cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β-adrenergic effect on Na+-K+ transport in rat skeletal muscle

1. Intact rat extensor digitorum longus muscles soaked in L-isoproterenol plus 10(-5) M ouabain gained less sarcoplasmic Na+ than did muscles soaked in ouabain alone. Half maximal effect was produced by 10(-8) M L-isoproterenol. 2. D-Isoproterenol and oxidized L-isoproterenol were only 3 and 1%, respectively, as potent as L-isoproterenol. Other catechols tested had no effect. 3. The effect of L-isoproterenol on sarcoplasmic Na+ content appears to be a beta-adrenergic function in that it was blocked by propranolol, but not by phentolamine, and could be mimicked by dibutyryl cyclic AMP or by caffeine. 4. Reduced gain in sarcoplasmic Na+ was accompanied by reduced loss of sarcoplasmic K+. 5. L-Isoproterenol increased loss of sarcoplasmic Na+ in the absence of ouabain, in muscles recovering from cold treatment. 6. Results suggest that the beta-adrenergic system stimulates a coupled Na-K+ pump. 7. A model is proposed in which stimulation of the Na+-K+ pump in response to beta-adrenergic agents involves a number of intermediate steps, identified tentatively.
The Application of Magnetic Switches as Pulse Sources for Induction Linacs

Future accelerator requirements of the Particle Beam Program for increased repetition rates and reliability led to the investigation of alternative switching schemes of pulse compression using saturable inductors. This technique has been in use for several decades, but at relatively low power levels and long pulses. Recent developments in amorphous magnetic materials has eased the challenging problem of generating 250 kV pulses for 50 ns at power levels exceeding 20 GW with fast risetime and good efficiency. The timing simultaneity required in linacs from many such parallel systems was achieved with a high degree of voltage regulation and timing feed-forward techniques. The application of magnetic switching has not only exceeded the rep-rate and jitter requirements for short bursts of pulses, but has provided excellent reliability making them applicable for a variety of other high-average power applications besides the Particle Beam Program.
The Effects of Fatigue and Dissatisfaction on How Physicians Perceive Their Social Responsibilities

Abstract Objective To examine how fatigue and dissatisfaction with practicing medicine relate to US physicians' perceptions of their professional responsibilities in a time of upheaval in health care. Methods From May 30, 2012, through September 1, 2012, we mailed an 8-page paper survey, including measures of perceived social responsibility, fatigue, and satisfaction, to a random sample of 3897 physicians selected from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. We performed bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between key predictors (fatigue and satisfaction) and 3 dependent variables: obligations to care for the uninsured and underinsured, obligations to address policy issues, and agreement with cost-containment. Results A total of 2556 physicians (65.6%) responded to the survey. Nearly half of physicians (1160 [45.4%]) reported high levels of fatigue, whereas most (1810 [70.8%]) expressed satisfaction with practicing medicine. Dissatisfaction in practicing medicine proved to be a significant predictor in how physicians perceive their professional responsibilities and in medical decision-making. Overall, physicians who rated themselves as very dissatisfied had a significantly reduced likelihood of favoring limiting reimbursement to expand basic coverage (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.7), recognizing an obligation to care for the uninsured (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.7), and addressing societal health policy issues (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9). Conclusion Although fatigue and satisfaction are strongly associated, only satisfaction appears to correlate with physicians' perceived social responsibilities. Physicians who are dissatisfied with their profession may be less inclined to address health policy issues, embrace charity care, or practice cost containment.
MD-354 selectively antagonizes the antinociceptive effects of (−)nicotine in the mouse tail-flick assay

(−)Nicotine produces antinociceptive effects in rodents. meta-Chlorophenylguanidine (MD-354), an analgesia-enhancing agent, binds at 5-HT3 and α2-adrenoceptors and potentiates the antinociceptive effects of an “inactive” dose of clonidine. The present study examined the actions of MD-354 on (−)nicotine-induced antinociception. Mouse tail-flick and other assays were employed. In the tail-flick assay, (−)nicotine (ED50 = 1.66 mg/kg) but not MD-354 produced dose-related antinociceptive effects. Administered in combination with (−)nicotine (2.5 mg/kg), MD-354 (AD50 = 3.4 mg/kg) did not potentiate, but effectively antagonized the antinociceptive actions of (−)nicotine. In a mouse hot-plate assay, MD-354 failed to modify (−)nicotine responses. In combination with a locomotor activity-suppressing dose of (−)nicotine, MD-354 (up to 17 mg/kg) failed to antagonize (−)nicotine-induced hypolocomotion. In a rat drug discrimination paradigm using (−)nicotine as training drug, MD-354 produced saline-appropriate responding; in combination with the training dose of (−)nicotine, MD-354 failed to antagonize the nicotine cue. MD-354 selectively antagonizes the antinociceptive actions of (−)nicotine in the tail-flick, but not in the hot-plate assay, or either the motor effects, or discriminative stimulus effects of (−)nicotine. The most parsimonious explanation is that MD-354 might act as a negative allosteric modulator of α7 nACh receptors, and radioligand binding and functional data are provided to support this conclusion.
A framework for multimodal data collection, visualization, annotation and learning

