cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teriflunomide: a once-daily oral medication for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Purpose The purpose was to summarize US prescribing information for teriflunomide in the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), with reference to clinical efficacy and safety outcomes. Methods In September 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the use of teriflunomide, 14 mg and 7 mg once daily, to treat RMS on the basis of the results of a Phase II study and the Phase III TEMSO (Teriflunomide Multiple Sclerosis Oral) trial. After recent updates to the prescribing information (October 2014), key findings from these and 2 other Phase III clinical trials, TOWER (Teriflunomide Oral in People With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis) and TOPIC (Oral Teriflunomide for Patients with a First Clinical Episode Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis), and practical considerations for physicians are summarized. Findings Teriflunomide, 14 mg and 7 mg, significantly reduced mean number of unique active lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; P P P P P Implications Clinical evidence suggests that teriflunomide is an effective therapeutic choice for patients with RMS, both as an initial treatment and as an alternative for patients who may have experienced intolerance or inadequate response to a previous or current disease-modifying therapy.
Delegating management to experts

Owners of property and assets frequently delegate decisions about operating and maintaining their property to managers who are better informed of local market conditions. This paper analyzes how owners optimally contract with managers who vary in their expertise at prescribing service. We show ~ � ~ �
AN ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY OF OBJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Much work has been done in the last decade in the related areas of object-oriented programming languages and object-oriented databases. Researchers from both areas now seem to be working toward a common end, that of an object management system, or OMS. An OMS is constructed similarly to an OODB but provides a general purpose concurrent object-oriented programming language as well, complementing the OODB query facilities. In this paper, we will define several different types of object systems (object servers, persistent OOPL’s, OODB’s and OMS’s) in terms of their interfaces and capabilities from the viewpoint of how these support the requirements of cooperative information systems. We will examine the distinguishing features and general architecture of systems of each type in the light of a general model of OMS architecture.
Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Encodes a Regulatory Factor, Rej, Required for Synthesis of Gag Protein

Retroviruses express Gag and Pol proteins by translation of unspliced genome-length viral RNA. For some retroviruses, transport of unspliced viral RNA to the cytoplasm is mediated by small regulatory proteins such as human immunodeficiency virus Rev, while other retroviruses contain constitutive transport elements in their RNAs that allow transport without splicing. In this study, we found that the betaretrovirus Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) encodes within the env gene a trans-acting factor (Rej) necessary for the synthesis of Gag protein from unspliced viral RNA. Deletion of env sequences from a JSRV proviral expression plasmid (pTN3) abolished its ability to produce Gag polyprotein in transfected 293T cells, and Gag synthesis could be restored by cotransfection of an env expression plasmid (DeltaGP). Deletion analysis localized the complementing activity (Rej) to the putative Env signal peptide, and a signal peptide expression construct showed Rej activity. Two other betaretroviruses, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) and human endogenous retrovirus type K, encode analogous factors (Rem and Rec, respectively) that are encoded from doubly spliced env mRNAs. Reverse transcriptase-PCR cloning and sequencing identified alternate internal splicing events in the 5' end of JSRV env that could signify analogous doubly spliced Rej mRNAs, and cDNA clones expressing two of them also showed Rej activity. The predicted Rej proteins contain motifs similar to those found in MMTV Rem and other analogous retroviral regulatory proteins. Interestingly, in most cell lines, JSRV expression plasmids with Rej deleted showed normal transport of unspliced JSRV RNA to the cytoplasm; however, in 293T cells Rej modestly enhanced export of unspliced viral RNA (2.8-fold). Metabolic labeling experiments with [(35)S]methionine indicated that JSRV Rej is required for the synthesis of viral Gag polyprotein. Thus, in most cell lines, the predominant function of Rej is to facilitate translation of unspliced viral mRNA.
Nucleation and Growth of HNO3.3H2O Particles in the Polar Stratosphere

Growth of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles on background stratospheric aerosols is examined for an isolated air parcel cooled at a uniform rate. During the process of nucleation, the saturation ratio of HNO3 vapor reaches a maximum value between 2 and 15, corresponding to supercooling by 1-4 K. If cooling rates exceed 0.5-1 K/day, small particles of NAT are produced. A major fraction of the available condensation nuclei is activated and removal of HNO3 by gravitational settling is slow. If cooling rates are less than 0.5-1 K/day, the number of aerosols that nucleate is reduced, leading to differential growth of large NAT particles. Observations of 5 micron radius particles in clouds at temperatures above the water frost point may reflect condensation of NAT on ice particles that fall through a column of air as it is cooled. Rapid condensation of HNO3 on ice particles is promoted by the high supersaturation attained during nucleation and maintained during subsequent cooling. This process provides a mechanism for irreversible removal of HNO3.
The aortic diverticula of the Odonata

