cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trace element and isotopic characteristics of western Pacific pelagic sediments: Implications for the petrogenesis of Mariana Arc magmas

Abstract Rare earth element (REE) and Ned isotopic data for ten representative samples of Lower Cretaceous to Miocene pelagic sediments from the western Pacific indicate a wide range of compositions for sediments being subducted beneath the Mariana and Volcano arcs. All samples are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and show negative Eu and Ce anomalies. The values of ϵNd range from +0.6 to −7.3. These data are used to calculate the Bulk Western Pacific Sediment (BWPS), which is characterized by low Sr/Nd(10), Ba/La(13), and ϵNd (−5.2) and high 87 Sr 86 Sr (0.7078) compared to that of Mariana and Volcano arc lavas. This composite sediment is used to refine a mixing model for the origin of Mariana and Volcano arc melts. Some lavas from the northern Mariana Arc have Ba/La higher than that of BWPS, which indicates that a third component is required. The high Ba/La in the mantle source for these lavas is interpreted to result from multiple episodes of fluid fractionation. The mixing model indicates that a minor amount of sediment and a low proportion of metasomatic fluid fluxes the mantle source at a late stage when the subarc mantle is already highly metasomatized. This model also suggests that the mantle source for arc melts is affected more by metasomatic fluids than by melting or bulk mixing of sediments.
Organ-specific distribution of isozymes of 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase in mouse.

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution of isozymes of 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (E.C. 3.1.4.1) was examined in various organs of mouse, including liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, lung, kidney, brain and blood. 2. 2. Five isozymes were identified and designated as isozymes I through V. 3. 3. These isozymes are distributed unevenly with respect to the various organs and clear differences were observed in the patterns of distribution among the organs examined. 4. 4. The level of these isozymes was compared in serum of neonate and adut mice, and a higher level of isozyme I and a lower level of isozyme IV were found in neonates compared to adults. 5. 5. These results suggest that each isozyme has different functional roles in individual organs and that these isozymes may be involved in proliferation and development of cells.
Recent Trends in Preparing Ethnic Minorities for Careers in Mathematics and Science

This study compares trends in participation and performance on mathematics and science Advanced Placement exams for student ethnic subgroups in California high schools over a 6-year period. Results...
Increases in Endotracheal Tube Resistance Are Unpredictable Relative to Duration of Intubation

Background Accumulated secretions after intubation can affect the resistance of an endotracheal tube (ETT). Our objective was to measure extubated patient tubes and size-matched controls to evaluate differences in resistance. Methods New ETTs, with internal diameters of 7.0 through 8.5 mm, were tested as controls to establish the resistance of each size group as measured by pressure drop. Measurements were obtained using a mass flowmeter and pressure transducer. Pressure drop was measured at three flow rates. Seventy-one patient ETTs were evaluated after extubation by an identical method and compared with controls. Results In each control group, pressure drop was tightly clustered with low variation and no overlap between sizes. A total of 73 to 79% of the patient ETTs had a pressure drop of > 3 SDs of size-matched controls at all flow rates. Pressure drop in 48 to 56% (across three flow rates) of extubated tubes was equivalent to the next smaller size of controls. At 60 and 90 L/min, 10% and 15% of patient tubes, respectively, had the pressure drop of a control tube three sizes smaller. The pressure drop was unpredictable relative to the duration of intubation. Conclusions Organized secretions can significantly increase resistance as measured by the pressure drop of ETTs. The degree of change was highly variable, occurs in all sizes, and was unrelated to the duration of intubation. The performance of an ETT may be comparable to new tubes one to four sizes smaller. This may impact the tolerance of ventilator weaning.
Theorizing Translanguaging and Multilingual Literacies Through Human Capital Theory

In this conceptual article we invite multilingual researchers to consider the concept of translanguaging through the lens of human capital theory. Our thinking about the interconnections among human capital, multilingualism, and translanguaging is motivated by our research in border colonias and other minoritized communities in South Texas, and we begin by describing these globalized Mexican diaspora communities located on the U.S.-Mexico border. We provide a brief overview of translanguaging by connecting this concept to similar terms used in related disciplines of interest to multilingualism research. We discuss how human capital has been used in educational research before outlining six forms of capital that offer potential for understanding how multilingualism can be fostered in and out of schools. We conclude with suggestions for empirical research on multilingual literacies and translanguaging.
Dual membrane annular helical suppressors in ion chromatography