The development and iterative refinement of inference models for multimodal systems can be challenging and time intensive. We present a framework for multimodal data collection, visualization, annotation, and learning that enables system developers to build models using various machine learning techniques, and quickly iterate through cycles of development, deployment and refinement.
A ratio scale metric and the compatibility of ratio scales: The possibility of arrow's impossibility theorem

Abstract We develop a metric for ratio scales and explore the notion of compatibility of two sets of measurements of a set of objects or properties on a ratio scale. We briefly address Arrow's impossibility theorem. We maintain that it is not as impossible as claimed when, as in reality, a certain degree of inconsistency and incompatibility are allowed.
Radioactivity in asbestos

Abstract 226 Ra has been measured in five asbestos group minerals. The activity levels are variable, are consistent with other forms of rock and range from 0.01–0.4 pCi 226 Ra/g. Alpha particles from asbestos fibers immobilized in the lower lung near pleural surfaces and in the upper lung on bronchial surfaces may be implicated in initiating mesothelioma and bronchial carcinoma.
Compact Ultra Wideband (UWB) Elliptical Monopole with Potentially Reconfigurable Band Rejection Characteristic

A CPW-fed compact elliptical monopole UWB antenna is introduced with potentially reconfigurable band rejection characteristic at the band used for wireless LAN applications. The antenna is fabricated on thin (100 mum) liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and the band notch is caused by the presence of a two resonating inverted L-shaped stubs that are connected to the elliptical radiator. The frequency notch can be potentially reconfigurable with the use of switches that would connect and disconnect the stubs on the elliptical radiator. Surface currents' distribution and a simple transmission line model are used to interpret the effect of the two stubs on the radiation mechanism. The presence of the stubs does not alter the radiation patterns behavior which is almost identical to the behavior of a design without any stubs with the exemption of the gain in the frequency notch band, which is maintained negative.
Down-regulation of invasion and angiogenesis-related genes identified by cDNA microarray analysis of PC3 prostate cancer cells treated with genistein

Abstract Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men in the United States and for many years the treatment results for metastatic prostate cancer have been disappointing. Our previous studies have shown that genistein elicits pleiotropic effects on prostate cancer cells; however, its role in invasion and metastasis has not been fully elucidated. In order to better understand the precise molecular mechanism(s) by which genistein exerts its effects on PC3 cells, we have utilized cDNA microarray to interrogate 12 558 known genes to determine the gene expression profile altered by genistein treatment. We found a total of 832 genes which showed >2-fold change after genistein treatment. Among these genes, we found down-regulation of 11 genes (MMP-9, protease M, uPAR, VEGF, neuropilin, TSP, BPGF, LPA, TGF-β2, TSP-1, PAR-2) and up-regulation of two genes (connective tissue growth factor, connective tissue activation peptide), which are related to angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and zymographic analysis were conducted to confirm the data of microarray at the level of mRNA, protein, and biological function. The results were in direct agreement with the microarray data. From these results, we conclude that genistein down-regulates the transcription and translation of genes critically involved in the control of angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion and metastasis, suggesting the possible therapeutic role of genistein for metastatic prostate cancer. Thus, genistein-induced alternations of gene expressions may be exploited for devising chemopreventive or therapeutic strategies, particularly for chemosensitization of metastatic prostate cancer to existing chemotherapeutic agents.
Evaluation of thin-film solar cell temperature coefficients for space applications

At present, commercially available thin-film photovoltaic cells are evaluated for terrestrial applications. To apply thin-film photovoltaic cells for space applications, the assessment of the solar cell performance must be conducted in simulated space conditions. We investigated the temperature coefficients of the I-V characteristics of thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells manufactured by Uni-Solar and Iowa Thin Film Technologies, and CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) solar cells manufactured by MicroSat Systems with simulated space solar radiation. The temperature coefficient of the thin-film solar cells between temperatures of 15 and 100°C was measured with a temperature-controlled vacuum plate. The vacuum plate ensures maximum thermal contact between the plate and the solar cell as well as reducing the thermal gradient in the solar cell. The vacuum plate also serves as a thermal reservoir that provides temperature stability during the performance evaluation when the solar cell is exposed to simulated sunlight radiation. An X-25 sunlight simulator calibrated for AM0 conditions provides the necessary radiation in performance characterization of the thin-film solar cell. The I-V characteristics of the solar cell were obtained at various temperatures to gain a thorough knowledge of the cell's performance at different temperatures.
Residential segregation and interracial economic disparities: A simultaneous-equations approach

