cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
True Imitative Learning in Pigeons

Providing evidence for imitative learning in animals has been made difficult by the need to control for a number of possible nonimitation accounts (e.g., mere presence of another animal, attention drawn to a location, attention drawn to an object being manipulated) that often have not been recognized in previous research In the present experiment we used a version of the two-action method in which a treadle could be operated by a pigeon in one of two distinctive ways with its beak by pecking or with its foot by stepping What is unique in this experiment is not only the distinct response topographies, but also that both responses have the same effect on the environment (depression of the treadle followed by food reward) When pigeons that had observed one of the two response topographies were given access to the treadle, a significant correspondence was found between the topography of the observers responses and that of their respective demonstrators' responses
Observations of teleseismic shear‐wave splitting in the basin and range from portable and permanent stations

Observations of shear-wave splitting were obtained from temporary and permanent stations in western Nevada and southern California. Measurements of fast polarization azimuth ϕ and delay time δt were made on both SKS and direct S phases. For stations in the northern Basin and Range the results were consistent, yielding an average of (ϕ, δt) = (+75 ± 8°, 0.9 ± 0.3 s). One station in the southern Basin and Range gave (+40 ± 11°, 0.4 ± 0.1 s) and one in the Mojave Desert gave (−54 ± 3°, 1.2 ± 0.1 s). δt = 0.9s is consistent with a 100km-thick mantle layer characterized by 4% anisotropy. For the northern stations, the anisotropy appears unrelated to the present-day extension or absolute plate motion. Rather, we suggest that it is ‘fossil’ anisotropy associated with pre-Miocene extension, whose direction is about +68°. For the California station ϕ is nearly parallel to the strike of the San Andreas Fault system, and is attributed to shear strain associated with relative plate motion.
Popperian Corroboration and Phylogenetics

Starting with articles by Bock (1973) and Wiley(1975) in this journal, the ﬁeld of systematic biologyhas a history, reviewed by Helfenbein and DeSalle(2005), of examining its methods in the context of thephilosophyofsciencearticulatedbyKarlR.Popper(e.g.,1959, 1962, 1983). Two main categories of debates haveemerged in this literature. In one, Popper’s philosophyisassumedtoberelevant,anditisusedtopromotesomesystematic methods and criticize others (e.g., Siddalland Kluge 1997; Kluge 2001), which has led to counter-arguments proposing that the criticized methods areequally compatible with Popper’s philosophy (e.g., deQueiroz and Poe 2001, 2003). In a second categoryof debates, the relevance of Popper’s philosophy tosystematics has been questioned (e.g., Rieppel 2003,2005; Vogt 2008) and defended (e.g., Farris 2013, 2014).These debates can provide insights of at least twodifferent kinds. Systematic biologists can gain a betterunderstanding of how their methods and practicesrelate to general ideas about the nature of science,while philosophers can assess how well Popper’s ideasabout the nature of science describe the methods andpractices in a discipline other than the ones (primarilyphysics and astronomy) upon which those ideas werebased.As part of the continuing debates about Popperianphilosophy and phylogenetics, Farris (2013) recentlyargued that Felsenstein (2004) was incorrect in sugges-ting that Popper’s concept of degree of corroboration,
The simplification of traditional vineyard based agroforests in northwestern Portugal: some ecological implications

In northwestern Portugal, peasants have developed complex vineyard (Vitis vinifera) systems comprising agroforests composed of host trees, vines, annual crops and in some cases animals. Until recently these vineyards suffered very few pest problems and received relatively low pesticide loads. In the last few years, new policy and market forces have prompted the conversion of many of these systems to monoculture thereby decreasing the biodiversity inherent to traditional vineyards. Many scientists are concerned that with accelerating rates of vineyard simplification insect pest and disease problems may increase due to lack of habitat and resources for natural enemies or to a concentration of preferred host plants for specific pathogens and herbivores. During the growing seasons of 1997 and 1999 we conducted several farm surveys of traditional agroforestry and modernized, monoculture farms. We conducted field measurements to elucidate trends in insect pest and disease incidence in both types of vineyards. Our surveys revealed that monoculture vineyards exhibited lower number of species of predators and parasites and correspondingly higher densities of two grape herbivores (Lobesia botrana and Empoasca vitis) than diverse vineyard agroforests. Botrytis bunch rot seemed more prevalent in the monoculture systems, which also received increased fungicide applications when compared to the traditional vineyards. Although preliminary, our studies suggest that new vineyard designs may be more productive, but such gains occur at the expense of biodiversity and agricultural sustainability, reflected on higher pest vulnerability. Further agroecological studies are needed to account for the full ecological costs of the modernization of traditional vineyard agroforests.
Relation between dietary n−3 and n−6 fatty acids and clinically diagnosed dry eye syndrome in women

Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a prevalent ocular condition, but information on risk or protective factors is lacking. Objective: We aimed to determine the association between dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and their ratio and the presence of DES. Design: Of the 39,876 female health professionals in the Women's Health Study (WHS), we studied cross-sectionally 32,470 women aged 45 to 84 years who provided information on diet and DES. We assessed intake of fatty acids by a validated food frequency questionnaire, and DES using self-reports of clinically diagnosed cases. Of the sample, 1546 (4.7%) subjects reported a clinical diagnosis of DES. We used logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to describe the relationships of fatty acid intake with DES. We analyzed the association between consumption of fish and DES in a similar way. Results: After adjusting for demographic factors, hormone therapy, and total fat intake, the OR (CI) for the highest versus lowest fifth of n-3 fatty acids was 0.83 (0.70-0.98), P[trend]=0.05. A higher ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acid consumption was associated with significantly increased risk of DES, OR (CI) =2.51 (1.13-5.58) for >15/1 versus <4/1 (P[trend]=0.01). In addition, tuna consumption was inversely associated with DES (OR=0.81, CI=0.66-0.99 for 2-4 113 g (4 oz) servings/week, and OR=0.32, CI=0.13-0.79 for 5-6 servings/week versus ≤1 servings/week; P[trend]=0.005). Conclusion: These results suggest that a higher dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids is associated with a decreased presence of DES in women. These findings are consistent with anecdotal clinical observations and postulated biological mechanisms.
Flexible servo control of a fully electric-driven wheeled mobile robot for highway maintenance automation

For highly flexible and transparent actuator control, a fully-software-definable controller for various types of servo motors was proposed and developed by Yamazaki et al., (1988). The flexible architecture of that controller was designed such that the control of the three types of motors, DC, brushless DC, and induction motors, can be freely configured and implemented on any hardware by a mere software modification. In order to achieve higher performance and reliability and also to make the system compact, the ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) technology was fully utilized and one chip servo controller control logic was developed. The developed servo "flexible servo motor control" (FSC). Because of its flexibility and adaptability for distributed actuator control, in this paper, the FSC is applied to the control of an electric powered wheeled mobile robot for highway maintenance operations, The prototype system has shown excellent performance for the intended application. >
Corporate Venture Capital: Towards Understanding Who Does it, Why and How - Executive Summary

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investments by established firms in entrepreneurial ventures are used to explore for new competences. I examine the question: Under what conditions do established firms engage in CVC? Conducting a field study and a quantitative study, I propose hypotheses about the influence of industry- and firm-level conditions on firms' CVC activity. I test these hypotheses by observing a sample of Fortune 500 firms longitudinally from 1990-2000. I also examine how CVC units enable exploratory learning in parent firms by inductively analyzing my field data. I discuss implications for corporate entrepreneurship, real options, organizational ambidexterity and dynamic capabilities.
Experimental and Modeling Study of Domain Orientation in Confined Block Copolymer Thin Films

Use of block copolymer thin films in lithographic applications requires orientation of domains perpendicular to a substrate. Algebraic models were used to predict conditions that are favorable for perpendicular versus parallel domain orientation in films confined between two interfaces. The free energy of each orientation was evaluated, yielding response surface plots as a function of film thickness and the preferential interaction strength at each interface. The model predicts that perpendicular orientation is generally favored for thinner films and at thicknesses incommensurate with the bulk periodicity, L0. If either the top or bottom interfaces are preferential for one block, the favorable thickness windows shift depending on the interface wetting behavior. An extensive body of thin film experimental work corroborated the analytical predictions. The algebraic model has predictive value, and it demonstrates the complexity of the dependence of block copolymer orientation on the wetting behavior of the i...
Captopril enhances renal responsiveness to ANF in dogs with compensated high-output heart failure

The systemic hemodynamic, hormonal, and renal effects of chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (CEI) with captopril and the responses to synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) infusions in the presence and absence of captopril were examined in normal dogs (n = 6) and in dogs with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula and compensated high-output heart failure (n = 6). This experimental model is characterized by normalization of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and persistent elevations in central filling pressures and plasma ANF. In both normal and AV-fistula dogs, oral captopril for 1 wk at 35 mg.kg-1.day-1 in three divided doses produced progressive reductions in arterial and atrial pressures (P less than 0.05), plasma ANF (P less than 0.05), and aldosterone (P less than 0.05). After 1-2 days of a modest increase in urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) (P less than 0.05), all of the dogs regained and maintained sodium balance during captopril administration. On the 8th day of the captopril regimen, synthetic ANF was infused at 15 and 30 ng.kg-1.min-1 for 75-min periods each. Control infusion experiments were performed in the same animals before captopril administration. The normal dogs exhibited dose-related elevations in UNaV (P less than 0.05) that were not augmented with captopril (P greater than 0.05). In contrast, in the AV-fistula dogs the observed renal unresponsiveness to synthetic ANF in the control experiments was reversed with chronic CEI, and ANF-induced UNaV achieved levels comparable to those obtained in the normal animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Review: Winston Harrington, Richard D. Mortgenstern, & Thomas Sterner, (Eds.), Choosing Environmental Policy: Comparing Instruments and Outcomes in the United States and Europe, Washington, D.C.: Resources for the Future (2004)

