cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of cinnamic acids and related isosteres as potent and selective αvβ3 receptor antagonists

We describe a series of conformationally-restricted cinnamic acid peptidomimetics as well as several cinnamic acid isosteres, including 3-phenylpropionic acids, 2-amino-3-phenylpropionic acids, phenoxyacetic acids and 2-phenylcyclopropylcarboxylic acids. Several analogues demonstrated low to sub-nanomolar potencies against alpha(v)beta(3) and greater than 200-fold selectivity against the other beta(3) integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). In whole 293 cells, many of these analogues also showed modest selectivity against other alpha(v) integrins such as alpha(v)beta(1) and alpha(v)beta(5). These compounds were synthesized from readily available starting materials using either Heck or Mitsunobu coupling conditions.
Private-Label Use and Store Loyalty

Abstract The authors develop an econometric model of the relationship between a household's private-label (PL) share and its behavioral store loyalty. The model includes major drivers of these two behaviors and controls for simultaneity and nonlinearity in the relationship between them. The model is estimated with a unique data set that combines complete purchase records of a panel of Dutch households with demographic and psychographic data. The authors estimate the model for two retail chains in the Netherlands—the leading service chain with a well-differentiated high-share PL and the leading value chain with a lower-share PL. They find that PL share significantly affects all three measures of behavioral loyalty in the study: share of wallet, share of items purchased, and share of shopping trips. In addition, behavioral loyalty has a significant effect on PL share. For the service chain, the authors find that both effects are in the form of an inverted U. For the value chain, the effects are positive and...
Spin Testing of Ceramic Materials

An essential step in the application of structural ceramic materials is the development of a design methodology for ceramic components. This methodology can be based on a Weibull statistical approach which allows one to predict the probability of failure of a ceramic structure [1, 2]. In addition, the effect of size and stress distribution on the fracture strength can be predicted. The size effect, where the mean strength of a component with a large volume of stressed material is much lower than the mean strength of the material as measured with small bend specimens, is due to the increased chance of encountering a larger critical flaw with increasing volume of stressed material. The validity of Weibull statistics in describing this effect must be verified with laboratory experiments. Spin testing of disks and bars provides a method of stressing a large volume of material, while bend specimens provide a convenient method of stressing small volumes. Previous spin testing of hot pressed silicon nitride disks with a hole in the center have indicated excellent agreement with predictions from four-point bend tests [2].
Exposing the white avatar: projections, justifications, and the ever-evolving American racism

In the context of the United States, mainstream entertainment genres continue to recycle dominant racial ideologies typified by the perspectives of white men. American minstrelsy, literature, and film are key sites for whiteness to manifest itself in the design and projection of online personae via white avatars. These projections of whiteness also reify the US racial structure, one that subjects the perspectives of people of color to misrepresentation and further racial marginalization. This theoretical interpretative article employs Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS) to investigate how these projections of whiteness are historically rooted and have evolved in the post-racial era. Using popular virtual gaming and social media examples, this paper critically deconstructs how the creation of white personae via avatars maintains and justifies the hegemonic power of whiteness.
Chromosome instability syndromes: lessons for carcinogenesis.

The ability to maintain genomic integrity in the face of DNA damage is critical for survival. Biological organisms are not merely passive targets of DNA-damaging agents but actively respond to DNA damage in a variety of ways, e.g., the SOS system in Escherichia coli (Battista et al. 1990). The means by which cells achieve this goal are complex and involve DNA repair, genetic recombination, alterations in the cell cycle, and programmed cell death. This article discusses the chromosome instability syndromes, human diseases in which these homeostatic processes have broken down, resulting in cancer, immunodeficiency, growth failure, neurologic abnormalities, and mutagen sensitivity. Genetic instability in these syndromes may result from changes in DNA topology, loss of cell cycle checkpoint control, or dysregulation of lymphokine-mediated signal-transduction pathways, illustrating the diverse nature of the cellular processes that can affect the integrity of the genome.
Chrysopa rufilabris: Effect of Selected Pesticides on Duration of Third Larval Stadium, Pupal Stage, and Adult Survival,

Technical and commercial preparations of chlorobenzilate, azinphosmethyl, carbophenothion, ethion, and carbaryl were tested against larvae of Chrysopa rufilabris Burmeister two days after they molted to the third instar. The third larval stadium was significantly lengthened in individuals which survived topical treatment with azinphosmethyl, ethion, carbophenothion, and carbaryl, whereas chlorobenzilate and one-day-old residues of all commercial pesticides had little prolonging effect. The pupal stage was significantly prolonged by commercial ethion and ethion + oil as well as by topical applications of all technical pesticides except chlorobenzilate. Emergence was lowest among individuals topically treated with azinphosmethyl and carbaryl and highest with chlorobenzilate. In decreasing order, residues of commercial azinphosmethyl, carbaryl, ethion + oil, ethion, carbophenothion, and chlorobenzilate reduced the numbers of individuals surviving to adulthood.
A Conversation With Milton Blood: The New AACSB Standards

