4% in body weight. Percentage of water uptake during chilling increased gradually as feed withdrawal time increased. Birds on total withdrawal absorbed water in this fashion until 18 h of chilling, when there was a sharp and significant drop in water uptake. No significant differences were found among treatments for precook and cooked weights, cooking loss, total loss, proximate analysis, and shear. Withdrawal times for feed or feed and water did not influence the tenderness or flavor of breast or thigh meat.
Exploring plant and animal content in elementary science textbooks

Student knowledge about plants is typically less than student knowledge about animals. Textbooks are a commonly-used curriculum material in elementary grades and contain embedded cultural ideologies that may impact instruction. This study analyzed two nationally-syndicated elementary science textbook series to explore their presentation of plant and animal content. The results indicated that the amount of animal content was greater than plant content in each series. An even greater difference was found in the number of plant and animal examples used within the textbooks. There were more than twice as many animal examples as plant examples in both textbook series, and the most repeated animal examples were more likely to correspond to scientifically-appropriate classification categories. The study also identified differences in the plant and animal topics covered in the textbooks; the topic of plant parts was the plant topic with the highest coverage in each textbook series, while for animals, the topics o...
A comparison of the financial characteristics of December and non-December year-end companies

Abstract Researchers often restrict their sample selection to either December or non-December Compustat companies. However, no one has rigorously investigated the implications of this restriction. This paper compares financial characteristics of December and non-December year-end companies. December year-end firms are larger and have smaller betas as compared to companies with non-December year-ends. There are some strong industry concentrations in December year-ends, most notably in the regulated or recently deregulated industries. Retail sales firms have primarily non-December year-ends. A comparison of leverage ratios does not reveal a stable systematic difference between December and non-December year-end companies.
A parametric examination of VLSI-based neuronal models of cyclic and reciprocal inhibition

As a prelude to a silicon implementation of a live locomotory network, the phenomena of tonic excitation in single cells, reciprocal inhibition in pairs of cells, and recurrent cyclic inhibition in rings of five cells were recreated and subjected to parametric tests of oscillatory range and stability. Various networks were constructed from comprehensive very large scale integration (VLSI)-based artificial neurons and their parametric stability with respect to cellular threshold, refraction, and synaptic weight observed. Circuit tests demonstrated that all three oscillator topologies operated over a broad range of cellular and network frequencies. It was also noted, that cells of reciprocal oscillators must possess some measure of short-term synaptic plasticity while those in the cyclically inhibited networks did not. This suggests that the two oscillator types utilize different temporal mechanisms. In parametric tests, tonic cells were sensitive to threshold, refraction, and synaptic weight. Cyclic networks were found to be sensitive to cell threshold, yet less so to refraction. Conversely, the reciprocal circuits were found to be sensitive to refraction, yet less so to cell threshold. This complementary relationship suggests a stability advantage for biological oscillatory networks that incorporate both types.
An Empirical Analysis of Entrepreneurship and Performance in the Restaurant Industry

Two interrelated objectives of this article are to establish empirically the construct of entrepreneurial strategic posture and to ascertain the predictive validity of its relationship to performance. In doing so, the entrepreneurial strategic postures associated with high and low performance among independent restaurants are explored and contrasted. Performance was designated as the dependent variable, and the dimensions of entrepreneurial strategic posture were treated as the independent variables. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire mailed to a random sample of 1,500 owners/general managers. The results suggest that certain competitive methods and business practices are more strongly related to high performers than low performers. Exploring relationships between entrepreneurial strategic posture and performance is of value, and it is timely given the mature as well as increasingly complex and uncertain environmental conditions faced by entrepreneurs in today’s ever more competitive economy.
Smarter control variables: regression-adjusted linear and nonlinear controls

Nonlinear regression-adjusted control variables are investigated for improving variance reduction in statistical and system simulations. Simple control variables are transformed using linear and nonlinear transformations, and parameters of these transformations are selected using linear or nonlinear least squares regression. As an example, piecewise powertransformed variables are used in the estimation of the mean for the two variable Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit statistic W22. Substantial variance reduction over straightforward controls is obtained. These parametric transformations are compared against optimal, additive, nonparametric transformations from ACE and are shown to be nearly optimal.
Appraising the performance of employees with disabilities: A review and model

Abstract The literature on the appraisal of persons with disabilities is reviewed. This literature suggests inconsistent and conflicting effects for ratees' disability on performance ratings. We review several theoretical arguments for why there may be bias in the performance appraisal of employees with disabilities and outline some of the conditions under which bias will most likely occur. A more broad based review of some potential processes underlying appraisal decisions is presented to explain why such inconsistencies should be expected. These processes are used to develop a model of the appraisal process for persons with disabilities which can be used to guide future research in this area. The model focuses on raters' cognitive processes, the quality of leader-member exchange, performance standards, rater attributions, and the consequences of the performance appraisal process. Practical implications of this process-oriented view of the appraisal of persons with disabilities are also discussed.
Rescue Therapies for Seizures