Abstract The paper specifies a simultaneous-equation model of metropolitan racial residential segregation and economic disparities. The extent and centralized pattern of SMSA segregation and black-white median income ratios and occupational dissimilarity indices comprise endogenous variables in a four-equation model. Characteristics of the SMSA's population, industrial structure, and labor and housing markets serve as exogenous variables. Parameters are estimated using two-stage least-squares techniques on data for 40 SMSAs sampled by HUD's 1977 Housing Market Practices Survey. Results strongly support the simultaneous-equation specification and indicate the likely severe bias of previous studies. In general, segregation appeared to significantly abet economic disparities, although greater centralization of a larger black community was associated with greater diversity of black occupations. Conversely, income disparities were positively correlated with a more centralized pattern of black residences, and occupational disparities were positively correlated with the extent of segregation.
Percutaneous skeletal biopsy.

Percutaneous bone biopsy has become an accepted means for tissue diagnosis in indeterminate metastatic disease, whereas needle biopsy for the evaluation of primary skeletals neoplasms is controversial. Needle biopsies are also of value in the diagnosis of inflammatory lesions and eosinophilic granuloma. The diagnostic accuracy of this procedure ranges from 50 to 94% in malignant disease, but is less favorable in benign disease. The low complication rate of about 0.2% makes the percutaneous approach an attractive alternative to surgical biopsy.
The Use of Virtual Laboratories and Other Web-based Tools in a Drug Assay Course

Objective. To determine students’ perceptions of and performance in a drug assay laboratory course after the addition of Web-based multimedia tools.Design. Video modules and other Web-based tools to deliver instructions and emulate the laboratory set up for experiments were implemented in 2005 to improve student preparation for laboratory sessions and eliminate the need for graduate students to present instructions live.Assessment. Data gathered from quizzes, final examinations, and post-course surveys administered over 6 years were analyzed. Students’ scores on online quizzes after implementation of the virtual laboratories reflected improved student understanding and preparation. Students’ perception of the course improved significantly after the introduction of the tools and the new teaching model.Conclusions. Implementation of an active-learning model in a laboratory course led to improvement in students’ educational experience and satisfaction. Additional benefits included improved resource use, stud...
Dilation of the uterine cervix of the rat and accompanying changes during the estrous cycle, pregnancy and following treatment with estradiol, progesterone and relaxin.

An in vitro method was employed to measure the dilatability and tensile strength of the uterine cervix of the rat during the estrous cycle, gestation and the puerperium. Dilatability, percent water and cervical weight increased throughout gestation to a maximum at parturition. Tensile strength and percent collagen (as measured by hydroxyproline) of the cervix decreased throughout gestation. Within 48 hours post-partum, all measurements tended to return to values seen in the nonpregnant rat. The maximum dilatability, observed at parturition, was found to be due in part to stretching induced by the fetus traversing the birth canal. Relaxin caused similar changes in dilatability, tensile strengh, percent water and collagen in pregnant ovariectomized rats treated with the ovarian steroids. Measurements obtained in non-pregnant, ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen, progesterone and relaxin yielded comparable results but the magnitude of the cervical dilatability was not as great as that observed in the i...
Highly periodic, three-dimensionally arranged InGaAsN : Sb quantum dot arrays fabricated nonlithographically for optical devices

A three-dimensional array of ∼55 nm diameter InGaAsN : Sb quantum dots (QDs) was nonlithographically fabricated starting with a MBE-grown InGaAsN : Sb/GaAs multiple quantum well wafer. The nonlithographic fabrication process relies on the use of a highly ordered nanopore alumina membrane for lateral patterning followed by a reactive ion etching. The dot size uniformity, spatial ordering and three-dimensional packing density are among the best reported so far. Nondestructive Raman scattering was employed to assess the material quality of the samples. While photoluminescence study points towards a moderately increased role of nonradiative transitions in the fabricated QD arrays, the dots show a relatively high emission intensity at room temperature, suggesting improved operation of long wavelength optical devices. Likely mechanisms contributing to the PL increase and the observed ∼50 meV red shift in the emission peak position are discussed. This study might be of great importance for engineering well controllable, ultra-high density, three-dimensionally arranged QD arrays for active optical devices.
Gradenigo's Syndrome