Milton R. Blood is managing director of Accreditation Services for AACSB International--The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. In this role, Milton has played an important part ...
Effects of Plasticization and Shear Stress on Phase Structure Development and Properties of Soy Protein Blends

In this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was used as a plastic component to blend with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Effects of SPC plasticization and blend composition on its deformation during mixing were studied in detail. Influence of using water as the major plasticizer and glycerol as the co-plasticizer on the deformation of the SPC phase during mixing was explored. The effect of shear stress, as affected by SPC loading level, on the phase structure of SPC in the blends was also investigated. Quantitative analysis of the aspect ratio of SPC particles was conducted by using ImageJ software, and an empirical model predicting the formation of percolated structure was applied. The experimental results and the model prediction showed a fairly good agreement. The experimental results and statistic analysis suggest that both SPC loading level and its water content prior to compounding had significant influences on development of the SPC phase structure and were correlated in determining the morphological structures of the resulting blends. Consequently, physical and mechanical properties of the blends greatly depended on the phase morphology and PBAT/SPC ratio of the blends.
Targeted Observation of ELL Instruction as a Tool in the Preparation of School Leaders

ABSTRACTPreparing school administrators to promote effective instruction of English language learners (ELLs) is an important dimension of today’s educational leadership programs, requiring innovative program activities. This study explores school leadership candidates’ use of an observation tool targeted to ELL instruction that incorporated guided video analysis and live observation. Collaboration between TESOL and school leadership faculty served to enhance the capacity of the leadership program to prepare candidates in school leadership with the needed knowledge and skills to enact meaningful supervisory practices for teachers of ELL students. Implications for leadership programs to strengthen instruction for ELLs are discussed.
A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF ORE- CONTROLLING FACTOR AND METALLOGENESIS OF GOLD LODE ZONE IN THE CENTRAL PART OF NORTH BURMA

In the central part of north Burma, there are many gold lode deposits and occurences in the front nappe of Cenozoic orogenic belt east of the India burma island arc and the retroarc basin, which form a huge gold lode zone. The formation, distribution and scale of gold lode zone, ore field, deposits and ore bodies are controlled by the shear fracture zone consisting of nearly N S thrust and NE tension fault. The permeable medium coarse grain sandstones of the lower part of Lower Male Formation act as a good host of the ore. And the mudstone, fine sandstone, siltstone and shale of the upper part of Lower Male Formation possibly play an important part in the migration of Au bearing hydrothermal solution, precipitation of silica, deposition and locating of metallogenetic material.
The Systemic Approach to Cancer Therapy

The list of neoplastic diseases responsive to some form of systemic therapy has lengthened in the past 10 years to the point where benefit can now be expected in the majority of cancer categories. In three entities, long-term tumor-free survival appears to have been achieved through chemotherapy. The authors describe the background of these advances and delineate the many fronts of current research.
Parcelization: Forest Change Agent in Northern Wisconsin

Parcelization-induced forest fragmentation is eating away at private, nonindustrial forests. Parcel sizes are declining and the number of landowners is increasing. These conditions make it challenging for resource managers to maintain economical timber harvesting on smaller privately held forested parcels. Shrinking parcel sizes also aggravate landscape and habitat fragmentation. In this article, we analyze parcelization and its link to private land-use change. Reconstruction of historic tax parcels and land use in three rural towns in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, allowed us to examine the effects of parcelization over a 53-year period. Our results indicate that parcelization is a significant factor in landscape change in northern Wisconsin. This research provides empirical evidence of the necessity to manage how private land is subdivided and used in amenity and natural resource rich areas.
Towards a Scalable Distributed Fitness Evaluation Service

Organizations across the globe gather more and more data. Large datasets require new approaches to analysis and processing, which include methods based on machine learning. In particular, the symbolic regression can provide many useful insights. Unfortunately, due to high resource requirements, the use of this method for large datasets might be unfeasible. In this paper we analyze a bottleneck in an open-source implementation of this method, we call hubert. We identify that the evaluation of individuals is the most costly operation. As a solution to this problem, we propose a new evaluation service based on the Apache Spark framework, which attempts to speed up computations by distributing them on a cluster of machines. We compare the performance of the service by analyzing the execution time for a number of samples with use of both implementations. Then we discuss how the computation time improves with increased amount of resources. Finally we draw conclusions and outline plans for further research.
A Curriculum for General Systems Education