A dual membrane annular helical configuration is shown to be a highly efficient low dispersion suppressor for ion chromatography. The device contains one filament-filled membrane tube inserted inside another closely fitting membrane tube of the same type. The dual membrane assembly is coiled as a small diameter helix, the shape being retained by the filament. The column effluent flows in the annular space between the two membranes; regenerant flows through two separate channels, inside the inner membrane and through a jacket which surrounds the entire device. Compared to simple filament-filled membrane helices, these devices exhibit a substantially larger available membrane surface area per unit dispersion of an injected band. 20 references, 3 tables, 2 figures.
The influence of thyroxine, growth hormone and prolactin alone and in combination on the production of prolactin-like activity by splenocytes from snell dwarf mice

The production of a prolactin (PRL)-like substance by mitogen-stimulated immunocompetent cells has been reported previously for a number of species. The Snell dwarf mouse has a deficiency in thyrotropin (TSH), growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) as a result of a defect in the pituitary Pit-1 promoter. Since the gene for PRL is present in the dwarf mouse pituitary but not activated it was of interest to determine whether a similar deficiency existed for splenocytes from the dwarf animal. Irradiated splenocytes from dwarfs and normal littermates were cocultured in synthetic AIM-V medium with Nb2 cells and stimulated with concanavalvin A (Con-A). The 3H thymidine incorporation into Nb2 cells in cocultures was quantitated by the addition of mouse PRL to Nb2 cells alone. Splenocytes from dwarf mice produced significantly less PRL-like activity (p < 0.02) than did splenocytes from normal animals. The administration of thyroxine (T4) to dwarf mice increased body weight (BW) gain and the number of splenocytes/g BW. The administration of recombinant bovine GH but not recombinant bPRL further increased body weight gain over T4 alone but neither pituitary hormone had any additional effect on the number of splenocytes/g BW over that noted for T4 alone. Prolactin and GH alone had no effect on splenocyte numbers/g BW. The decreased production of PRL-like activity in the dwarf mouse was not altered by either GH or PRL injection. The injection of T4 alone and in combination with pituitary hormones increased the production of PRL-like activity by dwarf splenocytes to values similar to that observed for normal animals.
Mass spectrometric characterization of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine N-oxidized metabolites bound at Cys34 of human serum albumin.

2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is a heterocyclic aromatic amine that is formed during the cooking of meats and poultry. PhIP is a carcinogen in rodents and a potential human carcinogen. Several short-term biomarkers of PhIP have been established for human biomonitoring, but validated long-term biomarkers of the biologically effective dose of PhIP remain to be developed. Metabolites of PhIP have been reported to covalently bind to human serum albumin (SA), which is the most abundant protein in plasma; however, the chemical structures of PhIP-SA adducts are unknown. Cysteine34 is one of 35 conserved Cys residues in SA across species. Thirty-four of these Cys are involved in 17 disulfide bonds. The single unpaired Cys34 residue in SA is well-known to react with carcinogenic metabolites and toxic electrophiles. 2-Nitro-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (NO2-PhIP), 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (HONH-PhIP), and 2-nitroso-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyri...
More challenges in the prevention and management of community-associated, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin disease.

In this issue, Diep and colleagues explore the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 isolates that contain the conjugative plasmid pUSA03. They suggest that men who hav...
Teaching First Language Speakers to Communicate across Linguistic Difference: Addressing Attitudes, Comprehension, and Strategies.

While most research in applied linguistics has focused on second language (L2) speakers and their language capabilities, the success of interaction between such speakers and first language (L1) speakers also relies on the positive attitudes and communication skills of the L1 speakers. However, some research has suggested that many L1 speakers lack these things. We therefore review three possible approaches to instructing L1 speakers to improve their communication with speakers of other varieties. First, theories from social psychology, specifically contact theory and perspective-taking, have led to interventions that have improved L1 speakers’ attitudes toward L2 speech. Secondly, both implicit and explicit instructions may improve L1 speakers’ comprehension of unfamiliar accents, at least for brief utterances. Finally, research on English as a lingua franca has suggested a number of successful communicative strategies that we recommend investigating for their possible efficacy for L1 speaker use and ultimately for L1-speaker training. We propose an agenda for future research ultimately bridging these three areas to create comprehensive pedagogies for improving L1 speakers’ performance in communication across linguistic difference.
Nursing Practice Theory of Exercise as Self‐Care

Exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and promotes health. Most people in the United States do not exercise regularly. Nurses can promote exercise using the proposed theory as a guide. This theory of exercise was developed through triangulation of Orem's self-care deficit theory of nursing, the transtheoretical model of exercise behavior, and characteristics of a population at risk for CVD. Practice theory and use of individual constructs were reviewed, revised, and validated by experts familiar with the organizing constructs. Future testing and evaluation of practice theory as a guide for promoting exercise is planned.
Chlorinating well water with liquid bleach was not an effective water disinfection strategy in Guinea-Bissau

(1998). Chlorinating well water with liquid bleach was not an effective water disinfection strategy in Guinea-Bissau. International Journal of Environmental Health Research: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 339-340.
Controversies in Pediatrics: What Tests Are Indicated for the Child Under 2 with Fever

