cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF CONTEXT AND PROGRESSIVE COMMITMENT IN PLAN CONTINUATION ERROR.

Plan continuation error is grounded in progressive commitment. This brief discussion utilizes an alternative, complementary methodology to explore the relationship of context to plan fixation in plan continuation error. This study augments a more comprehensive, data-based research effort that seeks to identify how context contributes to General Aviation pilot errors in weather-related decision-making. Context should be broadly considered as a complex configuration of relevant events or phenomenon that may be considered the domain within which the pilot makes the weather-related decision.
An Exponential Family of Probability Distributions for Directed Graphs

Abstract Directed graph (or digraph) data arise in many fields, especially in contemporary research on structures of social relationships. We describe an exponential family of distributions that can be used for analyzing such data. A substantive rationale for the general model is presented, and several special cases are discussed along with some possible substantive interpretations. A computational algorithm based on iterative scaling procedures for use in fitting data is described, as are the results of a pilot simulation study. An example using previously reported empirical data is worked out in detail. An extension to multiple relationship data is discussed briefly.
Comments, with reply, on 'Identification of truncated narrow band autoregressive processes' by P. Burrascano et al

The commenter claims that there are both experimental and theoretical deficiencies in the paper by P. Burrascano et al. (see ibid., vol.74, p.1164-5, 1986) which he attempts to clarify. Experimental data presented in this paper contradict those presented previously. The theoretical deficiencies stem from a misapplication of previously published work. In replying, the authors explain the purpose of their contribution and of the ARMA (autoregressive moving-average) model proposed. >
The ASYMMETRIC LEAVES complex maintains repression of KNOX homeobox genes via direct recruitment of Polycomb-repressive complex2

Polycomb-repressive complexes (PRCs) ensure the correct spatiotemporal expression of numerous key developmental regulators. Despite their pivotal role, how PRCs are recruited to specific targets remains largely unsolved, particularly in plants. Here we show that the Arabidopsis ASYMMETRIC LEAVES complex physically interacts with PRC2 and recruits this complex to the homeobox genes BREVIPEDICELLUS and KNAT2 to stably silence these stem cell regulators in differentiating leaves. The recruitment mechanism resembles the Polycomb response element-based recruitment of PRC2 originally defined in flies and provides the first such example in plants. Combined with recent studies in mammals, our findings reveal a conserved paradigm to epigenetically regulate homeobox gene expression during development.
The design of flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) have promised many benefits but there is evidence that the implementation of FMS is often fraught with difficulty. One result is that the implementation rate of FMS is much lower than has been expected. The aim of this paper is to review the approaches that can be used to design an FMS. A review is given of the work done to date on the design an FMS in the areas of facilities design, material handling system design, control system design, and scheduling. In each instance, the major research and development issues are given. Through examining the tools and approaches that are used to design these four phases it is apparent that no integrated design methodology exists for FMS. The tools available are not specifically tailored for FMS and their unique integrated form. Because of the lack of integration, an FMS must be designed by examining the four phases independently even though the design decisions from each area affect the efficiency of the other areas.
3 × 3 single-mode star coupler made from 2 × 2 couplers

An optical network made from two 3-dB and one 1.76-dB 2 × 2 single-mode couplers can perform as a 3 × 3 star coupler. One version is particularly suitable for polarization-preserving components and requires adjustment of the phase in one arm; it can also perform the three-point discrete Fourier transform by suitable adjustment of other phases. Experimental verification of the principle is presented.
SU‐FF‐T‐157: Determination of the Effective Chamber Position of 2D Ion Chamber Array Using An HDR Afterloading Device

Purpose:Detector arrays are useful devices for quality assurance (QA) since they can record and display 2D data in real time, thus replacing film for many QA procedures. We have carried out tests on one such device*. Methods & Materials: This device consists of 1020 ion chambers, 4.5 mm in diameter, 5 mm high and 7.6 mm center to center. This 32×32 chamber array is located at some depth below the surface of the surface of the container. To determine the effective depth of the chambers below the surface, experiments were carried out using a 4 MV linac and an HDR afterloading device with a 192 Ir source. For the linac, measurements were made at distances between 80 and 135 cm, in 5 cm steps. For the afterloading device, a special jig was made that permitted placement of the catheter holding the source at distances from 1 to 10 cm at 1 cm steps. Plots were made of the inverse root of the charge collected vs. the distance from the top of the detector. Results: The inverse square law was found to be valid in both cases (r2 = 0.9994 [linac] and 0.9998 [HDR]). The linac experiment indicated that the effective distance of the chambers below the surface was −1.9 ± 0.9 cm, while for the HDR experiment it was −0.62 ± 0.03 cm. Thus the error for the HDR measurement is considerably less than for the linac measurement. This is clearly due to the fact that the linac data has to be extrapolated over a large distance, leading to a greater uncertainty. Conclusions: Use of a 192 Ir afterloading source has enabled the effective chamber position of a 2D ion chamber array to be determined to an accuracy better than 0.5 mm. MatriXX *(Scanditronix‐Wellhofer, Bartlett, TN) (Research sponsored by Scanditronix‐Wellhofer GmBH).
Simultaneous correction for drift and non-spectroscopic matrix effect in the measurement of geological samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry using common analyte internal standardization chemometric technique