The purpose of the paper is to delineate a tertiary-level (undergraduate) educational curriculum in consonance with the very purpose of the university [1]: to ensure that every graduating student has been taken to the forefront of human knowledge.
Abstract 4881: CD300f-regulated efferocytosis by dendritic cells and macrophages controls the initiation and resolution of experimental colitis

Phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) is critical for resolution of inflammation and prevention of chronic inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammation-associated cancer. CD300f (CLM-1), a cell surface receptor that recognizes phosphatidylserine exposed on apoptotic cells, has been shown to promote efferocytosis by macrophages. In the present study, we found that CD300f plays a critical role in controlling the severity and duration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and CD300f-expressing macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) were identified as key players controlling disease pathogenesis. Compared to Cd300f+/+ mice, Cd300f-/- mice showed increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis and impaired resolution of inflammation. In Cd300f-/- mice, macrophage-mediated efferocytosis was reduced, resulting in apoptotic cell accumulation in the gut mucosa. In contrast, Cd300f-/- DC engulfed apoptotic cells more efficiently than Cd300f+/+ DC. CD300f-deficient DC transfer exacerbated DSS-induced inflammation and delayed its resolution, whereas CD300f-expressing macrophage transfer attenuated DSS-induced inflammation. Hyperactive efferocytosis by CD300f-deficient gut DC resulted in excessive tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) secretion, which induced secondary interferon-a (IFN-a) over-production, both of which impaired the resolution of colitis. TNF-a neutralization resulted in decreased levels of gut pro-inflammatory cytokines and significant disease amelioration. Collectively, these results suggest that CD300f is important for preventing chronic inflammation by enhancing macrophage efferocytosis and inhibiting TNF-a production induced by DC efferocytosis. From these findings, it is conceivable that increasing macrophage-mediated efferocytosis and suppressing DC-mediated efferocytosis through upregulation of CD300f expression would provide a new therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease patients. Citation Format: Ha-Na Lee, Linjie Tian, Jacquice Davis, Mariam Quinones, Yasmine Belkaid, Konrad Krzewski, John E. Coligan. CD300f-regulated efferocytosis by dendritic cells and macrophages controls the initiation and resolution of experimental colitis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4881.
Neighboring-Metallic-Layer-Induced Nonreciprocal Wave Propagation in a Thin Metallic Ferromagnetic Film

Nonreciprocal spin wave propagation, induced by placing a neighboring metallic nonmagnetic layer, has been studied in metallic ferromagnetic thin films. The structure consists of a set of coupled microstrip transmission lines acting as antennas placed over a thin Ni80Fe20 layer. Nonreciprocal propagation of magnetostatic surface waves (MSSWs) has been observed. The nonreciprocal effect is evaluated by the amplitude ratio and the phase difference of the MSSWs traveling in opposite directions. By investigating the correlation between the device structure and the nonreciprocal effects, a maximum of −26.0 dB of the amplitude ratio and −180.0° phase difference were obtained. These results can be applied to optimize the nonreciprocal device.
Early ercp in biliary pancreatitis: A macho mistake?: Early ERCP and papillotomy compared with conservative treatment for acute biliary pancreatitis

Abstract In a prospective, randomized, multicenter study from Germany, 238 patients were assigned to early ERCP and possible papillotomy or conservative treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis. Randomization occurred within 72 h after the onset of pancreatitis symptoms. In the invasive treatment group, 121 of 126 patients successfully underwent ERCP. Papillotomy with extraction of bile duct stones was successful in 57 of 58 patients with choiedocholithiasis. The overall 3-month mortality rate and the mortality directly related to the biliary pancreatitis was not different in the two groups. The complication rate was similar in the two groups, but the invasive treatment group had a higher incidence of more severe and pulmonary complications. Jaundice occurred more frequently in the conservative treatment group, and 22 of the 112 in this group eventually required ERCP.
Labyrinthectomy for Meniere’s Disease

Surgical labyrinthectomy is a highly successful modality for the treatment of vertigo in patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction and nonserviceable hearing most commonly from Meniere’s Disease. Surgical ablation of the labyrinth may be accomplished through either a transcanal or transmastoid approach. We review the history of the procedure, the indications for surgery, the technical aspects for both types of labyrinthectomy, and surgical outcomes focusing on control of vertigo and postoperative complication rates. Either approach is safe and highly successful modality to control symptoms of vertigo in properly selected patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction and nonserviceable hearing.
VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL POLYPEPTIDE—FROM GENE TO PROTEIN TO PEPTIDE

