cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual Inhibition of Blood Coagulation Factors Xa and Iia Synergize To Reduce Thrombus Weight and Thrombin Generation in a Rabbit Arteriovenous Shunt Model of Thrombosis.

Several compounds currently in development for the treatment of thrombotic disorders demonstrate high levels of specificity for single targets of the blood coagulation cascade such as factor Xa and thrombin. However, development of a single molecule dual inhibitor against factor Xa and thrombin may expand the efficacy to safety ratio of treatment options for arterial and venous thrombosis. The objective of this study was to determine if simultaneous administration of PD 0313052, a selective Xa inhibitor and argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, would lead to a synergistic antithrombotic effect in a rabbit AV shunt model of thrombosis. Intravenous administration of PD 0313052 alone at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg/min resulted in thrombus weight (TW) reductions of 11±3, 25±10 and 67±7 % compared to the vehicle group. Argatroban at 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/min reduced TW 16±13, 47±10 and 75±6 %. When PD 0313052 was administered at 0.1 mg/kg/min in combination with argatroban at 1, 3 or 10 mg/kg/min TW was reduced 50±7, 60±7 and 82±9 %. Likewise, argatroban at 1 mg/kg/min combined with 0.1, 0.3 or 1mg/kg/min of PD 0313052 resulted in TW reductions of 56±9, 60±9 and 84±5 %, respectively. At the lowest combined doses of PD 0313052 and argatroban there was no change in bleeding time relative to the additive fold-increases from each drug alone. The EC 50 of intravenously administered PD 0313052 and argatroban was 67±23 and 178±58 ng/ml, respectively. When the drugs were combined the EC 50 was reduced to 12±6 ng/ml with the PD 0313052/argatroban combination and to 83±29 ng/ml with the argatroban/PD 0313052 combination. A synergistic effect was also observed in an ex vivo assay of thrombin generation (TG). Predicted additive inhibition of TG based on the individual effects of each compound was −9±7, 9±2 and 29±7 % compared to 10±5, 32±5 and 55±3 % with the 313052/argatroban combination. The predicted effects of the argatroban/PD 0313052 combination was −9±7, 1±7 and 16±9 % compared to the actual inhibition of 5±3, 14±5 and 31±7 %. These results demonstrate a significant synergistic antithrombotic effect by combining low doses of a factor Xa and a thrombin inhibitor and support the hypothesis that development of a single molecule inhibitor against different hemostatic targets may offer greater efficacy in the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis.
Cognitive and Occupational Function in Survivors of Adolescent Cancer

Purpose: Adolescents with cancer have unique developmental considerations. These include brain development, particularly in the frontal lobe, and a focus on completing education and entering the workforce. Cancer and treatment at this stage may prove to uniquely affect survivors' experience of cognitive and occupational function. Methods: An exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive comparative study was employed to describe cognitive and occupational function in adult survivors of adolescent cancer (diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 21 years) and explore differences in age- and gender-matched controls. Results: In total, 23 survivors and 14 controls participated in the study. While significant differences were not found between the groups on measures of cognitive and occupational function, several small and medium effect sizes were found suggesting that survivors may have greater difficulty than controls. Two small effect sizes were found in measures of neuropsychological performance (the Digit Vigila...
Avoiding perverse incentives in affine congestion games

In engineered systems whose performance depends on user behavior, it is often desirable to influence behavior in an effort to achieve performance objectives. However, doing so naively can have unintended consequences; in the worst cases, a poorly-designed behavior-influencing mechanism can create a perverse incentive which encourages adverse user behavior. For example, in transportation networks, marginal-cost tolls have been studied as a means to incentivize low-congestion network routing, but have typically been analyzed under the assumption that all network users value their time equally. If this assumption is relaxed, marginal-cost tolls can create perverse incentives which increase network congestion above un-tolled levels. In this paper, we prove that if some network users are unresponsive to tolls, any taxation mechanism that does not depend on network structure can create perverse incentives. Thus, to systematically avoid perverse incentives, a taxation mechanism must be network-aware to some extent. On the other hand, we show that a small amount of additional information can mitigate this negative result; for example, we show that it is relatively easy to avoid perverse incentives on affine-cost parallel-path networks, and we fully characterize the taxation mechanisms that minimize congestion for worst-case user populations on such networks.
Constraints on the geodynamic evolution of the southern Superior Province: U-Pb LA-ICP-MS analysis of detrital zircon in successor basins of the Archean Abitibi and Pontiac subprovinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada

Abstract To investigate the tectonic development of the southern Superior Province, new U-Pb laser ablation inductively-coupled mass-spectrometry analysis of detrital zircon was conducted on graywacke samples from successor basins of the Abitibi and Pontiac subprovinces. The three successor basin successions investigated are the 2690–2685 Ma Porcupine assemblage and the 2679–2669 Ma Timiskaming assemblage of the Abitibi subprovince, and the ∼2682 Ma sedimentary rocks of the Pontiac subprovince. Predominately Neoarchean zircon grains (80–95% of the total zircon population) reflect local sources in the Abitibi and Pontiac subprovinces. The successor basins were deposited within 100 Ma of the majority of the detrital zircon grains primary crystallization ages, which is consistent with patterns observed at modern convergent margin settings. Porcupine assemblage samples contain ∼5% Mesoarchean zircon, while Pontiac subprovince and Timiskaming assemblage samples contain ∼18% and ∼13%, respectively. No local Mesoarchean sources exist in the Abitibi or Pontiac subprovinces, suggesting input from an adjacent hinterland. The higher proportion of Mesoarchean zircon in the Timiskaming assemblage relative to the Porcupine assemblage suggests that detritus from the hinterland was more prevalent during the later stages of collision, probably as a result of progressive uplift and denudation of the hinterland. The high proportion of Mesoarchean zircon in the Pontiac subprovince sedimentary rocks may reflect an additional Mesoarchean source. Comparison to previously published geochronology data for the Superior Province indicates that the hinterland was to the northwest and is, in part, composed of the Winnipeg River, Marmion, and Opatica subprovinces. Patterns of contractional deformation, successor basin formation, and felsic plutonism progressively young to the south in the southern Superior Province and are interpreted in terms of accretionary processes. Detrital transport across subprovince or terrane boundaries, progressive hinterland emergence, and foreland-directed propagation of the deformational front recorded by successor basins is similar to that observed in modern-style collisional or accretionary orogens.
Models used for the simulation and control of a segmented ultralight morphing rotor

Abstract We present the models used in the simulation and control of a segmented, ultralight, morphing rotor (SUMR). These simplified, linear models highlight some differences between the SUMR concept and conventional rotor designs. The models also aid in controller development and turbine design. A baseline controller is presented for the SUMR. To demonstrate how simplified models can be used for system optimization, we present actuator requirements for adequate closed-loop performance. Full, nonlinear, aero-elastic simulations are performed to fine tune the baseline controller for competing objectives. Finally, avenues for future work are outlined.
Family, Academic, and Peer Group Predictors of Adolescent Pregnancy Expectations and Young Adult Childbearing

Compared with previous generations, today’s young people increasingly delay parenthood. Having children in the late teens and early 20s is thus a rarer experience rooted in and potentially leading to the stratification of American families. Understanding why some adolescents expect to do so can illuminate how stratification unfolds. Informed by theories of the life course, social control, and reasoned action, this study used the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort (n = 4,556) to explore outcomes and antecedents of adolescent pregnancy expectations with logistic regressions. Results indicated that those expectations—including neither low nor high (i.e., split) expectations—predicted subsequent childbearing. These apparently consequential expectations were, in turn, most closely associated with youth’s academics and peer groups. These findings illustrate how different domains can intersect in the early life course to shape future prospects, and they emphasize split pregnancy expectations repor...
Cognitive and motor outcomes in children with unilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome: Effect of age at seizure onset and side of brain involvement.

Abstract Purpose Most children with Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) develop seizures that may contribute to neurocognitive status. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that very early seizure onset has a particularly detrimental effect on the cognitive and/or motor outcomes of children with unilateral SWS. We also tested whether side of SWS brain involvement modulates the effect of seizure variables on the pattern of cognitive abnormalities. Methods Thirty-four children (22 girls; mean age 6.1 years) with unilateral SWS and history of epilepsy in a longitudinal cohort underwent neurological and cognitive evaluations. Global intelligent quotient (GIQ), verbal intelligent quotient (VIQ), nonverbal intelligent quotient (IQ), and motor function were correlated with epilepsy variables, side and extent of brain involvement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Mean age at seizure onset was 1.3 years (0.1–6 years) and mean IQ at follow-up was 86 (45–118). Age at seizure onset showed a logarithmic association with IQ, with maximum impact of seizures starting before age 1 year, both in uni- and multivariate regression analyses. In the left SWS group (N = 20), age at seizure onset was a strong predictor of nonverbal IQ (p = 0.001); while early seizure onset in the right-hemispheric group had a more global effect on cognitive functions (p = 0.02). High seizure frequency and long epilepsy duration also contributed to poor outcome IQ independently in multivariate correlations. Children with motor involvement started to have seizures at/before 7 months of age, while frontal lobe involvement was the strongest predictor of motor deficit in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.017). Conclusion These findings suggest that seizure onset prior to age 1 year has a profound effect on severity of cognitive and motor dysfunction in children with SWS; however, the effect of seizures on the type of cognitive deficit is influenced by laterality of brain involvement.
Characterization of Scandia Stabilized Zirconia Doped With Various Bi2O3 Additions as an IT-SOFC Electrolyte