Although thoracic diverticula of the aorta ending dorsally in pulsatile organs were discovered by Brocher as early as 1917 no detailed account of their structure was published. The condition of these structures in the adult was not investigated and their development through larval instars was not followed. Brocher's later papers announced the discovery of similar organs in the orders Orthoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. In 1931 E. Meyer described in some detail pulsatile organs in the Ephemerida. In general these accounts are either superficial or of doubtful interpretation. The present paper deals with the Odonata and stresses the Anisoptera. Anax junius has been studied as the type both anatomically and histologically in all stages of larva and imago except the first four instars. Other types have been compared with Anax, and some of the other orders mentioned have been checked for presence and nature of these organs. Aortic diverticula and pulsatile organs occur in all Odonata both larval and adult. These are derived from the same origins and their histology is that of the membranes involved in aortic and body walls. Through inference from morphology and from physiological examination it appears that pulsatile organs (1) supplement heart action, perhaps substituting for it during emergence. (2) assist in the functioning of the ostia and ostial glands, and (3) may even be important in production and distribution of hormones.
On the [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements of sulfenate esters derived from alkenynols: synthesis of vinylallene and vinylacetylene sulfoxides.

Abstract The reactions of various alkenynols with phenylsulfenyl chloride result in the formation of either vinylallene sulfoxides or vnylacetylene sulfoxides, depending on the substitution pattern of the starting material.
Analyzing Business Issues—With Excel: The Case of Superior Log Cabins, Inc.

ABSTRACT: This paper describes an instructional module developed for the principles of management accounting course to strengthen students' analytical problem-solving skills using spreadsheets. The module and all its components are presented first, followed by one of the four mini-cases used in a recent semester along with implementation guidance. The Analyzing Business Issues—with Excel (ABI-WE) mini-cases present a short business scenario, data related to the business issue, and a set of requirements to be completed using specific Excel functions from a directory of 40 covered in a semester. The mini-case itself is in Excel, so students can readily copy data into a solution worksheet. The primary focus is on analysis of the business issue using managerial accounting data, and the secondary learning objective is to develop an advanced level of expertise in selected spreadsheet functions; such as pivot tables, regression, if/then statements, V-lookup, conditional formatting, goal seek, and net present value.
Race and Domestic Violence: A Comparative Study of African-American, Latina, and White Women

This exploratory study used standardized interview surveys to examine the differences in demographic characteristics, social support networks, marital power, and abusive experiences among White, African American, and Latinas/Hispanic women who sought assistance from a local shelter (N=41 ). The main research objective was to examine racial differences in the experiences of and responses to intimate relationship violence. Findings derived from ANOVA and a discriminant function analysis identified a set of two variables that characterized the group differences: help from friends and the number of times in the shelter. However, there were no statistically significant differences in demographic variables, marital power, and abusive behaviors among the three groups. White women were most likely to seek help from friends and use shelters among these three groups. Research implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Evaluating abrasive wear of amorphous alloys using nanoscratch technique

Abstract The hardness and elastic modulus of several Zr, Pd, Cu, and La-based amorphous alloys were investigated using nanoindentation. Abrasive wear of these alloys was also evaluated and compared using nanoscratch techniques under a ramping load. Damage caused by scratching was examined using SEM. Material pile-up took place in all scratched samples, but to different degrees. The scratched surface was observed to be significantly different for alloys with different compositions. A modified Archard equation was derived for the ramping load test. It was found that the wear resistance of amorphous alloys does not follow the classical Archard equation, i.e. the wear resistance is not linearly proportional to the hardness. This discrepancy was suggested to be a result of different wear mechanisms operating in different materials. The wear resistance of a Pd-based alloy was found to be independent of scratch speed.
Tissue boundary refinement in magnetic resonance images using contour-based scale space matching

An algorithm for computationally focusing the tissue boundaries detected from magnetic resonance images is presented. The proposed approach is a novel, whole-contour-based technique for tracing edges selected at a coarse scale into successively finer scales to recover the needed precision. The tracing algorithm builds consensus through a fast pixel voting scheme. Also presented is a rigorous method for determining the appropriate itinerary when traversing scale space, beginning from the premise of a maximum pixel migration per unit change in scale parameter. This leads to an efficient method of processing images so as to maximize accuracy and minimize noise. Although the LoG (Laplacian of Gaussian) is used for many of the experiments, results using a novel edge detector which is mathematically superior to and faster to compute than the LoG and for which fewer steps are required to traverse the same effective span in scale space are presented. Experimental results on real data are presented, and other potential applications are discussed. >
Preclinical Evaluation of the Effects of a Novel Antisense Compound Targeting C-raf Kinase in Mice and Monkeys

