cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Heavens: Sphairopoiia and Ptolemy's Planetary Hypotheses

This article investigates sphairopoiia, the art of making instruments that display the heavens, in Claudius Ptolemy’s Planetary Hypotheses. It takes up two questions: what kind of instrument does Ptolemy describe? And, could such an instrument have been constructed? I argue that Ptolemy did not propose one specific type of instrument, but instead he offered a range of possible designs, with the details to be worked out by the craftsman. Moreover, in addition to exhibiting his astronomical models and having the ability to estimate predictions, the instrument he proposed would have also shown the physical workings of the heavens. What emerges is both a clearer idea of what Ptolemy wanted the technician to build, and the purpose of such instruments.
Erika James: The Life and Career of an Associate Professor

Erika James had been in academe for nine years and had gotten tenure as an associate professor at the Darden School when she was asked to be the Associate Dean for Diversity, a new position at the school. She discussed the offer with her colleagues and contemplated the matter thoroughly. The position would bring with it a sizeable increase in pay, much more responsibility, and many more administrative meetings, with a continued requirement to meet her teaching responsibilities. All in all, the job would mean more work. The job would likely cut into her available consulting time in the summer, and require her to create an initiative and strategy for the office from scratch. She was not yet a full professor, but she did have tenure. She had several research projects under way and was partway through her first book manuscript. She had a husband who was a busy executive and lived two hours away during the week—and who was likely to get more promotions. She had two small children full of energy and enthusiasm. She had a full-time au pair and a personal Pilates trainer. She had always been known for her cheerful, can-do attitude. Could she bear the additional strain? This case is an undisguised description of James’s life and career and her views on several topics. A CD with video clips of interviews with James, her spouse, and several of her work associates accompanies the written case. The video clips include both pieces that could be assigned ahead of class and some that could be shown during class at the instructor's discretion. This case is intended to help management students explore the personal side of leadership and power, the nature of leadership development, how life events can shape leadership philosophies, the nature of success, how executives build and maintain business and personal relationships, and the way executives develop personal style throughout their professional careers.
Operation of a Thermal Diffusion Chamber for Measurements on Cloud Condensation Nuclei.

Abstract In recent years the thermal diffusion chamber has found wide application in studying condensation nuclei (CCN) which are effective in natural cloud and fog formation. Explicit solution of the equations governing the transient behavior of the chamber suggests the necessity for precise control of the temperature or the relative humidity of the incoming sample if meaningful measurements are to be obtained. A recent conclusion of Fitzgerald, that transient supersaturations exceeding the steady-state peak value may arise if the incoming sample is saturated at a temperature less than that of the (hot) top plate, is also verified. Further, it is pointed out that as long as turbulence occurs while introducing the sample, the transient behavior of the chamber remains indeterminate. This defect may be eliminated by giving special consideration to the method of sample introduction. The measurements of CCN concentration as a function of time at Rolla taken with a thermal diffusion chamber are also presented....
769 No Change in Endothelium Dependent Flow-Mediated Dilation Following Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device

ative AR severity was not associated with progression of AR (Figure 1B). Conclusions: LVAD implantation is associated with increased postoperative AR in comparison to nonsurgically treated HF. However, neither the need for aortic valve procedure nor the incidence of AR progression were predicted by preoperative AR severity. Only a small proportion of patients were observed to develop clinically important AR requiring aortic valve intervention.
Small-nerve fibers in mammalian ventral roots.

SummaryThe lumbosacral ventral root outflow of the cat contains 20-25 p.c. small diameter nerve fibers. These cause no detectable shortening of muscles and no propagated muscle impulses. Stimulation of such fibers sets up discharges from muscle spindle receptors. The discharge is dependent upon the number and frequency of stimuli and on adjustment of muscle stretch.
Cryogenic ion mobility-mass spectrometry captures hydrated ions produced during electrospray ionization.

Evaporation of water from extensively hydrated protons and peptides formed by electrospray ionization (ESI) has been examined for the first time by cryogenic ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS). The extent of hydration was controlled using a heated capillary inlet operated between 340 and 391 K. Cold cluster ions formed in the source region were transported into a low temperature (∼80 K) IM drift tube using an electrostatic ion guide where they were separated on the basis of size-to-charge via low-energy collisions with helium gas. The eluting IM profile was subsequently pulsed into an orthogonal time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer for mass-to-charge (m/z) identification of the cluster ion species. Key parameters that influence the cluster distributions were critically examined including the inlet temperature, drift tube temperature, and IM field strength. In agreement with previous studies, our findings indicate that water evaporation is largely dependent upon the particular charge-carrying species...
Identifying Santa Barbara's urban tree species from AVIRIS imagery using canonical discriminant analysis