The syndrome of constant otorrhea, headache, and diplopia, which is attributed to inflammation of the petrous apex, is known as Gradenigo's syndrome. It is often the result of chronic otitis media with long-standing purulent otorrhea. It has traditionally been treated surgically, but recent advances in imaging, allied with improved antibiotic treatment, have allowed for consideration of non-surgical management of these cases. A 60-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with 7 days of right-sided headache, facial pain, and diplopia. She awoke with the headache and facial pain 7 days earlier. She was without any preceding infectious symptoms including ear pain, sinus congestion, sore throat, and cough, and she denied fevers and chills. Examination demonstrated a right eye lateral gaze palsy and reproducible diplopia. Computed tomography studies demonstrated the possibility of fluid in the petrous apex of the temporal bone. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging study confirmed a moderate amount of fluid in the right petrous apex consistent with Gradenigo's syndrome. Imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance is an important tool in the evaluation of petrous apex lesions. Gradenigo's syndrome is a rare condition that does not always present with the classical triad of otorrhea, headache, and diplopia. Appropriate management requires antibiotic treatment and possible surgical intervention.
Optical multi-channel connector for rigid waveguide and fiber connection

We propose a newly developed optical multi-channel card edge connector to connect a rigid optical waveguide array fabricated onto a substrate and an optical fiber array for an on-board optical interconnection. The receptacle is placed at the edge of the waveguide and is mechanically aligned to alignment studs directly formed precisely onto the optical waveguide. The plug terminates the optical fiber ribbon using a plastic ferrule, and the ferrule is pushed to the end face of the waveguide using springs for physical contact. The plug is inserted into the housing and is latched by a single action. The connection losses of 12 channel optical card edge connector are 0.8 dB on the waveguide in the GI-50/125 fiber direction, and 1.1 dB on the fiber in the waveguide direction.
The Many Faces of SocialIdentity: Implications for Political Psychology

Social identity is a concept that has been invented and reinvented across the social and behavioral science disciplines to provide a critical link between the psychology of the individual and the structure and function of social groups. This paper reviews the various definitions of social identity as it is used in different theoretical frameworks, drawing distinctions among person-based identities, relational (role-based) identities, group-based identities, and collective identities. The implications of these different conceptualizations of social identity for political psychology are discussed, with a callfor integrative theory that draws on allfour definitions interactively.
Locus ceruleus somata contain both acetylcholin esterase and norepinephrine: Direct histochemical demonstration on the same tissue section

Abstract In the same brain section stained first for catecholamines and then for acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7), it was found that neuronal somata in locus ceruleus containing norepinephrine also contained the cholinergic degradative enzyme. Cell body shapes were fusiform, pyramidal, round, or oval. Maximum soma extent ranged from 10–40 μm, with the proportion of large diameter neurons increasing, and the smaller diameter cells decreasing, from rostral to caudal cerulear levels. Medium-sized neurons were roughly constant throughout the nucleus. Acetylcholinesterase may be associated with cerulear somata and proximal processes containing norepinephrine to inactivate a cholinergic input to that structure.
International patent agreements for protecting biotechnology products and processes worldwide

International efforts since 1883 to harmonize patent protection are described and evaluated. Substantial progress has been made in streamlining application processes and in standardizing the scope of protection. Significant gaps remain in (1) the opportunity to publicize an invention before filing for a patent, (2) access to and use of deposited samples, and (3) the widespread treatment of plants and animals as a distinct group of products limited to an inferior form of protection. Widespread efforts are underway to resolve these perceived weaknesses, probably along the lines of US law. Remaining is the problem of incorporating a large number of tropical nations which presently have no effective patent system into this evolving, coordinated international industrial property protection system. Most threatened is the widespread dissemination of self-reproducible biotechnological inventions delivered in the form of plants, seeds and animals.
Role of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in mediating hypertension in response to chronic renal medullary endothelin type B receptor blockade.

Background The renal medullary endothelin (ET-1) system plays an important role in the control of sodium excretion and arterial pressure (AP) through the activation of renal medullary ET-B receptors. We have previously shown that blockade of endothelin type B receptors (ET-B) leads to salt-sensitive hypertension through mechanisms that are not fully understood. One possible mechanism is through a reduction in renal medullary production of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). 20-HETE, a metabolite of arachidonic acid, has natriuretic properties similar to ET-B activation. While these findings suggest a possible interaction between ET-B receptor activation and 20-HETE production, it is unknown whether blockade of medullary ET-B receptors in rats maintained on a high sodium intake leads to reductions in 20-HETE production. Methodology/Principal Findings The effect of increasing sodium intake from low (NS = .8%) to high (HS = 8%) on renal medullary production of 20-HETE in the presence and absence of renal medullary ET-B receptor antagonism was examined. Renal medullary blockade of ET-B receptors resulted in salt sensitive hypertension. In control rats, blood pressure rose from 112.8±2.4 mmHg (NS) to 120.7±9.3 mmHg (HS). In contrast, when treated with an ET-B receptor blocker, blood pressure was significantly elevated from 123.7±3.2 (NS) to 164.2±7.1 (HS). Furthermore, increasing sodium intake was associated with elevated medullary 20-HETE (5.6±.8 in NS vs. 14.3±3.7 pg/mg in HS), an effect that was completely abolished by renal medullary ET-B receptor blockade (4.9±.8 for NS and 4.5±.6 pg/mg for HS). Finally, the hypertensive response to intramedullary ET-B receptor blockade was blunted in rats pretreated with a specific 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor. Conclusion These data suggest that increases in renal medullary production of 20-HETE associated with elevating salt intake may be, in part, due to ET-B receptor activation within the renal medulla.
Credible debate equilibria