Abstract The common analyte internal standardization (CAIS) chemometric technique is extended to correct for drift in signal intensity in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The CAIS technique is used because, unlike the conventional internal reference method, it allows for the analyte to behave differently from the internal reference under the influence of drift. Thus, only one internal reference element is sufficient to correct for drift effect for all the analytes irrespective of the difference of their mass and ionization potential from that of the internal reference element. Experimental test with 15 analytes, as a representative of the whole mass range, in different geological matrices, using only indium as internal reference element, demonstrates that the developed drift correction method is efficient in correcting up to 25% drift error and is easy to use. Further, a CAIS scheme was developed to correct for both drift and non-spectroscopic matrix effects simultaneously in a single run, using standard containing no matrix. This scheme is based on the use of two internal reference elements for simultaneous monitoring and correction of drift and matrix effects for all the analytes irrespective of their difference in mass and ionization potential from the two internal reference elements. The developed scheme was validated using river water samples containing appreciable matrix concentration and was measured under the influence of drift. The results of the experimental validation indicate that the proposed scheme is capable of removing error as large as 43% that arises from drift and non-spectroscopic matrix effects.
Effect of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on the Cytokinin Requirement of Soybean Cotyledon and Tobacco Stem Pith Callus Tissues

Studies pertaining to the detection, isolation anid chemical characterization of naturally occurring and synthetic cytokinins have been aided by the utilization of cultured callus tissues derived from soybean cotyledons (6, 9, 10, 11, 12) and tobacco stem pith (7, 8, 13, 14). Both tissues, when exposed to a specific anid defined chemical milieu, require kinetin or another similarly active 6-substituted aminopurine for continual growth and maintenance in culture ( 10). It has also been reported that numerous structural variants of phenylurea stimulate cell division in isolated stem pith of tobacco (2). Although an auxin such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), is a necessary constituent of the basal medium for optimum growth, the auxin does not elicit significant callus proliferation in the absence of a cvtokinin (10). In the soybean callus, however, the specific auxin used appears to be quite importalnt with respect to the nature of the cytokinin-auxini mediated growth response. For example, adenine is knowni to exhibit slight cvtokinin activity, no activity or even inhiibitionl of calltus growth wheni supplied in comibination with I,AA (10, 11). 'On the other lhand, Miller (11) has recently demonstrated that adenine will consistently stimulate soybean callus growtlh whein NAA is substituted for IAA. In essence, a highly effective auxin seems to be a requiremenlt for the expression of cytokinin activity by adenine. In view of these results, it seemed reasonable to assume that ani auxin even more effective than NAA might stimulate the calluts proliferation in the absence of any added cvtokinin. 2,4-D meets this requiremenit anld is knowvn to stimnulate growtlh of soybeanl root cells cultutes (4) and has been used without added cvtokinins in the ctulture of other tisstues (3. 5, 15. 16, for examples). The tissues exanminedl were originally (lerived fromii stem pith of tobacco (Nicotiana tobacumnt, var. Wisconsin No. 38) and from cotyledons of sovbean
Biochemical flip-flop memory systems: essential additions to autonomous biocomputing and biosensing systems

This review article is an overview of the current state of the development of biochemical flip-flop memory systems for use with biocomputing. Of particular interest are those developed using chemical and biochemical systems and components, capable of the complete integration into existing biocomputing information processing systems. The integration of memory systems with sophisticated logic “machines” is essential to the advancement of the field of biocomputing, since this combination would allow for the synthesis of a new regime of molecular “devices” capable of real-time biochemical analysis, coupled with long-term data storage. The specific biochemical realizations of the SR, T and D flip-flops are discussed and further explanations are provided for their use of specifically chosen enzyme pathways. Lastly, perspectives are given on the concept of scalability, and the intercalation of these memory units into existing chemical and biochemical information processing paradigms.
Subcellular distribution of total poly (A) -containing RNA and ferritin-mRNA in the cytoplasm of rat liver.