The debate over the relative merits of the traditional command and control (CAC) approach and the alleged more progressive economic incentive (EI) approach to environmental regulation has been prominent in American politics for the last two decades. The current Administration is clearly a proponent of increased use of economic incentives and reduced CAC regulation by the federal government. But is the choice of environmental policy instrument really a black-and-white choice? Can regulators safely assume that CAC regimes are inherently more expensive for regulated entities and more administratively and informationally demanding to implement than economic incentive schemes, or that economic incentive instruments are inherently more efficient than more traditional regulatory approaches? This review essay highlights some potential lessons for American environmental policymakers as it explores the research performed by the book's many authors regarding the practical effects of various environmental regulatory programs in the United States and the European Union.
Availability and affordability of new medicines in Latin American countries where pivotal clinical trials were conducted

Abstract Objective To assess whether new pharmaceutical products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 and 2012 were registered, commercialized and sold at affordable prices in the Latin American countries where they were tested. Methods We obtained a list of new molecular entities (new pharmaceutical products) approved by the FDA in 2011 and 2012. FDA medical reviews indicated the countries where pivotal clinical trials had been conducted. The registration status of the products was obtained from pharmaceutical registers; pharmaceutical companies confirmed their availability in national markets and local pricing observatories provided the price of medicines in retail pharmacies. Affordability was assessed as the cost of a course of treatment as a proportion of monthly income. Information on safety and efficacy was gathered from independent drug bulletins. Findings Of an expected 114 registrations, if the 33 products had been registered in all the countries where tested, only 68 (60%) were completed. Eight products were registered and commercialized in all countries but 10 had not been registered in any of the countries. With one exception, products for which we obtained pricing information (n= 18) cost more than the monthly minimum wage in all countries and 12 products cost at least five times the monthly minimum wage. Conclusion Many pharmaceutical products tested in Latin America are unavailable and/or unaffordable to most of the population. Ethical review committees should consider the local affordability and therapeutic relevance of new products as additional criteria for the approval of clinical trials. Finally, clinical trials have opportunity costs that need to be assessed.
Turbulent Skin Friction of Dilute Polymer Solutions in Rough Pipes

Turbulent flow of dilute aqueous CMC solutions in smooth and in rough pipes was studied. Results are presented for pipes of 1-inch i.d., both plain and roughened with silicon carbide particles in 60, 100, and 120 grit sizes. Each pipe system was tested with polymer concentrations of 0, 100, 250, and 500 ppm of CMC by weight.
An evidence map of yoga for low back pain

Abstract Objective Yoga is being increasingly studied as a treatment strategy for a variety of different clinical conditions, including low back pain (LBP). We set out to conduct an evidence map of yoga for the treatment, prevention and recurrence of acute or chronic low back pain (cLBP). Methods We searched Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCT), systematic reviews or planned studies on the treatment or prevention of acute back pain or cLBP. Two independent reviewers screened papers for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. Results Three eligible systematic reviews were identified that included 10 RCTs ( n =956) that evaluated yoga for non-specific cLBP. We did not identify additional RCTs beyond those included in the systematic reviews. Our search of ClinicalTrials.gov identified one small ( n =10) unpublished trial and one large ( n =320) planned clinical trial. The most recent good quality systematic review indicated significant effects for short- and long-term pain reduction ( n =6 trials; standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.48; 95% CI, −0.65 to −0.31; I 2 =0% and n =5; SMD −0.33; 95% CI, −0.59 to −0.07; I 2 =48%, respectively). Long-term effects for back specific disability were also identified ( n =5; SMD −0.35; 95% CI, −0.55 to −0.15; I 2 =20%). No studies were identified evaluating yoga for prevention or treatment of acute LBP. Conclusion Evidence suggests benefit of yoga in midlife adults with non-specific cLBP for short- and long-term pain and back-specific disability, but the effects of yoga for health-related quality of life, well- being and acute LBP are uncertain. Without additional studies, further systematic reviews are unlikely to be informative.
Op Art: Perceptions of reality

This thesis and exhibition examine the connection between neurobiology and Op Art. Neurobiological explanations of Op Art's effects are explored as a means to offer insight into the processes of the human mind and eye, and to provide explanations for the optical phenomena that were of interest to the Op artists. The initial chapter provides an overview of Op Art that is intended to offer the viewer a context for understanding the works. It also includes an explanation of the works included in the exhibition. The exhibition showcases examples of Op Art from the University of Louisville's collections as well as work borrowed from local collectors and artists. Visual impairments are also discussed as a means to provide the reader with further information on individual perception, which was the primary focus of Op artists. The thesis concludes with a summary of why an investigation into the neurobiological activity and an individual perception is significant for Op Art. The neurobiology of our brain determines our perceptions which vary from person to person. Illusions in Op Art, when perceived by an individual, provide powerful bodily sensations that lead to the inquiry of how we perceive the world around us. These reactions are what the Op artists explored in their work as a means to raise the viewer's consciousness about perception and reality.
Picturing a journey of protest or a journey of harmony? Comparing the visual framing of the 2008 Olympic torch relay in the US versus the Chinese press:

In examining details of the international journey of the 2008 Olympic torch relay in the US and Chinese press, results revealed that US photos emphasized the protest frame by showing unsupported vi...
The Recovery of Virulent Tubercle Bacilli from the Tissues of Swine Intended for Food

Reports of the Bureau of Animal Industry of the United States Department of Agriculture,1 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1934 revealed that a total of approximately 45,500,000 hogs were killed in slaughtering establishments under the supervision of Federal meat inspectors, and that 5,102,636, or ll.l^o, of these animals, possessed lesions of tuberculosis. The disease was sufficiently extensive in more than 40,000 animals to justify condemnation of the entire carcass. In the vast majority of instances, however, tuberculosis of swine is characterized by lesions that are slight and localized, and which usually affect the lymph nodes of the head and neck, liver, and mesentery. In such animals the extent of the tuberculous infection is not sufficient to justify condemnation of the entire carcass. Instead the affected or diseased tissues are removed and the remainder of the carcass is considered suitable for human consumption. Carcasses in which the tuberculous process is too severe to warrant passing the meat unreservedly for food, but not severe enough to justify condemnation, are passed for sterilization. In 1934, 37,386 carcasses of hogs were so treated. These brief remarks on the incidence of tuberculosis in swine in the United States indicate rather clearly the prevalence of this disease among animals which contribute a considerable portion of our meat supply. While the incidence of tuberculosis among hogs in the nation as a whole is approximately 11*^, it is much higher in certain localities. In one packing establishment of which I am aware the incidence of tuberculosis in swine is strikingly high. On many occasions 15 to 25*^ of the animals killed reveal lesions of tuberculosis on postmortem examination. In most instances the disease is recognized by the occurrence of small, caseous abscesses in the substance of hyperplastic lymph nodes and it is very unusual that tuberculous lesions of a generalized character are encountered. The availability of such an abundance of material suggested the desirability of determining by experimental methods (1) if the tissues of hog carcasses which possess slighter localized lesions of tuberculosis of insufficient degree to cause condemnation or sterilization might still contain tubercle bacilli after all grossly visible evidence of the disease had been removed, and
Fluorescence staining LED microscope lookup phlegmy in the application of n/med Tuberculosis bacili

Objective:Using fluorescence staining LED a new diagnostic method microscope in the search,compared with traditional phlegmy in n/med Tuberculosis bacili Qi-′s dyeing methods.Methods: According to the Chinese TB control planning,Sputum smear mirror operation and quality assurance constitutive standardization of 2683 handbook of sputum samples were Qi-′s surname dyeing search n/med Tuberculosis bacili.At the same time,using fluorescence staining 2683 specimens of the test.This paper compares the results,fluorescence staining LED microscopy TB sensitie and specific.Results: The fluorescence staining with traditional detection results LED microscope Z-N dyeing biological microscope 99.22% accuracy of test results,21-with traditional Z-N dyeing detection for negatie specimens with fluorescence staining for positive that fluorescence detection method has higher sensitivity.Conclusion: The fluorescence staining in the sputum search LED microscope tuberculosis with high sensitivity and specificity pole,etc.Screening speed is an ideal method for TB.
Thermal Property Measurements of Fried Foods Using Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Thermal conductivity and specific heat are two important properties necessary in the understanding of the heat transfer phenomenon in frying of foods. A food model containing potato starch was fried in palm oil. A Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was used to measure the specific heat of the crust (2.93 kJ/kgK @ 110 °C) and the center of the fried sample (3.62 kJ/kgK @100 °C). Using a new DSC procedure the thermal conductivity for the inner core was measured to be 0.644 W/mC @90 °C and for the crust layer 0.13 W/mC @ 100 °C.
A Marxist Perspective—In Perspective

It Is widely assumed that archaeological material does not speak for itself but requires interpretation. Marxism provides an interpretative framework that can be useful, but not when applied dogmatically and mechanistically. Careful reading of recent archaeological work from China suggests increasing sophistication in the application of Marxism, raising the possibility of eventual convergence in archaeological thinking between Chinese and Western scholars.
Compressing neighbors in a Gauss-Markov tree

We consider a distributed rate-distortion problem in which the set of variables to be estimated and observed variables together form a Gauss-Markov tree, with mean-square error distortion constraints on each of the reproductions. Prior work has shown that a simple compression architecture that performs separate lossy quantization and Slepian-Wolf binning achieves the entire rate region for the problem of reproducing a single variable in the tree. We show that this architecture is sum-rate optimal for the problem of reproducing a pair of neighboring variables in the tree for the special case in which the observations are conditionally independent given the variables to be reproduced.
Outcomes of Salvage Autologous Versus Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma Relapsed After Initial Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Abstract 4464 BACKGROUND: Standard therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) includes initial autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT1) but this is not curative and most patients will relapse. Data on salvage autoHCT2 or allogeneic HCT (alloHCT2) are limited and the optimal salvage strategy is unknown. METHODS: Retrospective review of MM patients over 18 years of age who relapsed after autoHCT1 and underwent salvage autoHCT2 or alloHCT2 between 1995–2011 at our institution. Tandem auto-autoHCT or auto-alloHCT were excluded. Disease response was defined by the International Myeloma Working Group criteria and assessed 100 days after HCT2. RESULTS: Patient characteristics of autoHCT2 (N=27) and alloHCT2 (N=19) (Table 1) were not significantly different except the alloHCT2 median age was significantly lower (54 years) than for autoHCT2 (62 years) and more alloHCT2 patients had KPS 70% or more. Median followup of both groups was 57 months. Complete and very good partial remission (CR/VGPR) improved from 7% to 56% after autoHCT2 and from 26% to 37% after alloHCT2. Of 15 patients with progressive disease (PD) who had autoHCT2, 5 achieved CR/VGPR with 7 PR. Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 1 year was 3.7% for autoHCT2 and 5.3% for alloHCT2 (p=.901). Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for autoHCT2 (19 months, 23 months) and alloHCT2 (6 months, 19 months) were not significantly different (p=0.156 and p=0.255). On multivariate analysis, time from autoHCT1 to relapse less than 1year vs. 1year or more (HR 24.81 [95% CI 2.4–249.9]) and no maintenance therapy vs. given after autoHCT2 (HR 12.19 [95% CI 2.5–249.9] impacted OS after autoHCT2. On multivariate analysis, only time from autoHCT1 to relapse less than 1 year vs. 1 year or more (HR 18.55 [95% CI 2.28–150.57]) impacted PFS after autoHCT2. For alloHCT2, no factors impacted NRM, PFS or OS including chemosensitivity, acute/chronic GVHD, donor lymphocyte infusion, antithymocyte globulin, reduced intensity vs. myeloablative conditioning, matched sibling or unrelated donor, time from autoHCT1 to relapse less than 1 year vs. 1 year or more. For those with relapse from autoHCT1 less than 1 year vs. 1 year or more undergoing autoHCT2, median OS was 15 months (0–53) vs. not yet reached (p=0.003) and median PFS was 5 months (0–49) vs. not yet reached. (p=0.002) Major causes of death for alloHCT2 were PD (n= 5), GVHD (n=3), while for autoHCT2, PD (n=10), infection (n=3). CONCLUSIONS: Salvage autoHCT2 and alloHCT2 are both feasible for patients with post autoHCT1 MM relapse. Relpase 1 year or more from autoHCT1 predicts for better PFS and OS in the autoHCT2 group. Those with progressive disease can also be salvaged by autoHCT2. Maintenance therapy after autoHCT2 is beneficial and should routinely be used. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Should Nonischemic CRT Candidates Receive CRT-P or CRT-D?∗

Reforming CH4 into syngas using CO2 remains a fundamental challenge due to carbon deposition and nanocatalyst instability. We, for the first time, demonstrate highly efficient electrochemical reforming of CH4/CO2 to produce syngas in a solid oxide electrolyser with CO2 electrolysis in the cathode and CH4 oxidation in the anode. In situ exsolution of an anchored metal/oxide interface on perovskite electrode delivers remarkably enhanced coking resistance and catalyst stability. In situ Fourier transform infrared characterizations combined with first principle calculations disclose the interface activation of CO2 at a transition state between a CO2 molecule and a carbonate ion. Carbon removal at the interfaces is highly favorable with electrochemically provided oxygen species, even in the presence of H2 or H2O. This novel strategy provides optimal performance with no obvious degradation after 300 hours of high-temperature operation and 10 redox cycles, suggesting a reliable process for conversion of CH4 into syngas using CO2.
China’s Administrative Governance Reform in the Era of “New Normal”

The current administrative governance reform is a major political breakthrough that goes along with the economic rationalization or the so-called “new normal.” The introduction of social governance and the reinforcement of the unitary party leadership under Xi Jinping’s leadership constitute another irony. These two seemingly contradictory and paradoxical developments are what this paper is going to make sense of. This paper analyzes several aspects of the latest administrative reform, including streamlining government institutions and decentralizing administrative powers, transforming government functions from command and control to providing service and maintaining market order, and modernizing the government’s administrative methods.
Recombinant factor VIIa addition to haemophilic blood perfused over collagen/tissue factor can sufficiently bypass the factor IXa/VIIIa defect to rescue fibrin generation

Introduction Factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX)-deficient haemophilic patients display deficits in platelet and fibrin deposition under flow detectable in microfluidics. Compared to fibrin generation, decreased platelet deposition in haemophilic blood flow is more easily rescued with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), whereas rFVIIa requires FXIIa participation to generate fibrin when tissue factor (TF) is absent. Aims Perfusion of haemophilic whole blood (WB) over collagen/TF surfaces was used to determine whether rFVIIa/TF was sufficient to bypass poor FIXa/FVIIIa function in blood from patients with haemophilia A and B. Methods Whole blood treated with high-dose corn trypsin inhibitor (40 μg mL−1) from seven healthy donors and 10 patients was perfused over fibrillar collagen presenting low or high TF (TFlow or TFhigh) at wall shear rate of 100 s−1. Results With WB from healthy controls, platelet deposition and fibrin accumulation increased as TF increased. Factor-deficient WB (1–3% of normal) displayed striking deficits in platelet deposition and fibrin formation at either TFlow or TFhigh. In contrast, mildly factor-deficient WB (14–32%) supported fibrin formation under flow on TFhigh/collagen. With either TFlow or TFhigh, exogenously added rFVIIa (20 nm) increased platelet deposition and fibrin accumulation in WB from factor-deficient patients (1–3% of normal) to levels commensurate with untreated healthy WB. Conclusion The absence of FIXa/FVIIIa in patients with severe haemophilia results in deficits in fibrin formation that cannot be rescued by wall-derived TF ex vivo. The effects of rFVIIa on platelet adhesion and rFVIIa/TF can act together to reinforce thrombin generation, platelet deposition and fibrin formation under flow.
Predicting Residual Disease in Incidental Gallbladder Cancer: Risk Stratification for Modified Treatment Strategies.

Re-operation is advised for patients with T1b or greater incidental gallbladder cancer (GBCA). The presence of residual disease (RD) impacts resectability, chemotherapy, and survival. This study created a preoperative model to predict RD at re-operation. Patients with re-operation for incidental GBCA from 1992–2015 were included. The relationship between pathology data from initial cholecystectomy and RD at re-operation was assessed with logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Two hundred fifty-four patients were included and 188 underwent definitive re-resection (74.0%). Distant RD was identified in 69 (27.2%) patients and locoregional only RD in 82 (32.3%). On multivariate analysis, T3 (OR 22.7, 95% CI 5.5–94.4) and poorly differentiated tumors (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.4–13.3) were associated with RD (p < 0.001–0.012). AUC of multivariate model was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72–0.83). CART analysis split patients into groups based on percentage with RD: 87% RD with T3, 67% RD with T1b/T2 and poorly differentiated, and 35% RD with T1b/T2 and well/moderate differentiated tumors. Based on T stage and grade from cholecystectomy, this study developed a model for predicting RD at re-operation in incidental GBCA. This model delineates patient groups with variable percentages of RD and could be used to stratify high-risk patients for prospective trials.
Cross laminated timber properties including effects of non-glued edges and additional cracks

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is usually comprised of multiple timber layers having alternating grain directions. Because individual boards are glued on their faces between layers, but usually not glued on their edges within layers, those edges define “precracks” in the composite. When exposed to differential thermal and moisture expansion after installation, CLT, like all cross-laminated composites, is prone to formation of “additional cracks”. Confidant CLT design must be able to account for changes in CLT properties during life of a structure caused by such additional cracks. By extending variational mechanics methods for aerospace composites, this paper provides analytical solutions for all in-plane mechanical, thermal expansion, and moisture expansion properties of a three-layer CLT panel. By using the three-layer solution to evaluate effective layer properties as a function of the number of cracks, the analysis can be extended to in-plane mechanical, out-of-plane bending, and expansion properties for CLT panels with any number or arrangement of layers. Some sample calculations are provided along with comments on limitations of the approximations and needs for future work.
The Use of Concrete Experiences in Early Childhood Mathematics Instruction

Addressed are four key issues regarding concrete instruction: What is concrete? What is a worthwhile concrete experience? How can concrete experiences be used effectively in early childhood mathematics instruction? Is there evidence such experiences work? I argue that concrete experiences are those that build on what is familiar to a child and can involve objects, verbal analogies, or virtual images. The use of manipulatives or computer games, for instance, does not in itself guarantee an educational experience. Such experiences are worthwhile if they target and further learning (e.g., help children extend their informal knowledge or use their informal knowledge to understand and learn formal knowledge). A crucial guideline for the effective use of concrete experience is Dewey's principle of interaction-external factors (e.g., instructional activities) need to mesh with internal factors (readiness, interest). Cognitive views of concrete materials, such as the cognitive alignment perspective and dual-representation hypothesis, provide useful guidance about external factors but do not adequately take into account internal factors and their interaction with external factors. Research on the effectiveness of concrete experience is inconclusive because it frequently overlooks internal factors.
Gender-Based Differences in a Population-Based Cohort with Celiac Disease: More Alike than Unalike

There is a gap in research focused on gender-based differences in non-referral populations with celiac disease. The aim of this study was to estimate those differences in a unique population-based cohort of patients with celiac disease with respect to (1) presenting symptoms, (2) associated autoimmune disorders, and (3) survival. Clinical data were systematically abstracted from the electronic medical record of a population-based incident cohort of patients with celiac disease. Logistic regression was used to assess the strength of the association of presenting symptoms and gender. Survival differences between genders were evaluated with Cox regression. We included 282 patients (females 65%, median age 39 years) diagnosed between 1990 and 2015. The female to male ratio was 1.85:1. Men and women presented similarly. Women were more likely to present with constipation (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.06–5.12; p = 0.035). Anemia and abdominal distention or bloating were more frequently seen in women, but not on a statistically significant level. Overall autoimmune diseases were equally prevalent (31.6%) in males (30.2%) and females (32.2%) (p = 0.74). Hypothyroidism predominated in women. Age-adjusted survival was lower among men than women (HR 3.00; 95% CI 1.26–7.21, p = 0.014), but not more so than in the general population. Cancer was the most common cause of death, and there were two possible celiac disease-related deaths. This study showed that men and women are more alike than unalike when it comes to celiac disease presentation and prevalence of concurrent autoimmune disease.
Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Regional Anesthesia for Lower Extremity Microvascular Reconstruction: Enhancing Recovery.

Background Perioperative pain, increased sympathetic tone, and peripheral vasospasm may be safely managed with regional nerve blockade during microvascular reconstruction in the lower extremity. Limited reports exist in this setting; therefore, we evaluated our use of peripheral nerve catheters (PNCs) during microvascular limb salvage to determine safety and efficacy for both patient and flap. Methods A single-institution, retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database on all patients with lower extremity free tissue transfers between 2012 and 2017 was completed. Patients were matched into groups based on PNC utilization. The use of intravenous narcotics including patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), oral narcotics, antiemetics, length of stay (LOS), associated pain scores, flap-related performance, and patient morbidity was recorded. Results Of 48 patients who underwent lower extremity free tissue transfer, 35 satisfied criteria for comparison. Of these, PNC was utilized in 83%. The mean pain score in the immediate postoperative period was 3.84 ± 2.47 (10-point Likert scale). PCA and narcotic use were decreased in the PNC group, and no adverse effects of the catheter were identified. Microsurgical outcomes were not adversely affected in comparison. Conclusion PNC utilization for lower extremity free flap transfer significantly reduced concurrent narcotic use and attained a shorter LOS. The technique provided for safe analgesia during lower extremity free flap reconstructions satisfying the microsurgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Effects of flow depth variations on the wake recovery behind a horizontal-axis hydrokinetic in-stream turbine

Abstract In-stream hydrokinetic turbines have the potential to produce a significant amount of clean energy from river and tidal currents. This study investigates for the first time the effects of flow depth on the wake behavior downstream of a horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbine. The far wake velocity deficit did not exhibit the symmetric Gaussian profile often found downstream of wind turbines. The flow confinement in an open channel causes the wake to recover more slowly compared to wind tunnel studies with deeper boundary layers. Our results show that with the same local mean kinetic energy, from which the turbine is able to extract energy, a greater total mean kinetic energy in the flow affects the rate of wake recovery. It is observed that for a deeper flow, the mean velocity recovers more rapidly and the turbulence intensity recovers more slowly. In addition to turbulence intensity and thrust coefficient, the ratio of the flow depth to the turbine diameter ( H / D ) is shown to be an important parameter related to the wake recovery rate. This parameter represents the amount of total incoming mean kinetic energy available for the turbine wake recovery and is much lower for hydrokinetic turbines compared to wind turbines.
Creating symmetry: the artful mathematics of wallpaper patterns, by Frank A. Farris

While wandering through an art gallery, I sometimes struggle to find something to intellectually grab on to in order to make sense of the artist’s choices of what they chose, or did not choose, to ...
Decreasing NICU admissions of asymptomatic infants of women with pregestational diabetes mellitus improves breastfeeding initiation rates.