Bi2 O3 doped scandia stabilized zirconia systems have shown promise for use as electrolytes in IT-SOFCs. Sintering properties, crystal phase transformation, microstructure, as well as electrical conductivity of the Bi2 O3 doped Sc2 O3 -ZrO2 systems were investigated. The effect of Bi2 O3 doping from 0 to 2.0mol%, and different sintering temperatures, on the properties and performance of the electrolyte were examined. The presence of Bi2 O3 aided the sintering process and better sintering for the doped system was achieved at lower temperatures. The rhombohedral phase in 10ScSZ was successfully stabilized to cubic phase at room temperature with a concentration of 1 mol% and 2 mol% Bi2 O3 sintered at 1100°C–1400°C. The achievement of cubic structure depends upon both the Bi2 O3 concentration and the sintering temperature. Higher electrical conductivity was achieved with Bi2 O3 doped Sc2 O3 -ZrO2 systems than 10ScSZ below 600°C. A maximum conductivity of 1.68 × 10−2 S/cm at 700°C was obtained for 2 mol% Bi2 O3 doped sample sintered at 1100°C.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Controlled Release of Biologically Active Agents

The development of injectable systems for sustained delivery of drugs at a controlled rate has been the object of various publications. In 1946, a patent [1] was issued claiming pellets consisting of dispersions of a desiccated hormone in waxy media as a new system for a slow and prolonged release of active materials. Substitution of the waxy media as matrices by silicones for fertility control was reported by other investigators [2, 3, 4, 5]. A recent innovation is the use of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), which will also assure a complete delivery of the drug [6].
An Application of Nonlinear Filtering to Instrument Failure Detection in a Pressurized Water Reactor

The application of a model-based nonlinear filtering algorithm to the problem of instrument failure detection in a pressurized water reactor is considered. Detailed simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance and robustness properties of the detection algorithms developed.
Immunizations in Pediatric CAPD/CCPD Patients

Because pediatric chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) patients often require specialized care in a tertiary center, provision of primary, preventative care can be easily overlooked. Central to this care is the delivery of routine childhood immunizations. Although, in the age of managed care, it remains to be determined who will deliver preventative care to complicated and chronically ill CPD patients, it is imperative that the nephrologist caring for these children moniter the immunization status of their patients and keep abreast of the latest recommendations for immunizations, as morbidity and mortality from vaccinepreventable disease remains a significant concern. This is especially true as these patients move toward transplantation, and the need for immunosupressive medications. This chapter will discuss the current recommendations for routine childhood vaccines as well as recommendations for special immunizations in children maintained on chronic dialysis. Where available, data regarding the response to these vaccines in pediatric patients on CPD will be discussed.
Naturally Occurring Bile Acids and Alcohols and Their Origins

The first scientific phase of bile acid investigation began in the middle of the nineteenth century when these compounds were first obtained in crystalline form. Earlier observations of bile and its properties are often cited but the efforts of the early writers, Hippocrates, Galen, Paracelsus, and others, were confined to the subjective and speculative considerations of their age. The first scientific phase, characterized by uncertainty and confusion concerning the constituents of bile, terminated around the end of the nineteenth century and gave rise to a productive period during which much information was obtained. The beginning and improvements in methods of isolation and characterization of bile acids during this period provided a strong background of structural knowledge concerning these compounds. Studies were stimulated by the recognized relationship between the bile acids and cholesterol, and, later, the steroid hormones. The contributions of Wieland and his collaborators to the structure of the bile acids began in 1912 and are reviewed in Fieser’s monograph on the steroids (1).
Open and Closed Knowledge Systems, the 4 Stages of Cognition, and the Cultural Management of Birth

This conceptual article looks at levels or Stages of Cognition, equating each of the four stages I examine with an anthropological concept. I equate Stage One--rigid or concrete thinking--with Naive Realism ("our way is the only way", Fundamentalism ("our way should be the only way and those who do not follow it are doomed"), and Fanaticism ("our way is so right that everyone who disagrees with it should be either converted or eliminated"). I equate Stage Two with ethnocentrism ("there are lots of other ways out there, but our way is best"). The next two Stages represent more fluid types of thinking--I equate Stage Three with cultural relativism ("all ways are equal in value and validity"), and Stage Four with global humanism ("there must be higher, better ways that can support cultural integrity while also supporting the individual rights of each human being"). I then categorize various types of birth practitioners within these Four Stages, while showing how ongoing stress can cause even the most fluid of thinkers to shut down cognitively and operate at a Stage One level that can involve obstetric violence--an example of further degeneration into Substage--a condition of burnout or "losing it." I show how ritual can help practitioners ground themselves at least at a Stage One level and offer ways in which they can rejuvenate and re-inspire themselves. I also describe a few of the ongoing battles between fundamentalists and global humanists and the persecution globally humanistic birth practitioners often experience from fundamentalist or fanatical Stage One practitioners and officials, often referred to as the "global witch hunt."
X-Ray Microanalysis