Abstract Poly(A)-containing RNA was isolated from rat liver microsomes and from the post-microsomal supernatant fraction. Approximately 15% of total rat liver poly(A)-containing RNA was found to be present in the post-microsomal supernatant. The relative capacity for apoferritin synthesis of each poly(A)-containing RNA preparation was measured in a cell-free system derived from wheat germ. The post-microsomal supernatant fraction was found to be highly enriched with ferritin mRNA and accounted for 40–50% of the total ferritin-mRNA present in the cytoplasm of rat liver.
When and how to perform genetic testing for inherited colorectal cancer syndromes

The 2013 NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Colorectal Cancer Screening address the evaluation and management of patients at risk of inherited susceptibility to colorectal cancer. These patients include the 2 broad categories of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and its variants, and those with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or Lynch syndrome. This article provides a somewhat personal, yet hopefully evidence-based, approach to the questions of when to test individuals for inherited susceptibility, and how to do so. "When" can be taken to mean "under what circumstance" and "at what age"; this article attempts to speak to each sense of the term.
On fast transmission topology control heuristics

The standard optimal power flow (OPF) problem minimizes generation costs over one study period assuming a fixed system topology. The prospect of a smart grid incorporating extensive cyber capabilities enabling significant progress in economic efficiency, reliability and environmental sustainability, ought to transform the OPF problem accordingly. This paper discusses the inclusion of tractable dynamic transmission topology control in the OPF problem based on heuristic control policies derived from individual transmission “line profit” criteria. Simulations on the IEEE 118-bus test system demonstrate the effectiveness of the heuristic policies in reducing production costs. As the algorithm's requisite information to identify promising candidate elements for switching is standard output of the OPF solution, the computational effort is up to four orders of magnitude better than dynamic transmission topology control performance reported in the literature.
A Method for Coating Fibers in Oxide Composites

A method for applying monazite coatings onto oxide fibers after matrix infiltration and sintering is devised and demonstrated. It uses an intermediate fugitive coating, followed by impregnation and pyrolysis of a monazite precursor solution. Composites with monazite coatings produced in this manner as well as those with only a fugitive coating exhibit superior mechanical performance to composites without any coating, as manifested in higher notched strength and fracture energy as well as significantly greater amounts of fiber pullout.
CMV and blood transfusions

Among the human herpesviruses, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the only one that has assumed significant importance in blood transfusion. Transfusion transmission of CMV (TT-CMV) to seronegative immunocompromised patients can lead to lethal CMV disease. Studies over the past 30 years have demonstrated that monocytes latently infected with CMV represent the primary vector for TT-CMV, and that TT-CMV can be largely abrogated by transfusing at-risk patients with either seronegative units or blood filtered to remove white blood cells. However, the small number of cases of breakthrough TT-CMV that follow transfusion of either seronegative or filtered blood still produce morbidity and mortality. These circumstances have motivated ongoing efforts to provide improved protection from TT-CMV, including the use of CMV DNA amplification for blood screening, and pathogen inactivation to sterilise all blood components prior to transfusion.
Outcome of hand assisted laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy in transplant recipients.

Purpose: We explored the safety and reproducibility of hand assisted laparoscopic bilateral native nephrectomy. We also present our improvements to the surgical technique.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 36 patients who underwent hand assisted laparoscopic bilateral nephrectomy at our institution between 2003 and 2010. In all cases the 2 kidneys were removed transperitoneally via a hand assisted laparoscopic technique.Results: Mean operative time was 222 minutes. Pathological kidney size was 20 to 34 cm. Mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 1 to 13). Average estimated blood loss was 175 cc (range 50 to 200). No patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions to open surgery. Postoperatively complications developed in 8 patients (22%), including temporary adrenal insufficiency and pulmonary embolism in 1 each, and myocardial infarction, superficial wound infection and loss of arteriovenous fistula function in 2...
RISK AND RESILIENCY FACTORS FOR VIOLENCE

Research on human resiliency in the face of adversity has gained widespread currency in the study of the developmental outcomes for children exposed to multiple risk factors. 50,60 This article reviews several of these studies from a multilevel perspective, with a view to documenting their contributions and limitations and what needs to be done in the future.
Gravity and Structure of Continental Margin: Oregon to Southeastern Alaska: ABSTRACT