In this research, we classify 15 common urban trees in downtown Santa Barbara, California, using crown-level canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) on airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) imagery. We compare the CDA classification accuracy against results obtained from stepwise discriminant analysis. We also examine the impact of various crown-level aggregation techniques and training sample size on classification results. An overall classification accuracy of 86% was achieved using CDA. Species-specific results were highest for dense crowns with high normalized difference vegetation index values. Bands chosen using forward feature selection spanned AVIRIS full spectral range illustrating a need for retaining a full complement of spectral information. Nevertheless, there is some indication that bands along the green edge, green peak and yellow edge are particularly valuable for discriminating structurally similar urban trees.
Meta-analysis shows limited benefit of lowering blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg in patients with type 2 diabetes

Commentary on: McBrien K, Rabi DM, Campbell N, et al. Intensive and standard blood pressure targets in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 2012;172:1296–303.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Although lowering blood pressure (BP) to the standard target of 140/90 mm Hg improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the benefits of more intensive lowering to <130/80 mm Hg have not been conclusively demonstrated. Despite this shortcoming, most current practice guidelines recommend this lower target. Two meta-analyses of studies evaluating outcomes according to the level of BP achieved in patients with diabetes1 ,2 or glucose intolerance1 demonstrated that tight BP control resulted in fewer strokes and albuminuria, but had no impact on other cardiovascular events or death. The investigators evaluated five randomised clinical trials including 7312 patients with T2DM. The studies … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DArch%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D172%26rft.spage%253D1296%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1001%252Farchinternmed.2012.3147%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22868819%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3147&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22868819&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F6%2F222.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000309079300003&link_type=ISI
Probing the Secondary Active Transport Mechanism of the Bacterial Efflux Pump EmrE

Secondary active transporters are able to confer bacterial multidrug resistance to both antibiotics and antiseptics. While the energy source for the transport mechanism is derived from the electrochemical potential across the membrane, this thermodynamic view does not provide a mechanistic understanding regarding how the energy is converted into useful work. To gain insight into the ion-coupled transport process, we applied a plethora of biophysical techniques including solid-state and solution NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with resistance assays to the drug transporter EmrE from E. coli. EmrE is an anti-parallel homodimer from the small multidrug resistance (SMR) family that effluxes a wide variety of quaternary cationic compounds and has served as a model for ion-coupled transport. We carried out pH titrations using NMR spectroscopy to reveal an elevated acid dissociation constant for a conserved and membrane embedded glutamate residue that is responsible for conferring drug resistance in E. coli. Furthermore, we found that the acid/base chemistry at this anionic residue was responsible for regulating the global dynamics of the transporter based on the protonation state. The implication of this result is that an open conformation of EmrE in the presence of a pH gradient would be oriented toward the higher pH side of the membrane. Indeed, tryptophan fluorescence experiments acquired in lipid bilayers strongly validate this interpretation. Finally, protonation at E14 showed long-range chemical shift perturbations far removed from the drug-binding pocket, which is evidence of an intricate allosteric network involving both concerted conformational changes to the transmembrane helices and loops that are involved in regulating the inward-open to outward-open structural switch.
Uptake of new drugs in the early post-approval period in the Mini-Sentinel distributed database.

Purpose Several factors limit the statistical power of drug safety surveillance during the early post-approval period, including uptake of the drug and lag in data availability. This study characterized new drug uptake in the Mini-Sentinel Distributed Database and determined statistical power to detect levels of risk in post-launch safety assessments. Methods The cumulative exposure among initiators of 46 new molecular entities approved from 2008 to 2011 was assessed. Using a Poisson estimation method, minimum incidence rate ratios (IRRs) detectable, with 80% power, were calculated under varying background incidence rates. Results Twelve products (26.1%) had more than 15 000 new users after 2 years. With comparator group incidence rate of 1/1000 person-years, 16 (33.3%) products had enough exposure to detect an IRR of 5 with 24 months of data collected that would be available for assessment at 33 months post-launch. With an incidence rate of 5/1000 person-years, 23 (50%) products had enough exposure to detect an IRR of ≥3 with 2 years of data collected. At 33 months post-launch, only two (4.3%) of the drugs examined had enough data availability to detect IRR of <2, and eight (17.4%) of <3, with a background rate of 1/1000 person-years. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of drug uptake and data availability in early post-approval drug safety surveillance in Mini-Sentinel. There is limited ability to detect rate ratios below three for events with background rates of 1/1000 person-years or lower. This is largely due to low product uptake. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploration of Experiment Teaching Model for the Circuit Principle Combined with Virtual and Reality