About 10 years ago, a new generation of computer-assisted X-ray spectrometers became available and virtually revolutionized elemental microanalysis with scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Prior to that time, considerable training and experience were required before usable results could be obtained. With the new minicomputer-based systems, biologists can obtain usable results with much less effort, and the technique is thereby more accessible to the average researcher and requires less time investment.
The contribution of analytic visualizations to the marketing of sustainable products

The desire to be sustainable is influencing the growth of marketing differentiated and unique products that focus on the environment and health. An example that best illustrates unique, sustainable products is those that carry the “organic” label. Organic products are difficult to market to consumers because some consumers lack information about them. This paper contributes to the marketing literature by illustrating that the use of analytic visualizations can help in marketing these products. Marketing organic products can be achieved through a two-step process: first, use analytics to convince consumers of the need for sustainability, and then, motivate them through visualizations to be socially responsible citizens by purchasing sustainable products. The paper accomplishes these goals by developing a set of interactive, web-based visualizations in R to demonstrate how this powerful analytic tool can be used on a social media platform to promote sustainability and innovative sustainable products.
Chapter 1 – Manned Spaceflight

The space race was precipitated by the convergence of reduced weight nuclear weapons and increased payload capability of ballistic missiles. The geopolitical implications of putting satellites into orbit were great and the next step of safely sending humans back and forth to space bespoke a technical mastery that fired national pride and power. A brief description of the development of manned spaceflight starting from Vostok launched by the USSR in 1961 and Mercury launched in reply by the USA in 1962. National competition ultimately became planetary cooperation with the operation the International Space Station. The outlook for the future of human spaceflight now ranges from interplanetary missions of discovery to vacation cruises for space tourists.
Cell-type-specific hypertranslocation of effectors by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system.

Many Gram-negative pathogens use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to promote disease by injecting effector proteins into host cells. Common to many T3SSs is that injection of effector proteins is feedback inhibited. The mechanism of feedback inhibition and its role in pathogenesis are unclear. In the case of P. aeruginosa, the effector protein ExoS is central to limiting effector injection. ExoS is bifunctional, with an amino-terminal RhoGAP- and a carboxy-terminal ADP-ribosyltransferase domain. We demonstrate that both domains are required to fully feedback inhibit effector injection. The RhoGAP-, but not the ADP-ribosyltransferase domain of the related effector protein ExoT also participates. Feedback inhibition does not involve translocator insertion nor pore-formation. Instead, feedback inhibition is due, in part, to a loss of the activating trigger for effector injection, and likely also decreased translocon stability. Surprisingly, feedback inhibition is abrogated in phagocytic cells. The lack of feedback inhibition in these cells requires phagocytic uptake of the bacteria, but cannot be explained through acidification of the phagosome or calcium limitation. Given that phagocytes are crucial for controlling P. aeruginosa infections, our data suggest that feedback inhibition allows P. aeruginosa to direct its effector arsenal against the cell types most damaging to its survival.
Cognitive Fatigue Is Associated with Altered Functional Connectivity in Interoceptive and Reward Pathways in Multiple Sclerosis.

Cognitive fatigue is common and debilitating among persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Neural mechanisms underlying fatigue are not well understood, which results in lack of adequate treatment. The current study examined cognitive fatigue-related functional connectivity among 26 pwMS and 14 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning while performing a working memory task (n-back), with two conditions: one with higher cognitive load (2-back) to induce fatigue and one with lower cognitive load (0-back) as a control condition. Task-independent residual functional connectivity was assessed, with seeds in brain regions previously implicated in cognitive fatigue (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), insula, and striatum). Cognitive fatigue was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale of Fatigue (VAS-F). Results indicated that as VAS-F scores increased, HCs showed increased residual functional connectivity between the striatum and the vmPFC (crucial in reward processing) during the 2-back condition compared to the 0-back condition. In contrast, pwMS displayed increased residual functional connectivity from interoceptive hubs—the insula and the dACC—to the striatum. In conclusion, pwMS showed a hyperconnectivity within the interoceptive network and disconnection within the reward circuitry when experiencing cognitive fatigue.
Abstract 17197: Donor Circumstance and Mechanism of Death: Evolving Effects on Heart Transplant Recipient Survival

Introduction: Since 2000, suicide rates have dramatically increased, while deaths from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) have declined. Poisoning has surpassed MVAs as the leading cause of preventable...
Detection of Brevetoxin in Human Plasma by ELISA