Legislation is not an end in itself, but means to an end. Unfortunately, the technical relationship connecting any legislation to real consequences is rarely known for sure. In debate, legislators have an opportunity to persuade others of the relative value of particular bills, to influence the substance of the agenda, and to affect voting decisions. Since preferences over consequences are typically taken to be fixed, such persuasion etc. necessarily amounts to changing beliefs over the likely effects of various alternative bills. The extent to which debate can be effective in altering others' beliefs depends on how audiences interpret and assimilate any information speechmakers volunteer. This paper considers one plausible approach to credibility in debate. Debate is modeled as a cheap talk stage preceding an endogenous agenda setting game under incomplete information. In this framework, the issue can be formulated in terms of what constitutes an equilibrium. It is demonstrated that a fairly weak and intuitively plausible criterion of credibility effectively leads to there being little opportunity for credible transmission of information in debate.
A Molecular Beam Resonance Method with Separated Oscillating Fields

A new molecular beam resonance method using separated oscillating fields at the incident and emergent ends of the homogeneous field region is theoretically investigated in this paper. An expression is obtained for the quantum mechanical transition probability of a system between two states when the system is subjected to such separated oscillating fields. This is numerically averaged over the molecular velocity distribution and provides the theoretical shape of the resonance curves. It is found that resonances with such a technique have a theoretical half-width only 0.6 as great as those by conventional molecular beam resonance methods. In addition to producing sharper resonance minima, the new method has its resonances much less broadened by inhomogeneities of the fixed field, it makes possible resonance experiments in regions into which an oscillating field cannot be introduced, and it is more convenient and effective with short wave-length radiation.
Relationships of Continuing Uncertainty and State-Receiver Apprehension to Information-Seeking and Predictions in Dyadic Interactions.

This study examined state‐receiver apprehension and uncertainty as they relate to each other and to information seeking and confirmation of relational predictions in initial interactions. Participants consisted of 381 college students enrolled in basic communication classes at a Southwestern university. One‐hundred and ninety‐one (N = 191) pairs interacted for various time intervals and were tested at various times. When interactants had prior information about each other, state‐receiver apprehension was positively related to uncertainty and both were negatively related to information‐seeking and confirmation of relational predictions. Results also suggested that state‐receiver apprehension may possibly lead to uncertainty. Finally, a thirteen‐item test of conversational state‐receiver apprehension was developed.
High density optical integration

By proper design of optical waveguides and resonators with high index-contrast one may minimize the radiation loss. Such structures can be used to realize bends, waveguide crossings and filters of small size, leading to dense optical integration.
Principles of Molecular Pathology. Anthony A. Killeen. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 2003, 344 pp., $99.50, hardcover. ISBN 1-58829-085-9.

This is a very nice, concise review of the field of molecular pathology, a field that is still considered “new” because it requires training in several fields, including pathology, molecular methods, genetics, infectious disease, and tumor biology. The book provides readers with all of the relevant background in the first chapters so that specialists and nonspecialists alike can understand the later chapters. It can be read from cover to cover or used as a reference text on an “as-needed” basis. Considering the diversity of molecular pathology, the book is relatively short, 333 pages, but it provides a comprehensive review of the field. I particularly liked how each chapter highlighted all of the salient points of the subject material and then went on to illustrate many of …
Modeling unmanned aerial vehicle communications at the Auburn University Miss Center

As noted by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) Shelby 2005], "The Unmanned Systems Initiative (USI) will conduct research and development of unmanned systems to advance, evaluate, and rapidly mature technologies to meet urgent warfighter needs as well as the optimal tactics, techniques and procedures to employ unmanned systems capabilities. Unmanned systems have immense potential to reduce engagement timelines while improving survivability in difficult urban terrain. Acceleration of the transition and fielding of these robotic technologies and capabilities is a critical wartime effort."
Is there a link between adult neurogenesis and learning

During the past several years, evidence has accumulated suggesting a relationship between newly born cells in the hippocampus and various types of learning and memory. However, most of the evi- dence is correlational and some of it does not agree. This review dis- cusses both sides of this issue, considering the effects of learning on the production of new neurons in the dentate gyrus and the question of whether newly born cells participate in learning and memory. V C 2006
Use of Thermal Mass in Building Energy Storage