Publisher Summary Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was originally isolated from the intestine but has been shown to be distributed throughout the body with a high concentration in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. In addition, this 28 amino acid polypeptide, VIP, has been localized to and released from nerve terminals in the brain, suggesting that VIP may function as a neurotransmitter. Biochemical experiments suggest that VIP may regulate energy metabolism in the brain. This chapter describes an experiment for examining the synthesis and phenotypic expression of VIP. Methodologically, two independent complementary approaches were taken. First, monoclonal antibodies were produced against VIP that would allow the detection of newly synthesized precursors. The second approach was the molecular cloning of the VIP gene using a synthetic undecaoligodeoxynucleotide and poly(A) mRNA from brain to generate VIP specific cDNA.
The Spirit of Experimentation: Barbara Kasten and László Moholy-Nagy

This article discusses how Laszlo Moholy-Nagy's practice has informed Barbara Kasten's in the context of their shared interest in experimentation and in the interdisciplinary, explicating those terms in both modernist and contemporary contexts. It considers the various ways Moholy-Nagy has influenced (and continues to influence) Kasten over the course of her ongoing career.
Comparison of Gilmore-Akulichev equation and Rayleigh-Plesset equation on therapeutic ultrasound bubble cavitation

The inertial cavitation of bubble clouds has been considered to be the hidden crucial mechanism for recent new therapeutic ultrasound applications such as Histotripsy and the ultrasound drug delivery. Although many models are already put forward to simulate the cavitation process, due to the inaccessible experimental validation, which model works closest to the real world situation is not well investigated. The objective of this thesis is mainly to compare the simulation performance of the popular Rayleigh-Plesset model and Gilmore-Akulichev model exposed to high intensity focused ultrasound in terms of the bubble equilibrium radius, the ultrasonic pressure, frequency and gas diffusion. Our results show that under the same acoustic wave, before the first collapse, the bubble oscillates similarly with Rayleigh-Plesset and Gilmore-AKulichev models, but it collapses much more violently with Rayleigh-Plesset model. When more cycles of ultrasonic wave are exposed to the bubble, these two models behave disparately both in the oscillation and collapse stages. With Gilmore-Akulichev model, the bubble tends to oscillate in a more stable and bounded shape while it’s expands and collapses unrealistically with Rayleigh-Plesset model. Also, the effect of the bubble gas diffusion is explored with Gilmore-Akulichev model. The gas diffusion is found to make the bubble expansion larger and collapse more dramatic, and this ability to sharpen curves tends to be stronger with higher pressure amplitude and lower frequency waves. Finally, GPU CUDA is implemented to simulate the
Perceptions and performance using computer-based testing: One institution's experience.

Abstract Background and purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate student and faculty perceptions of the transition to a required computer-based testing format and to identify any impact of this transition on student exam performance. Educational activity and setting Separate questionnaires sent to students and faculty asked about perceptions of and problems with computer-based testing. Exam results from program-required courses for two years prior to and two years following the adoption of computer-based testing were compared to determine if this testing format impacted student performance. Findings Responses to Likert-type questions about perceived ease of use showed no difference between students with one and three semesters experience with computer-based testing. Of 223 student-reported problems, 23% related to faculty training with the testing software. Students most commonly reported improved feedback (46% of responses) and ease of exam-taking (17% of responses) as benefits to computer-based testing. Faculty-reported difficulties were most commonly related to problems with student computers during an exam (38% of responses) while the most commonly identified benefit was collecting assessment data (32% of responses). Neither faculty nor students perceived an impact on exam performance due to computer-based testing. An analysis of exam grades confirmed there was no consistent performance difference between the paper and computer-based formats. Discussion and summary Both faculty and students rapidly adapted to using computer-based testing. There was no evidence that switching to computer-based testing had any impact on student exam performance.
Perceptually Equivalent Judgments Made Visually and via Haptic Sensory-Substitution Devices

According to the ecological theory of perception–action, perception is primarily of affordances, which are directly perceivable opportunities for behavior. The current study evaluated participants’...
Essential tyrosyl residues in Lactobacilluscasei thymidylate synthetase

Abstract Sulfhydryl-blocked thymidylate synthetase (EC 2.1.1.4.5) is rapidly inactivated by low concentrations of tetranitromethane. This reagent first nitrates two non-essential tyrosines per dimeric enzyme molecule followeed by two essential tyrosines with no oxidation of sulfhydryl groups. dUMP affords significant protection against inactivation. These results suggest that essential tyrosyl residues are present in the active sites of the enzyme.
Methylamine-specific methyltransferase paralogs in Methanosarcina are functionally distinct despite frequent gene conversion

Sequenced archaeal genomes are mostly smaller and more streamlined than typical bacterial genomes; however, members of the Methanosarcina genus within the Euryarchaeaota are a significant exception, with M. acetivorans being the largest archaeal genome (5.8 Mbp) sequenced thus far. This finding is partially explained by extensive gene duplication within Methanosarcina spp. Significantly, the evolutionary pressures leading to gene duplication and subsequent genome expansion have not been well investigated, especially with respect to biological methane production (methanogenesis), which is the key biological trait of these environmentally important organisms. In this study, we address this question by specifically probing the functional evolution of two methylamine-specific methyltransferase paralogs in members of the Methanosarcina genus. Using the genetically tractable strain, M. acetivorans, we first show that the two paralogs have distinct cellular functions: one being required for methanogenesis from methylamine, the other for use of methylamine as a nitrogen source. Subsequently, through comparative sequence analyses, we show that functional divergence of paralogs is primarily mediated by divergent evolution of the 5′ regulatory region, despite frequent gene conversion within the coding sequence. This unique evolutionary paradigm for functional divergence of genes post-duplication underscores a divergent role for an enzyme singularly associated with methanogenic metabolism in other aspects of cell physiology.
Backing up, not backing down: Mitigating audience costs through policy substitution:

Can a leader reduce the audience costs imposed for backing down completely on a threat by opting instead to ‘back up’ to a less hawkish policy? Current research examines the political repercussions...
Ligand-Enabled β-Methylene C(sp 3 )-H Arylation of Masked Aliphatic Alcohols.

Despite recent advances, reactivity and site-selectivity remain significant obstacles for the practical application of C(sp3 )-H bond functionalization methods. Here, we describe a system that combines a salicylic-aldehyde-derived L,X-type directing group with an electron-deficient 2-pyridone ligand to enable the β-methylene C(sp3 )-H arylation of aliphatic alcohols, which has not been possible previously. Notably, this protocol is compatible with heterocycles embedded in both alcohol substrates and aryl coupling partners. A site- and stereo-specific annulation of dihydrocholesterol and the synthesis of a key intermediate of englitazone illustrate the practicality of this method.
Pronunciation Can Be Acquired Outside the Classroom: Design and Assessment of Homework‐Based Training

Even though there is ample evidence that pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective second language (L2) communication, pronunciation training is frequently neglected in L2 classrooms due to time constraints or because instructors do not feel adequately prepared to teach pronunciation. To address this discrepancy, the present study investigates the effectiveness of a novel, homework-based method of pronunciation instruction. Novice German learners? (N = 122) perception and oral production skills on the word and sentence level were assessed at the beginning and the end of the semester. Learners were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a homework-based pronunciation training group, an in-class training group, and a control group. The results showed that the learners in the homework training group significantly outperformed learners in the control group on some (but not all) measures of phonological perception skills and on comprehensibility measures of productions of individual words. Results further revealed no significant difference between learners who received homework-based or in-class pronunciation training and responses on a debriefing questionnaire showed that learners were equally satisfied with both training modalities. Taken together, these results suggest that homework-based pronunciation training is similarly effective as in-class practice.
Legislature, Match Day, and Annual Meeting Fill Alliance Calendar.

Gill Waltman is the 2018–2019 MSMA Alliance President and Professor, Ophthalmology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. Contact: moc.liamg@namtlaw.naillig Open in a separate window
A Biphasic Approach for Characterizing Tensile, Compressive, and Hydraulic Properties of the Sclera

Measuring the biomechanical properties of the mouse sclera is of great interest, since altered scleral properties are features of many common ocular pathologies, and the mouse is a powerful species for studying genetic factors in disease. Here, a poroelastic material model is used to analyze data from unconfined compression testing of both pig and mouse sclera, and the tensile modulus, compressive modulus, and permeability of the sclera are obtained at three levels of compressive strain. Values for all three properties measured simultaneously by unconfined compression of pig sclera were comparable to previously reported values measured by tests specific for each property, i.e., compression tests, biaxial tensile tests, and falling-head permeability assays. The repeatability of the approach was evaluated using test-retest experimental paradigm on pig sclera. Repeatability was low for measured compressive stiffness, indicating permanent changes to the samples occurring after the first test. However, reasonable repeatability for tensile stiffness and permeability was observed. The intrinsic material properties of the mouse sclera were measured for the first time. Tensile stiffness and permeability of the sclera in both species were seen to be dependent on the state of compressive strain. We conclude that unconfined compression testing of sclera, when analyzed with poroelastic theory, can be used as a powerful tool to phenotype mouse scleral changes in future genotype-phenotype association studies. Statement of SignificanceOcular biomechanics is strongly influenced by the sclera, the outermost white coat of the eye. Many ocular diseases are believed to be influenced by pathological changes to scleral microstructure and biomechanics, making intrinsic biomechanical properties an important outcome measure in many studies. However, the small mouse eye precludes the use of most traditional biomechanical characterization techniques. Here, we show that unconfined compression testing analyzed with poroelastic theory can produce measurements of biomechanical properties in the pig sclera comparable to those measured by other traditional techniques. Importantly, this technique can be successfully applied to the mouse sclera, enabling more widespread use of the species as a model for ocular disease.
Pakistani Youth in Relation to CPEC and Their Future as Entrepreneurs

The objective of the study is to reveal whether the Pakistani youth accepts CPEC as their future and have shown positivity to become an entrepreneur. Our study reveals that; the youth in Pakistan feels that it is a need of time for their country and to take this opportunity as positive indicator towards their country prosperity and economic revival in no times. The research is focused on the samples based upon the youth of Lahore specifically the university students who directly have impact over being the entrepreneurs of Pakistan We use frequency analysis for our resultants, that helps us to interpret the data at a glance initially for the subject problem identified. It also helps us to evaluate and highlight the factors involved with the composition of its involvement as variable.
From Inception to 2020: a Review of Dynamic Myocardial CT Perfusion Imaging

Dynamic myocardial CT perfusion imaging (CTP) is an emerging new approach to establish the hemodynamic severity of coronary artery obstructions. Literature and consensus documents on its practical applicability are limited. Despite significant amount of literature supporting the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic CTP and its incremental value over CTA in the last decade, its use has been relatively limited. Obstacles to its broader clinical use may include knowledge gaps associated with dynamic CTP imaging. We review patient preparation, scanning protocols, scanner requirements, optimization of the scan and image reconstruction, interpretation of the results, and the reported diagnostic performance of dynamic CTP.
Intellectual Honesty

Engaging a listener’s trust imposes moral demands upon a presenter in respect of truthtelling and completeness. An agent lies by an utterance that satisfies what are herein defined as signal and mendacity conditions; an agent deceives when, in satisfaction of those conditions, the agent’s utterances contribute to a false belief or thwart a true one. I advert to how we may fool ourselves in observation and in the perception of our originality. Communication with others depends upon a convention or practice of presumed nonuniversal truthfulness. In support of an asserted duty of nondeceptiveness, I offer a reconciliation of pertinent Kantian passages, a sketch of arguments within utilitarianism, contractarianism, and other views, and an account arguing for application of that duty to assertions, implicatures, omissions, equivocation, prevarication, and sophistry insofar as they affect listeners’ doxastic states. For scholarship, this duty is exceptionless. I describe the kernel of intellectual honesty as a virtuous disposition such that when presented with an incentive to deceive, the agent will not deceive. Intellectual honesty delivers candor when it counts. I contrast this with complementary virtues and the surpassing virtue of ingenuousness. An account is given of the connection between intellectual honesty and an influential physical model of integrity.
Characterizing Heavy Neutral Fermions via their Decays

Many extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics contain new electrically-neutral fermions. Should one of these particles be discovered, questions will naturally arise regarding its nature. For instance: is it a self-conjugate particle (i.e., is it a Dirac or a Majorana fermion)?, does it interact via the Standard Model force carriers or something else? One set of well-motivated particles in this class are Heavy Neutral Leptons (HNLs), Standard Model gauge-singlet fermions that mix with the neutrinos and may be produced in meson decays. We demonstrate that measuring the three body decays of the HNL (or phenomenologically similar heavy fermions) can help determine whether they are Majorana or Dirac fermions. We also investigate the ability to distinguish among different models for the physics responsible for the HNL decay. We compare the reach assuming full and partial event reconstruction, and propose experimental analyses. Should a new fermion be discovered, studying its three body decays provides a powerful diagnostic tool of its nature.
Assessment of romiplostim immunogenicity in pediatric patients in clinical trials and in a global postmarketing registry

Development of first-generation thrombopoietins (TPOs) was halted due to antibodies that neutralized endogenous TPO, causing protracted thrombocytopenia in some patients. The second-generation TPO receptor agonist romiplostim, having no homology to TPO, was developed to circumvent potential immunogenicity. We examined the development of binding and neutralizing antibodies to romiplostim and TPO among pediatric patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in 5 clinical trials and a global postmarketing registry. In the trials, 25 of 280 (8.9%) patients developed anti-romiplostim binding antibodies. The first positive result was detected 67 weeks (median) after romiplostim treatment was initiated. The median romiplostim dose was 8 µg/kg, and the median platelet count was 87 × 109/L. Most patients who developed anti-romiplostim binding antibodies (18 of 25 [72%]) had ≥90% of platelet assessments showing a response. Anti-romiplostim neutralizing antibodies developed in 8 of 280 (2.9%) patients. The development of anti-romiplostim neutralizing antibodies was unrelated to the romiplostim dose, and most patients who developed the antibodies (7 of 8 [88%]) had platelet response. Nine of 279 (3.2%) patients developed anti-TPO binding antibodies, and 1 (0.4%) developed transient anti-TPO neutralizing antibodies. In 8 patients who developed anti-romiplostim neutralizing antibodies, no TPO cross-reactivity was observed. In the postmarketing registry, 3 of 19 (15.8%) patients developed anti-romiplostim binding antibodies; 1 (5.3%) patient developed anti-romiplostim neutralizing antibodies. These results suggest that immunogenicity to romiplostim occurs infrequently in pediatric patients with ITP and is generally not associated with loss of platelet response or other negative clinical sequelae.
A unique and effective method of anatomy education: Small-group learning with prosected plastinated specimens.

OBJECTIVE At the New York University College of Dentistry, we are faced with the challenge of teaching Head and Neck Anatomy to a class of approximately 380 first-year students. We have developed an innovative anatomy curriculum that has proven effective in facilitating students' learning and long-term retention of the material. It has the added benefit of being time- and cost-efficient. Here, we share the structure of our curriculum and examine the student outcomes and student feedback. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this paper, we describe the evidence-based methods used in our course and present measures of student success. We also surveyed students about aspects of the anatomy curriculum. RESULTS Our curriculum efficiently manages cost, instructional time, and classroom space, while promoting student success. Over the last 9 years, NYU Dentistry students have achieved a mean first-time pass rate of 98.6% and an average anatomy score of 1.74 standard deviations above the national mean on the National Board Dental Examination Part I. Students agree with instructor assessments of which features of the curriculum are valuable and state that the course helps them prepare for clinical courses. CONCLUSION We believe that the main factors in the success of our course are the small group setting, the benefits of spaced repetition and frequent quizzes, and the use of plastinated specimens in place of wet cadavers.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Reading Comprehension Interventions on the Reading Comprehension Outcomes of Struggling Readers in Third Through 12th Grades:

Informed by theories of reading comprehension and prior reviews of reading comprehension intervention, this meta-analysis uniquely contributes to the literature because it describes the relative ef...
Engagement in Buddhist Meditation Practices Among Non-Buddhists: Associations with Religious Identity and Practice

The relationship between contemporary mindfulness practice and its Buddhist roots has generated debate as popularity in secular clinical contexts increases. Researchers, clinicians, and practitioners question the ethics of secularizing these practices, as well the potential barriers of offering mindfulness programs in the context of Buddhism, especially for individuals who practice or identify with non-Buddhist religions. However, to date, there has been little empirical exploration of these associations. Using a sample from a previous study of 173 inmates in a minimum-security correctional facility, the study compared individuals who voluntarily participated in an intensive Buddhist Vipassana mediation course (n = 57) with those who chose not to participate (n = 116). The associations between religious affiliation, participation in an intensive meditation course, and post-course changes in engagement in non-Buddhist religious practices were assessed. Results show that participation in the Vipassana course was not significantly associated with religious identification or level of engagement prior to taking the course or with engagement in religious practices 3 months following their release from jail. These results suggest that mindfulness meditation, even when taught in a traditional Buddhist context, may be attractive and acceptable to those of other religious faiths, and involvement in such practices does not threaten engagement in non-Buddhist religious practices.
Depressive Disorders in the Medically Ill: An Overview

Depressive disorders are far more serious than most people realize, and depressive disorders are disabling affected persons progressively earlier in life. Heavy utilization of medical services, extensive disability and morbidity, and high suicide risk exact a staggering economic toll in the United States annually. Depressive illness is, like pneumonia and septic shock, a dread complication of major medical illness, and depressive illness appears more frequently as the medical illness worsens; diseases affecting the brain may have the highest rates of depressive symptoms. Correctly diagnosing a depressive disorder in a medically ill patient is a clinical challenge that requires systematic, persistent clinical scrutiny. Compassion demands that depressive disorders, when diagnosed, be treated aggressively.
Computers, ethics & social values

1. What is Computer Ethics? 2. Crime, Abuse, and Hacker Ethics. 3. Ownership of Computer Software. 4. Privacy and Databases. 5. Computers and Risk. 6. Liability, Professional Responsibility, and Codes. Moral Responsibility and Legal Liability. Professional Responsibility and Codes. 7. The Networked World.
A multilayer recurrent neural network for real-time synthesis of linear-quadratic optimal control systems

A multilayer recurrent neural network is proposed for synthesizing linear-quadratic optimal control systems by means of solving algebraic matrix Riccati equations in real time. The proposed recurrent neural network consists of four bidirectionally connected layers. Each layer consists of an array of neurons. The proposed recurrent neural network is shown to be capable of solving algebraic Riccati equations and synthesizing linear-quadratic control systems in real time. The operating characteristics of the recurrent neural network and closed-loop control systems are also demonstrated through two illustrative examples. >
Biochemical studies in the developing thoracic muscles the tobacco horn worm. 3. Amino acid incorporation in the cytoplasmic ribosomal fraction.

Abstract An amino acid incorporating system was isolated from the cytoplasm of the thoracic muscles of the tobacco horn worm. The system operates optimally in an incubation medium containing 150 mM KCl and 2.4 mM MgCl 2 . A requirement for energy donors and for the supernatant fraction is demonstrated. Incorporation is inhibited by puromycin, cycloheximide and ribonuclease but only slightly by chloramphenicol. The amino acid incorporating activity varies from a high level in the 16–17-day-old pupae to the lowest level in adult moths. Results obtained from experiments in which ribosomes of pupae and of moths were incubated with supernatant fractions of moths and pupae, respectively, suggest that the control of the amino acid incorporating activities during development of the thoracic muscles takes place both at the transcription and at the translation level.
General Properties of Beta-Galactosidase of Xanthomonas campestris.

Partially purified β-galactosidase of Xanthomonas campestris required 32 to 37°C and pH 5.5 to 5.8 for optimum activity. The enzyme had low affinity for lactose hydrolysis (Km = 22 mM) and was inhibited by thiol group reagents, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, galactose, and d-galactal.
Laboratory model of wave/current wings launched by rapidly moving conductors in magnetoplasmas

Summary form only. The current system set up by charged conductors moving rapidly through a magnetized plasma across B/sub 0/ has been investigated. Classical theoretical models predict that the current collected/emitted by a moving electrode will flow along a winglike structure due to the combined motion of the electrode across B/sub 0/ and the current propagation along B/sub 0/ by Alfven waves. Since it is not possible to move the electrode at a speed comparable to a whistler wave, the electrode is moved in small increments across B/sub 0/, and current pulses of duration and time delays commensurate with a continuous electrode motion and DC current have been drawn. For each electrode position, the magnetic field perturbation is measured. Linear superposition of the individual wavelets yields the resultant field of the moving electrode. It is found that a current channel trailing at an angle theta with respect to the electrode motion is excited. The current wings broaden with distance from the electrode owing to the dispersion properties of whistlers. Extrapolating the laboratory observations to satellites in space, the current wings will be nearly field-aligned. Nonlinear effects observed in the laboratory will lead to nonstationary whistler wings. >
The rise and fall of the plantation complex: The end of slavery in the Americas

The end of slavery in Cuba and Brazil was out of phase with emancipation elsewhere. It came nearly a century later than the slave revolt in Saint Domingue, a half-century after the emancipation of the slaves in the British Empire, four decades after the final abolition of slavery in the French colonies, and a little more than twenty years after the end of slavery in the United States and of serfdom in Russia. One question is: Why did slavery last so much longer here than it did in many larger societies that were more important on the world scene? In fact, the timing was not so different. The dates of the formal legal emancipation create a misconception. Emancipation in Saint Domingue was an atypcial event, set off by the French Revolution. The French themselves rescinded their Emancipation Act of 1794 once Napoleon was safely in power. British, American, and French emancipations, formally declared between the 1830s and the 1860s, still preserved racial domination, and institutions like Indian contract labor helped to preserve the reality of the plantation complex into the twentieth century. During these same decades, both Cuba and Brazil had begun to dismantle their own slave systems. The Emancipation Act of 1833 for the British Empire, in effect, marked the beginning of a process of liquidating slavery, and the emancipation acts in Brazil and Cuba in the late 1880s came near the end of the same process in those countries.
Chaos in a Mapping Describing Elastoplastic Oscillations

We study the local and global dynamical behavior of a two dimensional piecewise linear map which describes the asymptotic motions of a single degree of freedom, parametrically excited, elastoplastic oscillator after it has settled down to purely elastic oscillations. We give existence and stability conditions for periodic orbits and prove that chaos, in the form of a Smale horseshoe, exists at specific, but representative, parameter values. We interpret simulations of the elastoplastic oscillator itself in the light of these results.
Against Culture: Development, Politics, and Religion in Indian Alaska

Against Culture: Development, Politics, and Religion in Indian Alaska. Kirk Dombrowski. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2001. 247 pp.
The Mean Value Theorem

Giver a curve, y = f(x), we shall use the derivative to give us information about the curve. For instance, we shall find the maximum and minimum of the graph, and regions where the curve is increasing or decreasing. We shall use the mean value theorem, which is basic in the theory of derivatives.
The printing press as an agent of change: Communications and cultural transformations in early-modern europe

(1984). The printing press as an agent of change: Communications and cultural transformations in early-modern europe. History of European Ideas: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 323-323.
Comments on ‘Hempel's ambiguity’ by J. Alberto Coffa

Using Coffa's paper as a point of departure, this brief note is designed to show that Hempel's inductive-statistical model of explanation implicitly construes explanations of that type as defective deductive-nomological explanations, with the consequence that there is no such thing as genuine inductive-statistical explanation according to Hempel's account. This result suggests a possible implicit commitment to determinism behind Hempel's theory of scientific explanation.