Florida red tides have become more common and persistent in and around the Gulf of Mexico. When in bloom, red tides can produce brevetoxins in high concentrations, leading to human exposures primarily through contaminated food and ocean spray. The research described here includes adapting and validating a commercial brevetoxin water test kit for human plasma testing. Pooled plasma was fortified with a model brevetoxin, brevetoxin 3, at concentrations from 0.00500 to 3.00 ng/mL to generate calibration curves and quality control samples. The quantitative detection range was determined to be 0.0400-2.00 ng/mL brevetoxin 3 equivalents with inter- and intraday accuracies ranging from 94.0% to 109% and relative standard deviations <20%, which is within the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines for receptor-binding assays. Additionally, cross-reactivity was tested using 4 of the 10 known brevetoxins and 12 paralytic shellfish toxins. The cross-reactivity varied from 0.173% to 144% for the commercially available brevetoxin standards and 0% for the commercially available paralytic shellfish toxin standards. Fifty individual unexposed human plasma samples were measured to determine the limit of detection and endogenous interferences to the test. The validated method was used to test 31 plasma samples collected from humans potentially exposed to brevetoxins, detecting 11 positives. This method has been proven useful to measure human exposure to brevetoxins and can be applied to future exposure events.
Convergent Palladium-Catalyzed Stereospecific Arginine Glycosylation Using Glycals

A stereospecific convergent peptide arginine glycosylation method is reported for the first time. A recently discovered arginine glycosylation invigorated the interests of arginine modification, which has been challenging, because of the inertness of the guanidino side chain. The approach renders the arginine glycoside construction convergently. Catalyzed by palladium complex, glycals modify arginine guanidino groups in one step with high functional group tolerance at ambient temperature. The glycosylated products may be converted to glycopeptide analogues in few steps.
How should we think about evolution in the age of genomics

Abstract Eibi Nevo’s research highlights the complexity of evolutionary responses to ecological parameters. This important work pioneered a growing awareness of the multiple levels of biological activity and organismal interactions that contribute to evolutionary change. In large measure, our current understanding of adaptive innovation is based on the newly acquired ability to track the details of evolutionary processes through genome analysis. Genomics has unambiguously demonstrated the importance of cell fusion, symbiosis, interspecific hybridization, genome restructuring involving mobile DNA elements, and the many forms of infectious heredity all to be major contributors to the appearance of organisms with novel adaptive characteristics. In addition, genomics has confirmed interspecific hybridization as a major stimulus to the rapid emergence of new taxa among sexually reproducing organisms. The work of Eibi and many other scientists has shown that ecology can trigger and influence all these different modes of hereditary change. We must recognize that genomic analyses have provided 21st century evolutionary scientists with such a rich variety of documented paths to inherited novelty that it has become impossible to formulate a comprehensive theory of evolutionary change. Thus an important part of the future in evolution science will be to adapt Eibi’s wisdom by devising synthetic Evolution Canyons as complex experimental microcosms, where we can rigorously study the principles governing ecological and biological interactions in adaptive innovation. Hopefully those interactive principles will make it possible to integrate information from genomic analysis into a coherent picture of evolution as a biological response to ecological change.
Application of the Pressurised Unsaturated Flow (PUF) Test for Accelerated Ageing of Waste Forms

The pressurised unsaturated flow (PUF) test method is an emerging technique for studying the long-term durability or weathering of waste forms and other geologic materials. We have used the technique to monitor the complex coupling between primary phase dissolution, secondary phase precipitation and unsaturated flow behaviour, including changes in the hydraulic properties of the materials. New experimental data with low-activity waste glasses has shown that the technique effectively accelerates the hydrolysis and ageing processes by as much as 50 times over conventional static tests run at the same temperature. Rapid, sustained increases in the corrosion rate of three low-activity waste glasses were detected with the PUF technique in only a few days that required months to observe in static experiments. The ability to quickly detect long-term performance problems with waste forms may make it possible to formulate second generation materials concurrently with meaningful long-term durability screening.
The induction of probabilistic rule sets—the Itrule algorithm

ABSTRACT In this paper we address the problem of learning sets of probabilistic rules. While attention has been focused for some time now on the learning of fixed classification rule structures such as decision trees, the problem of identifying useful sets of probabilistic production rules is relatively new. We discuss our recent work in this area and conclude that learning and inference algorithms need to be more closely coupled.
INFECTION AND NITROBLUE-TETRAZOLIUM REDUCTION BY NEUTROPHILS: A Diagnostic Aid

Abstract Venous blood from healthy volunteers, patients with known bacterial disease, and patients with non-bacterial illnesses was incubated with a solution of nitroblue-tetrazolium (N.B.T.). 100 neutrophils were examined for cells containing dark deposits of formazan (reduced N.B.T.). The mean proportion of such N.B.T.-positive neutrophils was 8·5% in healthy controls and between 5·8% and 9·5% in patients with non-bacterial illnesses, including viral or other diseases often confused with acute bacterial infection. In patients with bacterial illnesses (notably meningitis) the proportion was much greater (29-47%), and the absolute number of N.B.T.-positive neutrophils was raised. This test is offered as a simple, new, and useful means of differentiating certain types of bacterial infection from non-bacterial diseases.
Synthesis of a Comprehensive Polyprenol Library for the Evaluation of Bacterial Enzyme Lipid Substrate Specificity