Reconnaissance surface-ship gravity measurements over the continental margin of western North America extend from northern California to southern Alaska. The gravity measurements, spaced approximately 2.5 km apart along tracklines approximately 40 km apart, have an estimated RMS uncertainty of approximately 5 mgl. A negative free-air anomaly along the base of the continental slope is attributed to the dip of the Mohorovic discontinuity, lateral density variations in the upper mantle, and in some locations a sediment-filled trough. Off the north end of Vancouver Island a free-air anomaly greater than -150 mgl occurs over the Scott Islands fracture zone, suggesting a sediment thickness in the fracture zone of 4-6 km. Hypothetical crustal cross sections of the continental ma gin constrained by the free-air anomalies and the available seismic refraction data suggest crustal thicknesses are approximately 20 km in western Oregon and Washington, and 25-30 km in the Insular Belt of British Columbia and the Alexander Archipelago. The relatively thin crust in the region between the continental shelf and Coast Mountains of British Columbia and the Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington is characteristic of the transition from oceanic to continental structure in western North America. End_of_Article - Last_Page 432------------
Studies of orthodontic elastomeric modules. Part 1: Glass transition temperatures for representative pigmented products in the as-received condition and after orthodontic use

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the glass transition temperatures (T g ) of representative elastomeric chain products (plastic modules) in the as-received condition and after orthodontic use to determine differences between brands and pigments. Values of T g were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Products were obtained from 3 manufacturers: Rocky Mountain Orthodontics (RMO, Denver, Colo), Ormco (Glendora, Calif), and G&H (Greenwood, Ind). Three colors (gray, red, and purple) were selected for each brand-pigment combination to evaluate the as-received products, and test specimens for each brand-pigment combination from the same batches were placed in patients' mouths for 4 weeks to evaluate the products after clinical use (sample size of 7 specimens for both groups of experiments). Results were analyzed statistically by multiple nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests. A post hoc step-down Bonferroni analysis followed, to examine differences in T g due to pigmentation within brands and differences due to brands within each pigmentation category. For the as-received products, the RMO modules had mean T g ranging from −24°C to −21°C, whereas the Ormco and G&H modules had significantly lower mean T g , ranging from −46°C to −39°C, indicating substantial compositional or polymer structural differences compared with the RMO modules. After clinical use, the RMO products had mean T g ranging from −31°C to −25°C, whereas the Ormco and G&H products had mean T g ranging from −46°C to −30°C. The in vivo specimens also exhibited a second, higher-temperature glass transition of unknown origin. Results suggest that the Ormco and G&H products should have greater flexibility than the RMO products and that there should be significant differences in clinical force-degradation behavior for the Ormco and G&H products compared with the RMO products.
Postmarketing adverse drug reactions: A duty to report?

Summary Physicians play an important role in recognizing and reporting suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Physicians can report suspected ADRs directly to the FDA via its MedWatch program, by contacting the manufacturer of the drug, and by publishing case reports. While this takes time, physicians have an ethical obligation to participate in recognizing and reporting ADR.
Cardioprotective Signaling by Endothelin

The endothelin axis promotes vasoconstriction, suggesting that antagonists of endothelin signaling might be useful in treatment of heart failure. However, promising results from animal trials have not been recapitulated in heart failure patients. Here we review the role of major signaling pathways in the heart that are involved in cell survival initiated by ET-1. These pathways include mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidyl inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate kinase (PI3K-AKT), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and calcineurin signaling. A better understanding of endothelin-mediated signaling in cardiac cell survival may allow a reevaluation of endothelin receptor antagonists (ETRAs) in the treatment of heart failure.
Sequential constraint augmentation with variable neighbourhood search for the multidimensional assignment problem

This work proposes the Sequential Constraint Augmentation (SCA) procedure for the Multidimensional Assignment Problem (MAP). Although the two-dimensional assignment problem has been shown to be solvable in polynomial time, the problem becomes NP-hard when it is extended to three dimensions. We investigate the benefits of implementing an intra-permutation 2 exchange and variable neighbourhood search for the SCA. The variable neighbourhood approach utilises the intra-permutation 2 and n-exchanges and the inter permutation 2-exchange. All three κ-exchange neighbourhoods are motivated by the permutation formulation of the MAP. Computational results show that the SCA procedure provides a tight upper bound with little computational effort. Exploring our variable neighbourhood significantly improves the SCA solution within a relatively short amount of computation time.
Determining profit-maximizing production/shipping policies in a one-to-one direct shipping, stochastic demand environment☆

Abstract In this paper, we consider the problem of producing and transporting a unique product directly from an origin (e.g., a production plant) to a destination (e.g., its retail outlet) where demands are stochastic and follow a known probability distribution. We first derive the expected profit per unit produced and shipped as a function of the production rate and shipment size for a general demand distribution. Then, an iterative procedure is designed to obtain the optimal production/shipping policies by exploiting the concavity of the expected profit function on the production rate for the Uniform demand distribution case. Monte Carlo experiments and sensitivity analyses are also performed to validate the model and give further insights into the effect of changes in parameter values on the optimal policies and the expected profit function. This research extends the classic Newsboy Model by combining the production and logistical decisions into an integrated framework, and provides optimal production/shipping policies for profit-oriented organizations that own both the production and retail entities and face demand uncertainties.
Algebras and languages for molecular programming

Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) encode information digitally, and are currently the only truly 'user-programmable' entities at the molecular scale. They can be used to manufacture nano-scale structures, to produce physical forces, to act as sensors and actuators, and to do computation in between. Eventually we will be able to interface them with biological machinery to detect and cure diseases at the cellular level under program control. The basic technology to create and manipulate these devices has existed for many years, but the imagination necessary to exploit them has been evolving slowly. Recently, some very simple computational schemes have been developed that are autonomous (run on their own once started) and involve only short (easily synthesizable) DNA strands with no other complex molecules.
Theoretical and experimental study of a quasi-planar conical antenna

Conical antennas are widely used in many applications because of their broad input impedance bandwidth and omni-directional radiation pattern (H.Hawasaki and G.Sato). However, conical antennas usually have three-dimensional structures and are, hence, relatively difficult to fabricate and integrate. In (M.Lu,et al), a quasi-planar conical antenna is proposed, where preliminary results indicate that dielectric loading could mechanically stabilize the antenna while keeping the input impedance invariant within a broad band. In this paper, the antenna design proposed in (M.Lu,et al) is studied theoretically as well as experimentally. Specifically, a few configurations of the quasi-planar conical antenna are simulated, fabricated, and tested. The simulation and measurement results show good agreement. Overall, the findings are that the quasi-planar conical antenna is mechanically stable, straightforward to fabricate and manipulate, and that it exhibits all of the nice electrical properties of the conventional conical antennas.
Sensoritopic and Topologic Organization of the Vestibular Nerve

Anatomical studies in the vestibular system represent one of the earlier steps of Professor Rafael Lorente de No’s search for understanding of brain function. His investigations into the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system brought the attention of the neuroscience community to this very young (early 20’s), curious, creative and tenacious worker, one of the last students of Nobel Laureate Santiago Ramon y Cajal. Lorente de No made many contributions which remain the foundation of vestibular science, such as the well-known descriptions of the anatomy and physiology of the three neuron vestibuloocular reflex arc and interneurons in vestibular reflex function (Lorente de No,’ 33b; Lorente de No,’ 38).
A Case Study of a Best Value Manufacturer

This is a case study of a construction product manufacturer’s effort to become a profitable manufacturer of roofing systems while providing a best value product to the client (best performance at the lowest cost.) The manufacturer was attempting to become successful with product performance in an industry where low performance of competing products brought a perceived high risk of nonperformance from clients. The manufacturer’s efforts included documentation of performance of their installed product, creating a risk management process, testing the risk management process and creating a supply chain structure which minimized the risk of both the manufacturer and the client. The key component of a best value manufacturer is the identification of the true buyer of their materials is the owner of the facility which buys their product and not the contractors. This paper documents the transformation from not having performance information to having documented performance on their product, developing a risk management program, and exercising their risk management program. This includes the formulation of a performance based contractor program and the application of the Performance Information Risk Management System (PIRMS.)
Sonic Boom Shaping in Three Dimensions

A three-dimensional extension to the George-Seebass sonic boom minimization theory is presented. This three-dimensional extension, exploiting George's multipole generalization of the F-function, is in addition to a previously deve loped multi-segment extension. The new formulation provides a holistic method for minimizi ng sonic booms across the full carpet width, rather than just under the flight track.
College in Black and White: African American Students in Predominantly White and in Historically Black Public Universities

(1993). College in Black and White: African American Students in Predominantly White and in Historically Black Public Universities. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 64, No. 5, pp. 615-617.
The effect of allochthonous salt evolution and overpressure development on source rock thermal maturation: a two-dimensional transient study in the northern Gulf of Mexico Basin

Sequential two-dimensional forward modelling of source rock maturation along a north–south 600 km megaregional profile across the northern Gulf of Mexico Basin illustrates the coupled influence of allochthonous salt evolution and overpressure development on source rock maturation. Model results indicate that allochthonous salt evolution strongly affected local and regional source rock maturation, while overpressure development had a minor impact. Within the lower slope portion of the profile (south of the Sigsbee escarpment to the Tabular Salt/Minibasin province), localized thermal lows associated with salt stock development locally retarded the maturation of source rocks, while the slow development of overpressures effected little influence on the maturation. Within the centre of the profile (offshore Louisiana shelf), however, the evolution of allochthonous salt sheets and shallow salt structures locally and regionally lowered the oil generation window. The timing of overpressures in this region, related to the progradation of the Cenozoic marine depocentre, may have accelerated the maturation of middle Eocene source rocks, although the deeper Turonian source rocks had reached maturation at the time of greatest overpressure development. In the northern portion of the profile (southern Louisiana), the Terrebonne salt sheet lowered the oil generation window and retarded the maturation of the middle Eocene source rocks.
Camus and the Parable of the Perfect Sentence