Thermal mass in buildings can be used to protect the building against temperature fluctuations. As batteries store energy chemically, buildings store heat (or retain coolness) in their thermal mass. Use of thermal mass allows buildings to act as energy storage devices. In addition, the use of thermal mass has enormous potential to increase the effectiveness of building systems for load shifting and peak energy demand reduction. This article introduces the basic concept of thermal mass in buildings and presents several techniques for measuring and modeling thermal mass. The use of thermal mass in buildings is characterized into two groups based on its passive and active uses. With a focus on the modeling of precooling using thermal mass, this article discusses two modeling methods for simulating the precooling control in buildings: data-driven (inverse) modeling and forward (physical) modeling, in terms of each approach's methodology and challenges. Finally, a case study of precooling a building in a warm climate is presented for demonstrating the effect of various precooling control strategies on the energy and demand savings and those impacts on thermal comfort. Keywords: data-driven modeling; cold-climate areas; building material; conduction transfer function; phase change material
In the Land of the Eastern Queendom: the politics of gender and ethnicity on the Sino-Tibetan border

I was pleased to learn of the publication of Tenzin Jinba's ethnography of recent state–local conflicts (first decade of the 2000s) over the ancient locale of the so-called ‘Eastern Queendom’ amids...
The Impact of Health Coaching on Medication Adherence in Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetes, Hypertension, and/or Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Lack of concordance between medications listed in the medical record and taken by the patient contributes to poor outcomes. We sought to determine whether patients who received health coaching by medical assistants improved their medication concordance and adherence. Methods: This was a nonblinded, randomized, controlled, pragmatic intervention trial. English- or Spanish-speaking patients, age 18 to 75 years, with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and/or hyperlipidemia were enrolled from 2 urban safety net clinics and randomized to receive 12 months of health coaching versus usual care. Results: Outcomes included concordance between medications documented in the medical record and those reported by the patient and adherence based on the patient-reported number of days (of the last 7) on which patient took all prescribed medications. The proportion of medications completely concordant increased in the coached group versus the usual care group (difference in change, 10%; P = .05). The proportion of medications listed in the chart but not taken significantly decreased in the coached group compared with the usual care group (difference in change, 17%; P = .013). The mean number of adherent days increased in the coached but not in the usual care group (difference in change, 1.08; P Conclusions: Health coaching by medical assistants significantly increases medication concordance and adherence.
Modeling blood flow in a tilted inferior vena cava filter: does tilt adversely affect hemodynamics?

Abstract Purpose Filter tilt is often seen with conical filters and adversely affects retrievability and clot trapping efficiency. In addition, tilt may also alter flow dynamics. This study uses computational fluid dynamics to evaluate flow past an unoccluded and partially occluded Celect inferior vena cava filter (Cook, Bloomington, Indiana). In particular, the hemodynamic response to thrombus volume and filter tilt is examined, and the results are compared with flow conditions known to be thrombogenic. Materials and Methods Computer models of an upright and tilted Celect filter are constructed using high-resolution digital photographs and methods of computer-aided design. The three-dimensional models are placed inside a model cava, and steady-state flow past unoccluded and partially occluded filters is computed. Results The volume of stagnant and recirculating flow increases with thrombus volume. In addition, as filter tilt increases, the cava wall in the direction of filter tilt is subjected to low-velocity flow and gives rise to regions of low wall shear stress. Conclusions Flow conditions caused by the tilted Celect filter may elevate the risk of intra/perifilter thrombosis and facilitate vascular remodeling. This latter condition may increase the potential for incorporation of the hook of the filter into the vena cava wall, thereby complicating filter retrieval. These findings also suggest that further long-term clinical follow-up with conical filters should be pursued with a specific evaluation of tilt as a factor of intrafilter thrombus and thrombosis.
Coordination in collective intelligence: the role of team structure and task interdependence

The success of Wikipedia has demonstrated the power of peer production in knowledge building. However, unlike many other examples of collective intelligence, tasks in Wikipedia can be deeply interdependent and may incur high coordination costs among editors. Increasing the number of editors increases the resources available to the system, but it also raises the costs of coordination. This suggests that the dependencies of tasks in Wikipedia may determine whether they benefit from increasing the number of editors involved. Specifically, we hypothesize that adding editors may benefit low-coordination tasks but have negative consequences for tasks requiring a high degree of coordination. Furthermore, concentrating the work to reduce coordination dependencies should enable more efficient work by many editors. Analyses of both article ratings and article review comments provide support for both hypotheses. These results suggest ways to better harness the efforts of many editors in social collaborative systems involving high coordination tasks.
Enhancement of superconductivity by a parallel magnetic field in two-dimensional superconductors