CGP 69846A (ISIS 5132) is an antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide which targets human C-raf kinase and is currently being developed as an antineoplastic agent. The toxicity of this compound was evaluated in mice and monkeys following repeated i.v. injections or infusions for 4 weeks at doses up to 100 mg/kg. Because CGP 69846A is inactive in the mouse, ISIS 11061, the murine-specific homologue targeting C-raf kinase mRNA was evaluated concurrently with CGP 69846A to assess the potential toxicity associated with reduced C-raf expression. There were no toxicities that differentiated ISIS 11061 from CGP 69846A in mice. Effects in mice included hepatomegaly and hepatocellular degeneration at the high dose of 100 mg/kg CGP 69846A that potentially resulted in lethality. Other effects which were observed at 20 and 100 mg/kg included mononuclear cell infiltrates in multiple organs, extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen and liver, an increase in bone marrow cellularity, an increase in white blood cells, a decrease in platelet counts, and Kupffer cell hyperplasia. These alterations were reversible following a recovery period. No adverse effects in mice were observed with doses < or = 10 mg/kg. In monkeys, administration of 10 mg/kg of CGP 69846A was associated with effects observed with other P = S ODNs, namely, prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and activation of complement. These effects were transient and correlated with plasma concentrations of CGP 69846A. Below a concentration of 35 micrograms/ml of intact CGP 69846A the prolongation of APTT was less than 50% and levels of complement split products were not increased. All monkeys tolerated complement activation with no evidence of treatment-related clinical signs. Complement and coagulation were not affected by the lower doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg. No histopathology or alteration in hematology or serum chemistry was induced by doses up to 10 mg/kg in monkeys. The plasma and tissue deposition of CGP 69846A were characterized in mice and monkeys and toxicity was dependent on dose of CGP 69846A. In the present preclinical evaluation of toxicity in mice and monkeys, CGP 69846A is well tolerated at doses targeted for clinical trials. Toxicities induced by CGP 69846A in monkeys and mice occurred at doses of 10 mg/kg and greater. Effects induced by CGP 69846A were not unique and have been observed previously with other phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides.
TRANQUILIZING DRUGS IN PEDIATRICS

The availability of so-called tranquilizing drugs as adjuncts to the therapy of emotionally disturbed children is of such recent origin that few reviews of their use in this regard have as yet appeared. The present article discusses a tentative classification of these substances, their general effects, probable mode of action and potential hazards. Included is a brief review of the literature concerning the use of the following preparations as tranquilizers for children: chlorpromazine, reserpine, azacyclonol, hydroxyzine and meprobamate. Indications for their use are briefly outlined, as are some of the principles of their effective administration. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that tranquilizing drugs may be useful for the relief of symptoms, but that in the total treatment of emotionally disturbed children all other available means of psychologic management should also be employed.
Authorable virtual peers for children with autism

For my dissertation, I am designing, implementing and evaluating the use of a new kind of.authorable. virtual peer that allows children with autism to learn about reciprocal social interaction by building their own virtual humans. This work has three stages: (1) Study the verbal and nonverbal reciprocal social interaction behaviors of children with autism; (2) Use the results of the study to design and implement an authorable virtual peer for children with autism; and (3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the system in improving reciprocal social interaction behaviors of children with autism.
A switching architecture for congestion control in high-speed networks

This paper proposes a new switching architecture to improve congestion control in high-speed networks. The architecture divides network into partitions. Every partition has a switch with a buffer that can absorb surges of bursty traffic within the network partition. The buffer size depends on the type of the network and the incoming traffic. The partition size depends on the network bandwidth, network traffic, packet size and buffer size. Examples of different networks are used to show the applications of the proposed architecture. >
Interatomic potential for the structure and energetics of tetrahedrally coordinated silica polymorphs

We introduce a many-body fixed-charge potential optimized for tetrahedral silica. The potential is used to investigate the crystal structures and energetics of six tetrahedrally coordinated silica polymorphs ($\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-quartz, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-cristobalite, $\ensuremath{\beta}$-tridymite, and coesite). The structural parameters of the different phases are found to be well-reproduced. Most importantly, the ground state of the silica polymorphs is reproduced correctly. The results are compared with previous electronic structure calculations and with the results of other empirical potentials.
Transported Probability Density Function Methods for Reynolds-Averaged and Large-Eddy Simulations

Probability density function (PDF) methods provide an elegant and effective resolution to the closure problems that arise from averaging or filtering chemical source terms and other nonlinear terms in the equations that govern chemically reacting turbulent flows. PDF methods traditionally have been associated with studies of turbulence-chemistry interactions in laboratory-scale, atmospheric pressure, nonluminous, statistically-stationary nonpremixed turbulent flames; and Lagrangian particle-based Monte Carlo numerical algorithms have become the predominant method for solving modeled PDF transport equations. The emphasis in this chapter is on recent advances, new trends and perspectives in PDF methods. These include advances in particle-based algorithms, alternatives to particle-based algorithms (e.g., Eulerian field methods), treatment of combustion regimes beyond low-to-moderate-Damkohler-number nonpremixed systems (e.g., premixed flamelets), extensions to include radiation heat transfer and multiphase systems (e.g., soot and fuel sprays), and the use of PDF-based methods as the basis for modeling in large-eddy simulation.
Genomic Analysis of Viral Outbreaks