Most articles in PEDIATRICS IN REVIEW are presented in a didactic manner, sometimes more so than the authors would like. But other topics are still so controversial that to present only one side or one view would do disservice to authors and readers. From time-to-time we will present such controversies in pediatrics in this section. Such an instance is "fever in young children." Since the studies a few years ago that demonstrated bacteremia in more of these children than most of us previously suspected, all of us are more anxious than before about such children. Can we trust our clinical judgment as to who requires blood cultures and antimicrobial therapy? What tests are useful in making this difficult decision? McCarthy has done a series of studies over the years which he summaries below. But the experts do not always agree. Smith has added his view of the problem. Unfortunately, some things in medicine are still not so clear. But the reader will know that experts share his uncertainties. R.J.H One of the common reasons that a child visits the pediatrician is for the evaluation of a febrile illness. In our emergency room, 20% of children evaluated have a fever. Therefore, a well thought out approach to the febrile child is essential in pediatric practice.
Therapy for Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas: Does Continuous Dose-Intense Temozolomide Have a Role?

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most common malignant primary brain tumors, with an annual incidence in the United States of approximately 15,000 patients. 1 Currently, standard therapy for glioblastomas (WHO grade 4 gliomas) involves maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. 2-4 Despite optimal therapy, these tumors inevitably recur with a median time-to-tumor progression of approximately 6.9 months, and median survival of only 15 months. 2 For anaplastic gliomas (WHO grade 3 gliomas) treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy results in a median time-to-tumor progression of approximately 1.2 to 2.6 years and a median survival of 2 to 7 years. 3,5,6 Treatment options for recurrent HGG are limited. Bevacizumab produces response rates of approximately 20% to 40% in glioblastomas and increases 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6) to approximately 30% to 50%. 7,8 Based on these results, bevacizumab recently received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of recurrent glioblastomas. Similar results have been obtained with anaplastic gliomas. 9 The results of other therapies for recurrent HGG have been generally disappointing, with PFS6 of only 9% to 16%. 10,11 Nitrosoureas, such as lomustine and carmustine, increase PFS6 to approximately 21% to 24%, 12,13 but most other chemotherapeutic agents have
Comparison of Histograms for Use in Cloud Observation and Modeling

Cloud observation and cloud modeling data can be presented in histograms for each characteristic to be measured. Combining information from single-cloud histograms yields a summary histogram. Summary histograms can be compared to each other to reach conclusions about the behavior of an ensemble of clouds in different places at different times or about the accuracy of a particular cloud model. As in any scientific comparison, it is necessary to decide whether any apparent differences are statistically significant. The usual methods of deciding statistical significance when comparing histograms do not apply in this case because they assume independent data. Thus, a new method is necessary. The proposed method uses the Euclidean distance metric and bootstrapping to calculate the significance level.
Metal‐Chelate Affinity Chromatography

Recombinant proteins engineered to have six consecutive histidine residues on either the amino or carboxyl terminus can be purified using a resin containing nickel ions (Ni2+) that have been immobilized by covalently attached nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). This technique, known as metal-chelate affinity chromatography (MCAC), can readily be performed with either native or denatured protein. Techniques are discussed for creating a fusion protein consisting of the protein of interest with a histidine tail attached (for purification by MCAC). The basic protocol describes expression of histidine-tail fusion proteins and their purification in native form by MCAC. Two alternate protocols describe purification of histidine-tail fusion proteins by MCAC under denaturing conditions and their renaturation by either dialysis or solid-phase renaturation. Support protocols are provided for analysis of the purified product and regeneration of the NTA resin. All of these protocols are easily adaptable to any protein expression system.
A new Method for the Synthesis of 5-Benzyl-1-(2-Hydroxyethoxy Methyl)Uracil (Bau), A Potent Uridine Phosphorylase Inhibitor, And Its N3-And N1, N3, -Substituted Analogs

Abstract A new methodology for the synthesis of 5-benzyl-l-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)uracil (BAU)2 (1), a potent uridine phosphorylase inhibitor, has been developed. The coupling of bis(trimethylsilyl) derivative of 5-benzyl uracil with 2-acetoxyethoxymethyl bromide, followed by removal of the protecting 0-acetyl group, afforded compound 1. However, treatment of the silyl derivatives of 5-benzyluracil with 2-acetoxyethyl acetoxymethyl ether in the presence of stannic chloride as catalyst, followed by deblocking, gave three products,1, 2 and 3, respectively.
A viral RNA competitively inhibits the antiviral endoribonuclease domain of RNase L