Polyprenols, a type of universal glycan lipid carrier, play important roles for glycan bio-assembly in wide variety of living systems. Chemical synthesis of natural polyisoprenols such as undecaprenol and dolichols, but especially their homologs, could serves as a powerful molecular tool to dissect and define the functions of enzymes involved in glycan biosynthesis. In this paper, we report an efficient and reliable method to construct this type of hydrophoic molecule through a base-mediated iterative coupling approach using a key bifunctional (Z, Z)-diisoprenyl building block. The ligation with N-acetyl-D-glactosamine (GalNAc) with a set of the synthesized lipid analogs forming polyprenol pyrophosphate linked GalNAc (GalNAc-PP-lipid) conjugates is also demonstrated.
The n-π transitions of the pyrazine molecule: II. Polarized spectrum in benzene crystal, and anharmonicity in the upper singlet state potential function☆

Abstract The polarized absorption spectra of pyrazine ( h 4 and d 4 ) in single benzene crystals have been measured at high resolution at 2 K. Vibrational assignments in the 1 Ag → 1 B 3u (nπ * ) transition have been confirmed and considerably extended. The quartic potential component of hydrogen bending mode :Oa has been found to originate primarily from vibronic coupling with the nearby 1 B 2u (ππ * ). The coupling between in-plane 6a and out-of-plane 10a modes is described theoretically, and leads to further spectral assignments. Other out-of-plane modes 4 and 5 are identified and shown to have combination defects with 6a. A quartic component found for the out-of-plane ring bending mode 4 could not be explained by vibronic coupling.
Beyond the Neighbor Effect: Policy Learning in Managing the Risk of Childhood Obesity in Schools

The extensive policy adoption literature asks a core theoretical question: what can explain the adoption of a new policy program by a state? Policy scholars answer this question from two perspectives: internal determinants that attribute policy innovations to socio-economic factors in a given state and diﬀusion via multiple mechanisms such as learning, competition, emulation, and coercion. Both theories are largely silent about whether states' own experiences matter to the policy adoption process. Using an under-studied policy case, childhood obesity, I provide a theoretical model for state policy adoption, in which states learn from their own experiences when adopting new school programs to manage the risk of childhood obesity. The theoretical and empirical models incorporate measures for policy eﬀectiveness, which is masked by ideology and geographic proximity in many diﬀusion models.
Racism in Higher Education: Brown's Effect on Campus Bigotry

This article analyzes the effects of Brown I and its progeny on contemporary higher education, examines various anecdotal and statistical data in suggesting appropriate strategies to combat campus racism, and offers some modest reflections on the current malaise.
Data visualization in the first person

This dissertation will examine what a first person viewpoint means In the context of data visualization and how It can be used for navigating and presenting large datasets. Recent years have seen rapid growth In Big Data methodologies throughout scientific research, business analytics, and online services. The datasets used In these areas are not only growing exponentially larger, but also more complex, Incorporating heterogeneous data from many sources that might include digital sensors, websites, mass media, and others. The scale and complexity of these datasets pose significant challenges In the design of effective tools for navigation and analysis. This work will explore methods of representing large datasets as physical, navigable environments. Much of the related research on first person Interfaces and 3D visualization has focused on producing tools for expert users and scientific analysis. Due to the complexities of navigation and perception Introduced by 3D Interfaces, work In this area has had mixed results. In particular, considerable efforts to develop 3D systems for more abstract data, like file systems and social networks, have had difficulty surpassing the efficiency of 2D approaches. However, 3D may offer advantages that have been less explored In this context. In particular, data visualization can be a valuable tool for disseminating scientific results, sharing insights, and explaining methodology. In these applications, clear communication of concepts and narratives are often more essential than efficient navigation. This dissertation will present novel visualization systems designed for large datasets that include audio-video recordings, social media, and others. Discussion will focus on designing visuals that use the first person perspective to give a physical and Intuitive form to abstract data, to combine multiple sources of data within a shared space, to construct narratives, and to engage the viewer at a more visceral and emotional level. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, libraries.mit.edu/docs - [email protected])
Application of duality principle on dyadic Green's functions for gyrotropic media

The complete set of dyadic Green's functions (DGFs) for gyrotropic media is obtained with the application of the duality principle between electrically and magnetically gyrotropic media. It is shown that application of duality principle greatly facilitates the problem of finding dyadic Green's functions for complex media such as gyrotropic media.
Urban Structure and Development Taxes

