cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anatomy, Functionality, and Neuronal Connectivity with Manganese Radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography.

Manganese ion has been extensively used as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent in preclinical studies to assess tissue anatomy, function, and neuronal connectivity. Unfortunately, its use in human studies has been limited by cellular toxicity and the need to use a very low dose. The much higher sensitivity of positron emission tomography (PET) over MRI enables the use of lower concentrations of manganese, potentially expanding the methodology to humans. PET tracers manganese-51 (Mn-51, t1/2 = 46 min) and manganese-52 (Mn-52, t1/2 = 5.6 days) were used in this study. The biodistribution of manganese in animals in the brain and other tissues was studied as well as the uptake in the pancreas after glucose stimulation as a functional assay. Finally, neuronal connectivity in the olfactory pathway following nasal administration of the divalent radioactive Mn-52 ([52Mn]Mn2+) was imaged. PET imaging with the divalent radioactive Mn-51 ([51Mn]Mn2+) and [52Mn]Mn2+ in both rodents and monkeys demonstrates that the accumulation of activity in different organs is similar to that observed in rodent MRI studies following systemic administration. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of manganese to enter excitable cells. We followed activity-induced [51Mn]Mn2+ accumulation in the pancreas after glucose stimulation and showed that [52Mn]Mn2+ can be used to trace neuronal connections analogous to manganese-enhanced MRI neuronal tracing studies. The results were consistent with manganese-enhanced MRI studies, despite the much lower manganese concentration used for PET (100 mM Mn2+ for MRI compared to ~ 0.05 mM for PET). This indicates that uptake and transport mechanisms are comparable even at low PET doses. This helps establish the use of manganese-based radiotracers in both preclinical and clinical studies to assess anatomy, function, and connectivity.
Grade-Accountable Peer Editing: Students’ Perceptions of Peer-Editing Assignments:

Peer editing is a skill journalism students, and most college students, need to be effective and skillful writers. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, students do not spend enough time refining and re...
On the Switching Frequency of Hysteresis Control in a Silicon Carbide Converter Pump-Back Test

The pump-back test is widely adopted in the industry for characterizing and qualifying high-power converters. One popular pump-back test configuration is to tie the dc links of two converters together and circulate the current through the inductor connected between the ac terminals. In this configuration, one of the converters operates in the voltage mode to generate the virtual grid and the other converter regulates the circulating current, where hysteresis control could be applied. However, the switching characteristics of hysteresis control are unique due to the pulsewidth modulation type voltage being the virtual grid. This paper contributes to analyzing the switching frequency characteristics of the hysteresis control in this pump-back test configuration. The switching frequency tracking phenomenon is revealed and reported in this paper for the first time. Theoretical analysis, simulation validation, and experimental demonstration are provided to support the major conclusions.
Unique cuspidal features in the group-velocity surface of barium sodium niobate and Rochelle salt

Crystals that have sufficient elastic anisotropy can exhibit cuspidal features in the group-velocity surface so that the group velocity is double- or triple-valued. In nonpiezoelectric crystals such cuspidal features occur only in the quasi-transverse (QT) modes when the wave vectors are restricted to the symmetry planes of the crystal. Sufficient piezoelectric stiffening of the elastic constants, however, can generate cuspidal features in other modes when the wave vectors are restricted to these same symmetry planes. In barium sodium niobate (BSN) there is insufficient elastic anisotropy to generate cuspidal features when piezoelectric stiffening is neglected. The addition of piezoelectric stiffening changes only the quasi-longitudinal (QL) and QT modes in the (100) and (010) planes, and changes only the pure transverse (T) mode in the (001) plane. There is sufficient piezoelectric stiffening, however, to generate small cuspidal features in the QL mode about the [001] and \([00\bar 1]\) axes in the (100) and (010) planes. In Rochelle salt, however, there is sufficient elastic anisotropy to generate cuspidal features in the QT modes about collinear axes along nonsymmetry directions in the (100) and (010) planes. The addition of piezoelectric stiffening changes only the T mode in the (100), (010) and (001) symmetry planes. This piezoelectric stiffening is large enough, however, to generate large cupsidal features in the T mode about new collinear axes along nonsymmetry directions in the (010) and (001) planes.
Rounds de sombra: El boxeo en la crónica deportiva de Tablada, Garibay y Monsiváis

The Mexican boxing tradition has generated a long line of literary and graphical works that have not been studied. This article focuses on three boxing chronicles: “La ultima gigantomaquia,” by Jose Juan Tablada; “Las glorias del gran Puas,” by Ricardo Garibay; and “La hora del consumo de los orgullos,” by Carlos Monsivais. In these chronicles, boxing serves as a symbolic space in which social and political tensions are resolved. Moreover, as a sports industry boxing is a place where the professional sportsman faces the practices and conditions of global capitalism. As a result of the violence involved, boxing has also become a space that represents modern masculinity. The three works that inform this article thus arc through the Mexican twentieth century, revealing the relationship of boxing, journalism, politics, and the global market. El boxeo mexicano ha generado una larga tradicion literaria y grafica que ha sido poco estudiada. Este ensayo analiza las cronicas “La ultima gigantomaquia,” de Jose Juan Tablada, “Las glorias del gran Puas,” de Ricardo Garibay, y “La hora del consumo de los orgullos,” de Carlos Monsivais. En ellas el boxeo sirve como espacio donde se representan y resuelven simbolicamente tensiones politicas y sociales, nacionales y transnacionales. Ademas, como industria deportiva el boxeo es el espacio en donde se experimentaron las practicas y condiciones a las que se enfrentara el deportista profesional dentro del capitalismo global. Por otra parte, debido a la violencia que conlleva, el boxeo ha sido el espacio donde se representa la masculinidad moderna. Las tres cronicas que conforman este ensayo crean un arco temporal que recorre el siglo XX mexicano y muestran la relacion del deporte con el periodismo, la politica y el mercado global.
Mobilizing the Russian Nation: Patriotism and Citizenship in the First World War

Mobilizing the Russian Nation is a deeply researched and superbly written study of Russia’s World War I experience that enriches extant paradigms and images of the Tsarist war effort. Using a broad...
Effects of Common CYP1A2 Genotypes and Other Key Factors on Intraindividual Variation in the Caffeine Metabolic Ratio: An Exploratory Analysis.

The caffeine metabolic ratio is an established marker for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activity. Optimal sample size calculation for clinical pharmacokinetic xenobiotic-caffeine interaction studies requires robust estimates of interindividual and intraindividual variation in this ratio. Compared with interindividual variation, factors contributing to intraindividual variation are less defined. An exploratory analysis involving healthy nonsmoking non-naive caffeine drinkers (1-3 cups/day; 12 men, 12 women) administered caffeine (160 mg) on five occasions evaluated the effects of CYP1A2 induction status (based on genotype) and other factors on intraindividual variation in CYP1A2 activity. Results were compared with those from previous studies. Regardless of whether a hyperinducer (CYP1A2*1A/*1F or CYP1A2*1F/*1F) or normal metabolizer (CYP1A2*1A/*1A, CYP1A2*1C/*1F, or CYP1A2*1C*1F/*1C*1F), sex, age, oral contraceptive use by women, and smoking status, intraindividual variation was ≤30%. A value of 30% is proposed for optimal design of pharmacokinetic xenobiotic-caffeine interaction studies. Prospective studies are needed for confirmation.
Learning Agility in Clergy: Understanding the Personal Strategies and Situational Factors That Enable Pastors to Learn from Experience

Relatively little is known about the ongoing development of pastors as leaders. This study focused on learning agility, the combination of personal strategies and situational factors that pastors r...
deWristified: handwriting inference using wrist-based motion sensors revisited

Several recent research efforts have shown that privacy of handwritten information is vulnerable to inference threats that employ zero-permission motion sensors commonly found on wrist-wearables (e.g., smart watches and fitness bands) as information side-channels. While the adversary model in these earlier efforts have been reasonable and the proposed inference (or threat) frameworks themselves are practical and have technical merit, the related empirical evaluations suffer from several significant shortcomings, such as, use of specialized sensor hardware and highly constrained or restrictive experimental procedures, to name a few. As a result, it is hard to estimate the practical feasibility of these threats from existing research results in the literature, and thus, the extent to which end-users must be concerned about the possibility of such attacks in real-life. To answer the above question, this paper replicates some of the well-known wrist motion-based handwriting inference frameworks in the literature in order to (re)evaluate their success or accuracy in natural, unrestricted handwriting scenarios and settings by employing commercially available wrist-wearables. The results of these extensive replication and (re)evaluation studies highlight several characteristics in motion data corresponding to natural handwriting scenarios, which were either not observed or ignored by earlier efforts, and contribute to poor inference accuracy of the corresponding frameworks. In summary, accurate and practical handwriting inference using motion data (side-channeled) from consumer-grade wrist-wearables is difficult primarily due to unique and/or inconsistent handwriting behavior observed in natural writing.
Characterizing and Modeling Reliability of Declustered RAID for HPC Storage Systems

Declustered RAID aims to enhance the recovery performance of storage by shuffling data and parity blocks among all disks (including spares) in a RAID group. All drives in the RAID group participate in data reconstruction. The idea of declustered RAID is promising. However, the performance and reliability of declustered RAIDs in real-world High-Performance Computing (HPC) storage environments have not been thoroughly studied and well understood. With the popularity of the ZFS file system and software RAID used in production data centers, in this paper, we extensively evaluate declustered RAID with regard to the performance of RAID recovery comparing with ZFS RAIDZ. Furthermore, we formally analyze the reliability of declustered RAID in terms of the mean-time-to-data-loss (MTTDL) and discover that improved recovery performance leads to higher storage reliability compared with the traditional RAID.
Experiencias de enfermeros de la atención primaria, partícipes del modelo de atención integral

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir la experiencia de enfermeros/as de la Atencion Primaria de la ciudad de Vina del Mar, al participar en el Modelo de Atencion Integral, para analizar fortalezas y debilidades, desde la mirada del profesional. Metodo Estudio cualitativo-descriptivo, cuya muestra teorica estuvo conformada por 10 enfermeros/as de la Atencion Primaria. Se aplicaron grupos focales y entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se realizo analisis de contenido. Resultados En el contexto del Modelo de Atencion Integral se describio a un profesional de enfermeria como competente, que ademas establece vinculos de ayuda con las familias, lo que le hace sentirse satisfecho de su trabajo; sin embargo, se demostro que el deficit de este tipo de profesional constituye un obstaculo para el desempeno en los espacios territoriales de la comunidad. Se evidencio que el Modelo de Salud aun se situa en un nivel teorico mas que practico, en que el rol asistencial y el cumplimiento de metas estan por sobre las actividades de promocion y prevencion. Conclusiones Una mayor dotacion del profesional de enfermeria en la Atencion Primaria de Salud, permitira contar con un equipo mas amplio de especialistas en temas de promocion y prevencion, sin debilitar su rol asistencial. El trabajo intersectorial es una necesidad que debera arraigarse en las entidades comunitarias, requiriendo fortalecer la labor conjunta entre las autoridades de los centros de atencion y los representantes comunitarios, a modo de apoyar el quehacer del equipo de salud.
Replication is fundamental, but is it common? A call for scientific self-reflection and contemporary research practices in gambling-related research

Researchers around the world have observed that in many fields the published peer-reviewed literature reflects a widespread publication bias that favours statistically significant and novel outcome...
Sensitivity to changes in dynamic affordances for walking on land and at sea

We investigated the perception of affordances for walking along a narrow path. We asked whether participants could perceive changes in affordances brought about by manipulation of properties of the body, or of the environment, without direct practice of the to-be-perceived affordance, and without external feedback about the accuracy of perception. In Experiment 1, participants made a series of 8 judgments of how far they could walk along a narrow path either, 1) without added weight, 2) while wearing a weighted vest, or 3) while wearing weights on their ankles. Before walking, mean judgments were lower when wearing weights than in the no-weight condition. In addition, in both weight conditions judgments changed across the series of 8 judgments, in the direction of greater accuracy. Control of the body in walking also can be influenced by motion of the ground surface, as commonly happens in vehicles. In Experiment 2, on a ship at sea, we evaluated the effects of walking with or without weight added to the body at the ankles. We again asked participants (experienced maritime crewmembers) to judge how far they could walk along a narrow path, with versus without ankle weights. As in Experiment 1, judgments made before walking mirrored the observed differences in walking performance. In addition, we again found evidence that judgment improved (without walking practice, or feedback) over the series of judgments. We conclude that participants were sensitive to (and spontaneously learned about) how affordances for walking were influenced by changes in the dynamics of body and the environment.
Aurora B and C kinases regulate prophase exit and chromosome segregation during spermatogenesis

ABSTRACT Precise control of chromosome dynamics during meiosis is critical for fertility. A gametocyte undergoing meiosis coordinates formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) to promote efficient homologous chromosome recombination. Subsequent disassembly of the SC is required prior to meiotic divisions to ensure accurate segregation of chromosomes. We examined the requirements of the mammalian Aurora kinases (AURKA, B, and C) during SC disassembly and chromosome segregation using a combination of chemical inhibition and gene deletion approaches. We find that both mouse and human spermatocytes fail to disassemble SC lateral elements when AURKB and AURKC are inhibited. Interestingly, both Aurkb conditional knockout and Aurkc knockout spermatocytes successfully progress through meiosis and mice are fertile. In contrast, Aurkb, Aurkc double knockout spermatocytes failed to coordinate disassembly of SC lateral elements with chromosome segregation, resulting in delayed meiotic progression, spindle assembly checkpoint failure, chromosome missegregation, and abnormal spermatids. Collectively, our data demonstrates that AURKB and AURKC functionally compensate for one another ensuring successful mammalian spermatogenesis. SUMMARY Chemical inhibition and gene deletion approaches show that Aurora B and Aurora C have overlapping functions that ensure timely disassembly of lateral element components of the synaptonemal complex in mouse and human spermatocytes and ensure accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis.
This Land Was Made for … : (Re)Appearing Black/Brown Female Corporeality, Life, and Death

Lands and bodies are often conceptualized as exhaustible objects and property within settler-colonial and neoliberal ideologies. These conceptualizations lead to underdevelopment of understandings of lands and bodies that fall outside of these ascriptions, and also attempt to actively obscure the pervasive ways in which settler colonialism violently reinscribes itself on the North American landscape through the murder and disappearance of Black and Brown women's bodies. In this article, I will argue that the continual murder and disappearance of Black and Brown women in North America facilitate the successful functioning of ongoing settler-colonial systems and projects. This violence creates and reinforces the functionality of Black/Brown bodies as the territory upon which settler identity and futurity gains traction, indeed, requires.
Comparison of Effectiveness of Density and Number of Sessions of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized-Controlled Study.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of density and number of sessions extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, fatigue, disability, physical function, and quality of life in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Between September 2019 and December 2019, a total of 94 patients with the diagnosis of PF were included in the study. All patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 33) received a total of 7 sessions of high-energy flux density (H-ESWT) (0.26 mJ/mm2 ) , group 2 (n = 31) received a total of 3 sessions of H-ESWT (0.26 mJ/mm2), group 3 (n = 30) received total of 7 sessions of low-energy flux density ( .05). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS, FACIT, and FFI scores in all groups after treatment compared to baseline, although only the 6MWT, and Short Form-36 subscale scores were statistically significantly higher (p
Is there a role for high-frequency ultrasonography in clinical staging of retinopathy of prematurity?

Purpose: To compare 20-MHz ultrasonography with ophthalmoscopy in the staging of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: We used a handheld 20-MHz ultrasound system to examine 38 eyes of 19 neonates who had an indirectophthalmoscopic examination (diagnosis masked) within 48 hours prior to ultrasonography. Determination of ROP by indirect ophthalmoscopy was compared with independent identification of ultrasonic features indicative of ROP stages. Results: In masked cases, ultrasonography correctly identified 13 of 18 (72.2% sensitivity) eyes with zone 2, stage 2 ROP or worse and 19 of 20 (95.0% specificity) normal eyes (zone 2, stage 1 ROP or better) (chi-square, 18.4; P <.001). Conclusion: In the neonatal nursery, a 20-MHz handheld ultrasound system may be an effective screening tool to initially identify ROP for further ophthalmoscopic evaluation and management.
Delivering the promise of ‘better homes’?: Assessing housing quality impacts of slum redevelopment in India

Abstract This paper examines the assumption that redevelopment of slum settlements results in improved housing quality, by conducting a longitudinal study of an in-situ redevelopment policy in Ahmedabad, India. Under an in-situ redevelopment policy, apartment-style housing is built on the same site of original slum settlements. This paper examines housing quality in the same settlement, pre- and post-redevelopment, in comparison to a wait-listed slum that did not undergo redevelopment, to ascertain redevelopment impact on housing quality. It further compares housing quality of a resettled community at two time periods, 2.5- and 8.5-years post-redevelopment to determine durability of housing quality changes over medium-term. I use a mixed-methods protocol employing a standardized observer-based housing quality assessment tool with subscales, to identify specific aspects of housing quality that improved/deteriorated and gathered qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. The analyses reveal an improvement in overall housing conditions post-redevelopment, in the short term, though this improvement is not uniform across subscales. However, this improvement does not sustain as redeveloped settlement shows severe levels of deterioration over mid-term. The qualitative findings suggest that in redeveloped settlements, residents feel a diminished sense of control and ownership that precludes them from investing in structural improvements and maintenance of settlements.
Las salvadoreñas, las primeras latinoamericanas que votaron. 1921

This exploration of early feminism in El Salvador describes the social environment since the late 19th century in which Salvadoran women began to organize and infuence Salvadoran political life to claim their right to participate as citizens with the right to vote. By studying the increasing participation of women in urban workplaces and their involvement in the new forms of sociability of the time, the research shows that early feminism in El Salvador had a broad social base. The study shows that iconic fgures like Prudencia Ayala did not work in isolation. Numerous seamstresses, market vendors, teachers, typographers, and elite women organized associations, wrote articles, attended demonstrations and lobbied politicians to achieve their goals. The cause of unionism was a vehicle for numerous groups of women to participate in political life and promote what was their most important achievement: the incorporation of female suffrage into the federal Constitution of 1921 and the exercise of suffrage in the October elections of that year. Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 156, 2020: 35-82
Mapping the miRNA-mRNA Interactome in Human Hepatocytes and Identification of Functional mirSNPs in Pharmacogenes.

MiRNAs regulate the expression of hepatic genes involved in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Genetic variants affecting miRNA binding (mirSNPs) have been associated with altered drug response, but previously used methods to identify miRNA binding sites and functional mirSNPs in pharmacogenes are indirect and limited by low throughput. We utilized the high-throughput chimeric-eCLIP assay to directly map thousands of miRNA-mRNA interactions and define the miRNA binding sites in primary hepatocytes. We then used the high-throughput PASSPORT-seq assay to functionally test 262 potential mirSNPs with coordinates overlapping the identified miRNA binding sites. Using chimeric-eCLIP, we identified a network of 448 miRNAs that collectively target 11,263 unique genes in primary hepatocytes pooled from 100 donors. Our data provide an extensive map of miRNA binding of each gene, including pharmacogenes, expressed in primary hepatocytes. For example, we identified the hsa-mir-27b-DPYD interaction at a previously validated binding site. A second example is our identification of 19 unique miRNAs that bind to CYP2B6 across 20 putative binding sites on the transcript. Using PASSPORT-seq, we then identified twenty-four mirSNPs that functionally impacted reporter mRNA levels. To our knowledge this is the most comprehensive identification of miRNA binding sites in pharmacogenes. Combining chimeric-eCLIP with PASSPORT-seq successfully identified functional mirSNPs in pharmacogenes that may affect transcript levels through altered miRNA binding. These results provide additional insights into potential mechanisms contributing to interindividual variability in drug response.
Open media or echo chamber: the use of links in audience discussions on the Facebook Pages of partisan news organizations

This study evaluates the use of hyperlinks in audience discussions on the Facebook Pages of two partisan cable news organizations: the liberal-leaning Rachel Maddow Show and the conservative O'Reilly Factor, to investigate to what extent linking might intensify partisan political discussion or infuse a variety of perspectives into online communication. The results suggest that these Facebook audiences show a preference for a small group of information resources; furthermore, the two audiences shared an even smaller number of information resources in common. The findings support previous research that suggests a relatively small number of information resources receive most of the news audience traffic, and provide some support for other studies that indicate that partisan political discussions on social media are segregated by political orientation.
The Regulation of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide-linked Substrate Oxidation in Isolated Liver Mitochondria

Abstract A mechanism for regulating the rate of NAD-linked substrate oxidation in isolated liver mitochondria was investigated. Addition of oligomycin and α-ketoglutarate to isolated uncoupled rat liver mitochondria oxidizing an NAD-linked substrate such as l(-)-palmitylcarnitine plus l-malate caused an abrupt inhibition of oxygen consumption and of citrate, acetoacetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate synthesis. This respiratory inhibition was nonspecific for NAD-linked substrates and was not observed with flavin-linked substrates such as succinate. The molecular species which was responsible for the inhibition of NAD-linked substrate oxidation was established as guanosine triphosphate by four types of experiments: (a) the intramitochondrial GTP level increased coincident with the establishment of the inhibited state; (b) the induction of the inhibitory state was prevented, or released, or both, upon the inclusion of exogenous ADP in the mitochondrial incubation, presumably due to the reaction of ADP and GTP with the nucleoside diphosphokinase forming ATP and GDP; (c) the establishment of the respiratory inhibition was not observed in guinea pig liver mitochondria in the presence of a source of oxalacetate for phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis by the GTP-requiring phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase; and (d) addition of phosphoenolpyruvate to reverse the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase reaction resulted in the synthesis of GTP and caused an abrupt inhibition of l(-)-palmitylcarnitine oxidation in isolated guinea pig liver mitochondria. This respiratory inhibition by phosphoenolpyruvate addition was prevented by including l-malate or ADP in the incubation mixture. The experiments described in this communication suggest that the intramitochondrial GTP level may be a potent regulator of the flux of reducing equivalents derived from the primary NAD-linked dehydrogenases into the electron transfer chain and the consequential generation of ATP in the oxidative phosphorylation sequence of the mitochondrion.
A fail safe broadcast protocol for collaborative intelligent vehicles

This paper presents a broadcast protocol that makes cooperative driving applications safer. Collaborative driving is a rapidly evolving trend in intelligent transportation system. Current communication services provided by vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET) cannot guarantee fail-safe operation. We present a fail safe broadcast protocol (FSBP) that resides between the cooperative driving applications and VANET to make the cooperative driving applications work in a safer way. The protocol uses synchronized clocks with the help of GPS to schedule the broadcast transmissions of the participants. Electing not to transmit at a scheduled time is a unique message that cannot be lost because of a noisy or lost communication channel. This message is used to abort a collaborative operation and revert to an autonomous driving mode, similar to the current generation of intelligent vehicles, in which a vehicle protects itself. We describe a particular, simple protocol that uses a token passing mechanism. We specify the protocol as a finite state machine and use probabilistic verification to verify the protocol. This is the first formal verification of a multi-party broadcast protocol.
Recent advances of trace gas sensors based on diode and quantum cascade lasers

Diode and quantum cascade lasers can be used for trace gas detection in ambient air based on absorption and photoacoustic spectroscopy. Advances in spectroscopic detection techniques have resulted in minimum detectable absorbances of 10/sup -5/ in several applications.
EFFECT OF COLCHICINE ON HUMAN OVULATION.

scvcnth to ninth days of gestation. ilt laparotonly, gestational sacculations of one of the uteri \vcrc incised in a linear fashion for a distance of 2 to 3 mm. with careful avoidance of the opening of the gestational sac. One mouse died from peritonitis and another cscapcd. Th(a remaining 11 mice were sacrificed OII the scvcntcenth to the twentieth days of gcstntion and the uteri examined. All unopcratcd and undisturbrd uteri contained <grossly normally devclopcd fetuses. In 6 of the 11 hystcrotomizcd uteri, the defect in the uterine \~a11 hcalcd and livin,c feturcs \vt’rr found within the uteri. In 5 uteri, the uterine opening l”‘rsistcd l+ith living fetuses in 1 uterus, and cl& or absorbed fctllscs in 2 uteri. In 2 mice. ahdominal pregnancies with living fctuscs wrf: found. The placentas in these gcstarions wcrt’ attached in part to the uterus and in part to abdominal structures. (Figs. 1 and 2.1 Experimental abdominal pregnancy may 1~ helpful in studies of trophoblastic growth with relation to the host and the fctLls but indcpendent trom the uterine factory. Improved opc,rative tcchniquc and possibf! trials in other animals may cnhanc.c the rate ot production of abdominal pregnancy. the fcasiIjility of \\,hich has been sholvn in 01tr clspcri-
Lithium (3,3‐Dimethyl‐1‐butynyl)methylcuprate

[41602-03-3] C8H12CuLi (MW 178.69) InChI = 1S/C6H9.C2H3.Cu.Li/c1-5-6(2,3)4;1-2;;/h2-4H3;1H,2H2;; InChIKey = PCOPKKMIFFNGEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (mixed cuprate vinyl transfer agent) Alternate Name: lithium (t-butylethynyl)vinylcuprate. Preparative Methods: prepared in situ by addition of Vinyllithium to 3,3-Dimethyl-1-butynylcopper(I) in ether at −40 °C.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: air- and moisture-sensitive. Use in a fume hood.
Electric Vehicle Traction and Rolling Resistance in Winter

Abstract Low rolling resistance tires help optimize the economy of electric vehicle (EV) operation. Five types of EV tires were evaluated under cold weather conditions and compared with traditional winter tires in terms of traction and rolling resistance. Other contributions to vehicle resistance (brake drag, wheel bearing resistance, driveline resistance, and air drag) were also measured and used to estimate changes in total vehicle resistance and associated changes in range with temperature. At low speeds, tire rolling resistance is the primary contribution to increased vehicle resistance at cold temperatures, with snow tires having both higher resistance and a stronger dependence on temperature than low rolling resistance tires. Lowering tire pressure increases both resistance and temperature dependence for most tires but also improves traction and therefore may serve as a temporary safety measure in winter conditions.
Bio-Inspired Approach for Aircraft Health Assessment and Flight Envelope Estimation

Based on the artificial immune system paradigm and a hierarchical multi-self strategy, a set of algorithms for aircraft sub-systems failure detection, identification, evaluation and flight envelope estimation have been developed and implemented. Data from a six degrees-of-freedom flight simulator were used to define a large set of 2-dimensional self/non-self projections as well as for the generation of antibodies and identifiers designated for health assessment of an aircraft under upset conditions. The methodology presented in this paper classifies and quantifies the type and severity of a broad number of aircraft actuators, sensors, engine and structural component failures. In addition, the impact of these upset conditions on the flight envelope is estimated using nominal test data. Based on immune negative and positive selection mechanisms, a heuristic selection of sub-selves and the formulation of a mapping-based algorithm capable of selectively capturing the dynamic fingerprint of upset conditions is implemented. The performance of the approach is assessed in terms of detection and identification rates, false alarms, and correct prediction of flight envelope reduction with respect to specific states.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Digital rectal examination and imaging studies are unnecessary in men with undetectable prostate specific antigen following radical prostatectomy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determine the probability of local or distant recurrence following radical prostatectomy in men with an undetectable prostate specific antigen (PSA) level.Materials and Methods: The clinical course of 1,916 consecutive men followed during a 14-year period after radical prostatectomy was reviewed. Average followup plus or minus standard deviation is 5.5 ± 3.5 years, and 326 men (17%) have been followed for more than 10 years. In total this population of men has been followed for 10,540 patient-years.Results: Of 1,916 men 56 (2.9%) had local recurrence an average of 6.1 ± 2.7 years (range 1 to 12) after surgery. No man had local recurrence with an undetectable serum PSA. Mean serum PSA at the time of local recurrence was 5.8 ng./ml. Of the 56 men 13 (25%) who had local disease recurrence had an undetectable serum PSA at 5 years of followup but had progression to biochemical and local disease recurrence later. Of 1,916 men 118 had distant metastases with a mean serum PSA of 28.6 ng./ml. N...
Two-Dimensional Silicon/PLZT Spatial Light Modulators: Design Considerations And Technology

This paper presents a description of and design considerations for silicon/PLZT spatial light modulators (Si/PLZT SLMs), which provide high parallel processing power, dynamic range, cellular resolution, sensitivity, and the potential for implementation of "smart" optical devices. Following an overview of Si/PLZT SLMs, we discuss potential performance with respect to fundamental limits. We then review the current technology related to the development of these devices to meet the highest performance goals. Finally, we predict performance in specific applications. This analysis suggests that Si/PLZT SLMs can play an important role in the implementation of a variety of optical processing and computing systems.
Scintillation counting: adsorption and solvation problems.

Abstract Problems were encountered in accurately determining counting rates of basic tritiated compounds in several scintillation cocktails. These difficulties derived from adsorption losses. In addition, a significant difference in counting efficiency for hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials may be detected in some solutions: internal standardization may be unreliable in these situations.
Multiple Myeloma: Current Perspectives

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells characterized by complex genetic aberrations and heterogeneous outcomes. Over the past 25 years, cytogenetic analysis has played a key role in the diagnosis and management of MM. This article reviews the conventional cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, and genomic diagnostics of MM and highlights a few recent clinical trials that demonstrate the impact of genetic risk stratification on the treatment of this plasma cell malignancy.
Solution Space Approach to Optimal Control Problems

In this paper, we study the control of the dynamic system governed by the matrix differential equation, x = Fx + Du , x (0) = −c , where the input vector u is constrained in amplitude. It is shown that in the discrete (sampled data) case: (a) The general optimal control problem can be formulated as a nonlinear programming problem amenable to treatment by techniques developed in the operation research field. (b) The specific time optimal control problem originally studied by Kalman is treated here using a different approach which yields well-known as well as new results.
RELATION OF WEATHER CONDITIONS TO WIRELESS AUDIBILITY

Abstract SYNOPSIS This article gives a brief resume of work previously accomplished showing the relation between meteorological conditions and wireless audibility. Diagrams and explanation of a similar experiment carried on at Nebraska Wesleyan University are then given, and the curves obtained by means of the experiment show no relation between barometric pressure and audibility, no influence of conditions at sending station on audibility conditions at a distant receiving station, but do show that high static frequency, high static audibility, and a near-by thunderstorm area tend to reduce the audibility at the receiving station.
Role of nonlinear fracture mechanics in assessing fracture and crack growth in welds

An experimental study was conducted to assess the structural performance of repair welds in an ex-service 1Cr-1Mo-0.25V steam turbine casing material. Material from two weld techniques, one involving a post-weld heat-treatment that produced undermatched welds and the other involving a temper bead welding technique that produced overmatched welds were tested. Both welding techniques were implemented in two base metal conditions giving rise to four different welds and two different base metal conditions. The tests conducted included tensile tests, creep tests, fracture toughness tests, fatigue crack growth tests, creep crack growth tests, and creep-fatigue crack growth tests on the base metal, weld metal and the weldment region. The yield strength of the weld metal in the undermatched condition was approximately 10% lower than the base metal, while the weld metal in the overmatched condition had a yield strength that was 30% higher than the base metal at 565 °C. The creep deformation rates in the undermatched welds were 60 times faster than the base metal at a stress of 207 MPa. In the overmatched welds, the creep rates at 207 MPa were about 2.8 times faster in one case and 2.8 times slower in the other. The crack path in fracture toughness specimens followed the interface between the transition layer and the weaker of the weld metal and the base metal. The J-resistance curves for the weldments at 565 °C showed significant variability among duplicate samples from the same welds. This scatter was caused by the variability in the location of the precrack with respect to the fusion line and the location of the low fracture toughness region in the weldment. This behavior was explained using a novel approach for characterizing the fracture of welds. The creep-fatigue crack growth rates at equivalent (C t ) avg values in undermatched welds was higher than the crack growth rates in the overmatched weld samples. In all cases under creep-fatigue, the crack appeared to grow in the weaker of the base metal and the weld metal. Recommendations for future work are provided to enhance the theoretical underpinnings of the nonlinear fracture mechanics framework to rigorously address fracture and crack growth in welds.
Surgical Techniques for Multimodality Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Extrapleural Pneumonectomy and Pleurectomy/Decortication

Trimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma with cytoreductive surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy has resulted in long-term survival for a select group of patients. Knowledge of the similarities and differences between the two operations that have evolved—extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy/decortication—is prerequisite to understanding the complex issues associated with patient selection, diagnosis, pathologic staging, preoperative assessment, perioperative management, and adjuvant treatment. Both operations are technically complex and should only be performed at experienced high-volume centers.
A STUDY ON MODIFICATION OF THE FURFURAL EXTRACTION TOWER FOR LUBRICATING OIL

ABSTRACT In this paper, the traditional furfural extraction tower for lubricating oil was modified and the rotating disc–packed tower was used to purify the raw oil for the base oil of the lubricating oil. By using Daqing vacuum distillate oil as the raw oil, the refinement effect on the modified furfural extraction tower (the rotating disc–packed tower) were compared with that on the traditional rotating disc contactor and with that on the traditional packed tower. The results showed that by using the modified tower, the quality of the refined oil was improved, the yield of the refined oil increased by 1.05–2.25%, the ratio of the solvent to the oil (S/O) was decreased by 0.2–0.4, and the amount of furfural entrainment in the raffinate reduced by 1.0–2.4%.
The “business intelligence” challenge in the context of regional risk

The world of intelligence is about understanding external factors we cannot control in order to reduce the risk and increase the reward. Indeed, business intelligence (BI) flourishes today in the United States because market economics and, even more important, the way business is done here, pump out information 24-7-365 the way a heart on steroids pumps out blood. In this article, I offer an overview of BI within the context of four countries that are the subject of in-depth study in this issue of Thunderbird International Business Review: Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. All four nations offer interesting and varied examples for the international manager doing business in countries where risk is often a key factor that must be considered when making business decisions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vitro and In Vivo Actions of Zinc Ion Affecting Cellular Substances which Influence Host Metabolic Responses to Inflammation.

Glycogen-stimulated rabbit peritoneal exudate cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMN) produce prostaglandins (PG) and substances which induce alterations (mediators) in experimental animals characteristic of host metabolic responses to infection and other acute inflammatory stresses. The effect of Zn2+ on mediator production and PG synthesis was examined because: Zn homeostasis is perturbed during infection, Zn is known to regulate some cellular functions, and there appears to be an interrelationship between PG synthesis and mediator production. Using exudate cells, 2 mM Zn2+ caused complete inhibition of in vitro PG synthesis as assessed by conversion of [1-14C] arachidonic acid into PG. This concentration of Zn2+ also inhibited production of substances mediating plasma Zn depression, hepatic amino acid "uptake", fever, and neutrophil release from bone marrow. Conversely, Zn2+ did not inhibit in vivo metabolic responses to these mediators. Zn-pretreatment of rabbits or simultaneous injection of Zn2+ and crude PMN-derived pyrogenic activity resulted in prolongation of fever. It is suggested that this action of Zn2+ may be attributed to either stabilization of cyclic AMP through inhibition of phosphodiesterase or a Zn-mediator interaction which stabilizes crude endogenous pyrogen. The potential physiological significance of these results includes: possible potentiation of the host's defense mechanisms by Zn2+ and its utilization for prolongation of fever to determine its effect on potentially temperature-dependent host defense mechanisms.
A sum–product theorem in semi-simple commutative Banach algebras

The following analogue of the Erdos–Szemeredi sum-product theorem is shown. Let A=f1,⋯,fN be a finite set of N arbitrary distinct functions on some set. Then either the sum set fi+fj or the product set fifj has at least N1+c elements, where c>0 is an absolute constant. We use Freiman's lemma and Balog–Szemeredi–Gowers Theorem on graphs and combinatorics. As a corollary, we obtain an Erdos–Szemeredi type theorem for semi-simple commutative Banach algebras R. Thus if A⊂R is a finite set, |A| large enough, then |A+A|+|A.A|>|A|1+c, where c>0 is an absolute constant. The result and method have various consequences, for instance decay estimates on the convolution powers of finite multiplication subgroups. Let H be a finite multiplicative subgroup of R (as above) and let N=|H|, v=1N∑x∈Hδx. Then, for all constant c, there is a k=k(c) such that maxz∈Rv(k)(z)<N−c, where v(k)=v⋯v is the k-fold convolution.
Cortisol levels in Prader-Willi syndrome support changes in routine care.

The authors would like to draw the reader’s attention to a change in authorship in the following article: Invited Comment—Cortisol Levels in Prader–Willi Syndrome Support Changes in Routine Care. Am J Med Genet A 149A:138–139. The names of two contributors who were initially involved in this work, Duane T. Brandau, DO, Ph.D. (now at the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine) and Mariana Theodoro, BS were not included. The authors regret this oversight. The list of authors should therefore read: Merlin G. Butler, Duane T. Brandau, Mariana Theodoro, and Uttam Garg.
Gauge invariance and the dirac equation

The gauge invariance of the Dirac equation is reviewed and gauge-invariant operators are defined. The Hamiltonian is shown to be gauge dependent, and an energy operator is defined which is gauge invariant. Gauge-invariant operators corresponding to observables are shown to satisfy generalized Ehrenfest theorems. The time rate of change of the expectation value of the energy operator is equal to the expectation value of the power operator. The virial theorem is proved for a relativistic electron in a time-varying electromagnetic field. The conventional approach to probability amplitudes, using the eigenstates of the unperturbed Hamiltonian, is shown in general to be gauge dependent. A gaugeinvariant procedure for probability amplitudes is given, in which eigenstates of the energy operator are used. The two methods are compared by applying them to an electron in a zero electromagnetic field in an arbitrary gauge.
Post-settlement success of the arborescent bryozoan Bugula neritina (L.) : the importance of structural complexity

Abstract Large, medium and small-scale structural complexity may influence the post-settlement success of sessile organisms. The arborescent bryozoan Bugula neritina (L.) frequency settles on the solitary ascidian Styela plicata (Le Sueur). Small bumps covering the surface of Styela provide small-scale structural complexity (scale of mm). Medium-scale complexity is provided by the overall dimensions of each Styela individual (scale of cm), and larhe-scale heterogeneity is provided by the location of Styela within a clump and the density of Styela in the clump (scale of 10's of cm). Experiments were run to determine when each scale of complexity influenced the post-settlement success (survival, colony size, and reproduction) of Bugula . Colonies found short-term refuge around the bases of the small bumps on Styela , while medium (bases of Styela individuals) and large-scale structural refuges (cages, interior of closely-packed Styela clumps) enalbed Bugula to grow large enough to reproduce. At the small and medium scales of heterogeneity, Bugula larvae preferentially settled in the refuge locations. However, at the largest scale of structural complexity, the locations where post-settlement success was high were not preferentially selected at the time of settlement.