Ribonuclease L (RNase L) is a latent endoribonuclease in an evolutionarily ancient interferon-regulated dsRNA-activated antiviral pathway. 2'-5' oligoadenylate (2-5A), the product of dsRNA-activated oligoadenylate synthetases (OASes), binds to ankyrin repeats near the amino terminus of RNase L, initiating a series of conformational changes that result in the activation of the endoribonuclease. A phylogenetically conserved RNA structure within group C enteroviruses inhibits the endoribonuclease activity of RNase L. In this study we report the mechanism by which group C enterovirus RNA inhibits RNase L. Viral RNA did not affect 2-5A binding to RNase L. Rather, the viral RNA inhibited the endoribonuclease domain. We used purified RNase L, purified 2-5A, and an RNA substrate with a 5' fluorophore and 3' quencher in FRET assays to measure inhibition of RNase L activity by the viral RNA. The group C enterovirus RNA was a competitive inhibitor of the endoribonuclease with a K(i) of 34 nM. Consistent with the kinetic profile of a competitive inhibitor, the viral RNA inhibited the constitutively active endoribonuclease domain of RNase L. We call this viral RNA the RNase L competitive inhibitor RNA (RNase L ciRNA).
Low-power monolithic RF peak detector analysis

Closed-form expressions are derived for the transfer characteristic of a low-power monolithic RF peak detector. These are compared with computer simulation and experimental measurements. >
Metabolic syndrome: an appraisal of the pro-inflammatory and procoagulant status ☆

Inflammation and hypercoagulability predispose to atherothrombosis and seem to be important features of the metabolic syndrome. The most convincing evidence is the association with increased levels of C-reactive protein. The hemostatic abnormality that has been most consistently associated with insulin resistance is an elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 level. In contrast, markers of hypercoagulability have been associated inconsistently with hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance. Fibrinogen clusters with inflammatory factors, which suggests involvement of adipose tissue-generated inflammatory cytokines. Elevated von Willebrand's factor and factor VIII levels aggregate with indicators of endothelial injury, whereas vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteins correlate with triglyceride levels.
The Impact of “Market-Friendly” Reforms on Credit and Land Markets in Honduras and Nicaragua

Summary This article explores the impacts on credit access and agrarian structure of land market liberalization policies undertaken in Honduras and Nicaragua during the 1990s. Like liberalization efforts pursued in many Latin American countries, these market-friendly reforms were designed to activate land transfers and enhance agricultural efficiency, in large part by improving the access of the rural poor to both credit and land markets. Panel data sets gathered in Honduras and Nicaragua are used to compare title, credit, and land access patterns before and after the reforms. Descriptive nonparametric regression analyses show that despite major gains in titling across the land size spectrum, and some increase in land market activity, the other hoped for improvements in credit and land access did not occur, and appear unlikely to occur without further policy attention to credit markets.
Telomeres, telomerase and chromosome stability

Telomeres in most species consist of repeat units of a small number of nucleotides that together with secondary structures and associated proteins stabilize the linear chromosomal DNA molecule. Chromosomes lose a small amount of telomeric DNA after each cell replication. It has been proposed that when telomeres shorten below a critical length, a DNA damage response pathway is activated and induces cell cycle arrest. In cells such as stem cells that maintain a proliferative capacity, telomere length is maintained by the reverse transcriptase, telomerase. In addition, telomerase activity is present in 90% of primary human tumors, suggesting a role for telomerase in providing a proliferative capacity to cells, which is a requirement in progression to malignancy. Telomerase activity can be involved in chromosome healing, although telomerase-independent processes also appear to be capable of capping broken chromosome ends. This review describes the structure and maintenance of telomeres, the importance of a critical telomere length to cell proliferation and the telomeric status of broken chromosome ends produced during development or by spontaneous or induced DNA damages.
Movement and survival of diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) larvae in mixtures of nontransgenic and transgenic canola containing a cryIA(c) gene of Bacillus thuringiensis

Knowledge about the movement and survival of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella . (L.), in mixtures of nontransgenic and transgenic canola, Brassica napus (L.), containing a synthetic cryIA(c) insecticidal gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner would have implications in designing resistance management strategies. In diamondback moth larval movement studies neonates moved 72 h after infestation and other instars moved within 24 h. Diamondback moth larval movement and survival were studied in pure stands and mixtures of 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80 transgenic and nontransgenic canola plants, respectively, that were arranged in rows within cages in a greenhouse. On the 6th d, no larvae survived in the pure stand of transgenic canola, and few survivors were recorded on transgenic canola plants in mixtures. In mixtures, the percentage of adult emergence decreased as the proportion of transgenic plants increased. All 4 instars were killed when they fed exclusively on transgenic plants. None of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars were able complete their life cycle when they fed on transgenic canola plants for 48 h and were subsequently transferred to nontransgenic plants. The results suggest that in seed mixtures diamondback moth larvae would move from transgenic to nontransgenic plants before acquiring lethal doses of toxin, indicating a higher possibility of resistance development. These results suggest that a seed mixture strategy may not be an effective strategy against diamondback moth to prevent or reduce the rate of resistance development against transgenic canola. However, transgenic and nontransgenic plants could be grown in separate rows with a wider row spacing (strip planting) to minimize the rate of resistance development.
Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “Personhood and Neuroscience: Naturalizing or Nihilating?”: Getting Personal