Genomic analysis is a powerful tool for understanding viral disease outbreaks. Sequencing of viral samples is now easier and cheaper than ever before and can supplement epidemiological methods by providing nucleotide-level resolution of outbreak-causing pathogens. In this review, we describe methods used to answer crucial questions about outbreaks, such as how they began and how a disease is transmitted. More specifically, we explain current techniques for viral sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, transmission reconstruction, and evolutionary investigation of viral pathogens. By detailing the ways in which genomic data can help us understand viral disease outbreaks, we aim to provide a resource that will facilitate the response to future outbreaks.
Improved Low Voltage SEM Image Resolution Through the Use of Image Restoration Techniques

Low voltage SEM or LV-SEM ( 5 keV) and introduce a retarding field at the end of the column to lower the landing energy of the electrons.
Fraudulently Misstated Financial Statements and Insider Trading: An Empirical Analysis

This study investigates the relationship between insider trading and fraud. We find that in the presence of fraud, insiders reduce their holdings of company stock through high levels of selling activity as measured by either the number of transactions, the number of shares sold, or the dollar amount of shares sold. Moreover, we present evidence that a cascaded logit model, incorporating insider trading variables and firm-specific financial characteristics, differentiates companies with fraud from companies without fraud.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of hydrocodone/acetaminophen for pain management.

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is not only the most commonly prescribed opioid in the United States but also the most common prescription medication written in America. Although original and early trials confirmed its ability to manage acute pain from surgery and musculoskeletal injury, it is perhaps more widely used today in the management of chronic pain. However, the opioid product was introduced for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Because it has been greatly abused as a prescription opioid medication, physicians need to be aware of the current knowledge regarding this analgesic drug. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and metabolism of hydrocodone. Recent information regarding the possibility of hydrocodone as a prodrug for hydromorphone is discussed. The available clinical trials for the use of hydrocodone in the management of acute, chronic, and cancer pain are presented. Keywords: chronic pain, acute pain, opioids, hydrocodone, analgesia DOI:10.5055/jom.2013.0149
Design and Performance of Low Reynolds Number Airfoils for Solar-Powered Flight

Airfoils with flat panels on the suction side and a flat pressure side are investigated for use with flat solar arrays for low speed solar-powered flight. Over 200 designs were evaluated using a coupled panel method/boundary layer analysis code (Drela, M., “XFOIL: An Analysis and Design System for Low Reynolds Number Airfoils,” in Conference on Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics, June 1989). The best four designs were fabricated and their aerodynamic performance measured experimentally for design validation. Experimental aerodynamic analysis was conducted in the 2'x2' wind tunnel at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The lift was measured using a force balance over a range of angles of attack from -5 to 20 degrees and at four Reynolds numbers: 60,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 250,000. The airfoils drag was determined from wake velocity profiles measured using twodimensional Particle Image Velocimetry at Reynolds numbers of 60,000 and 250,000. The flow over the suction side of the airfoils was also examined for laminar separation bubbles using Particle Image Velocimetry. The aerodynamic performance of the airfoils is compared to that of a SD 7080 airfoil, which is an airfoil section frequently used in low Reynolds number applications. The airfoil section that showed best performance is the BC 3X92, which has three flat panels on the suction side and a maximum thickness of 9.2 percent. Its drag is comparable to that of the SD 7080, and has comparable or higher maximum lift coefficient. The BC airfoils with flat panels typically generate more lift than the SD 7080 at almost all angles of attack because of the larger mean camber. From the flow field data, regions of separated flow and laminar separation bubbles are identified at a Reynolds number of 60,000, but none is observed at a Reynolds number of 200,000. The measured lift curves and the location of laminar separation bubbles of the BC airfoils are compared to XFOIL estimates. Such comparisons show that XFOIL predicts the trends of the lift curve well, especially at the higher Reynolds numbers. However, XFOIL predicts many features in the lift curve that are not observed on the measured lift curves perhaps due to the unconventional airfoil geometry used in this study. In particular, XFOIL consistently predicts the formation of laminar separation bubbles at most angles of attack, which were not found in the experiments.
Droplet immobilization within a polymeric organogel improves lipid bilayer durability and portability

The droplet interface bilayer (DIB) is a promising technique for assembling lipid membrane-based materials and devices using water droplets in oil, but it has largely been limited to laboratory environments due to its liquid construction. With a vision to transform this lab-based technique into a more-durable embodiment, we investigate the use of a polymer-based organogel to encapsulate DIBs within a more-solid material matrix to improve their handling and portability. Specifically, a temperature-sensitive organogel formed from hexadecane and poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) triblock copolymer is used to replace the liquid solvent that surrounds the lipid-coated droplets to establish a novel liquid-in-gel DIB system. Through specific capacitance measurements and single-channel recordings of the pore forming peptide alamethicin, we verify that the structural and functional membrane properties are retained when DIBs are assembled within SEBS organogel. In addition, we demonstrate that organogel encapsulation offers improved handling of droplets and yields DIBs with a near 3× higher bilayer durability, as quantified by the lateral acceleration required to rupture the membrane, compared to liquid-in-liquid DIBs in oil. This encapsulated DIB system provides a barrier against contamination from the environment and offers a new material platform for supporting multilayered DIB-based devices as well as other digital microfluidic systems that feature water droplets in oil.
AM optimization framework for part and process attributes through geometric analysis

Abstract In additive manufacturing (AM) processes, part and process attributes are often optimized with build orientation/tool-path direction. Both of them may alter the layer topology and tool-path pattern which implicitly affect the part and process attributes. However, optimizing either build orientation or tool-path direction independently undermines the hierarchical relationship in the AM process plan and may produce a sub-optimal solution. In this paper, an integrated framework is proposed to quantify their combined effect on the part and process attributes by analyzing the generated geometry. The proposed methodology is designed on the basis of the layer geometries to ensure manufacturability and minimize fabrication complexity in AM processes. The objective function is formulated with weighted attributes and the weights are optimized by Hypothetical Equivalents and Inequivalents Method (HEIM). Both build orientation and tool-path/deposition direction are concurrently optimized using a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The proposed algorithm is implemented on two free form shaped objects and the process converges within a reasonable number of iterations. The outcome is also compared with an exhaustive search method.
Acute adaptation of carbohydrate metabolism to decreased arterial PO2

To assess the interaction of arterial PO2 (PaO2) and glucose metabolism, conscious 18-h-fasted dogs with chronically implanted sampling catheters (carotid artery, iliac vein) and flow probe (external iliac artery) were studied during inspiration of air containing 21 (n = 9), 14 (n = 6), 11 (n = 4), or 8% (n = 5) O2. Isotopic and arteriovenous methods were used to assess carbohydrate metabolism. PaO2 was 103 +/- 3, 64 +/- 4, 45 +/- 4, and 30 +/- 1 mmHg with decreased inspired O2. Although limb O2 delivery was reduced (51 +/- 6, 42 +/- 8, 39 +/- 7, and 34 +/- 5 ml/min), limb O2 uptake was not compromised. Plasma insulin was 9 +/- 1, 8 +/- 2, 14 +/- 2, and 16 +/- 3 microU/ml, and glucagon was 53 +/- 3, 49 +/- 3, 64 +/- 5, and 101 +/- 7 pg/ml with decreasing O2. Plasma epinephrine and cortisol were increased whereas norepinephrine was unaffected. Glycemia was unaffected by reduced O2, whereas hepatic glucose output (14 +/- 1, 19 +/- 3, 21 +/- 1, and 22 +/- 1 mumol.kg-1.min-1) and glucose disappearance (14 +/- 2, 18 +/- 3, 20 +/- 1, and 22 +/- 2 mumol.kg-1.min-1) rose similarly. Limb glucose uptake (LGU) rose (21.5 +/- 4.7, 21.2 +/- 5.6, 30.6 +/- 4.7, and 45.3 +/- 9.7 mumol/min) with decreasing O2 because of greater fractional extraction (0.023 +/- 0.005, 0.024 +/- 0.005, 0.031 +/- 0.004, and 0.043 +/- 0.004). Of the increased LGU, approximately 33 and 67% were metabolized oxidatively and nonoxidatively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Microvascular morphometry and perfusion in renal hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy

This study examined alterations in microvascular morphometry and perfusion occurring concomitantly with changes in coronary blood flow (CBF), flow reserves, and coronary vascular resistance (CVR) in myocardial hypertrophy. New Zealand White rabbits (n = 28) with one-kidney, one-clip hypertension (1K,1C) or uninephrectomy (control) were examined 4 wk after surgery in anesthetized open-chest preparations. Animals were divided into two experimental series. In the first series, flows were determined with radioactive microspheres during rest and adenosine-induced vasodilation. In a second series, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-dextran) was injected to visualize the perfused arteriolar and capillary beds. The total vasculature was marked with an alkaline phosphatase stain. Mean arterial pressure was elevated in 1K,1C animals (110 +/- 7 mmHg, means +/- SE) when compared with controls (77 + 4 mmHg), and the myocardial weight was greater. Resting CBF was higher in 1K,1C animals compared with controls (227 +/- 21 vs. 168 +/- 12 ml.min-1.100 g-1), and the flow reserve was reduced. Minimal CVR was higher in 1K,1C compared with controls (0.190 +/- 0.035 vs. 0.091 +/- 0.018 mmHg.ml-1.min.100 g). The number of capillaries per squared millimeter was not different from control (2,448 + 121 vs. 2,216 +/- 132/mm2) and the percent perfused was similar (56 +/- 2 vs. 61 +/- 3%). The arteriolar density in cardiac hypertrophy was lower (1.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.3/mm2), and the percent perfused was higher (86 +/- 5 vs. 63 + 6%) compared with controls. Thus, in myocardial hypertrophy, the anatomical density and volume fraction of arterioles appears to be reduced, and the percentage of arterioles perfused increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Contamination of Pork Carcasses during Slaughter, Fabrication, and Chilled Storage.

In an attempt to determine points of greatest pathogenic contamination of pork, the prevalence of five pathogens was determined on pork carcasses at specific points during slaughter, fabrication, and refrigerated storage. Pork carcass and loin surfaces were swabbed at three hog slaughtering plants. Carcasses were swabbed after singeing, after the final wash of the slaughter process, and after 24 h of chilled storage. Boneless loins were swabbed after trimming and deboning, but before packaging. Also, vacuum-packaged loins were sampled after 36 days of storage at 2°C. Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were the most prevalent. S. aureus isolates showed a significant linear increase (P = 0.0399) from slaughter to fabrication processes, with the highest numbers detected after 24 h of refrigerated storage. Trimming fat from surfaces of pork loins reduced the number of initial S. aureus counts, but there was no further reduction after 36 days of refrigerated storage. Salmonella were isolated primarily from pork before fabrication and refrigerated storage. A continuous reduction in the numbers of Salmonella isolates was detected from the point of singeing to the point of fabrication. No Salmonella were isolated from vacuum-packaged pork stored for 36 days at 2°C. The relatively higher prevalence of the psychrotrophic pathogenic bacteria L. monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica in vacuum-packaged pork loins after 36 days of storage at 2°C indicates the need for proper cooking and handling of meats prior to human consumption.
The sum over histories representation for chemical kinetics: a quantitative theory based on chemical pathways

A new representation for chemical kinetics based on a sum over histories formulation is discussed. The description of the time-dependent chemistry of a reaction network is provided by chemical pathways defined at a molecular level. Using this methodology, the quantitative time evolution of the kinetics is described by enumerating the most important pathways followed by a chemical moiety such as a tagged atom. An explicit formula for the pathway probabilities is derived which takes the form of an integral over a time-ordered product. This expression has a simple and computationally efficient Monte Carlo representation which permits the method to be applied to a wide range of problems. For small reaction networks, the chemical pathways can be enumerated using graph theoretic methods. More complicated networks can be explored using random walks computed from a stochastic algorithm. The workings of the method are illustrated using a simple network of 20 chemical species which react via first-order kinetics. T...
MAP detection with soft information in an estimate and forward relay network

One proven solution to improve the reliability of a wireless channel is to use relays. We focus on the estimate-and-forward (EF) relay protocol where the relay node estimates the source symbol and then forwards it to the destination. We assume the soft information sent by the relay is the expected value of the symbol transmitted by the source. With bit-error-rate (BER) as a metric, we show that EF outperforms other common relay protocols, in a pathloss model for the cooperative three node wireless network. We use a linear piecewise approximation of the soft information to make the MAP detector tractable and reduce computational complexity.
The mechanism determining voltage lives of cross-linked PE insulation

Many organic insulating materials have voltage lives but the mechanism determining the voltage lives has not been established. In the case of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), by using a new experimental method, we observed that visible unhomogeneous micro-deterioration “microtrees” occurred in the insulation. We concluded that the voltage lives may be determined by these microtrees.
Individualism, Voice, and Self-Assessment in the Advanced Academic Writing Course

Throughout a 10-year period of teaching, researching, and observing classrooms at CSU, I recorded many examples of students trying to position foreign teachers as representatives of a general culture of English-speaking people, and, at the same time, my data contain numerous instances in which foreign teachers changed their teaching practices in an attempt to fashion a Chinese teaching identity. One particular interaction from my first day of classes in 2004 reflects these attempts at cultural interpretation:
An Examination of Static Pressure and Duration Effects on Tornado-Induced Peak Pressures on a Low-Rise Building

This study investigated the role of duration and tornado-induced static pressure on peak pressures on a low-rise building. A tornado simulator was used to generate both translating and stationary vortices to measure pressure time series on a building model. Time-resolved velocity measurements were also made on the vortex to aid in the analysis. Past studies have suggested that peak pressures on buildings in tornadoes were up to 50% higher than straight-line atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) values as provided by ASCE 7-10. This study showed that much but not all of this increase can be explained by the static pressure of the vortex. While subtracting the static pressure from pressure time series and normalizing by a local horizontal velocity brought peak pressures closer to what one would expect from straight-line flows, the data showed that some peaks could still be significantly larger than ASCE 7-10 provisions. To consider duration effects, translating and stationary vortex data were used with varying exposure times. Results showed that peak pressure magnitudes could increase by factors of 1.1 to 1.4 depending on duration. Work like this could lead to factors to adjust tornado pressure coefficients for the effect of event duration. The largest pressure peaks were observed to occur in or near the vortex core, and profiles of vertical velocity and static pressure suggest that strong unsteady vertical gusting and strong static pressure fluctuations could play a role in creating these large peaks.
Martí en el cine: de la hagiografía a la humanización

This article explores film representations of Jose Marti in three periods of Cuban history: the Republic, Fidel Castro’s Revolution, and the post-Soviet era. These three periods witnessed an evolution in the cinematic use and exploitation of Marti’s symbolic capital. While the Republic endowed Marti with a religious and romantic aura, which turned him into a sacred hero, ICAIC filmmakers systematically resorted to Marti to manufacture a version of the past that would justify the new revolutionary order. Under State control, Cuban cinema in the 1960s and 1970s underscored one of the more recurrent ideas in the political imagery of the Revolution: Marti prefigures and announces Castro, who, in turn, incarnates Marti. The most recent representations, however, aim at demystifying and, therefore, humanizing, the Cuban hero’s image.
Not Everyone is Ready to Bring it up in the Classroom: Discussion of Dr. Van Eys’ Paper

Van Eys and Copeland have discussed their approach to systematic involvement of pediatric cancer patients and their families in the treatment planning process. They describe a formal group meeting using therapeutic community concepts in which patients and their family members are invited to participate. This approach is reported as successful by the authors and suggestion is made that given greater resources, more frequent utilization of the process could be made. Any attempt to improve communication with patients and their families is laudable. Even more so is a sincere effort to involve patients and families in the treatment planning process in a meaningful way.
SUBRETINAL TRANSPLANTATION OF AN AUTOLOGOUS RETINAL FREE FLAP FOR CHRONIC RETINAL DETACHMENT WITH PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY WITH AND WITHOUT MACULAR HOLE.

Purpose:To describe the surgical technique for subretinal transplantation of an autologous retinal free flap in cases of chronic retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy with and without a macular hole.Methods:Descriptive case series.Results:Two patients with recurrent retinal detachm
Bleeding Events in Thrombocytopenic Patients with Cancer Undergoing Acute Rehabilitation

Objectives:To determine incidence of bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients with cancer undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation.Design:This is an observational cross-sectional retrospective study....
Canadian Preservice Teacher Views of Inclusive Physical Education

In this paper, we explored various aspects of Canadian preservice elementary school teacher views about inclusive physical education. Based on prior work by Loreman (2014) that broadly examined preservice teacher views on inclusive education, in this study we looked specifically at inclusive physical education using a different sample of participants in the same program. Preservice teachers were asked a series of open-ended questions relating to their understandings, feelings of teaching self-efficacy, attitudes, and concerns relating to inclusive physical education in elementary school. Their responses reflected a strong focus on ability diversity (e.g., disability) and indicated that inclusive physical education means that all students should be part of the learning environment or that some should be excluded in roughly equal proportion. Depending on the curricular dimension, their self-perceived levels of preparedness ranged from low to high. The participants also presented a strong case for the necessity of resources available for the teaching of inclusive physical education.
Qualifications and the Professional Preparation and Development of Art Museum Educators

Art museums in the United States have undergone profound changes since the 1980s. Have the qualifications and professional preparation of art museum educators changed as well? This article focuses ...
Methods for Probabilistic Fault Diagnosis: An Electrical Power System Case Study

Health management systems that more accurately and quickly diagnose faults that may occur in different technical systems on-board a vehicle will play a key role in the success of future NASA missions. We discuss in this paper the diagnosis of abrupt continuous (or parametric) faults within the context of probabilistic graphical models, more specifically Bayesian networks that are compiled to arithmetic circuits. This paper extends our previous research, within the same probabilistic setting, on diagnosis of abrupt discrete faults. Our approach and diagnostic algorithm ProDiagnose are domain-independent; however we use an electrical power system testbed called ADAPT as a case study. In one set of ADAPT experiments, performed as part of the 2009 Diagnostic Challenge, our system turned out to have the best performance among all competitors. In a second set of experiments, we show how we have recently further significantly improved the performance of the probabilistic model of ADAPT. While these experiments are obtained for an electrical power system testbed, we believe they can easily be transitioned to real-world systems, thus promising to increase the success of future NASA missions.
Real Time Coupling of Hydrologic and Meteorological Models for Flood Forecasting

