cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing Meanings of Embodied Experiences Theory: Toward a Discursive Understanding of Becoming Healthier.

ABSTRACTWe advance a new theoretical approach for interpreting health communication from an embodied, intersubjective perspective. We propose individuals experience the world as bodied beings and must make sense of their embodied experiences by managing meanings of who they are in the world (being), the actions they perform (doing), and who they want to become (directed becoming). We call this theory managing meanings of embodied experiences (MMEE). Guided by the philosophies of phenomenology, pragmatism, and feminism, we provide a three-fold framework for exploring individuals’ management of health meanings during interactions with others in society. The first layer—being—demonstrates a mutually constituting, intersubjective presence with others, whereby we attend to our own and another’s embodied expressions accomplished communicatively. The second layer—doing—appreciates experiences directed by personal and social values both perceived and conceived during the unfolding of coordinated communicative eve...
Textual Rights, Living Immunities

Is the Supreme Court, especially, but not exclusively, in the Chief Justice Rehnquist through Chief Justice Roberts eras, applying the interpretive methods of textualism and originalism consistently in cases involving, on the one hand, the delineation of rights and remedies, and on the other, the development of defenses and immunities? Conversely, does the Court selectively apply these methods asymmetrically? Framed more provocatively, is the Court developing jurisprudence marked by limited originalist and textualist rights, but also malleable living immunities? Whether there is a definitive answer to that question is uncertain, but even assuming, arguendo, that such an answer exists, the aspiration is beyond the scope of this Article. Indeed, the goals of this Article are much more modest: to ask the question and to scratch its surface.
Gangliosides as Receptor Modulators

A number of studies have postulated cell surface gangliosides to be receptors for various bioactive factors such as glycoprotein hormones,1–3 interferon,4–6 and bacterial toxins,7–9 based on the interaction of gangliosides with these bioactive factors or ganglioside modification of the cellular effect of these factors. These observations, however, do not necessarily prove or support the idea that gangliosides function as receptors for these factors. In fact, in most of these cases, the receptor has been subsequently characterized as a protein, and the binding to gangliosides is generally of much lower affinity and specificity. With the exception of cholera toxin binding to the oligosaccharide moiety of GM1,10 few examples of ganglioside receptors have been demonstrated. Our recent studies on the effect of gangliosides on cell growth have suggested that gangliosides may alter the binding of polypeptide growth factors to their receptors in an indirect way.
Sartre on the Ego, Friendship and Conflict

In both Being and Nothingness and the Notebooks for an Ethics we are told how one needs the Ego to get along in the everyday world, but yet at the same time that it is a psychic phenomenon that easily distorts everyday experience. In this paper, it is shown how, for Sartre, friends can play an important role by helping each other overcome the vested interest in maintaining the experience of a false, set identity that is engendered by the Ego. In addition, reference to the Notebooks will make it clear that support per se is insufficient to enable one to transcend the constraints of an entrenched Ego, and that instead this form of aid must be taken in conjunction with challenge, or a type of positive conflict, if one is going to be able effectively to help a friend for the task in question.
The Global Jihadist Movement: The Most Lethal Ideology?:

Prior research has established a link between ideology and lethality, both within the homicide and terrorism literatures. We examine this relationship as it pertains to the Global Jihadist Movement (GJM). Using a series of logit and negative binomial models with a sample from the Global Terrorism Database, we find that the GJM is indeed more deadly. However, this relationship does not seem to differentially affect Americans, despite their role as the GJM’s defined “other.”
Characterization of CAMTA1, a putative 1p36 cancer gene: effects on cell cycle and gene expression

519 Hemizygous deletion of chromosome 1p is common in many cancers, including many oligodendrogliomas (where it is a favorable prognostic marker) and neuroblastomas (NB) (where it is a negative prognostic marker), and some Ewing sarcomas (EWS). We have previously shown that the CAMTA1 (calmodulin-binding transcription activator 1) gene spans a minimal region of 1p36 loss in gliomas with oligodendrial differentiation but is not subject to somatic mutations (Clin Cancer Res 11:1119, 2005). CAMTA1 expression is cell cycle dependent, being higher in the S and M phases. To begin to characterize its role in human cancers, we knocked down CAMTA1 using siRNA transfection in various cell lines with defined CAMTA1 copy number by LOH analysis and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). CAMTA1 knockdown (to approx. 40-50% of control) had moderate to profound effects on BrdU incorporation in cell lines with hemizygous loss of CAMTA1 and low baseline expression, especially A172 glioma cells, but had little effect on cell lines without CAMTA1 deletion. Western blotting of a panel of cell cycle proteins in A172 and SK-PN-DW (EWS cell line) demonstrated that CAMTA1 knockdown was associated with decreased expression of CCND1, while the negative regulators p21 and p27 were significantly increased. A gene expression profile of CAMTA1 knockdown was obtained using SK-PN-DW cells transiently transfected with specific or control siRNA and profiled at 48h and 72h on Affymetrix U133-Plus 2.0 arrays. Among 1039 probe sets significant at q CAMTA1 itself, confirming the knockdown, as well as CCND1 , confirming the western blot data; other notable downregulated genes included CSDA (cold shock domain protein A), FAS , and NFIB (nuclear factor I/B). Notable genes upregulated by CAMTA1 knockdown included CREM , TFEC , and TCF3 . Gene ontology analysis of the expression profile showed a significant representation of genes implicated in regulation of signal transduction, calcium ion binding, and cell proliferation. These data suggest that CAMTA1 functions primarily as a transactivator and that it may be involved in positive transcriptional regulation of cell cycle progression. Further validation of potentially relevant CAMTA1 target genes is in progress.
Harnessing Multiple Internal Reflections to Design Highly Absorptive Acoustic Metasurfaces

Finding sound-absorbing materials and structures is a key task in noise control. Engineered structures that can absorb sound are usually based on local resonance, but this study uses the collective response of individual building blocks to design a metasurface that soaks up acoustic energy. It is revealed that multiple internal reflections inside the blocks can increase their interaction with acoustic waves, and a little loss can lead to broadband absorption with better uniformity. This nonresonant approach to designing structures for noise control might also inspire the pursuit of other systems with enhanced wave-matter interactions.
Initial Proof of Concept on the Use of 3D Models to Identify Structural Deviations of Bridge Components

This research paper presents ongoing research work towards developing an effective remote sensing system for bridge inspections. The paper describes various tests that were conducted to address a research question regarding the applicability of 3D models developed from mobile LiDAR data to help identify signs of bridge settlement. The general solution approach involved test planning, collecting data, aligning LiDAR data into a common coordinate system, developing 3D models, and evaluating the use of the resulting models to identify structural deviations. A mockup bridge structure was developed using PVC material to conduct initial experiments prior to conducting more expensive field tests. Prior to data collection, the LiDAR sensor was placed on a tripod mount at a distance of $x$ feet from the PVC structure, and a portion of the PVC structure was inclined $y$ inches using 0.5 inches thick wooden stakes. The resulting 3D models showed that a 0.5 inch inclination was easily identified with the sensor located 10 feet from the structure, and using only 20 LiDAR scans. Future areas of research are discussed to extend the ongoing work presented in this paper.
Towards Preserving Transylvanian Fortified Churches in Virtual Reality

A fortified church is a building which has a religious meaning, but also played a defensive role in times of war. Many fortified churches from countries such as Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Poland, France, Denmark, Portugal, Germany or Belarus featured thick walls and high battlements and embrasures. However, Middle Age fortified churches are different from castles and fortresses because they were designed to protect small communities. Transylvania hosts the highest number of fortified churches from Europe. In the medieval ages, more than 300 churches were built by the inhabitants of this area. This was the direct result of the constant invasions from the Ottomans and other nomad populations such as Tatars. Many of these edifices date since the 13th century, but some are in an advanced state of degradation, caused mainly by poor preservation measures and lack of interest from the local authorities.
Carbon nanofiber-filled conductive silicone elastomers as soft, dry bioelectronic interfaces

Soft and pliable conductive polymer composites hold promise for application as bioelectronic interfaces such as for electroencephalography (EEG). In clinical, laboratory, and real-world EEG there is a desire for dry, soft, and comfortable interfaces to the scalp that are capable of relaying the μV-level scalp potentials to signal processing electronics. A key challenge is that most material approaches are sensitive to deformation-induced shifts in electrical impedance associated with decreased signal-to-noise ratio. This is a particular concern in real-world environments where human motion is present. The entire set of brain information outside of tightly controlled laboratory or clinical settings are currently unobtainable due to this challenge. Here we explore the performance of an elastomeric material solution purposefully designed for dry, soft, comfortable scalp contact electrodes for EEG that is specifically targeted to have flat electrical impedance response to deformation to enable utilization in real world environments. A conductive carbon nanofiber filled polydimethylsiloxane (CNF-PDMS) elastomer was evaluated at three fill ratios (3, 4 and 7 volume percent). Electromechanical testing data is presented showing the influence of large compressive deformations on electrical impedance as well as the impact of filler loading on the elastomer stiffness. To evaluate usability for EEG, pre-recorded human EEG signals were replayed through the contact electrodes subjected to quasi-static compressive strains between zero and 35%. These tests show that conductive filler ratios well above the electrical percolation threshold are desirable in order to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and signal correlation with an ideal baseline. Increasing fill ratios yield increasingly flat electrical impedance response to large applied compressive deformations with a trade in increased material stiffness, and with nominal electrical impedance tunable over greater than 4 orders of magnitude. EEG performance was independent of filler loading above 4 vol % CNF (< 103 ohms).
Antigenic Pressure on H3N2 Influenza Virus Drift Strains Imposes Constraints on Binding to Sialylated Receptors but Not Phosphorylated Glycans.

H3N2 strains of influenza A virus emerged in humans in 1968 and have continued to circulate, evolving in response to human immune pressure. During this process of “antigenic drift,” viruses have progressively lost the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes of various species and to replicate efficiently under the established conditions for amplifying clinical isolates and generating vaccine candidates. We have determined the glycome profiles of chicken and guinea pig erythrocytes to gain insights into reduced agglutination properties displayed by drifted strains and show that both chicken and guinea pig erythrocytes contain complex sialylated N-glycans but that they differ with respect to the extent of branching, core fucosylation, and the abundance of poly-N-acetyllactosamine (PL) [-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-]n structures. We also examined binding of the H3N2 viruses using three different glycan microarrays: the synthetic Consortium for Functional Glycomics array; the defined N-glycan array designed to reveal contributions to binding based on sialic acid linkage type, branched structures, and core modifications; and the human lung shotgun glycan microarray. The results demonstrate that H3N2 viruses have progressively lost their capacity to bind nearly all canonical sialylated receptors other than a selection of biantennary structures and PL structures with or without sialic acid. Significantly, all viruses displayed robust binding to nonsialylated high-mannose phosphorylated glycans, even as the recognition of sialylated structures is decreased through antigenic drift. IMPORTANCE Influenza subtype H3N2 viruses have circulated in humans for over 50 years, continuing to cause annual epidemics. Such viruses have undergone antigenic drift in response to immune pressure, reducing the protective effects of preexisting immunity to previously circulating H3N2 strains. The changes in hemagglutinin (HA) affiliated with drift have implications for the receptor binding properties of these viruses, affecting virus replication in the culture systems commonly used to generate and amplify vaccine strains. Therefore, the antigenic properties of the vaccines may not directly reflect those of the circulating strains from which they were derived, compromising vaccine efficacy. In order to reproducibly provide effective vaccines, it will be critical to understand the interrelationships between binding, antigenicity, and replication properties in different growth substrates.
Primary Dural Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Comprehensive Review of Survival and Treatment Outcomes.

Abstract Primary dural diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PD-DLBCL) is a rare and aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that can present in intracranial or intraspinal locations. While the optimal management is unknown, PD-DLBCL therapy is often mirrored after primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) therapy and aggressive treatment with a high dose Methotrexate (MTX)-based regimen is frequently used. Our comprehensive, retrospective study of 24 reported cases of PD-DLBCL provide the most complete analysis of this rare disease including data on biology, treatment outcomes and survival. Our findings demonstrate good outcomes following induction treatment with R-CHOP, suggesting that these cases can be treated as DLBCL rather than PCNSL, obviating the need for more aggressive and toxic approaches. The durable responses following R-CHOP also confirm that PD-DLBCL is not protected by the blood brain barrier. Data in this paper were presented in part at the 2017 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, abstract # 4166.
Targeting epigenetic regulators in the treatment of T-cell lymphoma.

Introduction: T-cell lymphomas represent a broad group of malignant T-cell neoplasms with marked molecular, clinical, and biologic heterogeneity. Survival rates after conventional chemotherapy regi...
A New Tool for Assessing Older Adults’ Wireless Network Proficiency: The Wireless Network Proficiency Questionnaire:

Interacting with information communication technologies (ICTs) often requires proficiency with wireless networks. For older adults especially, lacking proficiency can lock them out of the many benefits afforded by these devices. In an older adult sample (N = 203), we assessed reliability and validated a set of tools to assess wireless network proficiency: the Wireless Network Proficiency Questionnaire (WNPQ; 19 questions) and a short-form (WNPQ-8; eight questions). The WNPQ and WNPQ-8 were found to be reliable and valid, positively related to computer proficiency (r = .63 for both) and mobile device proficiency (r = .75, r = .74), and negatively related to age (r = -.21, r = -.23). WNPQ scores predicted whether participants could report their Wi-Fi credentials (odd ratio = 1.17-1.73). We conclude that the WNPQ may serve as a useful tool for facilitating wireless network training and assessing proficiency in research.
Glycans in Immunologic Health and Disease.

The surfaces of all living organisms and most secreted proteins share a common feature: They are glycosylated. As the outermost-facing molecules, glycans participate in nearly all immunological pro...
Fare gli italiani, a loro insaputa. Musica e politica dal Risorgimento al Sessantotto: by Alessandro Volpi, Pisa, Pacini Editore, 2017, 191 pp, €18.00 (soft cover), ISBN: 9788869951657

‘Music has represented a fundamental element of political discourse in Italy’, begins Alessandro Volpi in his volume, Fare gli italiani, a loro insaputa. Musica e politica dal Risorgimento al Sessa...
Peter Clark, Churchill’s Britain: From the Antrim Coast to the Isle of Wight: London, UK: Haus Publishing Ltd, 240 pp., $29.95, ISBN 978-1-909961-74-6, Publication Date: December 2020

One may ask, is there really a need for another biography of or monograph on Winston Churchill? True, he was a significant British statesman and a formative decision maker during prominent historic...
Canine Non-Angiogenic, Non-Myogenic Splenic Stromal Sarcoma: a Retrospective Clinicopathological Analysis and Investigation of Podoplanin as a Marker of Tumour Histogenesis.

Summary Splenic stromal sarcomas are rarely reported tumours that were previously grouped as non-angiomatous, non-lymphomatous mesenchymal neoplasms of the canine spleen. Highly variable survival times have been reported probably due to their heterogeneous nature. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome and prognostic factors in dogs with splenic stromal sarcoma after treatment by splenectomy. Clinical data were collected retrospectively and histopathology was reviewed for 47 patients. Histological classification, based on morphology in haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, in conjunction with immunolabelling of macrophage scavenger receptor-A (CD204), desmin, factor VIII-related antigen and smooth muscle actin ,yielded diagnoses of undifferentiated stromal sarcoma (n = 22), complex nodular hyperplasia (CNH, n = 9), sarcoma arising from benign complex nodular hyperplasia (n = 3), histiocytic sarcoma (n = 3), haemangiosarcoma (n = 1) and leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). Four samples were excluded from analysis due to extensive necrosis. An anti-podoplanin (PDPN) antibody was validated on canine tissue and used to assess expression of this protein as a potential indicator of the tissue of origin of the neoplasms (28/42 tumours were positive). There was a statistically significant difference in survival time between patients with stromal sarcoma (sarcoma from benign CNH and undifferentiated stromal sarcoma) and CNH (178 d versus 637 d, respectively; P = 0.027). Dogs with stromal sarcomas and high mitotic count (≥9 per 10 high-power fields) had a significantly shorter survival time (67 d versus 439 d; P = 0.01). Clinical diagnosis of splenic tumours should include evaluation for the presence of benign nodular hyperplasia morphology and immunohistochemistry to exclude more aggressive malignancies where adjuvant therapy is recommended. As in humans, PDPN may be an effective marker for stromal sarcomas of the canine spleen and immunopositivity suggests a fibroblastic reticular or follicular dendritic cell origin.
N-acetylation of sphingosine by platelet-activating factor: sphingosine transacetylase.

Publisher Summary Most mammalian cells appear to have a signaling system through the sphingomyelin pathway. Sphingomyelin is hydrolyzed by sphingomyelinase (SMase) to generate ceramides. Ceramides are important lipid second messengers involved in mediating a variety of cell functions, including cell cycle arrest, cell differentiation, and apoptosis, C 2 -ceramide (N-acetyl-sphingosine) has been used extensively by many investigators as an unnatural, cell-permeable analog of ceramides. However, cumulative evidence indicates that C 2 -ceramide can mimic many, but not all, of the effects of ceramides that were produced during signaling through the sphingomyelin pathway. For instance, SMase treatment antagonized the mitogenic effect of the tumor promoter 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, whereas C 2 -ceramide had no effect. This chapter discusses a CoA-independent platelet-activating factor (PAF): sphingosine transacetylase (TA s ) in the membrane fraction of HL-60 cells that can transfer the acetate group from PAF to sphingosine, forming N-acetylsphingosine (C 2 -ceramide). In addition, TA s activity can be induced by nerve growth factor and lysophosphatidic acid. C 2 -ceramide in micromolar concentrations was detected in HL-60 cells, which is the concentration range where C 2 -ceramide exerts most of its biological effects. Taken together, these data suggest the possibility that some of the observed physiological effects by several factors, such as cytokines and environmental stresses through sphingomyelin signaling, may be accounted for by the action of C 2 -ceramide and that C 2 -ceramide should be considered a naturally occurring lipid mediator. This chapter describes assay procedures and properties of PAF: sphingosine transacetylase, the only enzyme known so far to be responsible for the synthesis of C 2 -ceramide in mammalian systems.
Dropping the Torch: Jimmy Carter, the Olympic Boycott, and the Cold War

Introduction: miracle on ice 1. Lord Killanin and the politics of the Olympics 2. Los Angeles versus Moscow 3. Jimmy Carter and U.S.-Soviet relations 4. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan 5. The American response 6. Easy victories 7. Painful losses 8. The White House games 9. Coca-Cola, NBC, and the defeat of the Iron Lady 10. The vote in Colorado 11. Civil wars 12. Carter versus Killanin 13. Moscow: the Olympics are the Olympics 14. Los Angeles: the Olympics are the Olympics 15. Conclusion Epilogue.
Dirty glass: rendering contamination on transparent surfaces

Rendering of clean transparent objects has been well studied in computer graphics. However, real-world transparent objects are seldom clean—their surfaces have a variety of contaminants such as dust, dirt, and lipids. These contaminants produce a number of complex volumetric scattering effects that must be taken into account when creating photorealistic renderings. In this paper, we take a step toward modeling and rendering these effects. We make the assumption that the contaminant is an optically thin layer and construct an analytic model following results in radiative transport theory and computer graphics. Moreover, the spatial textures created by the different types of contamination are also important in achieving visual realism. To this end, we measure the spatially varying thicknesses and the scattering parameters of a number of glass panes with various types of dust, dirt, and lipids. We also develop a simple interactive synthesis tool to create novel instances of the measured contamination patterns. We show several results that demonstrate the use of our scattering model for rendering 3D scenes, as well as modifying real 2D photographs.
The hope for civic education

In calls not unlike those heard before, officials in industry and government are placing the blame for a stagnating economy at the schoolhouse door. If only we would get tougher in schools, raising standards for both students and teachers, the economy would turn around. Forget, for a minute, our problems with the balance of trade, aging industrial plants, insider trading, leveraged buyouts, etc. The real problem is declining standards in schools that seem to lead to diminished industrial efficiency. A sampling of the rhetoric in recent reports on education makes this intent clear:
Sodium Clavulanate Potentiation of Cephalosporin Activity Against Clinical Isolates of Cephalothin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Plasmid-carrying Klebsiella pneunomiae clinical isolates with agar dilution minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 32 mug/ml or greater were tested for in vitro potentiation of cephalothin activity by clavulanic acid (BRL-14151), an inhibitor of beta-lactamases. The addition of 10 mug of clavulanate per ml caused greater than a 500-fold reduction in geometric mean cephalothin agar dilution MIC, with lesser but significant reductions resulting from clavulanate concentrations of 5 or 1 mug/ml. Clavulanate-potentiated reduction of cephalothin MICs in broth against resistant Klebsiella were comparable to reduction in agar dilution MICs as a rule. However, a low concentration (1 mug/ml) of clavulanate produced cephalothin MICs in broth several-fold higher than by the agar dilution method. Modest cephalothin-potentiating effects of clavulanate on cephalothin-susceptible strains and on cefoxitin against cephalothin-resistant Klebsiella strongly suggested that the major effect of clavulanate was beta-lactamase inhibition.
Novel amplicons on the short arm of chromosome 7 identified using high resolution array CGH contain over expressed genes in addition to EGFR in glioblastoma multiforme

Amplification of a defined chromosome segment on the short arm of chromosome 7 has frequently been reported in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), where it is generally assumed that it is the result of over expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene that provides the selective pressure to maintain the amplification event. We have used high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to analyze amplification events on chromosome 7p in GBM, which demonstrates that, in fact, several other regions distinct from EGFR can be amplified. To determine the changes in gene expression levels associated with these amplification events, we used oligonucleotide expression arrays to investigate which of the genes in the amplified regions were also over expressed. These analyses demonstrated that not all genes in the amplicons showed increased expression, and we have defined a series of over expressed genes on 7p that could potentially contribute to the development of the malignant phenotype in these tumors. The global analysis of amplification afforded by aCGH analysis has improved our ability to define numerical chromosome abnormalities in cancer cells and has raised the possibility that genes other than EGFR may be important.
Optimization of PHEV charging strategy to improve power quality in a residential distribution grid

As a solution to relieving the environmental pollution and energy depletion, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to sweep across the market in the upcoming years. However, high penetration of PHEVs may pose a great challenge to the current power grid. A large number of PHEVs charging simultaneously in a small distribution grid can easily increase the peak load, and induce power quality issues such as voltage deviation and frequency change. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to control the charging sequence of PHEVs in order to improve the power quality. A new objective function is proposed and used in the PSO algorithm to minimize voltage deviations. Its relationships with other objective functions are also studied. Further, the performances of these different objective functions on reducing voltage deviation and reducing the peak load are studied and compared. This study is carried out on a small residential distribution grid with different PHEV penetrations considering the real-world scenarios.
The crystal structure of 2-nitroresorcinol

2-Nitroresorcinol is triclinic, space group PĪ; at −100°Ca=7.083(2),b=7.696(2),c=6.607(2) A, α=74.61(2), β=77.81(2), γ=68.64(2)°,V=320.8(2) A3,D x=1.606(1) g cm−3,Z=2. The two hydroxyl groups form symmetric intramolecular hydrogen bonds to the nitro group. The molecules pack in stacks held together by π-π interaction with adjacent molecules in a head-to-tail arrangement.
Monocular contribution to binocular vision in normals and amblyopes.

In normal binocular vision the interaction of information from each eye results in “fusion”, or a perceptually single visual world. The nature of the binocular interaction is complex and not yet clear, but dominance is often assumed to play some kind of role. The term “ocular dominance” has been defined in many ways (Walls, 1951) but in general it refers to an increased weighting or preference of the information from one eye to the fused perception. A related phenomenon, “suppression”, has been investigated less often than dominance, but in general the term suppression refers to a decreased weighting or preference, or inhibition, of the information from one eye. Thus, experimental or clinical determination of one eye as dominant would simultaneously define the other eye as suppressed. In actuality, suppression is more often assumed to be under some degree of control by the person, and is more often associated with abnormal vision.
Deformation and fracture of L12 (Al,Fe)3Ti

Essais de compression realises sur des eprouvettes d'alliage Al 64,6 Fe 9,7 Ti 25,7 afin de determiner l'influence de la temperature sur la contrainte d'ecoulement, la sensibilite a la vitesse de deformation de la contrainte d'ecoulement, la deformation a la rupture et le mode de rupture
Model-Driven Engineering and Safety-Critical Embedded Software

Implementations embodied in a formally defined language with unambiguous semantics and a sound surrounding correctness for preserving refinement methodology make safety-critical software even safer.
Evaluation of retinal susceptibility to light damage in pigmented rats supplemented with beta-carotene

The present study evaluated the influence of beta-carotene supplementation on the susceptibility of the retina to light damage. Long-Evans pigmented rats were supplemented with beta-carotene by either dietary or intraperitoneal administration, and beta-carotene levels in plasma, liver and retina were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Other animals from each group were exposed to ultraviolet-A light at a dose of 8.1 J/cm2 in their right eye only, and photoreceptor cell losses determined by light microscopic morphometry. In supplemented animals, beta-carotene levels increased markedly in the liver, and were elevated from non-detectable to detectable in the plasma and retina, relative to nonsupplemented controls. In each tissue, beta-carotene levels were found to be higher in animals receiving intraperitoneal supplementation as compared to dietary. Beta-carotene supplementation by either route did not protect the retina against photoreceptor cell loss measured at two weeks following UVA e...
Local government taxation: An analysis of administrative cost inefficiency

Local governments in Indonesia administer taxes inefficiently. The average cost of local tax administration as a percentage of revenue generated is estimated to be over 50%. There is, however, a wide variation in administrative inefficiency across local governments. The estimation of a stochastic cost frontier model suggests that administrative cost inefficiency increases significantly as fiscal transfers from the centre rise; the investigation also demonstrates that local governments with elected executives are no more administratively cost efficient than those with appointed heads. The simple and complex measures of cost inefficiency yield broadly similar results concerning the level and variation of inefficiency across local governments, but can offer significantly different estimates of the relative inefficiency of individual local governments. This poses a dilemma for the central government in monitoring and evaluating local government tax administration performance.
Implications of multiple mechanisms of carcinogenesis for short-term testing.

The attempt has been made recently to categorize carcinogens into two mechanistic types based on their mechanism of action: genotoxic (capable of reacting with and damaging DNA) and epigenetic (unable to damage DNA to any detectable extent). By requiring that a given chemical fit into one or the other of these narrowly defined categories for regulatory purposes, we are probably oversimplifying potential biological effects. In fact, based on our limited understanding of carcinogenic mechanisms, this artificial distinction should probably be abandoned in favor of a more precise statement of each chemical's mechanism or relative potency of initiating and promoting effects. Since the standard short-term tests by which carcinogenicity of chemicals is screened were designed to detect certain chemical classes with active electrophilic intermediates, weak or specialized carcinogens may be missed and may be assumed erroneously to be nongenotoxic. The mechanisms of carcinogenicity for such carcinogens may include particulate deposition, active radical formation, liver toxicity, and hormonal interactions. Not all of these secondary mechanisms depend upon a detectable level of binding to DNA, damage to DNA, or modification of the DNA sequence, even though they may demonstrate other characteristics of a complete carcinogen (that is, irreversibility and lack of a threshold). Certain agents have been labeled as epigenetic. However, a consideration of the literature on sample agents (diethylstilbestrol, asbestos, and urethane) reveals that these are not epigenetic carcinogens despite their being labeled as such. Agents with irreversibility and no threshold have initiating potential and, as such, are genotoxic, whereas carcinogens that are classified as nongenotoxic are largely agents that promote the growth of liver tumors. Even promotion can be a mechanistically specialized phenomenon. For example, some promoters are cytotoxic to the liver, but not all liver toxins are liver tumor promoters or liver carcinogens. Further, the carcinogens commonly labeled as epigenetic might cause a unique specialized genotoxicity not detected by common screening tests routinely used for detecting genotoxicity. If we assume that this unrecognized but necessary initiating potential is mediated by some specialized genotoxicity, extra care must be taken to establish a genuine lack of genotoxicity before an agent can be classified (and regulated) as a promoter (lacking the ability to initiate tumor growth but still enhancing tumor development). There is no question that reversible effects with definite thresholds should be evaluated differently from thos that are irreversible and lack a threshold, but the distinction should be based on their effect and potncy, not on their (often unknown) mechanism of genotoxicity.
Serum resistance is correlated with encapsulation of avian strains of Pasteurella multocida

Encapsulated avian strains of Pasteurella multocida possessing an A-type capsule were shown to be resistant to the bactericidal action of turkey serum, whereas unencapsulated variants as well as other unencapsulated strains were not. Removal of the capsule from serum-resistant strain P1059-1 resulted in this strain becoming susceptible to the bactericidal effects of turkey serum. Since complement was consumed when encapsulated or unencapsulated strain P1059-1 was incubated in turkey serum, we conclude that the capsule acts to shield the outer membrane rather than prohibiting the generation of an effective membrane attack complex.
Cytochrome P450 associated with free hepatic polyribosomes

Abstract On phenobarbital administration to rabbits, the concentration of hepatic cytochrome P450, an unstable constitutive microsomal enzyme, increased sharply in the heavy fraction of the free polyribosomes. The fraction had following properties: (1) its cytochrome P450 content was unusually high; the content was much lower in the lighter polyribosomes, the cytochrome P450 could not be extracted from post-mitochondrial supernatant solutions or microsomes with polyribosomes. (2) The fraction was membrane-free. (3) The fraction had RNA-to-protein ratios characteristic of polyribosomes; (4) it had characteristically low phospholipid content; (5) its sucrose density-gradient centrifugation profiles were characteristic of heavy polyribosomes, not microsomes. (6) The heavy polyribosomal fraction failed to catalyze mixed-function oxidations dependent on cytochrome P450, and the system was not activated by mixed mono- and dilaurylphosphatidylcholine. (7) Cytochrome P450 was released from the fraction by ribonuclease, and (8) cytochrome P450 was partially released from the fraction by puromycin.
Impact of literacy training on spatial representation in Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract In order to study the impact of literacy training on visual-spatial cognitive performance, the Kohs Block Design and the “Draw-a-person-with-face-in-front (DAPF)” test were administered to two distinct populations of agricultural pastoralists in Southwest Ethiopia. The Karo have no literacy training while the Hamar subjects had had several years of schooling. As expected, Hamar subjects (who were literate) produced a larger percentage (43.1%) of correct block constructions as compared to the Karo who produced only 16.7% correct block constructions. Error analysis, however, revealed that the Karo produced a larger proportion (27.08%) of “nonrandom” error types (errors which nevertheless preserved essential spatial attributes, the shapes of the target design, while neglecting its spatial relations) than did the literate Hamar subjects (9.03%). Similarly 57.6% of face drawings by nonliterate Karo subjects and only 8.3% of Hamar drawings were classified as resembling the “neolithic” prototype (also neglecting spatial relations). Results support the hypothesis that literacy influences spatial-relational cognitive skills.
Acute infectious morbidity in multiple gestation.

Objectives. Physiologic and immunologic changes in pregnancy result in increased susceptibility to infection. These shifts are more pronounced in pregnancies complicated by multiple gestation. The objective of this study was to determine the association between multiple gestation and risk of infectious morbidity. Study Design. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2008–2010 was used to identify pregnant women during admission for delivery with International Classification of Diseases codes. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for demographic data, preexisting medical conditions, and acute medical and infectious complications for women with multiple versus singleton gestations. Results. Among women with multiple gestation, 38.4 per 1,000 women had an infectious complication compared to 12.8 per 1,000 women with singletons. The most significant infectious morbidity associated with multiple gestation was intestinal infections, pyelonephritis, influenza, and pneumonia. After controlling for confounding variables, infectious complications at delivery persisted for women with multiples, though the association was dependent on mode of delivery. Conclusions. Women with multiple gestations are at increased risk for infectious morbidity identified at the time of delivery. This association was diminished among women who had a cesarean suggesting that operative delivery is not responsible for this association.
Recent advances in the treatment of alcoholism

Abstract Alcoholism is a major public health problem, and a devastating disorder for affected individuals, their families, and society. We have made great gains in the past 25 years in understanding and treating alcoholism. A recent and important treatment advance is the use of pharmacotherapies that improve treatment response for many patients beyond what they obtain from counseling. We have gained a better understanding of the neurobiology associated with alcoholism, pharmacological treatments can be targeted to numerous pathways affected by chronic and excessive alcohol drinking. Consequently, an increased number of investigational studies of new compounds that are meant to reduce alcohol craving and drinking have emerged in the literature. There are three medications that have been approved in the United States (US) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcohol dependence: disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. Many more are being used in Canada, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world for treating alcohol dependence. Studies have also examined best practices in prescribing medications. For example, it has been empirically demonstrated that patient non-adherence to treatment diminishes the treatment's value. In turn, we can improve treatment response if we proactively provide patients with strategies to help them take their medications and attend their counseling visits. Other important advances related to pharmacotherapy are that alcoholic subgroups differentially respond to specific pharmacotherapies, and combining two pharmacotherapies that address different neurobiological systems simultaneously to treat alcohol dependence may prove more beneficial than a single medication in some patient groups.
Parkinsonian syndrome in familial frontotemporal dementia

Parkinsonism in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) was first described in families with mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and progranulin (PRGN) genes. Since then, mutations in several other genes have been identified for FTD with parkinsonism, including chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72), chromatin modifying protein 2B (CHMP2B), valosin-containing protein (VCP), fused in sarcoma (FUS) and transactive DNA-binding protein (TARDBP). The clinical presentation of patients with familial forms of FTD with parkinsonism is highly variable. The parkinsonism seen in FTD patients is usually characterized by akinetic-rigid syndrome and is mostly associated with the behavioral variant of FTD (bvFTD); however, some cases may present with classical Parkinson's disease. In other cases, atypical parkinsonism resembling progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or corticobasal syndrome (CBS) has also been described. Although rare, parkinsonism in FTD may coexist with motor neuron disease. Structural neuroimaging, which is crucial for the diagnosis of FTD, shows characteristic patterns of brain atrophy associated with specific mutations. Structural neuroimaging is not helpful in distinguishing among patients with parkinsonian features. Furthermore, dopaminergic imaging that shows nigrostriatal neurodegeneration in FTD with parkinsonism cannot discriminate parkinsonian syndromes that arise from different mutations. Generally, parkinsonism in FTD is levodopa unresponsive, but there have been cases where a temporary benefit has been reported, so dopaminergic treatment is worth trying, especially, when motor and non-motor manifestations can cause significant problems with daily functioning. In this review, we present an update on the clinical and genetic correlations of FTD with parkinsonism.
Fiber reinforced polymer composites for the superstructure of a short-span rural bridge

Civil engineers have been seeking alternative materials to steel and concrete that may be less vulnerable to environmental damage. In addition, rising public concern about traffic delays experienced during the construction have increasingly influenced them to design bridges with materials and details that can be built rapidly. At the same time, life-cycle costs must be competitive with traditional materials because of the limited resources available to maintain the highway infrastructure. Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) are one such alternative material. New York has recently began using and evaluating FRPs for bridge repair to strengthen deteriorated components, remove load postings, and prolong service life. This paper describes one such application, that allowed a bridge superstructure to be replaced in significantly less time than a conventional bridge project, in a cost-effective manner. The bridge design, fabrication, installation, proof-testing, and cost-benefit details are summarized.
Numerical modelling of oblique shock and detonation waves induced in a wedged channel

AbstractA computational study of wedge-induced oblique shock and detonation wave phenomena in the flow of a combustible mixture over a wedged channel is presented with the purpose of understanding the fundamental gasdynamics of the waves and their interactions. A two-dimensional, time accurate, finite-volume-based method was used to perform the computations, and a five-species, two-step chemical reaction is assumed for a stoichiometric hydrogen—air mixture. The combustion channel is made of a wedged section followed by a constant area section. The simulation was performed with wedges of up to 20° semi-angle and Mach numbers from 1.25 to 6, with other inflow parameters fixed. Within the computational domain either propagating or standing shock and detonation wave configurations were obtained depending on the flow Mach number and the wedge semi-angle. Four flow modes, namely, a propagating detonation wave, a standing detonation wave, a propagating shock wave, and a standing shock wave mode were identified. ...
Instructions to focus upon or distract from internal cues during exposure treatment of agoraphobic avoidance

Instructions to focus upon feared somatic sensations were compared to instructions to engage in distracting tasks, while practising in vivo exposure to feared agoraphobic situations. Thirty individuals assigned a primary diagnosis of Panic Disorder with moderate to severe Agoraphobia were assigned randomly to one of the two treatment conditions. Assessments were conducted pre, post and 6 months following treatment completion, using subjective, behavioral and clinician-rated measures of change. Composite outcome criteria indicated a trend for distracted exposure to yield a higher percentage of improvement than focused exposure, at post assessment. However, focused exposure group members improved to a greater extent over the follow-up interval than members of the distracted group. These trends were relatively weak, given the absence of significant group by time interactions in terms of individual variable analyses. The results were discussed with reference to the role of distraction in fear reduction.
Mentoring interns and postdoctoral residents in academic health sciences center.

This article was co-authored by a senior mentor and one of her students who worked with her as both an intern and a postdoctoral fellow. It is an expanded version of a presentation given by the first author after receiving the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers (APAHC) Distinguished Achievement in Teaching Award. The article offers a historical view on mentoring, defines and describes the term, and delineates the characteristics of good mentors and mentees. The significant impact of mentoring on the professional and personal development of psychology interns and postdoctoral residents and their mentors in academic health centers is explored. Techniques for developing, maintaining, and promoting effective mentoring relationships are provided and the ethical con- siderations related to mentoring are examined.