Superconductivity and magnetism have often been regarded as opposites. High magnetic fields usually destroy the superconducting state. But for superconductors constrained to two dimensions, a parallel magnetic field can actually enhance superconductivity.
Tamoxifen for Prevention of Breast Cancer: Report of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1 Study

Background: The finding of a decrease in contralateral breast cancer incidence following tamoxifen administration for adjuvant therapy led to the concept that the drug might play a role in breast cancer prevention. To test this hypothesis, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project initiated the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (P-1) in 1992. Methods: Women (N = 13 388) at increased risk for breast cancer because they 1) were 60 years of age or older, 2) were 35‐59 years of age with a 5-year predicted risk for breast cancer of at least 1.66%, or 3) had a history of lobular carcinoma in situ were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 6707) or 20 mg/day tamoxifen (n = 6681) for 5 years. Gail’s algorithm, based on a multivariate logistic regression model using combinations of risk factors, was used to estimate the probability (risk) of occurrence of breast cancer over time. Results: Tamoxifen reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer by 49% (two-sided P<.00001), with cumulative incidence through 69 months of follow-up of 43.4 versus 22.0 per 1000 women in the placebo and tamoxifen groups, respectively. The decreased risk occurred in women aged 49 years or younger (44%), 50‐59 years (51%), and 60 years or older (55%); risk was also reduced in women with a history of lobular carcinoma in situ (56%) or atypical hyperplasia (86%) and in those with any category of predicted 5-year risk. Tamoxifen reduced the risk of noninvasive breast cancer by 50% (two-sided P<.002). Tamoxifen reduced the occurrence of estrogen receptor-positive tumors by 69%, but no difference in the occurrence of estrogen receptor-negative tumors was seen. Tamoxifen administration did not alter the average annual rate of ischemic heart disease; however, a reduction in hip, radius (Colles’), and spine fractures was observed. The rate of endometrial cancer was increased in the tamoxifen group (risk ratio = 2.53; 95% confidence interval = 1.35‐4.97); this increased risk occurred predominantly in women aged 50 years or older. All endometrial cancers in the tamoxifen group were stage I (localized disease); no endometrial cancer deaths have occurred in this group. No liver cancers or increase in colon, rectal, ovarian, or other tumors was observed in the tamoxifen group. The rates of stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep-vein thrombosis were elevated in the tamoxifen group; these events occurred more frequently in women aged 50 years or older. Conclusions: Tamoxifen decreases the incidence of invasive and noninvasive breast cancer. Despite side effects resulting from administration of tamoxifen, its use as a breast cancer preventive agent is appropriate in many women at increased risk for the disease. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1998;90:1371‐88]
Thermoflow multiplicity in a packed-bed reactor. II: Impact of volume change

Steady states with different flow rates and temperature profiles may exist in a monolith or multitube packed-bed reactor operating under a prescribed pressure drop, due to the coupling among the species, energy, and momentum balances, and the change of physical properties with temperature and pressure. Criteria are derived predicting the conditions under which thermoflow multiplicity can occur for a gaseous reaction involving a change in the number of moles. In general, a reaction-induced volume increase enables thermoflow multiplicity to occur for reactions with a lower adiabatic temperature rise. A surprising finding is that thermoflow multiplicity may be found for an isothermal reaction involving a volume decrease. This point emphasizes the difference in the feedback mechanism leading to thermoflow and thermokinetic multiplicity.
Valuing Tullock's Rejects: The Reception of His Work in Rent Seeking

Gordon Tullock's work in economics spans nearly 50 years and is known for the breadth, originality, and quantity of his contributions in public choice, constitutional political economy, law and economics, bioeconomics, and monetary history. Despite his lack of formal training in economics, Tullock published in major economic journals early in his career. A number of his papers, which proved to be seminal to the theory of rent seeking, were rejected by top economic journals. This paper explores possible reasons for the editor's reception to Tullock's work and uses citation counts to value Tullock's rejected papers. My paper shows that Tullock's work continues to be cited, often far more frequently than the papers which journals chose to publish when they rejected Tullock's submissions.
Distributed synthesis of real-time computer systems

High-level synthesis has become commonplace in many areas of computing such as VLSI design and digital signal processing. However, it is just beginning to receive attention in the area of real-time systems. Given a real-time application and a design library of components, high-level synthesis involves three main steps: (i) estimation of processors and resources required to meet the constraints of the application, (ii) identifying suitable architectures using the components from the design library, and (iii) scheduling application tasks on the selected architecture. In this paper, we focus on the first and the third steps of this process. Specifically, we identify key issues in parallelizing these two steps. We then discuss approaches to deal with these issues and present results of our distributed implementation. The results of this implementation on a network of workstations show that considerable speedup in overall runtimes can be achieved by using multiple workstations.
The Impact of Negative Affect on Performance Standards: Evidence for an Affect-as-Information Mechanism