Recent advances in real time hydrometeorology are critically reviewed. Presented are the principles of flood forecasting with models that couple meteorological with hydrologic components and that are complemented with state estimators for real time state updating from precipitation and streamflow observations. The nature of the real-time coupling of these stochastic-dynamical hydro-meteorological models is investigated. The cases for which such coupling of meteorological and hydrologic components appears to be most beneficial to flood forecasting are identified. Some promising research areas are also indicated.
Euler’s Continuum Functorially Vindicated

Contrary to common opinion, the question “what is the continuum?” does not have a final answer (Bell, 2005), the immortal work of Dedekind notwithstanding. There is a deeper answer implicit in an observation of Euler. Although it has often been dismissed as naive, we can use the precision of the theory of categories to reveal Euler’s observation to be an appropriate foundation for smooth and analytic geometry and analysis.
The mRNA phenotype of a human RPE cell line at replicative senescence.

Purpose To explore the changes in expression of a set of genes in a single retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line and two fibroblast cell lines as controls under culture conditions previously used for the analysis of senescent gene expression. Methods A single human RPE cell line, which had previously been characterized using known markers of senescence, and two fibroblast cell lines were grown to replicative exhaustion. The mRNA phenotype of genes known to be altered by senescence were studied by quantitative Northern analysis. Results The mRNA phenotype of cells changes at replicative senescence yielding a synthetic phenotype which is similar to cells found in repairing wounds. Of the genes studied, urokinase-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were regulated in RPE cells similar to fibroblasts at senescence. The largest changes noted for any single gene were the upregulation of insulin growth factor binding protein 2, and the downregulation of collagen I alpha 2, basic fibroblast growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor-5. Conclusions This study demonstrates an altered mRNA phenotype of a human RPE cell line grown to replicative exhaustion. This analysis of a single cell line emphasizes the variability of results based on a single cell line or tissue specimen and indicates the need for additional study.
A scalable wideband speech codec using the wavelet packet transform based on the internet low bitrate codec

Abstract Most recent speech codecs employ code excited linear prediction (CELP) and transmit side information to improve speech quality under packet loss. Another approach to achieve high robustness to packet loss is to use the frame independent coding scheme based on the internet low bitrate codec (iLBC). The scalable wideband speech codec based on the iLBC was previously presented and outperformed G.729.1 at most bit rates according to the objective quality. This paper presents improvements to the previous work. Specifically, we employ the wavelet packet transform (WPT) instead of the modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT) to enhance the quality, and evaluate the proposed codec based on both the objective and subjective quality measures. The objective quality evaluation results show that clear improvement is achieved and that the proposed codec outperforms G.729.1 at the bit rate of 18 kbps or higher under clean channel conditions and has higher robustness to packet loss than G.729.1. The informal subjective test results also show similar trends.
The seduction of curves: the lines of beauty that connect mathematics, art, and the nude

Allan McRobie is neither a professional mathematician nor a professional artist but he has produced a book that will be of great interest to people involved in both of those areas, whether they are...
The Status of Climate Change Litigation: A Global Review

Over the last decade, laws codifying national and international responses to climate change have grown in number, specificity, and importance. As these laws have recognized new rights and created new duties, litigation seeking to challenge either their facial validity or their particular application has followed. So too has litigation aimed at pressing legislators and policymakers to be more ambitious and thorough in their approaches to climate change. In addition, litigation seeking to fill the gaps left by legislative and regulatory inaction has also continued. As a result, courts are adjudicating a growing number of disputes over actions — or inaction — related to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Progression of Diagnostic Imaging Findings of a Patient With Traumatic Spondylolisthesis Secondary to Unilateral Facet Fractures: A Case Report.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this case study is to describe the diagnostic imaging studies of a patient who had a traumatic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 secondary to unilateral facet fractures. Clinical Features A 21-year-old man experienced a rollover motor vehicle crash that led to low back pain and progressive left-sided radiculopathy. Later, he sought treatment from a doctor of chiropractic because he continued to have low back pain with progressive pain down his left leg. A magnetic resonance imaging study demonstrated a left paracentral disc protrusion at L5-S1. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated multiple transverse process fractures and left-sided L5-S1 facet fractures with spondylolisthesis that progressed over time. Intervention and Outcome The patient was referred for a neurosurgical consultation 10 months after the injury. At 12 months after the injury, he underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with a posterior approach. The patient’s pain and radicular symptoms resolved after the surgery. Conclusion This patient exhibited posterior element fractures, had continued symptom progression, and was monitored for the development of a spondylolisthesis. Because of progression and exacerbation of symptoms, neurosurgical consultation for surgical stabilization was mandated.