Taxing real estate developers is an attractive means of financing the cost of urban growth. However, development taxes may conflict with policy goals concerning land-use by distorting the behavior of developers. The goal of this paper is to analyze the effect of impact fees on the density and size of a city. Analyzing different fee designs, we find that: 1) an impact fee that taxes the output of housing delays development but has no effect on density; 2) an impact fee that taxes capital does not affect the timing of development but reduces density of development; 3) an impact fee that taxes land delays development and raises density; and 4) a fee on the sales value of the building does not affect the timing of development but lowers density. The effects of the development taxes are compared to those of general taxes (property tax, tax on rental income, and tax on consumers' income), in order to understand the likely effects on urban structure of a move toward development taxes to finance public services.
Do State Fiscal Constraints Affect Implementation of Highway Public-Private Partnerships? A Panel Fixed Logit Assessment

Infrastructure public-private partnerships (“P3s”) have gained considerable recognition as useful policy tools for state and local governments to deliver critically needed infrastructure projects. The objective of this study is to empirically test one of the claims often made regarding states’ motivations for employing this procurement mechanism: P3s can help overcome fiscal constraints on state infrastructure investment. In addition, this study empirically analyzes how state P3 enabling legislation affects the behavior of both the public and private sectors. A regular logit model and a fixed effects logit panel model are employed to test the hypothesis that states with more severe fiscal constraints are more likely to seek P3s for highway infrastructure construction and finance. After controlling for such factors as state economic condition, legislative political affiliation, and highway travel demand, the empirical results indicate that states’ fiscal constraints are not associated with the propensity to use highway P3 projects.
Concepts of “Tissue PO2” In Relation to O2 Delivery

Resistance to O2 diffusion is reflected in the difference in pO2 between O2 reservoirs of hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin. The very low normal myocyte pO2 (less than one torr but adequate for optimal oxidative ATP synthesis) compared to venous pO2 indicates that blood does not achieve equilibrium with tissue during its passage through capillaries. In the lung, diffusion rate of O2 from alveolus to capillary is normally sufficient to achieve essential equilibrium. However, system-wide capillary pathology and reduced Hb saturation has been observed with distal local ischemia. In peripheral vascular disease (PVD) patients, we found a mean arterial pO2 of 77 torr (normal over 90 torr).Classical concepts based on “tissue pO2” values derived from venous blood or oxygen electrodes inserted into tissue need re-evaluation. Readings of O2 electrodes moved through tissue range widely from intracapillary levels down toward intracellular levels and do not reflect the pO2 of any particular site. Intravenous pO2 is the re...
Arcade: A web-Java based framework for distributed computing

Distributed heterogeneous environments are being increasingly used to execute a variety of large size simulations and computational problems. We are developing Arcade, a web-based environment to design, execute, monitor, and control distributed applications. These targeted applications consist of independent heterogeneous modules which can be executed on a distributed heterogeneous environment. In this paper we describe the overall design of the system and discuss the prototype implementation of the core functionalities required to support such a framework.
The impact of combined iliac occlusive disease and aortic aneurysm on open surgical repair

Abstract Objective Severe aortoiliac occlusive disease is a relative contraindication for endovascular aneurysm repair, owing to an association with high stent graft-related complication and reintervention rates in this population. Open AAA repair requiring aortofemoral bypass (AFB), however, may represent a unique population with differing outcomes from standard open repair. We sought to compare the demographic and procedural characteristics, as well as outcomes of patients undergoing standard intra-abdominal repairs (STD) versus those requiring AFB. Methods Using a prospectively maintained database, we retrospectively identified patients who underwent open AAA repair from 1994 to 2017. A total of 1087 consecutive cases were performed consisting of 981 STD (681 tube graft, 300 aortoiliac) and 106 AFB cases. Demographics, procedural data, postoperative complications, and long-term survival were analyzed. Results The AFB cohort had more women (39.0 vs 22.8%; P = .001) and higher rates of hypertension (81.1 vs 69.8%; P = .015), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (28.3 vs 17.4%; P = .006), and smoking (50.9 vs 36%; P = .002). The AFB group had smaller mean aortic (5.22 vs 5.77 cm; P = .001) and graft (17.08 vs 18.2 mm; P = .001) diameters. Proximal clamp position and blood loss were equivalent, although total anesthesia time was longer (295 vs 234 minutes; P = .001) in the AFB cohort. Overall 30-day postoperative morbidity (38.7 vs 24.8%; P = .002) was higher in the AFB group. Specifically, postoperative renal insufficiency (8.2 vs 3.4%; P = .032), wound infection (5.7 vs 1.2%; P = .005), and hematoma/seroma (5.7 vs 1.2%; P = .003) were more likely. Hospital length of stay was longer for AFB (11.9 vs 9.9 days; P = .007). The 30-day mortality (0.9% AFB vs 1.8% STD; P = .50) and major morbidity (17 vs 11.5%; P = .10) did not differ. Reintervention rate within 30 days of the initial surgery (12.3 vs 4.6; P = .001) and overall (33 vs 18.9%; P = .001) was higher in the AFB group. Long-term survival was lower in the AFB group (5-year survival: 63.1% AFB vs 71.9% STD; hazard ratio 0.76, log-rank P = .047). Multivariate regression analysis identified age, comorbid conditions, and aneurysm characteristics—rather than repair type—as independent predictors of 30-day reintervention and mortality at 5 years. Conclusions Patients requiring AFB for AAA owing to associated iliac occlusive disease have more preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, a longer length of stay, reintervention rates and shorter 5-year survival. Patient and aneurysm characteristics rather than surgical repair type appear to be responsible for these differences. Nevertheless, 30-day mortality and major morbidity were comparable, making AFB an attractive alternative to endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with advanced iliac occlusive disease.
Suicide trends in Canada and West Germany: an application of configural frequency analysis.