Why do we have such strong intuitions that persons—as opposed to merely humans, thinking things, or sentient beings—exist? Why can't we identify the traits that determine personhood, or agree on wh...
Inverse discrete event modeling for facility parameter estimation

Particular applications require analysts to estimate plant throughput from external observables via inverse modeling techniques. For example, auditors, law enforcement personnel, and financial planners might need to perform these types of analyses. Researchers at the SimCenter at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga have elected to model several simple basic production models as well as a fictional bicycle factory to do a preliminary investigation into the viability of implementing an inverse model using a discrete- event simulation software package. The fictional bicycle model will eventually include several simulation features such as a discrete event component, a flow portion, an agent based part, equation based power portion, and optimization. The results indicate that the approach is viable and that inverse modeling can be used to estimate internal activities. Future work will involve more detailed models with larger parameter sets.
A likelihood-based approach for computing the operating characteristics of the 3+3 phase I clinical trial design with extensions to other A+B designs.

BackgroundIn phase I clinical trials, the “3+3” algorithmic design has been unparalleled in its popularity. The statistical properties of the “3+3” design have been studied in the literature either in comparison with other methods or by deriving exact formulae of statistical quantities. However, there is still much to be known about its capabilities of describing and accounting for uncertainties in the observed data.PurposeThe objective of this study is to provide a probabilistic support for analyzing the heuristic performance of the “3+3” design. The operating characteristics of the algorithm are computed under different hypotheses, levels of evidence, and true (or best guessed) toxicity rates. The dose-finding rules are further compared with those generated by the modified toxicity probability interval design and generalized for implementation in all “A+B” designs.MethodsOur likelihood method is based on the evidential paradigm. Two hypotheses are chosen to correspond to two hypothesized dose-limiting t...
The S-Ribonuclease Gene of Petunia hybrida Is Expressed in Nonstylar Tissue, Including Immature Anthers

To determine the ability of isolated S-locus promoter sequences to direct organ-specific gene expression, we used microprojectile bombardment to introduce chimeric S-allele/beta-glucuronidase genes into different tissues of Petunia hybrida for transient expression. Histochemical staining showed that S-locus/beta-glucuronidase fusions were expressed in pistil, ovary, and petal tissue. No expression of the chimeric genes was detected in leaves or in mature pollen, either by histochemical staining or by fluorescence assays. RNA blot hybridization confirmed that low levels of S-locus mRNA accumulate in petals and ovaries in vivo. Analysis of the expression pattern of S-locus promoter deletions showed that sequences in the immediate vicinity of the TATA box were sufficient to confer qualitatively correct organ-specific expression of beta-glucuronidase. To further investigate the potential for S-ribonuclease expression in pollen, we used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify RNA accumulated in developing anthers. These assays demonstrated that mRNA for the S-ribonuclease accumulates to low levels in developing anthers several days prior to corolla opening and pollen anthesis. We discuss these results in light of current models of self-incompatibility.
Reference Materials for Calibrating Probes Used for Measuring Thermal Conductivity of Frozen Foods

Reference materials which contained either 8% or 10% bentonite pastes and very fine pure copper powder (300 mesh, 30–.55%), provided thermal conductivities ranging from 0.9 to 1.9 W/mK. These materials were used to calibrate probes for measuring thermal conductivity of frozen food materials. Thermal conductivity values measured by the steady-state (parallel plate) method, the unsteady-state heat transfer (heating curve) method, and the probe method agreed within 5%. Although experimental density and heat capacity data of copper-filled bentonite pastes agreed with a mass average value of component properties, measured thermal conductivity values were much lower than the volume fraction average values.
The Effect of the LIFO Inventory Method on Earnings-Price Ratios

This paper investigates why LIFO firms have higher reported earnings-price (EP) ratios compared with non-LIFO firms, a result reported by Lee (1988). Observed cross-sectional differences in financial statement variables between LIFO and non-LIFO firms identified by prior research do not explain EP ratio differences. We explain the differences in EP ratios by controlling for cross-sectional differences in risk and growth, using analysts' expectations of future growth rather than realized growth. Also, we control for expected earnings changes, to mitigate the effect of transitory earnings components on the measurement of EP ratios. When we combine risk, expected growth, and expected earnings changes in our multivariate tests, the EP ratios of LIFO firms are no longer significantly higher than those of non-LIFO firms. When we allow the coefficient on risk to vary between LIFO and non-LIFO firms, as suggested by Watts and Zimmerman (1986), the EP ratios of the LIFO firms are significantly lower than those of the non-LIFO firms.
Engineered Nanotopography on Electrospun PLLA Microfibers Modifies RAW 264.7 Cell Response

In this study, we created a new method of electrospinning capable of controlling the surface structure of individual fibers (fiber nanotopography). The nanotopographical features were created by a phase separation in the fibers as they formed. To control the phase separation, a nonsolvent (a chemical insoluble with the polymer) was added to an electrospinning solution containing poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and chloroform. The nanotopography of electrospun fibers in the PLLA/chloroform solution was smooth. However, adding a small weight (<2% of total solution) of a single nonsolvent (water, ethanol, or dimethyl sulfoxide) generated nanoscale depressions on the surface of the fibers unique to the nonsolvent added. Additionally, nanoscale depressions on electrospun fibers were observed to change with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentration in the PLLA/chloroform solution. A nonlinear relationship was found between the concentration of DMSO and the number and size of nanotopographical features. The surface depr...
Is 60 the New 80 in Hypertension

Since the release of the “2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults: report from the panel members appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8)”, much controversy has ensued over the appropriate systolic blood pressure goal for those over the age of 60 years. This guideline suggested liberalizing the target for this population to <150 mmHg, moving away from previous guidelines suggesting a target of <140 mmHg. While some national quality measures have accepted the new relaxed blood pressure goal, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have not. Recently published data show that millions of adults over 60 years of age would be classified as controlled using a threshold of <150 mmHg, but not with a target of <140 mmHg. In addition, emerging randomized trial evidence suggests that targeting a systolic blood pressure well below 140 mmHg is beneficial in older adults. In light of the improved health and vitality of older adults, and the steady decline in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality over recent decades, we do not think it is in good judgment to liberalize the treatment target in adults less than 80 years of age.
Nocturnal foraging enhanced by enlarged secondary eyes in a net-casting spider

Animals that possess extreme sensory structures are predicted to have a related extreme behavioural function. This study focuses on one such extreme sensory structure-the posterior median eyes of the net-casting spider Deinopis spinosa. Although past research has implicated the importance of vision in the nocturnal foraging habits of Deinopis, no direct link between vision in the enlarged eyes and nocturnal foraging has yet been made. To directly test the hypothesis that the enlarged posterior median eyes facilitate visually based nocturnal prey capture, we conducted repeated-measures, visual occlusion trials in both natural and laboratory settings. Our results indicate that D. spinosa relies heavily on visual cues detected by the posterior median eyes to capture cursorial prey items. We suggest that the enlarged posterior median eyes benefit D. spinosa not only through increased diet breadth, but also by allowing spiders to remain active solely at night, thus evading predation by diurnal animals.
Clinical Assessment of the Posterior Leg

Clinical assessment is foundational for the diagnosis of muscular injuries in the posterior leg and to evaluate for other etiologies of posterior leg pain. It is also helpful in identifying factors that lead to the injury and increase the risk of recurrence. The clinical assessment of posterior leg pain is based on a solid understanding of the structure and function of the leg. Although the majority of the exam follows standard principles, a variety of special tests and assessments can be applied to gain additional clinical insight.
[11C]Sarcosine as PET tracer for prostate cancer imaging

1064 Objectives Sarcosine tissue levels are increased in localized PCA over benign prostatic tissue and sarcosine tumor tissue level further increase during PCa progression. We report here the bioevaluation of [11C]sarcosine as prostate cancer imaging probe in comparison with [11C]choline in two human tumor xenograft models. Methods [11C]sarcosine was synthesized by our standard [11C]methylation method using [11C]methyl triflate, followed by saponification and purification using anion exchange Sep-Pak. The final injectable dose was eluted by sodium chloride after washing the Sep-Pak with water. About 3-5 x 106 DU-145 (n=7) and PC-3 (n=6) tumor cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. About 500 µCi of 11C-sarcosine was injected IV and a dynamic microPET scan (Siemens R4/P4) was performed. Volumes of interest (VOIs) were drawn over tumor, muscle, liver and brain to generate time-activity curves. After decay, a dynamic [11C]choline scan was performed on the same day. After sacrifice, absolute choline and sarcosine tumor levels (in nmol/mg) were determined using target metabolite validation using mass spectrometry-based assays. Results Visually [11C]sarcosine tumor uptake was increased compared to 11C-choline in many tumors. In both tumors model, the 11C-sarcosine tumor-to-background ratio (TBR, summed 5-20 min) was significantly elevated compared to [11C]choline (DU-145: TBR [11C]sarcosine 1.92±0.35 vs. [11C]choline 1.44±0.44; p Conclusions [11C]sarcosine TBR (on PET) and absolute sarcosine tumor tissue levels (at mass spectrometry) were increased compared to [11C]choline, indicating a potential role for [11C]sarcosine PET in human prostate cancer imaging. Research Support University of Michigan, Department of Radiology, Seed Grant.
Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