Most medical therapies for epilepsy consist of daily (or multiple-daily) dose, fixed-schedule, pharmacologic oral agents. Despite adherence, many patients continue to experience seizures. Various products have been discovered, designed, and marketed to serve as seizure-abortant therapies. These agents can be administered rapidly, as a “rescue” therapy, once a clinical seizure or cluster of seizures starts. Rescue medications are given as needed in an attempt to disrupt progression of a given seizure, and forestall what would otherwise be a more prolonged or more severe clinical event. Seizure-abortants also serve to aid in the management of seizure emergencies, such as prolonged, repetitive seizures, or status epilepticus. These compounds are not appropriate for all patients. Nevertheless, they do provide therapeutic benefit to several groups of patients: 1) those who perceive the onset of their seizures and have time to perform a self-intervention, 2) patients’ caregivers who administer the therapy when they witness the onset of an ictal event, and 3) patients who are in the midst of an out-of-the-hospital seizure emergency (a seizure cluster or status epilepticus). In this article we will review currently available and future rescue therapies for seizures: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and FDA nonapproved drugs, nonpharmacologic behavioral treatments, the vagus nerve stimulator and the NeuroPace RNS® System (Mountain View, CA).
The Construction of Discretely Conservative Finite Volume Schemes that Also Globally Conserve Energy or Entropy

This work revisits an idea that dates back to the early days of scientific computing, the energy method for stability analysis. It is shown that if the scalar non-linear conservation law $$\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}+\frac{\partial}{\partial x}f(u)=0$$ is approximated by the semi-discrete conservative scheme $$\frac{du_{j}}{dt}+\frac{1}{\Delta x}\left(f_{j+\frac{1}{2}}-f_{j-\frac{1}{2}}\right)=0$$ then the energy of the discrete solution evolves at exactly the same rate as the energy of the true solution, provided that the numerical flux is evaluated by the formula $$f_{j+\frac{1}{2}}=\int_{0}^{1}f(\hat{u})d\theta,$$ where $$\hat{u}(\theta)=u_{j}+\theta(u_{j+1}-u_{j}).$$ With careful treatment of the boundary conditions, this provides a path to the construction of non-dissipative stable discretizations of the governing equations. If shock waves appear in the solution, the discretization must be augmented by appropriate shock operators to account for the dissipation of energy by the shock waves. These results are extended to systems of conservation laws, including the equations of incompressible flow, and gas dynamics. In the case of viscous flow, it is also shown that shock waves can be fully resolved by non-dissipative discretizations of this type with a fine enough mesh, such that the cell Reynolds number ?2.
Sh and eag K(+) channel subunit interaction in frog oocytes depends on level and time of expression.

Subcellular clustering of ion channels critically affects neuronal function. Coexpression of Eag and Sh channel subunits in Xenopus oocytes leads to accelerated decay of the Sh-like transient K(+) current (Chen, M.-L., T. Hoshi, and C.-F. Wu. 1996. Neuron. 17:535-542). We report that such interaction depends critically on functional expression level (controlled by RNA injection quantities and indicated by current amplitudes) and developmental time after RNA injection. The accelerated decay became apparent 3 days after coinjection and increased thereafter. This was observed in different ionic conditions and at different voltage steps. However, decay was not accelerated at low expression levels, either within 1-2 days after injection or with reduced amounts of RNA. With sequential RNA injection, preformation of either Eag or Sh channels prevented interactions with the other subunit. The carboxyl terminus of Eag was found to be involved in accelerating, and in retarding recovery from, N-type inactivation. The interaction was reduced upon patch excision in macropatch measurements, suggesting involvement of cytosolic factors. We have reproduced the absence of interaction between Eag and Sh reported previously within 2 days after RNA injection and with low levels of current expression (Tang, C.-Y., C. T. Schulteis, R. M. Jimenez, and D. M. Papazian. 1998. Biophys. J. 75:1263-1270). Our findings demonstrate that heterologous expression of channels in Xenopus oocytes is a dynamic process influenced by cell physiology and development. These factors must be considered in interpreting the functional properties of heterologously expressed channels.
NSTX Disruption Simulations of Detailed Divertor and Passive Plate Models by Vector Potential Transfer from OPERA Global Analysis Results

Abstract The national spherical torus experiment (NSTX) project is planning upgrades to the toroidal field, plasma current and pulse length. This involves the replacement of the centerstack, including the inner legs of the TF, OH, and inner PF coils. A second neutral beam will also be added. The increased performance of the upgrade requires qualification of the remaining components including the vessel, passive plates, and divertor for higher disruption loads. The hardware needing qualification is more complex than is typically accessible by large scale electromagnetic (EM) simulations of the plasma disruptions. The usual method is to include simplified representations of components in the large EM models and attempt to extract forces to apply to more detailed models. This paper describes a more efficient approach of combining comprehensive modeling of the plasma and tokamak conducting structures, using the 2D OPERA code, with much more detailed treatment of individual components using ANSYS electromagnetic and mechanical analysis. This capture local eddy currents and resulting loads in complex details, and allows efficient non-linear, and dynamic structural analyses.
Trajectory approximations for direct energy methods that use sustained faults with detailed power system models

The authors address the effects of fast dynamics on direct energy methods that use a sustained fault trajectory to approximate critically cleared trajectories and the corresponding critical energies. Integral manifold concepts are used to explain why fast dynamics can destroy such an approximation. Methods to remedy this problem are given and illustrated with a ten-machine example. >
Accounting for Biases When Linking Empirical Studies and Simulation Models

and important. 1–3 Such analyses aim to assess multiple interventions by comparing their long-term outcomes and costs for real-world patient populations and care delivery settings. To inform current decisions, empirical studies of sufficient size and duration to assess long-term outcomes are often infeasible. Computer-based mathematical models can play a valuable role by providing the needed estimates. Such models generate outcomes based on inputs derived from shorter-term empirical studies. Therefore, appropriate methods for linking empirical studies to mathematical models underpin rigorous analyses. An important concern is that estimates from empirical studies contain a variety of potential biases that, if not corrected, can influence modeled outcomes and resulting policy recommendations.
Transport of nanoparticles and kinetics in packed beds: A numerical approach with lattice Boltzmann simulations and particle tracking

Abstract The lattice Boltzmann method is employed in conjunction with a Lagrangian particle tracking algorithm to investigate the fate and transport of nanoparticles as they propagate in porous columns that are packed with spherical particles. In this approach, physical phenomena that result in particle retention and remobilization are represented by a probability for adsorption and desorption, respectively. The method is validated with experiments where polymer-stabilized purified multi-walled carbon nanotubes propagate in a column packed with inert glass beads. Comparison of simulation results to the conventional filtration equation leads to the correlation of the simulation input parameters to macroscopically observed parameters, such as adsorption and desorption rate constants. It is found that adsorption and desorption nominal rates do not affect the diffusivity of the nanoparticles significantly (the change in particle diffusivity is less than 4%) and that particles with smaller size, where the Brownian motion is dominant, are retained more than larger particles. The difference in particle recovery for small versus large particles is of up to 36% when the probability for adsorption is as high as 0.01.
Sternal talon offers a solution for secondary sternum osteosynthesis in patients with nonunion

Background Median sternotomy may be associated with postoperative complications such as nonunion after conventional metal wire closure. The Sternal Talon device (KLS Martin, Jacksonville, FL) has recently been introduced as an alternative for osteosynthesis after median sternotomy and may also be beneficial for patients with persistent sternal nonunion. Methods A consecutive series of 24 patients underwent Sternal Talon repair for sternal nonunion or acute mediastinitis, or both, after sternal wire closure. Patient data—including demographics, surgical history, and indication for operation, as well as outcomes—were obtained and analyzed by retrospective chart review. Results The average patient age was 61.3 years and 23 patients were men (95.8%). The most common median sternotomy procedure was coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 19 patients (79.2%). Secondary closure using the Sternal Talon was indicated for sternal nonunion or infection, or both, in all patients. Eight patients underwent simultaneous muscle flap procedures during the placement of the Sternal Talon (33.3%). Sternal union was eventually achieved in 23 of 24 patients (95.8%). Subsequent reoperation was required in 4 patients (16.7%). Conclusions The data presented suggest that the osteosynthesis using the Sternal Talon device is a safe and effective modality for treating symptomatic sternal nonunion or acute dehiscence associated with infection (mediastinitis.)
The effect of local application of glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerine) on Raynaud's disease and Raynaud's phenomenon; studies on blood flow and clinical manifestations.

The authors investigated the effect of repeated inunction with 2 per cent glyceryl trinitrate in lanolin on the blood flow and skin temperature of the extremities in 14 cases of Raynaud's disease and in 8 cases in which Raynaud's phenomenon was associated with such vascular diseases as acrosclerosis (3 cases), chronic occlusive disease of the arteries (3 cases), occupational disease of the arteries (1 case) and livedo reticularis (1 case). The inunction almost invariably caused an increase in the blood flow and in the skin temperature of the digits in the 14 cases of Raynaud's disease.
The N-Terminal Domain of Human DNA Helicase Rtel1 Contains a Redox Active Iron-Sulfur Cluster

Human telomere length regulator Rtel1 is a superfamily II DNA helicase and is essential for maintaining proper length of telomeres in chromosomes. Here we report that the N-terminal domain of human Rtel1 (RtelN) expressed in Escherichia coli cells produces a protein that contains a redox active iron-sulfur cluster with the redox midpoint potential of −248 ± 10 mV (pH 8.0). The iron-sulfur cluster in RtelN is sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide, indicating that reactive oxygen/nitrogen species may modulate the DNA helicase activity of Rtel1 via modification of its iron-sulfur cluster. Purified RtelN retains a weak binding affinity for the single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) DNA in vitro. However, modification of the iron-sulfur cluster by hydrogen peroxide or nitric oxide does not significantly affect the DNA binding activity of RtelN, suggesting that the iron-sulfur cluster is not directly involved in the DNA interaction in the N-terminal domain of Rtel1.
Testosterone with dutasteride, but not anastrazole, improves insulin sensitivity in young obese men: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Introduction Testosterone (T) administration to men increases T, estradiol (E2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and fat‐free mass (FFM), and decreases fat mass (FM) but does not consistently improve insulin sensitivity (IS). Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effects of T administration in obese, nondiabetic men on body composition and IS, and to determine if inhibition (i) of metabolism of T to E2 with anastrazole or to DHT with dutasteride alters these effects. Methods This was a 98‐day randomized, double‐blind, parallel group, placebo‐controlled trial of 57 men, 24–51 year, free T in the lower 25% of normal range ( 2 . Subjects were randomized to one of four groups: (i) placebo : gel, pills, and injection; (ii) T/DHT/iE2 : T gel, anastrazole, and acyline (gonadotropin releasing‐hormone antagonist to suppress endogenous T); (iii) T/iDHT/E2 : T gel, dutasteride, and acyline; (iv) T/DHT/E2 : T gel, placebo pills, and acyline. Main Outcome Measures Main outcome measures are insulin sensitivity as percent change (%Δ) in glucose disposal rates (GDR) from a two‐step euglycemic clamp (GDR1 and 2), and %FM and %FFM by dual X‐ray absorptiometry scan. Results Insulin Sensitivity: %Δ GDR1 differed across groups ( P = 0.02, anova ) and was significantly higher in the dutasteride (T/iDHT/E2) compared with the placebo and T gel (T/DHT/E2) groups. %ΔGDR2 was higher in the dutasteride (T/iDHT/E2) compared with the anastrazole (T/DHT/iE2) group. Body Composition: T gel alone (T/DHT/E2) or with dutasteride (T/iDHT/E2) significantly increased %FFM ( P P Conclusions The combination of T plus dutasteride improved body composition and IS while T alone improved body composition but not IS, suggesting that when T is administered to men, reduction to DHT attenuates the beneficial effects of aromatization to E2 on IS but not body composition. Juang PS, Peng S, Allehmazedeh K, Shah A, Coviello AD, and Herbst KL. Testosterone with dutasteride, but not anastrazole, improves insulin sensitivity in young obese men: A randomized controlled trial. J Sex Med 2014;11:563–573.
The cross-cultural effectiveness of CAI: some cognitive and affective factors (abstract)

This is a comparative study using a Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) supplement to a college-level introductory foreign language course. The supplement was used with classes at Potsdam College (SUNY) and at the Far East Advanced School of Theology in Baguio City, Republic of the Philippines. Five areas were explored: (1) Student Background and Characteristics, (2) Cognitive Style, (3) Course Achievement, (4) Time on task, and (5) Student Attitudes.Cognitive Style was measured using Witkin's model of Field Independence/Field Dependence (FI/FD). The Asian students were more FD than the American Students. Time spent in the computer program correlated positively to FD; most affective scales correlated positively to FI. Students leaving the course with more positive feelings toward CAI were those who (1) used the computer more, (2) had higher GPA's, and (3) had lower levels of stress.The Asian students spent significantly more time with the computer than the Americans, even though they had far less access to computing equipment. Computer time was related to the student's prior experience and personal interest in the course material. Time in CAI also correlated positively with certain measures of course achievement.The study includes a detailed review of the state of computing in the geographic region.
Alternative teaching strategy for an introductory computer language course

Many consider that the best strategy to teach an introductory computer language course is to start programming very early in the semester. This paper discusses the drawbacks of such a strategy and presents an alternative way to teach such a course. Based on experiments the alternative strategy appears to be more effective. The advantages and outline of the alternative strategy are discussed. Furthermore, the course outline to teach a FORTRAN language based on the alternative strategy is presented.