BACKGROUND Asymptomatic infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) are usually admitted to the well baby nursery (WBN) while those who are symptomatic or in need of specialized care are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). OBJECTIVE To determine if changes in the NICU admission rate of asymptomatic infants born to women with PGDM during two different epochs affected breastfeeding (BF) initiation rates. DESIGN/METHODS Retrospective cohort investigation of 386 women with PGDM and their infants who delivered in 2008-11 (epoch 1) and 457 who delivered in 2013-16 (epoch 2) at a single institution. RESULTS NICU admissions: Comparison between epoch 1 and epoch 2 showed a decrease in the number of admissions from 243 (63%) to 175 (38%) *(chi square *p < 0.05). Respiratory distress (39 and 43%) and prematurity (28 and 23%) as admission diagnoses remained unchanged. Admissions for prevention of hypoglycemia declined (32% to 21%)*. At discharge from the NICU, exclusive BF (12 to 19%)* and any BF increased (41 to 55%)* while formula feeding (FF) decreased (59 to 45%)*. Admission to the NICU remained a strong predictor of BF initiation failure (a OR 0.6, 95% , CI 0.4-0.9, p 0.005).WBN admissions: Comparison between epoch 1 and epoch 2 showed an increase in the number of admissions from 143 (37%) to 282 (62%)*. The incidence of hypoglycemia (31% and 38%) and its correction with oral feedings (76% and 71%) remained unchanged. At discharge from the WBN, exclusive BF (15 to 27%)* and any BF (52 to 62%)* increased while FF decreased (48 to 38%)*. CONCLUSIONS A decrease in the number of NICU admissions of asymptomatic infants born to women with PGDM is associated with improvements in BF initiation rates.
Regulation of Energy Metabolism and Body Temperature During Sleep and Circadian Torpor

endotherms (mammals and birds) elevate their body temperatures above ambient levels through mechanisms of shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis, which require rates of metabolism eight to ten times greater than those of reptiles of similar size passively heated to the same body temperature. Many birds and small species of mammals minimize their thermogenic energy expenditures when food is scarce and/or ambient temperatures are low by reducing their body temperature and metabolic rate each night or day to enter a state of torpor characterized by a decrease in body temperature of 5–20℃ below their euthermic levels of 36–41℃. These states of shallow torpor usually occur with a circadian (≈24−h) rhythm and are described here as circadian torpor to obviate confusion generated by the more commonly used term daily torpor when referring to episodes of nocturnal torpor in diurnally active animals. Moreover these episodes of torpor can occur as endogenous free-running circadian rhythms under conditions of constant ambient temperature, photoperiod, and ad libitum food and water. Circadian torpor sometimes extends into multiday bouts of continuous torpor, resembling seasonal bouts of hibernation in larger mammals (47).
Burnside’s Theorem and Representations of Finite Groups

In this chapter we provide an application of the structure theory of rings developed in Chapters One and Two to the theory of finite groups. Representation theory of finite groups is a vast subject; in this chapter we’ll make a thin beeline right to a famous theorem of Burnside. For a more thorough introduction to the representation theory of finite groups, the reader may consult Serre, Linear Representations of Finite Groups, as well as Fulton and Harris, Representation Theory : A First Course.
Posterior Interosseous Nerve Entrapment

Entrapment of the posterior interosseous nerve occurs frequently, and may be manifested by weakness of the forearm extensor muscles, by forearm pain alone, or by both muscle weakness and pain. The disturbance may mimic the peripheral symptoms of a cervical spondylosis and may be related to the occurrence of a rheumatoid arthritis as well. The nerve is a branch of the radial nerve supplying extensor muscles in the forearm. There is no cutaneous sensory distribution. The disturbance has been referred to as “tennis elbow” and may be manifested as forearm pain without clinical evidence of muscular weakness.
Jābir, the Buddhist yogi part two

Il s'agit de l'edition et de la traduction accompagnees de commentaires de l'A. d'un des enseignements les plus significatifs de Jābir: son enseignement extraordinaire sur le controle des vents et des elements en particulier le vent bhru. L'enseignement de Jābir vise a augmenter la longevite afin que celui qui pratique le yoga puisse poursuivre sa pratique du bouddhisme et eventuellement atteindre le corps arc-en-ciel. L'enseignement de Jābir est technique et specialise. Il ne doit pas etre compris comme un guide pratique du yoga
Getting Real: Aligning the Learning Needs of Clerkship Students With the Current Clinical Environment

The authors present follow-up to a prior publication, which proposed a new model for third-year clerkships. The new model was created to address deficiencies in the clinical year and to rectify a recognized mismatch between students' learning needs and the realities of today's clinical settings. The new curricular model was implemented at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in academic year 2016-2017. Guiding principles were developed. These were to more deeply engage students in experiential learning through clinical immersion; to pair individual faculty with individual students over longer periods of time so real trust could be developed; to provide students with longitudinal clinical reasoning education under controlled instructional conditions; to simplify goals and objectives for the core clerkships and align them with student learning needs; and to provide students with individualized activities to help them explore areas of interest, choose their specialty, and improve areas of clinical weakness before the fourth year. The authors discuss reactions by faculty and students to the new curriculum, which were mostly positive, as well as several outcomes. Students showed very different attitudes toward what they defined as success in the clerkship year, reflective of their deeper immersion. Students spent more time working in clinical settings and performed more procedures. Performance on Step 2 Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills was unchanged from traditional clerkship years. The 2015 article called for rethinking the third-year clerkships. The authors have shown that such change is possible, and the new curriculum can be implemented with successful early outcomes.