To the Editor. —We read with great interest the results of the meta-analysis by Dr Schmieder and colleagues. 1 In their "Comment" section, the authors indicated that the Treatment of Mild Hypertension Study (TOMHS) 2 was not included in the meta-analysis, among other studies, because it did not fulfill 1 of the 12 inclusion criteria, namely, that the primary goal of the study was to analyze the effects of antihypertensive compounds on left ventricular hypertrophy. We feel that this is a weak reason for exclusion of a study (and possibly other studies) that were randomized, doubleblinded and also placebo-controlled (not an absolute criterion for the meta-analysis). Change in left ventricular mass was 1 of several end points in TOMHS. In fact, a criterion for inclusion in the TOMHS study was an adequate echocardiographic study. The total number of participants in TOMHS in the 4 drug treatment groups corresponding to the
Survival Analysis based Framework for Early Prediction of Student Dropouts

Retention of students at colleges and universities has been a concern among educators for many decades. The consequences of student attrition are significant for students, academic staffs and the universities. Thus, increasing student retention is a long term goal of any academic institution. The most vulnerable students are the freshman, who are at the highest risk of dropping out at the beginning of their study. Therefore, the early identification of {\emph{``at-risk''}} students is a crucial task that needs to be effectively addressed. In this paper, we develop a survival analysis framework for early prediction of student dropout using Cox proportional hazards regression model (Cox). We also applied time-dependent Cox (TD-Cox), which captures time-varying factors and can leverage those information to provide more accurate prediction of student dropout. For this prediction task, our model utilizes different groups of variables such as demographic, family background, financial, high school information, college enrollment and semester-wise credits. The proposed framework has the ability to address the challenge of predicting dropout students as well as the semester that the dropout will occur. This study enables us to perform proactive interventions in a prioritized manner where limited academic resources are available. This is critical in the student retention problem because not only correctly classifying whether a student is going to dropout is important but also when this is going to happen is crucial for a focused intervention. We evaluate our method on real student data collected at Wayne State University. Results show that the proposed Cox-based framework can predict the student dropouts and semester of dropout with high accuracy and precision compared to the other state-of-the-art methods.
Nonlinear Optical Image Processing

Two basic methods for spreadless nonlinear processing are reviewed--theta coding and the halftone method--and a broad class of threshold-decomposition-based nonlinear image processing operations is then described that relies on combining hard point nonlinearities with linear shift-invariant operations.
Automatic Machining Sequence Determination Based on Physical Models and Artificial Intelilgence Techniques

Abstract In this paper a methodology for generating the machining sequence for prismatic parts based on physical models and Artificial Intelligence techniques is proposed. This work is particularly developed for intersecting features where the machining quality of one feature might be adversely affected due to the presence of other features. The idea of integrating the physical models into the process planning activity is to build in surface quality considerations at the early planning stage. A heuristic graph search strategy is used to generate and search the process planning graph from the blank to the final part configuration.
Editor's Perspective.

When the journal Circulation: Heart Failure published its inaugural issue in 2008, heart failure was a rapidly growing specialty with pent-up need for high-quality sites in which to publish specialty-specific science. Bringing the rigor and scientific standards of the American Heart Association and the parent journal Circulation to the heart failure field, Circulation: Heart Failure attained immediate success and stature in the field of cardiovascular publishing. The rapid growth in heart failure scientific publishing since that time attests to the emergent need. Nearly 10 years later, it is a tremendous privilege for me to inherit the Editor role at Circulation: Heart Failure from James Udelson, MD. Dr Udelson stewarded the journal during its inaugural decade, providing superb leadership, clear direction, and consistent focus on the very best heart failure science during those critical early years. He leaves Circulation: Heart Failure in an enviable position, with a manuscript submission acceptance rate below 15% despite decreasing publication intervals throughout its tenure, and a journal impact factor of 6.83. Those who feel the journal …
A stochastic simulation calibration framework for real-time system control

A stochastic simulation model is often used to guide decision making for a complex real system, such as scheduling decisions for semiconductor production. To provide a reliable guidance, we propose a simulation calibration framework. We first develop a spatial-temporal metamodel to estimate the system dynamic behaviors at different settings of calibration parameters. Then, assisted by the metamodel, we introduce a calibration model so that the dynamic behaviors of the calibrated simulation model match with those of the real system. Thus, for any feasible decisions, the calibrated simulation model can predict the future outputs for the real system and deliver prediction intervals.
Beyond Realism and Antirealism ---At Last?

This paper recapitulates my four primary lines of argument that what is wrong with scientific realism is not realist answers to questions to which various anti-realists give different answers, but instead assumptions shared by realists and anti-realists in framing the question. Each strategy incorporates its predecessors as a consequence. A first, minimalist challenge, taken over from Arthur Fine and Michael Williams, rejects the assumption that the sciences have a general aim or goal. A second consideration is that realists and antirealists undertake a mistaken, substantive commitment to a separation between mind and world, which allows them to frame the issue in terms of how epistemic “access” to the world is mediated. A third strategy for dissolving the realism question challenges its underlying commitment to the independence of meaning and truth, a strategy pursued in different ways by Donald Davidson, Robert Brandom, John McDowell, John Haugeland, and myself. The fourth and most encompassing strategy shows that realists and antirealists are thereby committed to an objectionably antinaturalist conception of scientific understanding, in conflict with what the sciences themselves have to say about our own conceptual capacities.
Pelvic Fractures in Adults: Evidence-Based Emergency Imaging

This chapter examines the existing medical literature pertaining to emergent radiologic evaluation of pelvic trauma with suspected pelvic fractures. The primary goals of imaging are to characterize pelvic fractures, in order to guide treatment and attempt to predict high-morbidity complications. The evidence regarding how to optimally image patients with suspected pelvic fractures as well as fracture classification systems, imaging cases studies, and suggested imaging protocols are presented in the chapter. Additionally, the imaging and clinical predictors of major pelvic hemorrhage, bladder rupture, and urethral injury are summarized and weighted based on strength of evidence.
Studies on 15N Labelled 5S RNA: Assignments in the Helix V Region of 5S RNA, and in the 5S/L25 Complex

The discovery that RNAs possess catalytic capabilities (Kruger et al, 1982; Guerrier-Takada et al, 1983), and the growing realization of the importance of ribosomal RNAs in ribosome function (for review see Noller, 1984) have stimulated renewed interest in the structural and chemical properties of RNA. Of the ribosomal RNAs only one is simple enough and small enough to lend itself to detailed physical characterization in solution, 5S RNA.
Calcein Staining as a Tool to Investigate Coccolithophore Calcification

Despite the oceanographic and geological significance of coccolithophores, the cellular mechanisms that underlie the intracellular production and subsequent secretion of their CaCO3 coccoliths remain poorly understood. Tools for labelling coccoliths and coccospheres in order to track their production would be of great value. We therefore evaluated the use of calcein, a derivative of fluorescein, as a method to fluorescently label coccoliths. The calcein method readily labelled pre-existing coccospheres in a range of coccolithophore species, including diploid and haploid life history phases, without compromising the coccolith structure. Calcite staining was verified though epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, and both stained and unstained cells and coccoliths were readily distinguished using flow cytometry. The fluorescence of stained coccoliths was retained for > 3 d allowing us to confirm the polar secretion of coccoliths by distinguishing pre-existing coccoliths from the accumulation and distribution of non-fluorescent coccoliths produced after calcein exposure. The calcein treatment had no significant effect on photosynthetic physiology, external calcite morphology, or growth rates of the cells over an 8 d period. The calcein staining method therefore represents a simple non-invasive, non-toxic optical technique to ‘tag’ calcium carbonate coccoliths and track their production in response to environmental manipulations or pharmacological treatments. Moreover, calcein staining of the coccosphere allowed for heterogenous patterns of calcification, growth, and cell division to be detected in a population of cells. This is the first description of the use of calcein to stain the biomineral structures of calcifying phytoplankton and this approach has the potential to be applied to detailed cytological investigations as well as high-throughput analysis of cultured cells or field populations.
Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Complications

Despite improvements in preoperative patient optimization, refinements in surgical methodology and technology, and the implementation of enhanced recovery protocols, complications following gastrointestinal (GI) surgery remain a fact of life. As the rates of GI surgical procedures increase worldwide, so will the volume of complications. The surgical management of complications is often not ideal, as some (such as acute staple line bleeding or the development of an anastomotic stricture) are luminal-based processes that are difficult to approach from an extraluminal (i.e., surgical) perspective. Endoscopy has largely replaced surgery for the management of such postoperative problems. Leak, the most feared complications of GI surgery, can result from intestinal resection, anastomosis formation, or from iatrogenic injury. With advancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, novel endoluminal and transluminal management options for leak continue to evolve. In centers where these interventions are readily available, they are becoming a first-line treatment option. This article will review the endoscopic management of GI complications with a particular focus on the management of postoperative strictures and of full-thickness GI tract defects (perforations, acute leaks, and chronic fistulae).