(1970). Camus and the Parable of the Perfect Sentence. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 254-261.
Axial 3D region of interest reconstruction using weighted cone beam BPF/DBPF algorithm cascaded with adequately oriented orthogonal butterfly filtering

Axial cone beam (CB) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction is still the most desirable in clinical applications. As the potential candidates with analytic form for the task, the back projection-filtration (BPF) and the derivative backprojection filtered (DBPF) algorithms, in which Hilbert filtering is the common algorithmic feature, are originally derived for exact helical and axial reconstruction from CB and fan beam projection data, respectively. These two algorithms have been heuristically extended for axial CB reconstruction via adoption of virtual PI-line segments. Unfortunately, however, streak artifacts are induced along the Hilbert filtering direction, since these algorithms are no longer accurate on the virtual PI-line segments. We have proposed to cascade the extended BPF/DBPF algorithm with orthogonal butterfly filtering for image reconstruction (namely axial CB-BPP/DBPF cascaded with orthogonal butterfly filtering), in which the orientation-specific artifacts caused by post-BP Hilbert transform can be eliminated, at a possible expense of losing the BPF/DBPF’s capability of dealing with projection data truncation. Our preliminary results have shown that this is not the case in practice. Hence, in this work, we carry out an algorithmic analysis and experimental study to investigate the performance of the axial CB-BPP/DBPF cascaded with adequately oriented orthogonal butterfly filtering for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction in region of interest (ROI).
Hohhot diabetes epidemiology investigation and analysis

Objective To understand diabetes Hohhot residents(DM) and impaired fasting glucose(IFT) disease status and related influencing factors. Methods Choose to participate in 2012 chronic disease investigation project of census register population over the age of 15 as the research object, a total of 2 791 people. The fasting blood sugar measured as the main diagnostic index, combining with glucose tolerance test and medical history of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose.Patients were compared using the chi-square test and linear trend test. Results 15 years of age or older residents of impaired fasting glucose prevalence was 3.9%, male was 3.4%, the female is 4.3; 15~、18~、45~、65~year-old impaired fasting glucose prevalence among all age groups, respectively was 2.1%、3.9%、4.9%、5.4%. 15 years of age or older residents diabetes prevalence was 3.0%, 3.0% of men and women was 3.0; In different age groups, 15~、18~、45 years old, 65~year-old-age groups prevalence was 1.0%、3.4%、3.9%、3.7%. Conclusion 15 years of age or older residents prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose increased dramatically with age, there was no statistically significant difference between different genders.
Clinical significance of determination of the expression levels of TGF-β_1 and IL-18 mRNA in children with primary nephrotic syndrome

Objective To study the clinical significance of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and interleukin(IL)-18 m RNA in the diagnosis and evaluation of disease severity of primary nephrotic syndrome(PNS) in children. Methods The expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-18 m RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase reaction(RT-PCR) in 77 children with PNS and 30 healthy children(control group). Results In children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS), the expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-18 m RNA before treatment and at 1, 4 weeks after hormone therapy were significantly lower in children with simple type nephrotic syndrome than those in children with nephritic type nephrotic syndrome(P0.05). The level of TGF-β1 m RNA before treatment was significantly lower in children with SSNS than that in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS). With the extension of hormone therapy, the expression levels of TGF-β1 m RNA showed a trend of declining in children with PNA. In children with SRNS, the expression levels of TGF-β1and IL-18 m RNA before treatment and at 1, 4 weeks after hormone therapy were significantly lower in children with simple type NS than those in children with nephritic type nephrotic syndrome(P0.05). In children with SSNS, the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-18 m RNA were significantly higher in acute phase than those in the remission phase. Conclusions At the early stage of PNS, the detection of the expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-18 m RNA is useful for evaluatation of disease activity, clinical identification of nephritic type nephrotic syndrome and simple type nephrotic syndrome and early prediction of SRNS.
“An Auncient Zelous Gospeller […] Desirous to Do Any Thing to Common Good”: Edward Whitchurch and the Reformist Cause in Marian and Elizabethan England

This article examines the last years of the life of the prolific evangelical printer Edward Whitchurch (d. 1562). Although biographers have tended to paint his time under the rule of Queens Mary I and Elizabeth I as chiefly a period of quiescence and inactivity, Whitchurch in fact continued to devote himself, first cautiously under Mary and then more openly and vigorously under Elizabeth, to the evangelical cause he had so long supported. Under Mary, Whitchurch worked to thwart the production of Catholic propaganda and to aid suffering evangelicals, most notably his future wife, Archbishop Cranmer's widow. Upon Elizabeth's accession, Whitchurch zealously dedicated himself to advancing the evangelical cause, both through helping “forward” Protestants into key positions in the newly reestablished Church of England and also by assisting in several printing projects designed to bring important Reformation works before the public. The article highlights particular points of connection between Whitchurch and th...
Organic and Biodynamic Management Effects on Soil Biology

Biodynamic agriculture is a unique organic farming system that utilizes, in addition to the common tools of organic agriculture, specific fermented herbal preparations as compost additives and field sprays. The objective of this work was to determine whether biodynamic compost or field spray preparations affect the soil biological community in the short term, beyond the effects of organic management. Four fertilizer options: (i) composted dairy manure and bedding (organic fertilization), (ii) the same material composted with biodynamic compost preparations, (iii) mineral fertilizers, and (iv) no fertilizer were investigated with and without the biodynamic field spray preparations. Both biodynamic and nonbiodynamic composts increased soil microbial biomass, respiration, dehydrogenase activity, soil C mineralized in 10 d (MinC), earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) population and biomass, and metabolic quotient of respiration per unit biomass (qCO 2 ) by the second year of study. No significant differences were found between soils fertilized with biodynamic vs. nonbiodynamic compost. Use of biodynamic field sprays was associated with more MinC and minor differences in soil microbial fatty acid profiles in the first year of study. There were no other observed effects of the biodynamic preparations. Organically and biodynamically managed soils had similar microbial status and were more biotically active than soils that did not receive organic fertilization. Organic management enhanced soil biological activity, but additional use of the biodynamic preparations did not significantly affect the soil biotic parameters tested.
The Dynamic Pathways of Prokaryotic Translation Termination and Recycling

Translation, the final step of gene expression, is divided into four stages: initiation, elongation, termination, and recycling. Once the ribosome completes protein synthesis at the end of elongation, the completed protein must be removed (termination) and the ribosome recycled for the next iteration of translation (recycling). Termination and recycling are regulated by release factors and ribosome recycling factor, respectively. Despite the importance of accurate translation termination and efficient recycling in biology, our current knowledge on the mechanism of even simple prokaryotic termination and recycling is incomplete. Prior experiments have probed individual steps in isolation, consequently missing many late termination intermediates that occur prior to recycling. To understand the interface of termination and recycling, we need to observe these processes continuously in real-time. Here, we used a single-molecule method that tracks all four stages of translation to elucidate the structure and dynamics of the missing transient intermediates in termination and recycling. We monitored the timings of release factor arrival and departure and correlated them to the global conformational state of the ribosome. Our results show that the ribosome transitions into a rotated conformation after the release factor dissociates. This coupling between factor occupancy and ribosome conformation continues as the release factor rebinds to the ribosome. Addition of ribosome recycling factor reduces the number of release factor binding events and recycles the ribosome by competing for binding to the rotated ribosome. This kinetic competition between these factors tunes the efficiency of recycling after termination. Our results suggest that ribosome intersubunit conformational dynamics plays a crucial role in transitioning from termination to recycling.
Introduction: Feminism, Biography, Theory

(1993). Introduction: Feminism, Biography, Theory. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 8, FEMINIST BIOGRAPHY, pp. 155-158.
On the use of pets to manage dental anxiety

Dental anxiety and fear can be a significant barrier to dental care, with symptoms ranging from feelings of unease to avoidance of care. The management of anxious patients is essential to improve their oral health. Triggers include sights, sounds, sensations, and smells of the equipment used in restorative procedures, and management should focus on controlling these factors. Recommendations for controlling these triggers include distraction and pharmacological interventions. In medicine, distractions include animal-assisted therapy, which proves an effective means of reducing anxiety levels. Studies have shown that interactions with live animals reduce self-reported anxiety more than distractions by either humans or magazines. The media also addresses the valuable role of emotional support by animals in boosting health and enhancing lives. In the past year, numerous news stories have reported regarding the use of certified therapy by dogs to comfort anxious patients in dental practices across the United States. Dogs serve to distract patients, drawing their focus away from dentistry, and generate a positive energy that enliven both the staff and the patients. The positive impact that therapy dogs have had on patients' dental experiences cannot be overstated. The incorporation of pet anti-anxiety therapy is a safe, effective, and inexpensive approach to easing dental anxiety and has profound potential for improving oral health.
Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) with Cytokine Immunotherapy for Low-Risk MDS.

Patients with low- or intermediate 1- (Int-1) risk MDS, as defined by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) are generally asymptomatic at presentation, but nonetheless have an expected median survival of only 3.5 to 5.7 years. Highly effective and preferably non cytotoxic therapies are needed to prolong their survival and reduce their risk of transformation to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Cytokine modulating therapies including hematopoietic growth factors, steroids, and immune modulating agents have shown activity in low risk MDS. We have developed a phase II clinical trial of cytokine immune-therapy for patients who have not previously been treated with cytotoxic therapy, with low to intermediate risk MDS or ≤10% marrow blasts according to the following treatment plan: Erythropoietin (EPO) 40,000 units SQ weekly, (with escalation to 60,000 units weekly and then twice weekly if the hemoglobin response is inadequate); G-CSF 300 mcg SQ twice weekly, titrated to maintain an ANC between 1 and 10 x 109/dL; oral prednisone starting at 60mg PO daily tapered over 4 weeks; Cyclosporin A given at a dose of 300mg daily for at least 6 months. Treatment was continued until relapse, progressive disease, or lack of response after 6 months of therapy. Responses are evaluated according to the International Working Group (IWG) criteria. Being an efficacy study, the primary outcome is rate of complete remission (CR), although all responses are being considered and reported. We have 14 evaluable patients thus far, with a median age of 67 (46–79). Two-thirds of the patients are male and all had MDS with diploid cytogenetics. Twelve patients (86%) were classified as Int-1, 2 (14%) were low risk, and 1 (7%) was Int-2. The median number of prior therapies was 1 (0–3). So far 2 (14.3%) CRs, 2 (14.3%) PRs, and 4 (28.6%) hematologic improvements have been observed for an overall response rate of 57%. The median time to response was 3 (1–16) months, and the median duration of response was 2 (1–29) months. Of the 2 patients in CR, one required 6 months of therapy before achieving CR and continues to have normal counts with a followup of 33 months. The second patient was treated for 16 months with decreasing transfusion requirements until CR. She now continues on the study, in a CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp), with no transfusion requirements and no significant toxicities with a followup of 23 months. Overall, the regimen was well tolerated. Eleven (79%) of the patients required a cyclosporin A dose reduction, mostly due to renal insufficiency. The most common grade 3 toxicities are diarrhea and renal insufficiency, and 1 patient each with fatigue and confusion. No grade 4 toxicities have been seen. Correlation of response with EPO levels, HLA DR15 expression, and CD55/59 expression is ongoing. A cytokine immune-therapy program using a combination of growth factors, steroids, and immune suppression is well tolerated and effective with durable responses in a low to intermediate risk population of patients with MDS.
Adjuvant Agents in Regional Anesthesia in the Ambulatory Setting

A majority of surgical practice has involved ambulatory centers with the number of outpatient operations in the USA doubling to 26.8 million per year. Local anesthesia delivery provides numerous benefits, including increased satisfaction, earlier discharge, and reduction in unplanned hospital admission. Further, with the epidemic of opioid mediated overdoses, local anesthesia can be a key tool in providing an opportunity to reduce the need for other analgesics postoperatively. Adjuvants such as epinephrine and clonidine enhance local anesthetic clinical utility. Further, dexmedetomidine prolongs regional blockade duration effects. There has also been a significant interest recently in the use of dexamethasone. Studies have demonstrated a significant prolongation in motor and sensory block with perineural dexamethasone. Findings are conflicting as to whether intravenous dexamethasone has similar beneficial effects. However, considering the possible neurotoxicity effects, which perineural dexamethasone may present, it would be prudent not to consider intravenously administered dexamethasone to prolong regional block duration. Many studies have also demonstrated neurotoxicity from intrathecally administered midazolam. Therefore, midazolam as an adjuvant is not recommended. Magnesium prolongs regional block duration but related to paucity of studies as of yet, cannot be recommended. Tramadol yields inconsistent results and ketamine is associated with psychotomimetic adverse effects. Buprenorphine consistently increases regional block duration and reduce opioid requirements by a significant amount. Future studies are warranted to define best practice strategies for these adjuvant agents. The present review focuses on the many roles of local anesthetics in current ambulatory practice.
Bijections on m-level Rook Placements

Partition the rows of a board into sets of $m$ rows called levels. An $m$-level rook placement is a subset of squares of the board with no two in the same column or the same level. We construct explicit bijections to prove three theorems about such placements. We start with two bijections between Ferrers boards having the same number of $m$-level rook placements. The first generalizes a map by Foata and Schutzenberger and our proof applies to any Ferrers board. The second generalizes work of Loehr and Remmel. This construction only works for a special class of Ferrers boards but also yields a formula for calculating the rook numbers of these boards in terms of elementary symmetric functions. Finally we generalize another result of Loehr and Remmel giving a bijection between boards with the same hit numbers. The second and third bijections involve the Involution Principle of Garsia and Milne.