Canadian and West German successful suicides for the years 1974-1977 were used to fit a log-linear model relating age, method of suicide, gender, and country to suicide frequency. Configural frequency analyses (CFA) were performed to complement the log-linear analyses, as well as to obtain more information about the data. A log-linear model involving all four three-way interactions among these variables was required to explain the observed frequency distribution in a satisfactory manner. Results from this study support McIntosh and Santos's (1982) findings that each gender displays its own unique pattern of methods of suicide. This study also showed that each group has its own unique pattern of methods of suicide within each specific gender group. Results from CFA showed different patterns in the trends of suicide for each age x gender x country x method of suicide grouping. These results can be used to help clarify the intricate relationships among the factors that are important in explaining suicide trends. Language: en
Relationships between membranous organelles in amoebae studied by electron microscopic cytochemical staining.

The intracellular location of a variety of enzymes was studied in Amoeba proteus with the use of electron microscopic cytochemical methods, in an attempt to assess the relationships between different membranous organelles. One group of enzymes, including nucleoside diphosphatases (IDPase, UDPase, GDPase, ADPase), carbamoyl phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and BAXD oxidase was localized mainly in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope, and convex side of the Golgi apparatus. Esterase activity had a similar localization except that the Golgi apparatus was "stained" throughout most of its extent. A second group of enzymes was found in Golgi cisternae and vesicles, and in some vacuoles. This group included acid phosphatase, thiamine pyrophosphatase, and aryl sulfatase. Some enzymes previously detected in cytoplasmic membranes of other cells, including glucose-6-phosphatase, showed little or no activity in amoebae. The results suggest that there are chemical similarities and probable functional relationships between the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the nuclear envelope, and the convex side of the Golgi apparatus. On the other hand, the concave pole of the Golgi apparatus, aggregates of smooth tubules and vesicles, and the cell surface appear more closely related to one another than to the endoplasmic reticulum and the convex side of the Golgi apparatus. The cytochemical similarity between the Golgi apparatus and certain vacuoles such as food vacuoles may reflect the role of the Golgi apparatus in the formation of lysosomes. The locations of reaction products of the various enzymes in amoebae are compared with observations reported for other cell types.
Positive emotions, emotional intelligence, and successful experiential learning

Abstract This study explored the role that positive emotions and emotional intelligence play in experiential learning. Students’ field practicum journals were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count Program (LIWC) and a measure of emotional intelligence was obtained using the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). Positive emotion words were robustly associated with almost all dimensions of supervisors’ ratings of students’ performance, but showed weak associations with students’ ratings of perceived benefits associated with their practicum experiences. Overall EI scores were correlated with several of the supervisor rating items and the Facilitating Thought and Managing Emotions subscales of the EI were robustly correlated with many of the student rating items. This study thus yielded a more differentiated view of the role of positive emotions and emotional intelligence in adaptive functioning and underscored the importance of using multiple informants to assess a complex construct such as successful experiential learning.
Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty for Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis

Since its introduction in 1984 by Inoue et al. (1), percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy or valvotomy (PMV) has been used successfully as an alternative to open or closed surgical mitral commissurotomy in the treatment of patients with symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis (2–20). PMV produces good immediate hemodynamic outcome, low complication rates, and clinical improvement in the majority of patients with mitral stenosis (2–20). PMV is safe and effective, and it provides sustained clinical and hemodynamic improvement in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. The immediate and long-term results appear to be similar to those of surgical mitral commisssurotomy (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20). Today, PMV is the preferred form of therapy for relief of mitral stenosis for a selected group of patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis.
Exploring Student Skill Learning: A Case for Investigating Subjective Experience

Current approaches to student skill learning have not specifically addressed the meaning of student experience within the situated context of the teaching/ learning environment. This paper advances the value of research on the student's subjective experience during the evolution of skill learning. Following an overview of conventional approaches, the advantages of an interpretive paradigm for the study of skill learning are presented. Although a number of analytic procedures may adequately render subjective experience, narrative is offered as a preferred tool for analyzing and interpreting this experience. Pertinent research questions on subjective experience are posed to expand our understanding of the multidimensional process of skill learning.