Aiming at the malpractice of the circuit principle experimental teaching model,this paper introduces the advantages of the circuit principle experimental teaching model with the combination of virtual and reality. Practices indicate that students' manipulative ability is developed,students' studying enthusiasm and initiative are inspired in this model,which is composed of simulation of experiment by Multisim before class,practical operation in the lab and the design link after class.
Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Importance Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly prevalent in adolescents and often persists into adulthood, most studies about treatment were performed in children. Less is known about ADHD treatment in adolescents. Objective To review the evidence for pharmacological and psychosocial treatment of ADHD in adolescents. Evidence Review The databases of CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for articles published between January 1, 1999, and January 31, 2016, on ADHD treatment in adolescents. Additional studies were identified by hand-searching reference lists of retrieved articles. Study quality was rated using McMaster University Effective Public Health Practice Project criteria. The evidence level for treatment recommendations was based on Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Findings Sixteen randomized clinical trials and 1 meta-analysis, involving 2668 participants, of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for ADHD in adolescents aged 12 years to 18 years were included. Evidence of efficacy was stronger for the extended-release methylphenidate and amphetamine class stimulant medications (level 1B based on Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria) and atomoxetine than for the extended-release α 2 -adrenergic agonists guanfacine or clonidine (no studies). For the primary efficacy measure of total symptom score on the ADHD Rating Scale (score range, 0 [least symptomatic] to 54 [most symptomatic]), both stimulant and nonstimulant medications led to clinically significant reductions of 14.93 to 24.60 absolute points. The psychosocial treatments combining behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and skills training techniques demonstrated small- to medium-sized improvements (range for mean SD difference in Cohen d , 0.30-0.69) for parent-rated ADHD symptoms, co-occurring emotional or behavioral symptoms, and interpersonal functioning. Psychosocial treatments were associated with more robust (Cohen d range, 0.51-5.15) improvements in academic and organizational skills, such as homework completion and planner use. Conclusions and Relevance Evidence supports the use of extended-release methylphenidate and amphetamine formulations, atomoxetine, and extended-release guanfacine to improve symptoms of ADHD in adolescents. Psychosocial treatments incorporating behavior contingency management, motivational enhancement, and academic, organizational, and social skills training techniques were associated with inconsistent effects on ADHD symptoms and greater benefit for academic and organizational skills. Additional treatment studies in adolescents, including combined pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, are needed.
Predictive value of axillary nodal imaging by magnetic resonance imaging based on breast cancer subtype after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to determine residual breast disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for cancer. Few studies have assessed its role in predicting nodal response, by cancer subtype. Methods A retrospective review was completed using our institutional cancer registry. Patients who started NCT from 2005 to 2010 with clinically node positive disease were evaluated. Those who underwent post-NCT breast MRI were selected. Radiologic response was determined by an independent review. Nodal involvement was confirmed pathologically after surgery. Results A total of 135 patients underwent post-NCT breast MRI. The positive and negative predictive values of MRI are 93% and 26%, respectively. A subset analysis by cancer phenotype demonstrates triple negative cancers have the highest sensitivity (68%) and luminal cancers have the highest positive predictive value (100%). Conclusions This study demonstrates that MRI post-NCT, even by cancer subtype, cannot reliably predict residual nodal disease because of high false–negative rates (low negative–predictive value).
New Drugs in Clinical Development in the United States

Over the past few years, a number of new antineoplastic agents have reached the clinical arena. These agents have demonstrated activity in a wide variety of preclinical tumor models and many have been found to have novel mechanisms of action. Some of these new agents are now in Phase I and Phase II trials demonstrating antitumor activity and unique toxicity profiles. In this article, the authors review some of the new agents in clinical development in the United States.
Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: A Rare and Unique Entity

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma MASC of the salivary gland is a recently described rare and unique diagnostic entity This unusual lesion corresponds histopathologically and cytogenetically to secretory carcinoma of the breast MASC of the salivary gland displays overlapping features of both mammary secretory carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma AciCC This tumor is characterized by the chromosomal translocation p q which results in the fusion gene ETV NTRK We report a rare case of MASC presenting as a left parotid mass in a year old male which was confirmed by ETV gene rearrangement studies by Fluorescence in situ hybridization FISH MASC while rare should be considered in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland lesions
Abstract B42: Role of the LEDGF/p75 pathway in promoting prostate cancer chemoresistance

African-American (AA) men have the highest incidence and mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) in the world. Inflammation and an augmented state of cellular oxidative stress (ASCOS) are key mechanisms underlying PCa that are influenced by environmental factors such as an anti-oxidant deficient diet. Prostate cells adapt to ASCOS by upregulating stress proteins implicated in chemoresistance in hormone refractory PCa (HRPC). The transcription co-activator LEDGF/p75 is emerging as a key stress response gene in cancer. We reported its elevated expression in advanced stage PCa, most likely as a result of increased oxidative stress in the prostate tumor microenvironment. LEDGF/p75 may contribute to PCa aggressiveness by transactivating stress genes that promote resistance to stressors, including chemotherapy. We investigated the effects of LEDGF/p75 overexpression on docetaxel (DTX) resistance in the HRPC cell line PC3. While DTX is the standard of care for first-line chemotherapy for HRPC, most patients with this condition manifest chemoresistance and ultimately die. This chemoresistance is a primary cause of the increased PCa mortality observed among AA men. We observed, using numerous assays, that cells stably overexpressing LEDGF/p75 exhibited resistance to DTX-induced death. Also, DTX treatment itself induced LEDGF/p75 expression. To gain insights into gene pathways regulated by LEDGF/p75 we performed gene microarray analysis in PC3 cells depleted of LEDGF/p75 by RNA interference. This analysis revealed a set of stress genes that appear to be differentially regulated by LEDGF/p75. Finally, we examined the expression of LEDGF/p75 in an ethnicity tissue microarray containing 300 prostate tumor specimens from AA and Caucasian men. While initial results did not reveal a significant difference in the LEDGF/p75 tumor expression levels in the two groups, we are currently examining correlations with specific clinical parameters. Our results suggest that LEDGF/p75 might contribute to chemoresistance in HRPC by activating stress and survival genes. Future studies will examine whether this gene and the pathway it regulates contributes to prostate tumor aggressiveness in AA men.
Planar optical components and systems based on dielectric metasurfaces (Conference Presentation)

Miniaturized optical systems with planar form factors and low power consumption have many applications in wearable and mobile electronics, health monitoring devices, and as integral parts of medical and industrial equipment. Flat optical devices based on dielectric metasurfaces introduce a new approach for realization of such systems at low cost using conventional nanofabrication techniques. In this talk, I will present a summary of our recent work on dielectric metasurfaces that enable precise control of both polarization and phase with large transmission and high spatial resolution. Optical metasurface components such as high numerical aperture lenses, efficient wave plates, components with novel functionalities, and their potential applications will be discussed. I will also present the results of our efforts on developing multi-wavelength and dispersion engineered metasurfaces, as well as conformal, flexible, and tunable metasurfaces. Furthermore, by using metasurface cameras and planar retroreflectors as examples, I will introduce a vertical on-chip integration platform enabled by vertical stacking of multiple metasurfaces and active optoelectronic components. This vertical integration scheme introduces a new architecture for the on-chip integration of conventional and novel optical systems and enables their low-cost manufacturing.
MOCH-1 Cells: An Oligodendrocyte Cell Line Generated Using a Transgenic Approach

Myelin, the multilayered membrane sheath that surrounds axons, facilitates rapid nerve conduction velocities1. The multilayered structure of myelin is formed when the myelinating cell wraps several layers of its cytoplasmic membrane around the axon. Compaction occurs as the cytoplasm is extruded from the multilayered structure and the cytoplasmic faces of the myelinating cell become juxtaposed. An electron micrograph of myelin reveals two types of membrane interphases. The major dense line is formed by the apposition of the cytoplasmic sides of the cell membrane, and the intraperiod line is formed by the extracellular membrane surfaces. The myelinating cells, and the myelin sheath, are the site of insult in individuals afflicted with the debilitating disease multiple sclerosis.
Diverse expression patterns and tumorigenic role of neurotensin signaling components in colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC), which is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, results from an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation. Neurotensin (NTS), a hormone localized to the gut and central nervous system, mediates its physiological and pathological effects, including growth stimulation for a variety of cancers, through three distinct NTS receptors (NTSRs). Most NTS functions are mediated through the high-affinity receptor NTSR1, and expression of NTSR1 is increased in many cancers including CRC. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles and cellular functions of the NTSRs, especially NTSR1, in CRC cells. We showed that expression levels for NTS and NTSR1 varied, that NTSR2 expression was not detectable and that NTSR3 was consistently expressed in all CRC cell lines examined. Treatment with the demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, augmented levels of NTSR1/2 in Caco2 and DLD1 cells, which have little or no transcripts for NTSR1/2 suggesting that DNA methylation suppresses NTSR1/2 expression. In addition, we demonstrated that knockdown of NTSR1 decreased cell growth and migration in HCT116 and HT29 cells. Finally, we showed that treatment with SR48692, an antagonist of NTSR1, also inhibited cell proliferation and migration in the CRC cells. Our findings identify promoter methylation as an important process regulating the differential expression or silencing of NTSR1/2 in CRC cells. Moreover, inhibition of NTSR1 repressed tumorigenic effects in CRC cells, suggesting that NTSR1 may be used as a therapeutic target for CRC.
Oversampling in Health Surveys: Why, When, and How?

This editorial discusses oversampling of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) populations to gather meaningful public health statistics for the relatively small population group. An example of a poll or survey to determine the incidence of hypertension is presented. Possible problems associated with oversampling are detailed.
Le dinar algérien, passé et présent: aspects de la politique monétaire et financière de l’Algérie

Bader Eddine Nouioua, who served as governor of the Central Bank of Algeria from 1985 to 1989, has written a primer to explain Algerian money and banking to the public. And there is much to explain...
Seltene Herzerkrankungen, Herztumoren, Hypotonie und neurozirkulatorische Asthenie

Unter den kardialen Tumoren finden sich haufiger Metastasen als primar vom Herzen ausgehende Neoplasien. Zwar zeigen 10% der obduzierten Patienten mit malignen Tumoren eine Beteiligung von Herz oder Perikard, doch sind klinische Manifestationen zu Lebzeiten der Kranken selten. Wie aus Tabelle 21.1 zu ersehen ist, liegt der Sitz des Primartumors zumeist in der Lunge oder der Mamma. Der Tumor breitet sich von hier direkt auf Herz oder Perikard aus. Einige Lymphome befallen ebenfalls das Herz. Auch hier greift der im Mediastinum sitzende Primartumor durch infiltratives Wachstum direkt auf das Herz uber. Metastasen beeintrachtigen kaum die linksventrikulare Funktion. Peri- kardmetastasen konnen zu einem Perikardergus mit Tamponade fuhren. Die meisten primaren malignen Herztumoren sind Sarkome. Unter den benignen Neoplasien ist das Myxom des linken Vorhofs am haufigsten. Im rechten Vorhof treten Myxome nur selten auf, doch wurden auch einige Falle von Myxomen im rechten Ventrikel beschrieben.
Wavelet Analysis of Big Data Contaminated by Large Noise in an fMRI Study of Neuroplasticity

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows researchers to analyze brain activity on a voxel level, but using this ability is complicated by dealing with Big Data and large noise. A traditional remedy is averaging over large parts of brain in combination with more advanced technical innovations in reducing fMRI noise. In this paper a novel statistical approach, based on a wavelet analysis of standard fMRI data, is proposed and its application to an fMRI study of neuron plasticity of 24 healthy adults is presented. The aim of that study was to recognize changes in connectivity between left and right motor cortices (the neuroplasticity) after button clicking training sessions. A conventional method of the data analysis, based on averaging images, has implied that for the group of 24 participants the connectivity increased after the training. The proposed wavelet analysis suggests to analyze pathways between left and right hemispheres on a voxel-to-voxel level and for each participant via estimation of corresponding cross-correlations. This immediately necessitates statistical analysis of large-p-small-n correlation matrices contaminated by large noise. Furthermore, distributions that we are dealing in the analysis are neither Gaussian nor sub-Gaussian but sub-exponential. The paper explains how the problem may be solved and presents results of a dynamic analysis of the ability of a human brain to reorganize itself for 24 healthy adults. Results show that the ability of a brain to reorganize itself varies widely even among healthy individuals, and this observation is important for our understanding of a human brain and treatment of brain diseases.
Disentangling the Effects of the School Year from the School Day: Evidence from the TIMSS Assessments

Schools often have to decide between extending the length of the school year or the school day. This paper examines the effects of changes in the distribution of instructional time on eighth-grade ...
Experimental Radiosurgery Models

The field of stereotactic radiosurgery represents one of the fundamental shifts in neurologic surgery over the past two decades. Compared with conventional invasive surgery techniques, radiosurgery is minimally invasive and relies on biological response of tissues in order to eradicate or inactivate them. Radiosurgery is conceptually different from fractionated radiation therapy. The efficacy of large-field fractionated radiotherapy to treat brain tumors is dependent on biological differences between normal and tumor cells. Fractionated radiotherapy exploits these differences to limit the risk of normal tissue injury in patients with malignant brain tumors, thus it can increase the therapeutic ratio, which is equivalent to the rate of tumor control divided by the rate of complications.
Evaluating the Impact of Accurate Branch Prediction on Interval Software

Branch prediction techniques are frequently used in high-speed computers to improve the performance of software programs that contain conditional branches. By accurately predicting the branch direction (i.e.,whether the branch is taken or not taken), these techniques reduce the amount of time spent waiting for the branch direction to be determined. Branch target buffers, which store target addresses, help further improve the performance of conditional branches. Since interval arithmetic operations and interval software programs frequently execute conditional branches, they have the potential for significant performance improvements from accurate branch prediction and branch target buffers.
On Minimal-Moment Generating Functions

A formula expressing the inverse cumulative distribution function of a non-negative random variable in terms of contour integrals of its minimal-moment generating function is proved as well as an analog of the classical continuity theorem for characteristic functions.
Chapter 34 – Stress Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy

The immediate and primary goal of radical surgery for the treatment of localized prostate cancer is to remove all involved cancerous tissue. This can be successfully achieved in the majority of well-staged patients. The secondary surgical goals remain the preservation of normal genitourinary function, including potency and urinary continence. Despite a well-meaning, thoughtful, and complete preoperative discussion of this potential adverse outcome, patients are often angry, frustrated, confused, and not uncommonly litigious when confronted with the reality of persistent urinary incontinence (UI). In the normal male there exist two separate continence zones or sphincters: the proximal urethral sphincter (PUS) and the distal urethral sphincter (DUS). Sphincteric incontinence in the male is exceedingly rare, except in the setting of lower urinary tract surgery such as prostatectomy. An important well-defined risk factor for UI following prostatectomy includes pre-existing bladder or sphincter dysfunction. Surgical techniques for radical prostatectomy have evolved over the past several decades as a better understanding of the pertinent pelvic neurovascular anatomy has emerged. Once the diagnosis of sphincteric incontinence has been established as the etiology of post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI), and any coexistent bladder dysfunction has been addressed and controlled, treatment is directed toward increasing outlet resistance.
Lived Experiences: Arts Policy at the Street Level in the New York City Department of Education.

This article traces the ways in which arts education funding and policy may be implemented and realized through different roles in a large urban school system, from policy makers to the ground leve...
Recent research developments and their application to engine design

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the past two decades of research developments in the general fields of combustion and fluid mechanics related to reciprocating engines and how these developments have influenced the engine design process. In reviewing these research developments, it has become evident that the most significant technological development that has influenced the engine design process is the advent of the microchip and the revolution it created in the computer and associated data acquisition industries. The chapter discusses the use of sophisticated data acquisition systems for acquiring data that has led to the development of new analysis techniques such as “conditional sampling” that allowed the analysis of engine cycles of similar characteristics. The chapter focuses on both the new and old but revitalized techniques for engine research and development. The measurement of in-cylinder pressure is one of the oldest and the most commonly used techniques for determining the quality of an engine combustion concept. It represents only one of the state variables that is necessary for the full analysis. It also represents directly the nature of the combustion process.
Exploratory Study of the Impact of a Teaching Methods Course for International Teaching Assistants in an Inquiry-Based General Chemistry Laboratory.

This study explored students’ perceptions of instructional practices of international teaching assistants (ITAs) who did and did not participate in additional professional development through a Tea...
Pelvic lymph nodes and pathways of disease spread in male pelvic malignancies

Accurate nodal staging for male urogenital malignancies has important implications for therapy and prognosis. Male pelvic malignancies, including prostatic, penile, testicular, and bladder cancer, typically metastasize to regional lymph nodes first which is reported by the N-stage. Spread beyond these groups to non-regional nodes is regarded as M-stage disease. In this review, we discuss the typical patterns of male pelvic lymphatic drainage and the tumor-specific regional nodal chains. The impact of tumor-specific imaging features and the implications of previous treatments on staging are discussed. While anatomic imaging, including CT and MRI, is the most widely employed imaging modality at present, newer functional imaging techniques have demonstrated promise in the accurate identification and characterization of nodal metastases.
100 Multiple Choice Questions

1. Because of the development of anastomotic aneurysm and aneurysmal dilatations of visceral segment/iliac arteries following open repair of infrarenal AAA, surveillance by CTA scans of abdomen and pelvis should be performed.
Geometric Effects on Charring Ablator: Modeling the Full-Scale Stardust Heat Shield

The multidimensional geometric effects within the heat shield of the Stardust sample return capsule are studied over its reentry trajectory, using a material response solver. The solver models mate...
The Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer

The gut microbiome, the consortium of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside in the gastrointestinal tract, has been linked to disease in recent years. Specifically, the gut microbiome can contribute to colon cancer development and severity. Specific bacteria have been identified as promoters of colon tumorigenesis through a variety of mechanisms, including promoting mutagenesis of tumor-related genes and modulating immune responses. Additionally, metabolites produced by the gut microbiome are also implicated in colon cancer development where microbial metabolites have both pro- and anti-tumor effects. Here, we discuss, in depth, the significance of the gut microbiome, and in particular, gut bacteria, in colon cancer pathogenesis.
Photothermal nanoparticles for ablation of bacteria associated with kidney stones.

To determine whether photothermal polymer nanoparticles (NPs) can interface with bacteria associated with kidney stones, generate heat when stimulated with near infrared (NIR) light, and aid in red...
Stereotype Threat and Its Problems: Theory Misspecification in Research, Consequences, and Remedies:

Despite the explosive growth in stereotype threat (ST) research over the decades, a substantive amount of variability in ST effects still cannot be explained by extant research. While some attribut...
Site-Specific Phosphorylation of VEGFR2 Is Mediated by Receptor Trafficking: Insights from a Computational Model

Matrix-binding isoforms and non-matrix-binding isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are both capable of stimulating vascular remodeling, but the resulting blood vessel networks are structurally and functionally different. Here, we develop and validate a computational model of the binding of soluble and immobilized ligands to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), the endosomal trafficking of VEGFR2, and site-specific VEGFR2 tyrosine phosphorylation to study differences in induced signaling between these VEGF isoforms. In capturing essential features of VEGFR2 signaling and trafficking, our model suggests that VEGFR2 trafficking parameters are largely consistent across multiple endothelial cell lines. Simulations demonstrate distinct localization of VEGFR2 phosphorylated on Y1175 and Y1214. This is the first model to clearly show that differences in site-specific VEGFR2 activation when stimulated with immobilized VEGF compared to soluble VEGF can be accounted for by altered trafficking of VEGFR2 without an intrinsic difference in receptor activation. The model predicts that Neuropilin-1 can induce differences in the surface-to-internal distribution of VEGFR2. Simulations also show that ligated VEGFR2 and phosphorylated VEGFR2 levels diverge over time following stimulation. Using this model, we identify multiple key levers that alter how VEGF binding to VEGFR2 results in different coordinated patterns of multiple downstream signaling pathways. Specifically, simulations predict that VEGF immobilization, interactions with Neuropilin-1, perturbations of VEGFR2 trafficking, and changes in expression or activity of phosphatases acting on VEGFR2 all affect the magnitude, duration, and relative strength of VEGFR2 phosphorylation on tyrosines 1175 and 1214, and they do so predictably within our single consistent model framework.
The Wonderlic Test for the NFL Draft: Linking Stereotype Threat and the Law

This paper examines the law and social psychology of the "Wonderlic Personnel Test" ("the Wonderlic") administered to prospective National Football League ("NFL") players. It specifically examines whether "stereotype threat" is apparent among players taking the Wonderlic, and the potential legal implications of such a finding. Stereotype threat reflects the behavioral effects that result from an individual's belief and fear that his actions will confirm a negative stereotype of a group to which he belongs. Stereotype threat typically manifests in anxiety, which can impair performance and trigger a self-fulfilling prophecy: because of stress related to his or her group membership, the person underperforms, thereby unintentionally corroborating the underlying group stereotype. With recent empirical data indicating that the Wonderlic is not predictive of NFL performance, the potential presence of stereotype threat among football players taking the Wonderlic invites a wide-range of legal and social questions.
Carbohydrate ingestion but not mouth rinse maintains sustained attention when fasted.

Abstract Carbohydrate (CHO) receptors in the mouth signal brain areas involved in cognitive tasks relying upon motivation and task persistence; however, the minimal CHO dose that improves mental activity is unclear. Purpose To determine if CHO (via ingestion or oral rinse) influences sustained attention without eliciting glycemic responses when in a fasted state. Methods Study A: Six healthy adults completed five treatment trials, ingesting 0–6% CHO solutions to evaluate glycemic response. Peak blood glucose for 6% and 1.5% CHO was greater (p Results Accuracy and precision were not different during the first 5 min of CPT. However, accuracy was maintained with CHO ingest (p = 1.0) but decreased over 20 min (p Conclusions Compared to mouth rinsing CON or CHO (1.5 g in 6% CHO), ingestion of an isocaloric low-CHO drink maintained sustained attention over a mentally fatiguing task and appears effective after fasting without eliciting a glycemic response.
Somatostatin inhibits gastrin release and acid secretion by activating sst2 in dogs.

Somatostatin is a potent inhibitor of gastrin-stimulated acid secretion by activation of somatostatin receptor type 2 (sst2) in vivo, probably in part by blocking gastrin-stimulated histamine release from enterochromaffin-like cells expressing sst2. We propose that activation of sst2 may also regulate meal-stimulated acid secretion by blocking gastrin release from antral G cells. Using peptide analogs relatively selective for sst2 (NC-8-12), sst3 (BIM-23058), and sst5 (BIM-23052), we tested this hypothesis in two ways: first, in vivo by measuring plasma gastrin release during meal-stimulated acid secretion in dogs, and second, in vitro by measuring bombesin-stimulated gastrin release from an enriched culture of canine antral G cells. In vivo, a low dose (0.05 nmol.kg-1.h-1) of NC-8-12 inhibited acid secretion 56 +/- 16% without blocking gastrin release. A higher dose (1 nmol.kg-1.h-1) of NC-8-12 abolished acid secretion and inhibited gastrin release by 61 +/- 4%, whereas the highest dose (5 nmol.kg-1.h-1) inhibited gastrin release by 84 +/- 3%. Only the highest doses (5 nmol.kg-1.h-1) of BIM-23058 and BIM-23052 significantly inhibited gastrin release and acid secretion. In vitro, NC-8-12 (10(-9) M) reduced bombesin-stimulated gastrin release from antral G cells by 49 +/- 5%, whereas BIM-23058 and BIM-23052 were at least 100-fold less effective. These results indicate that somatostatin activation of sst2, but not sst3 or sst5, is the major pathway for somatostatin-induced inhibition of meal-stimulated gastrin release and acid secretion.
Cycle of sexual assault and women's alcohol misuse.

Purpose: To describe the complex relationship between sexual assault and alcohol misuse by female assault victims. Data sources: Drawing on recent research and theoretical models from other social sciences, the author interjects a nursing perspective for this complex patient problem. Conclusions: This review of theories and models, and the evidence that supports them, provides a way for nurses to conceptualize the relationship between sexual victimization and alcohol misuse as bidirectional or reciprocal. Implications for practice: The evidence and models discussed here suggest that when patients present with sexual assault or alcohol misuse, nurses should assess and address the possibility of both conditions being present. Language: en
Membrane potential governs calcium influx into microvascular endothelium: integral role for muscarinic receptor activation

In resistance arteries, coupling a rise of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) to endothelial cell hyperpolarization underlies smooth muscle cell relaxation and vasodilatation, thereby increasing tissue blood flow and oxygen delivery. A controversy persists as to whether changes in membrane potential (V(m)) alter endothelial cell [Ca(2+)]i. We tested the hypothesis that V(m) governs [Ca(2+)]i in endothelium of resistance arteries by performing Fura-2 photometry while recording and controlling V(m) of intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Under resting conditions, [Ca(2+)]i did not change when V(m) shifted from baseline (∼-40 mV) via exposure to 10 μM NS309 (hyperpolarization to ∼-80 mV), via equilibration with 145 mm [K(+)]o (depolarization to ∼-5 mV), or during intracellular current injection (±0.5 to 5 nA, 20 s pulses) while V(m) changed linearly between ∼-80 mV and +10 mV. In contrast, during the plateau (i.e. Ca(2+) influx) phase of the [Ca(2+)]i response to approximately half-maximal stimulation with 100 nm ACh (∼EC50), [Ca(2+)]i increased as V(m) hyperpolarized below -40 mV and decreased as V(m) depolarized above -40 mV. The magnitude of [Ca(2+)]i reduction during depolarizing current injections correlated with the amplitude of the plateau [Ca(2+)]i response to ACh. The effect of hyperpolarization on [Ca(2+)]i was abolished following removal of extracellular Ca(2+), was enhanced subtly by raising extracellular [Ca(2+)] from 2 mm to 10 mm and was reduced by half in endothelium of TRPV4(-/-) mice. Thus, during submaximal activation of muscarinic receptors, V(m) can modulate Ca(2+) entry through the plasma membrane in accord with the electrochemical driving force.
The Effect of Acute, Unilateral Transverse Venous Sinus Occlusion on Intracranial Pressure in Normal Dogs

Lateral rostrotentorial and caudal suboccipital approaches to the brain were performed on six beagles. Intracranial pressure (ICP) was measured as the two craniectomies were connected by removing the bone of the nuchal crest and occluding the transverse venous sinus. Intracranial pressure remained constant after acute occlusion of the sinus with bone wax and there was no gross evidence of brain edema. All six dogs survived the surgery and five dogs survived for a minimum of 3 months. One dog died acutely during the postoperative period. The exact cause of the cerebellar hemorrhage and infarction found at necropsy in the latter dog was not evident. Anemia occurred in three of the six dogs as a result of intraoperative hemorrhage. All dogs surviving the perioperative period had mild, transient hypermetria and conscious proprioceptive deficits, but were neurologically normal 72 hours after surgery. Results of this study indicate that acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion is possible without an increase in ICP. The ability to do this allows access to the rostral aspect of the ipsilateral cerebellum and brain stem.
Cell death genes in invertebrates and (maybe) vertebrates

Abstract That naturally occurring cell death in the nervous and other systems is an active and physiologically appropriate process has received much attention recently and has gained a significant degree of acceptance. The identification of cell death genes in invertebrates, the characterization of gene products that function as cell death suppressors, and the demonstration that some proto-oncogenes elicit cell death, as well as proliferation, in certain cell types have heightened interest in the mechanism of programmed cell death. Yet, evidence for a genetic program for cell death in vertebrates remains circumstantial and, so far, vertebrate ‘cell death’ genes exist only in theory.
Pulmonary O-methyl transferases

Abstract An investigation in vitro of pulmonary O -methyl transferases revealed the presence of microsomal phenol- O -methyl transferase and soluble and microsomal catechol- O -methyl transferases in guineapig lung tissue. Both phenol and catechol transferases also were detected in rat and rabbit lung tissue. Substrates of guinea-pig pulmonary phenol- O -methyl transferase included phenols, cresols and xylenols. but not alcohols and amines. Catechol- O -methyl transferases from both subcellular sources were found to have similar pH optima, magnesium ion requirements, K m values, and utilized norepinephrine, isoproterenol and dopamine as substrates, but not metaproterenol and salbutamol. These data for the pulmonary enzymes are similar to published values for liver O -methyl transferases.
Coupling of histone and DNA synthesis in the somatic cell cycle

The coupling of histone and DNA synthesis was examined in the temperature-sensitive hamster fibroblast cell line K12. By monitoring total cellular histone synthesis at various times after quiescent cells were stimulated to proliferate at permissive and nonpermissive temperatures, a direct correlation was found between the rates of DNA and histone synthesis. Furthermore, when DNA synthesis was blocked by the K12 mutation, histone synthesis was reduced to the basal rate.