Two experiments investigated the influence of negative affect on self-regulatory cognition, including the mechanism by which negative affect may induce comparatively higher standards for performance. Both studies tested affect-as-information theory using a discounting manipulation. As predicted, induced negative affect generated comparatively higher minimal performance standards except under conditions in which the mood induction procedure was made highly salient. Negative affect had no impact on perceived self-efficacy. Results directly support the hypothesis that an affect-as-information mechanism underlies the impact of negative affect on performance standards. We discuss these findings both in terms of the affectively laden constructive processes through which people adopt standards for evaluating their actions and the role these processes may play in the perfectionism that is sometimes associated with depression.
A 49-Year-Old Man With AIDS, Fever, and Weight Loss

1. What are this patient’s most striking clinical and laboratory findings? 2. What is the patient’s most likely diagnosis? 3. How did this patient acquire the disseminated infection associated with the most likely diagnosis? 4. What are the forms of clinical presentation of this patient’s disease? 5. What laboratory methods are available for diagnosing this patient’s disease? 6. Why is this patient’s disease more common in immunosuppressed patients? 7. What is the most appropriate treatment of this patient’s disease? Possible Answers
Effect of Shredding Alfalfa on Cellulolytic Activity, Digestibility, Rate of Passage, and Milk Production

Abstract A series of trials was performed with sheep and goats to compare mechanically shredded with conventionally (control) harvested alfalfa hay. Shredded hay tended to contain less CP and more cell wall constituents than the control; digestibility of NDF in vitro also was increased by shredding. Intake of DM and digestibilities of NDF and ADF were increased in sheep fed shredded hay. Digestibilities of DM and CP were similar between treatments. Total tract digestibilities determined using acid detergent lignin and Yb as internal and external markers were similar to those obtained by total collection. There was no effect of shredding on rate of passage and total mean retention time of hay in the digestive tract of sheep. Ruminal pH and VFA were not altered by shredding of hay. However, production of 4% FCM and milk protein content was increased in goats fed shredded hay. Shredded hay suspended in the rumen in situ had higher particle-associated carboxymethylcellulase activity throughout the incubation period than did control hay. The enzyme activity was maximal at 6h and declined thereafter for both hays. The pattern of particle-associated carboxymethylcellulase activity was similar to that of NDF digestion in vitro.
Direct evidence of complement activation in HELLP syndrome: A link to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a severe variant of pre-eclampsia whose pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent evidence and clinical similarities suggest a link to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease of excessive activation of the alternative complement pathway effectively treated with a complement inhibitor, eculizumab. Therefore, we used a functional complement assay, the modified Ham test, to analyze sera of women with classic or atypical HELLP syndrome, pre-eclampsia with severe features, normal pregnancies, and healthy nonpregnant women. Sera were also evaluated using levels of the terminal product of complement activation (C5b-9). We tested the in vitro ability of eculizumab to inhibit complement activation in HELLP serum. Increased complement activation was observed in participants with classic or atypical HELLP compared with those with normal pregnancies and nonpregnant controls. Mixing HELLP serum with eculizumab-containing serum resulted in a significant decrease in cell killing compared with HELLP serum alone. We found that HELLP syndrome is associated with increased complement activation as assessed with the modified Ham test. This assay may aid in the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome and could confirm that its pathophysiology is related to that of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Pancreatic disease in mothers of suckling mice infected with Connecticut No. 5 strain of Coxsackie virus.

SummaryMothers of suckling mice may spontaneously become infected with Conn.-5 strain of Coxsackie virus, following inoculation and infection of their young with this virus. They develop pancreatic lesions and, in some cases, hepatic lesions identical with those produced after intraperitoneal injection of virus. This condition can be reproduced experimentally in adult mice of either sex by feeding them with the carcasses of infected suckling mice.
Validation of the Pictorial Infant Communication Scale for preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder

Joint attention, or the shared focus of attention between objects or events and a social partner, is a crucial milestone in the development of social communication and a notable area of deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder. While valid parent-report screening measures of social communication are available, the majority of these measures are designed to assess a wide range of behaviors. Targeted assessment of joint attention and related skills is primarily limited to semi-structured, examiner-led interactions, which are time-consuming and laborious to score. The Pictorial Infant Communication Scale is an efficient parent-report measure of joint attention that can be used as a complement to structured assessments in fully characterizing early social communication development. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Pictorial Infant Communication Scale. Results revealed a high degree of internal consistency and strong intercorrelations between subscales. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor model of joint attention. Furthermore, significant correlations between the Pictorial Infant Communication Scale and direct clinical measures of child joint attention, language skills, and autism spectrum disorder symptom severity were suggestive of concurrent validity. Findings suggest that the Pictorial Infant Communication Scale is a promising tool for measuring joint attention skills in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder.