cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Duration for Clopidogrel Suspension Prior to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines suggest clopidogrel (Plavix) suspension for 5 days before non-emergent cardiac surgery (class IIa, level B). It puts the patients with recent angioplasty and ongoing ischemia at a higher risk of stent thrombosis. We sought to determine the bleeding risk in patients who stopped clopidogrel at 3 and less than 3 days before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as compared to the usual 5 days prior to CABG. Methods: A retrospective single center study was performed; and a total of 90 patients were included. Forty patients were not on clopidogrel but underwent CABG and hence were used as a control group (group 3). Fifty remaining patients were divided into three groups. Patients in whom clopidogrel was stopped 3 days or less before CABG were included in group 1 (n = 25); group 2 included patients who followed the standard ACC guidelines and clopidogrel was suspended 5 days before the CABG (n = 17); and finally patients who had stopped clopidogrel 4 days prior to surgery were included in group 4 (n = 8). This was compared to controls. Postoperative hemoglobin drop was analyzed between subgroups using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of the included population was 69.9 years (46 - 88) with 65% of them being male and 35% female patients. The difference in the hemoglobin fall was compared amongst these groups using the one-way ANOVA. There were no outliers, as assessed by boxplot, the data were normally distributed for each group, as assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test (P > 0.05), and there was homogeneity of variances, as assessed by Levene’s test of homogeneity of variances (P > 0.05). The fall in hemoglobin for the four different groups was analyzed. The fall in hemoglobin in group 1 (stopped clopidogrel 3 days or less before CABG) was (n = 25, 2.36 ± 1.24), the fall in group 2 (stopped clopidogrel 5 days prior to CABG) was (n = 17, 2.89 ± 1.22), the fall in hemoglobin in group 3 (patients not on clopidogrel) was (n = 40, 2.54 ± 1.35), and the fall in hemoglobin in group 4 (patients stopped clopidogrel 4 days prior to CABG) was (n = 8, 2.02 ± 1.31). ANOVA was subsequently performed on the patient data, which showed no statistical difference between all the four groups regarding the fall in hemoglobin during surgery (P = 0.41). Conclusions: Our study concludes that there was no significant difference in the hemoglobin drop of the patients who had clopidogrel stopped 3 days prior to the major procedure like CABG in comparison to the patients who stopped clopidogrel 5 days before surgery. We advocate, that early cessation of clopidogrel is posing a threat of thrombosis in high risk patients with no additional benefit of decreased bleeding risks. However, large population studies are needed to validate the results. Cardiol Res. 2019;10(2):74-82 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr842
Inherited thrombophilia and portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is common in cirrhosis. PVT is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Individual reports suggest that PVT occurs more frequently in patients with cirrhosis and inherited thrombophilia. The relationship between cirrhosis, PVT development, and inherited thrombophilia was explored in this study. The aim of the study was to determine whether cirrhotic patients with nontumoral PVT have an increased rate of inherited thrombophilia. Methods Studies were identified by searching electronic databases up to October 2017 with English language and human subject restrictions. Two independent reviewers screened citations and extracted data. Magnitude of effect was calculated to obtain aggregate estimates of effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Between-study variability and heterogeneity were assessed. Results Of 2893 citations identified, 9 studies composed of 1929 subjects with cirrhosis were included. The overall prevalence of PVT was 6.5% (n = 125). Both prothrombin G20210A mutation (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; 95% CI, 1.07-5.53; P = 0.03) and factor V Leiden (FVL) (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.06-3.68; P = 0.03) were significantly associated with PVT risk. Methyltetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation was not associated with increased PVT risk. No heterogeneity or publication bias was observed. One important study with opposite findings could not be included due to lack of primary data. Conclusions FVL and PTG20210A mutation were associated with increased PVT risk in patients with cirrhosis. This finding reframes the role of inherited thrombophilia in PVT development in patients with cirrhosis. Future prospective studies investigating screening for inherited thrombophilia in all cirrhosis patients with PVT seem warranted.
Behcet's-like syndrome following pembrolizumab: An immune-related adverse event associated with programmed death receptor-1 inhibitor therapy.

IntroductionThe landscape for the treatment of metastatic melanoma has been revolutionized with the introduction immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have now become the stand...
“Fat People Exercise Too!”: Perceptions and Realities of Shopping for Women’s Plus-Size Exercise Apparel:

Women, regardless of size, should have access to functional, fashionable, and affordable exercise apparel. Grounded in Lamb and Kallal’s Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic Consumer Needs Model, ...
Collaboration to serve military-affiliated students: A textbooks reserves project at the University of Memphis

Military-affiliated students are a diverse campus constituency and may encounter a number of obstacles to their academic success. At the University of Memphis (UM), the Veteran and Military Student Services (VMSS) center provides a wide-ranging suite of services to engage and support military-affiliated students. This article describes how two UM departments, the University Libraries and VMSS, collaborated to facilitate the discovery and circulation of an existing collection of textbooks for military-affiliated students.
அவுஸ்திரேலியப் புகலிடத் தமிழ் நாவல் வரலாற்றில் தாமரைச்செல்வியின் 'உயிர்வாசம்' (The Importance of the novel Uyirvaasam by Taamaraichelvi in the History of Australia’s Tamil Novels)

Diaspora Literature is important for the growth of Elam’s Tamil literature. Tamil Diaspora writers are known for their various well-created works. Uyirvaasam novel by Taamaraichelvi is also such a novel that gained importance in history of Australia’s Tamil novels. The novel is about the Sri Lankan refugees who went to Australia by boat due to the volatile political situations within their country. This novel is known as the first one to record the plight of Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora. The novel delivers realistic depictions of the hardships experienced by those Sri Lankans who made the journey to Australia: deaths that occurred, illnesses and diseases that ravaged the children and women as well as the sad incidents of these refugees being sent back to Sri Lanka after inquiries by Australian government are to name a few. These are presented in the novel through analytical, descriptive and historical approaches. It can be concluded that this novel focuses on subjects that are practically never mentioned in other Tamil novels that have been published in Australia thus far. ஈழததுத தமிழ இலககிய வளரசசியில புகலிடத தமிழ இலககியஙகள முககியமானவை. பலவேறு சிறநத படைபபுகளை புகலிடத தமிழ எழுததாளரகள படைததுளளனர. அவவிதததில அவுஸதிரேலிய தமிழ நாவல வரலாறறில தாமரைசசெலவியின உயிரவாசம எனற நாவல மிகவும முககியமாகதாகும. இநநாவல இலஙகையிலிருநது அவுஸதிரேலியாவுககுச செனற படகு மனிதரகள பறறியதாக அமைநதுளளது. இவரகள இலஙகையின அரசியல சூழல காரணமாகப படகுமூலம செனறவரகளாவர. இபபொருள சாரநது வெளிவநத முதல நாவலாக இதுவே அமைகினறது. இலஙகையரகளின அவலம நாவலில பதிவுசெயயபபடடுளளது. இலஙகையிலிருநது படகுமூலம பயணம செயவது தொடககம அவுஸதிரேலியாவை அடைநது பலவேறு துனபஙகளை அடைவது வரை யதாரததமாக எழுதபபடடுளளது. படகில செலலுமபோது மரணமடைவது, சிறுவரகள மறறும பெணகள பாதிககபபடுவது, விசாரணையின பினனர இலஙகைககு அனுபபிவைககபபடுவது பறறியும பேசபபடுகினறது. இவவாயவு பகுபபாயவு, விபரணம மறறும வரலாறறு முறையியல ஆகிய அணுகுமுறைகளினூடாக முனவைககபபடுகினறது. அவுஸதிரேலியாவிலிருநது வெளிவநத எநத தமிழ நாவலும பேசாத விடயததை இநநாவல யதாரததமான முறையில பதிவு செயயபபடடுளளதெனபது ஆயவின முடிவாக முனவைககபபடுகினறது.
A Tunable High-Gain Low-Noise Transimpedance Amplifier for Biosensing

A low-noise transimpedance amplifier with tunable high gain is presented in this paper. It uses an improved two-stage topology in order to increase the design flexibility in gain- bandwidth and gain-noise trade-offs. The pseudo-resistor is used to reach ultra-high gain. The circuit dissipates 183μW from a 1.8V supply using standard 0.18μm CMOS 1P6M technology and it accomplishes 2.75MHz bandwidth with 160dB gain, 20.9kHz bandwidth with 220dB gain, nearly 0° phase shift in passband and 42fA/sqrt(Hz) input-referred current noise at 20kHz. The proposed transimpedance amplifier provides a perfect solution aimed for biosensing and optical interfacing where low noise and high gain are needed.
Engaging Undergraduate Public Health Students Through a Textbook Creation Project

This study examines students’ perceptions of an open pedagogy experiment in which they created their own textbook for an undergraduate public health course. The lead author’s primary motivation for...
Near-infrared Variability in Young Stars in Cygnus OB7

We present the first results from a 124 night J, H, K near-infrared monitoring campaign of the dark cloud L 1003 in Cygnus OB7, an active star-forming region. Using three seasons of UKIRT observations spanning 1.5 years, we obtained high-quality photometry on 9200 stars down to J = 17 mag, with photometric uncertainty better than 0.04 mag. On the basis of near-infrared excesses from disks, we identify 30 pre-main-sequence stars, including 24 which are newly discovered. We analyze those stars and find that the NIR excesses are significantly variable. All 9200 stars were monitored for photometric variability; among the field star population, ~160 exhibited near-infrared variability (1.7% of the sample). Of the 30 young stellar objects (YSOs), 28 of them (93%) are variable at a significant level. Of the 30 YSOs, twenty-five have near-infrared excess consistent with simple disk-plus-star classical T Tauri models. Nine of these (36%) drift in color space over the course of these observations and/or since Two Micron All Sky Survey observations such that they cross the boundary defining the NIR excess criteria; effectively, they have a transient near-infrared excess. Thus, time-series JHK observations can be used to obtain a more complete sample of disk-bearing stars than single-epoch JHK observations. About half of the YSOs have color-space variations parallel to either the classical T Tauri star locus or a hybrid track which includes the dust reddening trajectory. This indicates that the NIR variability in YSOs that possess accretion disks arises from a combination of variable extinction and changes in the inner accretion disk: either in accretion rate, central hole size, and/or the inclination of the inner disk. While some variability may be due to stellar rotation, the level of variability on the individual stars can exceed a magnitude. This is a strong empirical suggestion that protoplanetary disks are quite dynamic and exhibit more complex activity on short timescales than is attributable to rotation alone or captured in static disk models.
Genome-scale metabolic reconstruction analysis of Clostridioides difficile identifies conserved patterns of virulence-related metabolic reprogramming

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, sporulating anaerobe that has become the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Over the previous decade, many studies have demonstrated the importance of metabolism in numerous aspects of C. difficile biology from initial colonization to regulation of virulence factors. Additionally, due to growing threats of antibiotic resistance and recurrent infection, targeting components of metabolism presents a novel possible approach to combat this infection. In the past, genome-scale metabolic network analysis of bacteria has enabled systematic investigation of the genetic and metabolic properties that potentially contribute to downstream phenotypes as well as prediction of outcome from perturbations to these pathways. These predictions ultimately create a platform for high-throughput identification and screening of metabolic targets prior to laboratory testing. To accomplish these goals in C. difficile, we constructed highly-curated genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENREs) for a well-studied laboratory strain of the pathogen (str. 630) as well as a more recently characterized hyper-virulent isolate (str. R20291). These computational modeling platforms account for key components of C. difficile core metabolism and nutrient acquisition systems to recapitulate metabolic behaviors within the complex milieu of the gut. Simulating the impact of single-gene deletions resulted in accuracies of ~89.9% for both GENREs compared with transposon mutant libraries. Further analysis of both strains also revealed significant correlations between in silico and experimentally measured growth in carbon source utilization screens (p-values ≤ 0.002), with positive predictive values of ~95.0%. Subsequently, we generated context-specific models by integrating transcriptomic data from C. difficile grown in vitro or during in vivo infection. Simulations also predicted the consistent inverse patterns of carbohydrate and amino acid catabolism that corresponded with differential virulence factor expression measured experimentally. Collectively, our results indicate that GENRE-based analyses of C. difficile are an effective means for gaining novel insight into metabolism as it relates to pathogenesis and provides a platform for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Making Sense of Reading Comprehension Assessments: Guidance for Evaluating Student Performance.

Educators use reading comprehension assessments to summarize academic achievement, make decisions in diagnostic evaluations, and identify intervention needs. A challenge, however, with using differ...
Conclusion: The Future of the Original Nation and the Global Nation in the Age of Anthropocene

This chapter explores the prospects for further development of the Original Nation scholarship. Particular attention is given to: (1) the creation of an Inter-National Grand Jury (IGJ) to investigate alleged violations of the rights of the nation and nature, and (2) the transformation of the International Rights of Nature Tribunal (IRNT) into an international jury court to adjudicate the charges filed by IGJ. Similar to Argentina’s recent adoption of the affirmative jury model, it is suggested that the panels of both the IGJ and the IRNT guarantee the expansive participation of jurors based on national identity and gender. The final section offers suggestions for the further refinement of the Original Nation scholarship and reflects on its emancipatory vision for the construction of a self-sustaining and self-governing global community, one that properly acknowledges the importance of humanity’s interconnectedness and interdependence in order to live in harmony with the natural world.
Mitochondrial DNA: Unraveling the "other" genome.

ABSTRACT The mitochondrial genome, which contains all of the hereditary information within human mitochondria, consists of 16,569 base pairs of double-stranded DNA that encode 37 genes. Pathogenic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cause dysfunction of the respiratory chain and the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), leading to impaired adenosine triphosphate synthesis. Nuclear DNA (nDNA) mutations can affect structural subunits or assembly factors of one of the five OXPHOS complexes. Mitochondrial diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders, ranging from mtDNA single-point mutations and large-scale deletions to mitochondrial depletion syndromes, resulting from nDNA pathogenic mutations. Manifestations of mitochondrial disease are multisystemic, and organs with substantial energy requirements are most typically affected. Mitochondrial disorders are progressive in nature, and prognosis is dependent on the organs involved and the rate and severity of disease progression. A multidisciplinary team approach is needed to monitor and manage disease sequelae.
Nitrogen ion-implanted resistive regions for edge termination of vertical Ga2O3 rectifiers

N+ ion implantation to form resistive regions for edge termination at the anode contact periphery was used to maximize the breakdown voltage (VB) of vertical geometry β-Ga2O3 rectifiers. The design was examined via simulations using the Florida object oriented device and process Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulator. The configuration of the implanted region was investigated with these simulations and then implemented experimentally. Significant increases of ∼200%–250% in VB were achieved for 50–1000 μm diameter rectifiers with an unbounded resistive region and an implantation depth of ∼0.5 μm. The on-state resistance and on/off ratios of the rectifiers were essentially unchanged by the addition of the implanted regions. An optimized implanted edge termination structure maximizes the breakdown voltage with no associated increase in device resistance in vertical geometry Ga2O3 rectifiers.
A Study on Pokémon GO: Exploring the Potential of Location-based Mobile Exergames in Connecting Players with Nature

Exergaming incorporates exercising into video games, with the purpose of physically engaging users in the gameplay. Location-based games have gained the attention of exergame designers as they have been able to motivate people to exercise and spend time in outdoors. Studies have shown the impact of current exergames to intervene with sedentariness by containing some elements of nature and outdoor activities. However, it is unclear how location-based mobile exergames can engage users with nature throughout playing and exercising. This paper presents insights from an exploratory self-study of experiences provided by the most popular location-based mobile game, Pokemon GO, concerning its potential to engage players in outdoors. We also provide design considerations for location-based mobile exergames to engage players in nature while becoming physically active.
What We Know about the Long-Term Risks of Hysterectomy for Benign Indication-A Systematic Review

Hysterectomy is the most common treatment option in women with uterine fibroids, providing definitive relief from the associated burdensome symptoms. As with all surgical interventions, hysterectomy is associated with risk of complications, short-term morbidities, and mortality, all of which have been described previously. However, information on the potential long-term risks of hysterectomy is only recently becoming available. A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies published between 2005 and December 2020 evaluating the long-term impact of hysterectomy on patient outcomes. A total of 29 relevant studies were identified. A review of the articles showed that hysterectomy may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, certain cancers, the need for further surgery, early ovarian failure and menopause, depression, and other outcomes. It is important to acknowledge that the available studies examine possible associations and hypotheses rather than causality, and there is a need to establish higher quality studies to truly evaluate the long-term consequences of hysterectomy. However, it is of value to consider these findings when discussing the benefits and risks of all treatment options with patients with uterine fibroids to allow for preference-based choices to be made in a shared decision-making process. This is key to ensuring that patients receive the treatment that best meets their individual needs.
Stress, NK Receptors, and Immune Surveillance

It has long been suspected that natural killer (NK) cells are involved in immune surveillance. Now comes new work, described by Pardoll in his Perspective, showing that gd T cells expressing an NK cell receptor called NKG2d are important for detecting precancerous skin epithelial cells in mice ( Girardi et al.). Engagement of NKG2d with its ligands Rae-1 or H60 expressed on mouse epidermal cells treated with carcinogens results in activation of gd T cells, which eliminate the precancerous epidermal cells before they become established as tumors.
Diesel and CNG Transit Bus Emissions Characterization By Two Chassis Dynamometer Laboratories: Results and Issues

Emissions of six 32 passenger transit buses were characterized using one of the West Virginia University (WVU) Transportable Heavy Duty Emissions Testing Laboratories, and the fixed base chassis dynamometer at the Colorado Institute for Fuels and High Altitude Engine Research (CIFHAER). Three of the buses were powered with 1997 ISB 5.9 liter Cummins diesel engines, and three were powered with the 1997 5.9 liter Cummins natural gas (NG) counterpart. The NG engines were LEV certified. Objectives were to contrast the emissions performance of the diesel and NG units, and to compare results from the two laboratories. Both laboratories found that oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter (PM) emissions were substantially lower for the natural gas buses than for the diesel buses. It was observed that by varying the rapidity of pedal movement during accelerations in the Central Business District cycle (CBD), CO and PM emissions from the diesel buses could be varied by a factor of three or more. The driving styles may be characterized as aggressive and non-aggressive, but both styles followed the CBD speed command acceptably. PM emissions were far higher for the aggressive driving style. For the NG fueled vehicles driving style had a similar, although smaller, effect on NO{sub x}. It is evident that driver habits may cause substantial deviation in emissions for the CBD cycle. When the CO emissions are used as a surrogate for driver aggression, a regression analysis shows that NO{sub x} and PM emissions from the two laboratories agree closely for equivalent driving style. Implications of driver habit for emissions inventories and regulations are briefly considered.
Sampling Issues in Parallel Database Systems

Sampling has proven useful in database systems in applications including query size estimation, and most recently, probabilistic parallel query evaluation algorithms. In order to apply the full power of modern multiprocessor database systems, sampling techniques must (1) distribute the sampling workload evenly among the processors in the system, and (2) make use of all the data on the pages brought into main memory during the course of the sampling. In this paper we show how to achieve these two goals by proving that for query size estimation, (1) stratified random sampling guarantees perfect load balancing without reducing the accuracy of the estimate, and that (2) for a given number of I/O operations, page level sampling always produces a more accurate estimate than tuple level sampling. For probabilistic parallel query evaluation algorithms, high performance requires tight boundsxon the expected skew in the allocation of work to processors as a function of the number of samples. Toward this end we prove a new bound on this skew, and show that our new bound is better than previously known bounds.
Performance of Multiattribute Top-K Queries on Relational Systems

In many applications, users specify target values for the attributes of a relation, and expect in return the k tuples that best match these values. Traditional RDBMSs do not process these “top-k queries” efficiently. In our previous work, we outlined a family of strategies to map a top-k query into a traditional selection query that a RDBMS can process efficiently. The goal of such mapping strategies is to get all needed tuples (but minimize the number of retrieved tuples) and thus avoid “restarts” to get additional tuples. Unfortunately, no single mapping strategy performed consistently the best under all data distributions. In this paper, we develop a novel mapping technique that leverages information about the data distribution and adapts itself to the local characteristics of the data and the histograms available to do the mapping. We also report the first experimental evaluation of the new and old mapping strategies over a real RDBMS, namely over Microsoft’s SQL Server 7.0. The experiments show that our new techniques are robust and significantly more efficient than previously known strategies requiring at least one sequential scan of the data sets.
Both the basal and inducible transcription of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene are dependent upon a cAMP response element

The cAMP response element (CRE) mediates cAMP responsiveness in many eukaryotic genes (Roesler, W. J., Vandenbark, G. R., and Hansen, R. W. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 9063-9066). The tyrosine hydroxylase gene (TH) contains a single copy of a consensus CRE at -45 to -38 base pair (bp) upstream of the transcription initiation site. Deletional and mutational analyses of the upstream 2400-base pair region of the rat TH gene using transient transfection assay demonstrated that the CRE was essential for both cAMP-mediated induction and basal transcription of the TH gene. Another domain between -365 and -151 bp, containing the AP1 site, contributed to transcription to a smaller degree. Thus, the CRE appears to play an important dual role as a basal promoter element and an inducible enhancer for TH transcription. Interactions between the DNA binding factors in nuclear extract and CRE-containing oligonucleotides were investigated by gel retardation and competition assays. Oligonucleotides corresponding to the CRE regions of the TH or somatostatin gene gave rise to a pair of distinct protein-DNA complexes with identical mobilities in the gel retardation assay, suggesting that similar nuclear factor(s) might bind to the CREs of the TH and somatostatin genes. This study emphasizes a fundamental role of the CRE in transcriptional activation of the TH gene in catecholaminergic cells.
CRIME ALONG RURAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS

Crime occurs at a lower rate in rural areas than in urban areas (Weisheit, Falcone, and Wells 1994). However, crime rates may vary across rural areas. Rural areas with unique social or geographic characteristics may exhibit crime rates different from rural areas not possessing those characteristics. The present study builds upon research by Jarrel and Howsen (1990)that indicated interstate highway traffic in an area affects crime rates in that area. This thinking is applied to rural crime. Crime rates in rural areas are compared across levels of interstate highway presence. Findings indicate traffic along interstate highways may in fact have a noticeable influence on the occurrence of some types of crime, especially motor vehicle theft, robbery, and homicide.
Power metrics for robot planning and redundancy resolution

Performance metrics based on power are presented for use in manipulator design, task planning, and real-time control of redundant robots. Screw theory is used to mathematically define the task instantaneously with two screws. The task wrench defines the load applied by a device to the environment, and the task twist describes the motion of the device relative to the environment. Three task types are identified: kinetic, manipulative, and reactive and scalar metrics are developed for each: power efficiency, specific velocity and specific force, respectively. The output power is only a function of the task screws, while device input power is shown to be a function of the task, the device Jacobian, and the actuator type. Expressions for input power are developed for: two common types of actuators, DC servomotors and hydraulic actuators. Ideal actuator models are used which permit illustration of geometric and reactive losses that are present to a significant level in tasks performed by a manipulator. >
Sleep Apnea Research in Animals. Past, Present, and Future

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that describes recurrent collapse of the upper airway during sleep. Animal models have been pivotal to the understanding of OSA pathogenesis, consequences, and treatment. In this review, we highlight the history of OSA research in animals and include the discovery of animals with spontaneous OSA, the induction of OSA in animals, and the emulation of OSA using exposures to intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation.
Practitioner Involvement in Clinical Evaluation

Contrary to popular belief, social workers are evaluating their practice, but what they do falls short of the use of quantitative procedures that researchers have promoted. Data obtained from a survey of social workers drawn from the National Association of Social Workers national membership list suggest that the gap between practitioners and clinical researchers may stem in part from different mindsets as well as from actual differences in the commitment to the importance of clinical evaluation. Moreover, in the minds of practitioners there appears to be a sharp distinction between formal single-subject design studies and the general evaluative tasks in which they routinely engage.
Paleosurfaces, paleoelevation, and the mechanisms for the late Miocene topographic development of the Altiplano plateau

Abstract We construct a topographic datum across the central Andes between 18°S and 22°S using extensive, well-preserved paleosurfaces that span the entire range. This datum, combined with estimates of topographic change from paleoaltimetry in the Altiplano and geomorphic relief generation estimates from the plateau flanks allow us to reconstruct the paleo-topography of the range at ~ 10 Ma. Using the 10 Ma topography we explore which geophysical processes can create the observed topographic change over the
Stimulation of ajmalicine production and excretion from Catharanthus roseus: effects of adsorption in situ, elicitors and alginate immobilization

More efficient bioreactors for the production and recovery of secondary metabolites from plant cell cultures are needed. Three factors that have the potential to increase productivity are adsorption in situ, elicitors, and cell immobilization. The effects of these factors on ajmalicine production from Catharanthus roseus are reported in this paper. Elicitation using autoclaved cultures of the mold, Phytophthora cactorum, stimulates a 60% increase in ajmalicine production. The response time to elicitor addition was under 11 h. Adsorption of ajmalicine from the extracellular medium with the neutral resin, Amberlite XAD-7, greatly enhanced the release of ajmalicine (less than 10% extracellular to 40%) with a 40% increase in total productivity. Immobilization in Caalginate beads resulted in a significant increase in the accumulation of ajmalicine in the medium. The effects of elicitation, adsorption and immobilization were synergistic. For a 23-day culture period the amount of ajmalicine in the medium for cells subjected to all three treatments was 90 mg/L compared to 2 mg/L for suspension cultures cultured under otherwise identical conditions. These results suggest that immobilized cell bioreactors may be feasible for continuous production of products normally stored intracellularly in vacuoles in plant cells.
Right and left parses in phrase-structure grammars

The concepts of “right parse” and “left parse” to represent the outputs of bottom-up and top-down parsers (respectively) of context-free grammars are extended in a natural way to cover all phrase-structure grammars. The duality between left and right parses is demonstrated. Algorithms are presented for converting between parses and the “derivation languages.” The derivation languages give the most efficient representation of the syntactical structure of a word in a grammar. This work gives a unified approach to the problem of grammatical parsing and to the problems of organizing the output of parsers. The general theory of parses then leads naturally to the notion of label languages and control sets induced by canonical derivations.
Wandering behavior in veterans with psychiatric diagnoses residing in nursing homes.

Objective To investigate nursing home residents with psychiatric diagnoses who wander and who are not diagnosed with dementia. Method A national cross-sectional study was conducted in a male Veterans Administration Nursing Home Care Unit population using a retrospective review of the MDS. Results Eleven thousand six hundred and nineteen residents were identified as having a psychiatric diagnosis without significant cognitive impairment; just under 1% (n = 113) wandered. Using rare events logit regression, we determined that a diagnosis of schizophrenia/bipolar disorder or comorbid psychiatric conditions were associated with increased risk of wandering compared to residents diagnosed with anxiety/depression. Psychiatric wanderers were also more likely to, have symptoms of delirium, exhibit socially inappropriate behavior, manifest problems in decision-making, take anti-psychotic medications, and to be more independent in locomotion. Conclusions Psychiatric wanderers may be conceptualized better as exhibiting ambulatory concomitants of unremitted neurological/psychiatric symptoms or medication side effects of their treatment. Findings have implications for addressing treatable causes of wandering. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Facile Synthesis and Crystallographic Analysis of Seven Trityl Phosphorus Compounds and Two Nickel(II) Phosphine Side-Products

The syntheses and X-ray analyses of triphenylmethyl (trityl=Tr) phosphorus compounds are reported and the structural similarities, differences and 31P chemical shifts compared. A series of seven trityl-substituted phosphorus-containing compounds have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Ph3CPPh2, 1, a bulky P(III) compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group $$ {\text{P}}\overline{1} $$ , a = 7.5624(6) A, b = 9.5470(8) A, c = 16.9722(14) A, α = 83.4720(10)°, β = 80.541(2)°, γ = 68.1580(10)°, the borane complex of 1, 2, Ph3CPPh2(BH3) crystallizes as monoclinic colorless crystals, P21/c, a = 10.0972(12) A, b = 9.6955(12) A, c = 25.197(3) A, β = 90.258(2)°. The analogous methyl substituted, 3, Ph3CPMe2(BH3) is monoclinic, C2/c, a = 15.628(3) A, b = 12.770(3) A, c = 18.406(4) A, β = 103.968(3)°. Compounds 4–7 are trityl substituted P(V) compounds: Ph3CP(Ph)(O)(OH), 4, crystallizes in the triclinic space group $$ {\text{P}}\overline{1} $$ , a = 8.9847(18) A, b = 9.7443(19) A, c = 12.786(3) A, α = 72.045(3)°, β = 72.031(3)°, γ = 78.769(3)°. Esterification of 4 affords TrCP(O)(Ph)OBn 5, space group, P21/c, a = 7.9196(5) A, b = 31.701(2) A, c = 19.8062(13) A, β = 99.7750(10)°. A phosphonate diester was also characterized, Ph3CP(O)(OEt)2, 6, triclinic, $$ {\text{P}}\overline{1} $$ , a = 7.9521(17) A, b = 9.2205(19) A, c = 14.471(3) A, α = 85.906(4)°, β = 83.031(4)°, γ = 68.283(4)°. Treatment of the trityl H-phosphinic acid, Ph3CPO2H2, with elemental selenium yields yellow crystals of 7, [Ph3CP(O)(OH)Se]2, P21/c, a = 9.0603(4) A, b = 22.3652(11) A, c = 16.9134(7) A, β = 107.035(2)°. In our efforts to isolate a nickel-phosphine complex, two Ni(II) complexes were crystallographically analyzed, [Ni(OP(H)Ph2)6]2BF4 − 8 and 9. Complex 8 with an uncoordinated BF4 − ion crystallizes as yellow orthorhombic crystals, Pbca, a = 18.8247(12) A, b = 18.5518(12) A, c = 21.0976(14) A, while crystals of 9 are trigonal, $$ {\text R} {\bar 3} {\text c} $$ , a = b = 13.1545(12) A, c = 68.461(9) A. The syntheses and X-ray analyses of triphenylmethyl (trityl=Tr) phosphorus compounds are reported and the structural similarities, differences and 31P chemical shifts compared.
The effect of attitude similarity on interpersonal attraction: A test of the conversational expectation explanation

Sunnafrank and Miller (1981) have advanced a conversational expectation explanation to address why attitude similarity exerts an effect on interpersonal attraction in bogus‐stranger relationships, but does not exert an effect when individuals are given a brief opportunity to interact with one another. To date, no empirical study has been undertaken to test Sunnafrank and Miller's conversational expectation explanation. The study reported in this article tested and failed to provide support for Sunnafrank and Miller's conversational expectation explanation.
Accounts of Experiences in the Application of Artificial Neural Networks in Chemical Engineering

Considerable literature describing the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) has evolved for a diverse range of applications such as fitting experimental data, machine diagnostics, pattern recognition, quality control, signal processing, process modeling, and process control, all topics of interest to chemists and chemical engineers. Because ANNs are nets of simple functions, they can provide satisfactory empirical models of complex nonlinear processes useful for a wide variety of purposes. This article describes the characteristics of ANNs including their advantages and disadvantages, focuses on two types of neural networks that have proved in our experience to be effective in practical applications, and presents short examples of four specific applications. In the competitive field of modeling, ANNs have secured a niche that now, after two decades, seems secure.
Cholesterol studies of adrenals and plasma in partially hepatectomized and partially nephrectomized rats after injection of HN3.

The factoks involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism are poorly understood. In previous papers (Ludewig and Chanutin, 1946), (Ludewig and Chanutin, 1947), (Chanutin and Ludewig, 1947) it was shown that intravenous injection of tris (β-chloroethyl) amine (HN3) into intact rats causes a marked and prolonged decrease in the ester cholesterol content of the adrenals and only slight changes in the plasma cholesterol concentration. It is known that the concentration and the distribution of plasma cholesterol is altered in cases of liver or kidney insufficiency in rats (Chanutin and Ludewig, 1936), (Ludewig and Chanutin, 1938). In the present investigation, the cholesterol metabolism was studied after imposing a specific injury by means of HN3 in animals with experimentally produced liver or kidney insufficiency. METHODS Inbred male albino rats, 60–70 days of age, of Wistar strain, were used as experimental animals.
Analysis of the relationship between tumor dose inhomogeneity and local control in patients with skull base chordoma

Abstract Purpose: When irradiating a tumor that abuts or displaces any normal structures, the dose constraints to those structures (if lower than the prescribed dose) may cause dose inhomogeneity in the tumor volume at the tumor–critical structure interface. The low-dose region in the tumor volume may be one of the reasons for local failure. The aim of this study is to quantitate the effect of tumor dose inhomogeneity on local control and recurrence-free survival in patients with skull base chordoma. Methods and Materials: 132 patients with skull base chordoma were treated with combined photon and proton irradiation between 1978 and 1993. This study reviews 115 patients whose dose–volume data and follow-up data are available. The prescribed doses ranged from 66.6 Cobalt-Gray-Equivalent (CGE) to 79.2 CGE (median of 68.9 CGE). The dose to the optic structures (optic nerves and chiasm), the brain stem surface, and the brain stem center was limited to 60, 64, and 53 CGE, respectively. We used the dose–volume histogram data derived with the three-dimensional treatment planning system to evaluate several dose–volume parameters including the Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD). We also analyzed several other patient and treatment factors in relation to local control and recurrence-free survival. Results: Local failure developed in 42 of 115 patients, with the actuarial local control rates at 5 and 10 years being 59% and 44%. Gender was a significant predictor for local control with the prognosis in males being significantly better than that in females ( P = 0.004, hazard ratio = 2.3). In a Cox univariate analysis, with stratification by gender, the significant predictors for local control (at the probability level of 0.05) were EUD, the target volume, the minimum dose, and the D 5cc dose. The prescribed dose, histology, age, the maximum dose, the mean dose, the median dose, the D 90% dose, and the overall treatment time were not significant factors. In a Cox multivariate analysis, the models including gender and EUD, or gender and the target volume, or gender and the minimum target dose were significant. The more biologically meaningful of these models is that of gender and EUD. Conclusion: This study suggests that the probability of recurrence of skull base chordomas depends on gender, target volume, and the level of target dose inhomogeneity. EUD was shown to be a useful parameter to evaluate dose distribution for the target volume.
Novel technique for r.m.s.--d.c. conversion based on the difference of squares

A new technique is described for producing a d.c. output proportional to the r.m.s. value of an input having arbitrary waveshape. Like the fundamental method based on a thermal balance, this technique does not require the use of accurate scaling within the nonlinear element; scaling is primarily determined by the ratio of two equal resistors operating at low power.
The internal dialogue: On the asymmetry between positive and negative coping thoughts

The concept of the internal dialogue—and specifically the fundamental polarity between positive and negative thoughts—has historical antecedents from Plato to William James. Recent cognitive-behavioral research suggests that functional groups are characterized by approximately a 1.7 to 1 ratio of positive to negative coping thoughts, whereas mildly dysfunctional groups demonstrate equal frequencies of such thoughts. Furthermore, this research reveals an asymmetry between positive and negative coping thoughts, whereby negative thoughts have greater functional impact and are more likely to change as a result of therapy. After selectively tracing relevant historical factors, this article reviews research supporting these asymmetrical relationships and explores potential implications for increased specificity in cognitive-behavioral therapies.
Construction of a peephole optimizer

Abstract : The design and construction of a peephole optimiser is described. The optimiser consists of a database of patterns, a translator which translates the patterns into an implementation language, and a pattern-matcher skeleton into which the generated pattern code is inserted. It is argued that this three-part split is a good way to approach the construction of certain kinds of programs. Keywords: Compilers, Ada programming language.
Signaling and affective functions in Pavlovian conditioning

The present study employed a Pavlovian-instrumental-transfer paradigm to investigate the role of conditioned fear in appetitive discrimination learning. Each of three Pavlovian training procedures was used to establish a conditioned fear excitor (CS+), a “neutral” CS (CSo), and a conditioned fear inhibitor (CS−). Then, the CSs were administered to rats in the three groups contingent upon the rewarded response in a difficult visual discrimination. In addition, half of each group received shock punishment for each incorrect response. Relative to CSo, CS+ facilitated performance in contrast to the usual interfering effect of conditioned suppressors; conversely, CS− retarded performance even when its reinforcing action (fear inhibition) was potentiated by punishment for the incorrect response. These results, together with other findings showing a reversed outcome when the CSs are administered for the incorrect response, indicate that Pavlovian conditioning comprises both general signaling and affective functions, the former reflecting a basic “expectancy” or nominal type of cognitive processing in the rat.
Spin waves in a thin film with magnetoelectric coupling at the surfaces

Abstract The standing spin waves in a thin ferromagnetic film are calculated when the surface magnetization is influenced by magnetoelectric coupling. At the interfaces, inversion symmetry is broken allowing for an energy term that is linear in the electric polarization in the film. For the two film surfaces, the magnetoelectric coupling is opposite in sign and therefore results in asymmetric pinning of the dynamic magnetization. The magnetoelectric pinning alters the spin wave frequencies and also the power absorbed by the material at these resonances.
Assisting students to identify sources: an investigation

Purpose – This study aims to look at three classes of first-year students enrolled in an Information Literacy course and examines the difficulties these students encountered when attempting to identify different types of information. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, 41 annotated bibliography assignments, in which students were required to state which type of source they had chosen and why were examined and trends in the misidentification of sources were analysed. Findings – Students in the study misidentified half of the sources they used, and struggled equally when identifying sources they located through library databases and the Internet. Trends in the misidentification of these sources were analysed, leading to recommendations for assisting students with learning how to identify sources. Research limitations and implications – Although the sample size of this study was small, further research into how students identify different types of information would help librarians develop further st...
Simulations of the Effects of Mold Properties on Directional Solidification

The mold geometry and its thermal properties greatly influence the solidification process. Finite element simulations of directional solidification in various molds are presented. These simulations were performed using volume averaged properties in the mushy zone in order to model the convection, transport of solute and energy, and phase change occurring during solidification. These simulations show the interactions of the mold and alloy with the resultant solidification phenomena, including steepling. Mold geometries can cause macrosegregation because of shrinkage flows, by interrupting the development of the mushy zone, and by causing or influencing thermosolutal convection. Mold materials with different thermal properties result in different macrosegregation patterns even for the same geometries. Changes in cross section and the thermal properties of the mold also affect the gradients and solidification rates obtained in the alloy, as opposed to those measured on the mold wall. Simulations are compared qualitatively to a verification experiment of directionally solidifying a hypoeutectic Al-7wt%Si alloy in a mold with changing cross sections.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Free‐Energy‐Based Model of Chemical Equilibria in the CaO–SiO2‐H2O System

The chemical equilibrium between the C-S-H gel phase and the aqueous phase in the CaO-SiO2-H2O system was modeled using the free-energy-based Thermo-Calc commercial software system. Unlike programs that are based on solubility products, the minimization of free energy allows the composition and solubility of the C-S-H phase to vary, as in real cementitious systems. The C-S-H gel is modeled as a defect tobermorite structure, based on recent compositional data gathered using 29Si NMR. The composition is varied by removal of some of the bridging silica tetrahedra in the SiO layers and by incorporating different amounts of Ca in the interlayer spaces.