cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiac resistance to growth hormone in uremia

Cardiac resistance to growth hormone in uremia. Background Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since growth hormone is required for maintaining normal cardiac structure and function and as growth hormone has a salutary effect on cardiac remodeling in disease, we postulated that if cardiac resistance to growth hormone develops in chronic renal failure (CRF) this may predispose to the cardiomyopathy of uremia. We set out to test whether in CRF there is resistance to the cardiac action of growth hormone and whether this defect might be caused by altered growth hormone signaling. Methods Growth hormone–deficient (dw/dw) rats and growth hormone–intact Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a subtotal nephrectomy or sham operation and pair feeding. Results In dw/dw rats treated with growth hormone for 8 days there was a significant increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA levels in controls but this response was attenuated in CRF. Next, growth hormone–stimulated Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK2-STAT5) signaling was studied 15 minutes after intravenous growth hormone in dw/dw and Sprague-Dawley rats. Growth hormone receptor, JAK2, STAT5a, and STAT5b protein levels were unaltered in CRF. Growth hormone–induced JAK2, growth hormone receptor (GHR), and STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly depressed in CRF as was nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT5. When rats were treated with pharmacologic dose growth hormone, STAT5 phosphorylation increased similarly in CRF and control rats. Conclusion Uremic rats develop cardiac resistance to growth hormone caused at least, in part, by a postreceptor defect in growth hormone–induced signaling that is characterized by impaired phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT5. These findings raise the question whether growth hormone resistance contributes to the cardiac changes of uremia.
Neck Cysts, Sinuses, Thyroglossal Duct Cysts, and Branchial Cleft Anomalies

Unlike benign masses in other locations where simple excision is often the preferred method of diagnosis, such an approach in the neck may result in chronic infection and draining tracts. The surgical approach to pediatric neck masses requires a thorough understanding of the diagnostic possibilities and the anatomic implications before making the incision. Sistrunk understood this dilemmaafterobservinghighrecurrencerateswithremoval of thyroglossal duct cysts. His operation, published in 1928, 1 was based on the anatomic and embryologic facts ofthyroiddescentthroughoraroundthehyoidbone.The combination of accurate preoperative diagnosis and specific anatomic knowledge remains the standard for neck surgery today. Fortunately, the preoperative diagnostic evaluation is straightforward, and when followed, operative outcomes are excellent. 2
The eigenvalue problem for the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equations: new solvable cases

Abstract In this paper, we study the semi-classical limit of the Zakharov–Shabat eigenvalue problem for the focusing of NLS with some specific initial data. In all these cases, the eigenvalue problem is reduced to connection problems for the hypergeometric equation and for other classical equations. The special initial data [Suppl. Prog. Theor. Phys. 55 (1974) 284] is contained in our family of initial data, parameterized by a real parameter μ , as a particular case μ =0. We find that beyond a certain value of the parameter μ , the pure-point spectrum becomes empty and all the scattering information is contained in the reflection coefficient.
Unsupervised Grammar Induction of Clinical Report Sublanguage

Clinical reports are written using a subset of natural language while employing many domain-specific terms, such a language is also known as a sub language for a scientific or a technical domain. In this paper, we present a method which automatically induces a grammar for the sub language of a given genre of clinical reports from a corpus of reports with no annotations. The method first identifies the semantic classes of the clinical terms used in the reports, then it induces a grammar that is based on these semantic classes and part-of-speech tags. Experiments show that the induced grammar is able to parse novel sentences and obtains a reasonable accuracy.
Effect of Cytoskeletal Structure and Mechanics on Epithelial Cell Adhesion During Airway Reopening

Patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) require mechanical ventilation in order to maintain adequate gas exchange. However, ventilation can contribute to further lung damage through overdistension and/or the reopening of fluid-filled airways which causes epithelial cell (EpC) death and detachment and an upregulated inflammatory response [1]. While previous research has focused on minimizing the injurious mechanical forces generated during ventilation [2], an alternative approach is to alter the way that forces are transmitted from the cell surface to its structural elements (cell membrane, cytoskeleton, focal adhesions, cell-cell attachments). One way to alter force transmission is to alter the cell’s intrinsic biomechanical or biostructural properties. For example, our lab has previously shown that depolymerization of the actin cytoskeletal structure can reduce cell necrosis during airway reopening [3].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Anti-infarct Effect of an Adenosine A1-Selective Agonist is Diminished After Prolonged Infusion as is the Cardioprotective Effect of Ischaemic Preconditioning in Rabbit Heart

Our aim was to determine whether adenosine A1 receptor-mediated protection could be maintained for a prolonged period of time by a continuous infusion of an A1-selective agonist. To produce myocardial infarction a branch of the left coronary artery of rabbit hearts was occluded for 30 min and reperfused for 3 h. Infarct size was determined with tetrazolium staining. Prior to the 30 min ischaemia, rabbits were subjected to one of the following six protocols: (1) 6 h i.v. saline infusion; (2) 6 h i.v. CCPA (0.043 mg/kg/h) infusion; (3) 72 h saline infusion; (4) 72 h CCPA infusion; (5) 72 h CCPA infusion plus preconditioning with 5 min ischaemia followed by 10 min reperfusion; (6) 72 h saline infusion plus preconditioning. The 6 h CCPA infusion group had significantly smaller infarct sizes than the 6 h vehicle group. 16.2 +/- 2.9% infarction of the ischaemic region v 39.5 +/- 2.6%, P < 0.01. Infarction in the 72 h CCPA infusion group (37.7 +/- 2.7%) was the same as in the 72 h vehicle group (35.2 +/- 3.1%). Ischaemic preconditioning could not limit infarct size in 72 h CCPA animals (%infarction; 29.1 +/- 4.6%) but did protect animals given vehicle for 72 h (8.4 +/- 1.2%, P < 0.01). After 72 h infusion of CCPA, both the cardioprotective effect of adenosine A1-selective agonist and ischaemic preconditioning were attenuated. These findings indicate that: (1) the myocytes become desensitized to the protective effect of CCPA with prolonged exposure; and (2) ischaemic preconditioning is no longer protective when tachyphylaxis to CCPA occurs.
Radiation effects in ice: New results

Abstract Studies of radiation effects in ice are motivated by intrinsic interest and by applications in astronomy. Here we report on new and recent results on radiation effects induced by energetic ions in ice: amorphization of crystalline ice, compaction of microporous amorphous ice, electrostatic charging and dielectric breakdown and correlated structural/chemical changes in the irradiation of water–ammonia ices.
What are secondary students’ expectations for teachers in virtual school environments?

A recent evaluation of the new North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) in the USA revealed numerous expectations for virtual school teachers from secondary students. Specifically, students expected their teachers to actually teach rather than moderate a course shell, supplement course shells with content and projects that illustrate relevance, provide for both content and peer interaction, and respond to questions and provide feedback quickly. The data suggest a possible content‐related interaction where a limited course shell can be bolstered by a proactive teacher, but potentially flounder among teachers who do not expect or know how to supplement an online course. Data further suggest a potential communication‐related interaction where increased opportunities for student–student and student–teacher interaction could potentially decrease the actual or perceived need for individualized attention that is particularly challenging for virtual teachers to provide. These results can be used to establish ...
Correcting Automatic Translations through Collaborations between MT and Monolingual Target--Lan-gua-ge Users

Machine translation (MT) systems have improved significantly: however, their outputs often contain too many errors to communicate the intended meaning to their users. This paper describes a collaborative approach for mediating between an MT system and users who do not understand the source language and thus cannot easily detect translation mistakes on their own. Through a visualization of multiple linguistic resources, this approach enables the users to correct difficult translation errors and understand translated passages that were otherwise baffling.
Connotative concepts and mathematics in Ockham's natural philosophy

L'A. etudie differents points de la conception du langage de Guillaume d'Ockham avec la perspective de commentateurs tels que Spade ou Panaccio. L'A. donne son interpretation sur les rapports entre la philosophie naturelle et les mathematiques en etablissant des correlations entre la conception du langage selon d'Ockham et les penseurs du 14 e siecle
Abstract 3223: Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of lactate in LDH-A silenced metastatic breast tumors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Glucose and glutamine are the major carbon sources for rapidly proliferating tumors. They provide the precursors for proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and as well as metabolic-reducing capability (NADPH). Pyruvate is mainly derived from glucose and glutamine metabolism and can be converted to lactate by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) complex or enter the TCA cycle for conversion to CO2 and ATP. Recently, a link between tumor lactate levels (monitored by MRSI), LDH-A expression and tumor phenotype has been demonstrated (Serganova I. et al., 2011). We hypothesize that tumor lactate levels monitored by MRSI will reflect LDH-A enzymatic activity, tumor “aggressiveness” and the propensity for developing metastases. The current study employs 4T1 cells bearing the stable produced LDH-A shRNA to down regulate the level of LDH-A expression. LDH-A silenced and control 4T1 breast cancer cells were injected into the mammary fat pad of athymic nu/nu female mice (5 mice for each group). The in vivo growth rate of the LDH-A silenced tumors was significantly slower than that of control tumors; the average doubling time of the LDH-A silenced tumors was 1.5 fold higher than control tumors (p<0.01). The lactate signal was acquired using a selective multiple-quantum coherence transfer (SelMQC) editing sequence in combination with chemical shift imaging (CSI) (He Q. et al., 1995). The tumors were scanned at small (∼100 mm3) and larger (∼300 mm3) volumes and in vivo lactate concentration was measured. The LDH-A silenced tumors produce less lactate, ∼ 6 mM at small volumes and ∼ 3 mM at larger volumes, whereas the control tumors produce ∼ 11 mM at small, and ∼7 mM at larger volumes. Preliminary results suggest that high tumor lactate concentrations are linked with a greater propensity to develop metastases. Studies evaluating metastatic burden are ongoing. We suggest that LDH-A expression and tumor lactate levels may be potential markers of elevated metastatic potential. In addition, MRSI might offer a noninvasive approach for assessing tumor progression and metastatic potential. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3223. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3223
Membrane separation of solids from corn processing streams.

Corn processing streams are characterized by high water content. Removal of water and recovery of solids are major economic and logistical challenges. New technologies are needed to modify processing streams and to reduce variability and improve quality of coproducts. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of microfiltration and ultrafiltration systems in altering water, solids (protein) and ash contents of corn processing streams. Corn was either steeped with SO2 (STW) or soaked (SKW) in water; STW contained more solids than SKW. Ultrafiltration of STW and SKW had little effect on water removal or solids recovery. Corn was processed by a conventional wet milling process and a wet milling process that used enzymes to eliminate use of SO2 steeping. Protein streams from the conventional process (CG) and the enzymatic process (EG) were processed by microfiltration. Permeate streams from EG and CG had higher total solids and ash concentrations than retentate streams; much of the ash was recovered in permeate (67% and 83%, respectively). For CG, proteins were largely recovered in retentate, whereas for EG, proteins were recovered in permeate. SDS-PAGE data indicated a decrease in size of proteins in the EG process stream. Permeate streams from microfiltration were subject to ultrafiltration; there was little effect on solids and nutrient separations.
Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners: Perspectives from Arizona's Latino/a Teachers.

It has been long established that Latino/a teachers have unique capacities to advance educational trajectories for their English language learner (ELL) students. However, while the Latino/a ELL student population continues to expand in numbers, the number of Latino/a teachers entering the teaching profession remains small. In this empirical research study, we center our attention on Arizona’s Latino/a teachers, their pre-service trajectories, and in-service experiences with ELLs. Specifically, we asked participants to reflect on their experiences during pre-service preparation and in-service practices as these relate to students who are learning English. We conclude this article with a number of salient themes, which further confirm the possibility that Latino/a teachers are an imperative necessity to improving academic experiences for ELLs, especially in Arizona.
Comparative activity of the new lipoglycopeptide telavancin in the presence and absence of serum against 50 glycopeptide non-susceptible staphylococci and three vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Telavancin, a new multifunctional lipoglycopeptide antibiotic, exhibits broad-spectrum Gram-positive activity against a variety of pathogens. We examined the effects of human serum and antimicrobial concentrations on the activity of telavancin against glycopeptide-intermediate staphylococcal species (GISS), heteroresistant GISS (hGISS) and three vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) compared with vancomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, linezolid and daptomycin. Methods:MICandMBCswereperformedagainstallantimicrobials.Time–killexperimentswereperformed usingtwostrainsofGISS(Mu50;NJ992)andVRSA(VRSAMI;VRSAPA)at1,2,4,8,16and32·MIC.Telavancin and daptomycin were evaluated in the presence and absence of serum. Results: All GISS and hGISS were susceptible to the tested agents with telavancin and quinupristin/ dalfopristin demonstrating the lowest MIC, followed by daptomycin, linezolid and vancomycin. Against VRSA, daptomycin and quinupristin/dalfopristin had the lowest MIC, followed by linezolid, telavancin and vancomycin. In the presence of serum, telavancin and daptomycin MICs increased 1- to 4-fold. Concentration-dependent activity was demonstrated by telavancin and daptomycin, in the presence and absence of serum. Telavancin and daptomycin were bactericidal against GISS and performed similarly in the presence of serum. Quinupristin/dalfopristin demonstrated bactericidal activity at clinically achievable concentrations, whereas linezolid was bacteriostatic. Conclusions:Telavancindemonstratedconcentration-dependentbactericidalactivityagainstGISS,hGISS andVRSAatconcentrationsequaltoorabove4·MIC,whichcorrespondstotherapeuticlevelsagainstGISS and clinically achieved concentrations against the VRSA. Similar to daptomycin, telavancin activity was diminished in the presence of serum but bactericidal activity was maintained. Further investigation with telavancin against GISS, hGISS and VRSA is warranted.
Efficient modeling, simulation and coarse-graining of biological complexity with NFsim

The Network-Free Stochastic Simulator (NFsim) allows the representation of complex biological systems as rule-based models and facilitates coarse-graining of the reaction mechanisms.
THE IMPACT OF FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION AND STATE ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY ON REGIONAL GROWTH IN INDONESIA

This paper provides a new empirical analysis on the effects of fiscal decentralization on economic growth with the inclusion of a state allocative efficiency factor in the growth model. Using Indonesia as a case study, this study aims to reveal whether the state allocative efficiency will impact growth through better allocation of public goods. Following a two-stage empirical method, the expenditure efficiency of Indonesia's 26 state governments over a 10-year period (1996–2005) is constructed by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a panel data regression is utilized in the growth model. The results indicate that although fiscal decentralization provided a greater incentive structure for state governments to become more efficient in allocating fiscal resources, it did not always lead to robust growth due to rising regional disparities particularly in the level of development and resource capacities.
A new statistical method for performance evaluation of search engines

We present a new statistical method for evaluating search engines' precision performance based on sample queries. The method consists of relevance evaluation and statistical comparison. In relevance evaluation, we present two scoring algorithms: one is a term-based algorithm based on the vector space model, and the other is a new three-level algorithm modeled after manual methods commonly used in information retrieval studies. In statistical comparison, we apply a statistical metric probability of win, in ranking the search engines. Based on a set of sample queries, our method evaluates the relevance of the pages returned by the search engines and compares them statistically In the experiment, our method was applied to three search engines, AltaVista, Google, and InfoSeek, using two query sets derived from the domain of parallel and distributed processing. Our results show that the three-level scoring algorithm with a typical set of parameters obtained results consistent with those obtained using the manual method, whereas the term-based algorithm did not.
Work/Family Fit as a Mediator of Work Factors on Marital Tension: Evidence from the Interface of Greedy Institutions

This study tests the notion that the relation between work hours and marital quality is mediated by the perceived fit between work and family. A structural model was developed to examine this hypothesis in a sample of 407 male U.S. Army members and their wives, where both spouses' perceptions of the husband's work are considered. A sample of military families was used for this study because, at the interface between "greedy institutions" (Coser, 1974), the clash of demands between the role domains of work and family may be accentuated. Strong support for the mediation hypothesis was obtained. Actual work hours were unrelated to marital tension, and predicted only wives' satisfaction with husbands' work hours and with husbands' work settings. For husbands, satisfaction with work hours and job satisfaction were positively related to work/family fit, which, in turn, negatively predicted marital tension. No direct associations were seen for work variables on marital tension, but significant indirect relations...
Point spread function engineering for iris recognition system design.

Undersampling in the detector array degrades the performance of iris-recognition imaging systems. We find that an undersampling of 8×8 reduces the iris-recognition performance by nearly a factor of 4 (on CASIA iris database), as measured by the false rejection ratio (FRR) metric. We employ optical point spread function (PSF) engineering via a Zernike phase mask in conjunction with multiple subpixel shifted image measurements (frames) to mitigate the effect of undersampling. A task-specific optimization framework is used to engineer the optical PSF and optimize the postprocessing parameters to minimize the FRR. The optimized Zernike phase enhanced lens (ZPEL) imager design with one frame yields an improvement of nearly 33% relative to a thin observation module by bounded optics (TOMBO) imager with one frame. With four frames the optimized ZPEL imager achieves a FRR equal to that of the conventional imager without undersampling. Further, the ZPEL imager design using 16 frames yields a FRR that is actually 15% lower than that obtained with the conventional imager without undersampling.
Detection of prescribed error events: application to perpendicular recording

We discuss an error detection technique geared to a prescribed set of error events. The traditional method of error detection and correction attempts to detect/correct as many erroneous bits as possible within a codeword, irrespective of the pattern of the error events. The proposed approach, on the other hand, is less concerned about the total number of erroneous bits it can detect, but focuses on specific error events of known types. We take perpendicular recording systems as an application example. Distance analysis and simulation can easily identify the dominant error events for the given noise environment and operating density. We develop a class of simple error detection parity check codes that can detect these specific error events. The proposed coding method, when used in conjunction with post-Viterbi error correction processing, provides a substantial performance gain compared to the uncoded perpendicular recording system.
Anti-arrhythmic and vasopressor medications for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation in severe hypothermia: a systematic review of the literature.

Summary Objective To determine the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in animal models performing resuscitation from induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) in severe hypothermia ( Materials and methods A medical literature database search from 1966 to present was performed identifying placebo controlled trials using anti-arrhythmic or vasopressor medications to treat ventricular fibrillation in the setting of severe hypothermia. Results 7 controlled studies were identified ( n =117) testing 6 combinations of resuscitative medications. ROSC rates for treatment versus control groups were as follows: amiodarone (6% vs. 18%, p =0.6, n =34), bretylium (35% vs. 35%, p =1.0, n =40), intermediate- and high-dose epinephrine (adrenaline) (36% vs. 27%, p =1.0, n =22), vasopressin (60% vs. 0%, p n =39), vasopressin and amiodarone (0% vs. 0%, p =NS, n =11), low-dose epinephrine and amiodarone (91% vs. 30%, p =0.0075, n =21). Cumulatively, among all studies administering vasopressors, the rate of ROSC was 62% in treatment groups contrasted to 17% in control groups ( p n =77). Conclusions In controlled animal models of severe hypothermia, ROSC rates for induced ventricular fibrillation are higher with utilization of vasopressor medications. Current guidelines which recommend withholding these medications in the setting of hypothermic cardiac arrest should be re-evaluated.
Trends in substance use among US military personnel: the impact of changing demographic composition.

This paper examines the impact of the military population's changing demographic composition on observed changes in substance use by military personnel. Cross-sectional data are drawn from the six ...
I—Elisabeth A. Lloyd: Varieties of Support and Confirmation of Climate Models

Today's climate models are supported in a couple of ways that receive little attention from philosophers or climate scientists. In addition to standard ‘model fit’, wherein a model's simulation is compared to observational data, there is an additional type of confirmation available through the variety of instances of model fit. When a model performs well at fitting first one variable and then another, the probability of the model under some standard confirmation function, say, likelihood, goes up more than under each individual case of fit alone. Thus, two instances of fit of distinct variables of a global climate model using distinct data sets considered collectively will provide stronger evidence for a model than either one of the instances considered individually. This has consequences for model robustness. Sets of models that produce robust results will, if their assumptions vary enough and they each are observationally sound, provide reasons to endorse common structures found in those models. Finally, independent empirical support for aspects and assumptions of the model provides an additional confirmational virtue for climate models, contrary to what is implied by some current philosophical writing on this topic.
A time domain boundary element method for poroelasticity

The development of a general boundary element method (BEM) for two- and three-dimensional quasistatic poroelasticity is discussed in detail. The new formulation, for the complete Biot consolidation theory, operates directly in the time domain and requires only boundary discretization. As a result, the dimensionality of the problem is reduced by one and the method becomes quite attractive for geotechnical analyses, particularly those which involve extensive or infinite domains. The presentation includes the definition of the two key ingredients for the BEM, namely, the fundamental solutions and a reciprocal theorem. Then, once the boundary integral equations are derived, the focus shifts to an overview of the general purpose numerical implementation. This implementation includes higher-order conforming elements, self-adaptive integration and multi-region capability. Finally, several detailed examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy and suitability of this boundary element approach for consolidation analysis.
The generalized Kolmogorov complexity of sets

Recent work has shown that it is useful to consider new variants of time-bounded Kolmogorov complexity. The author reviews that work, presents the new definitions, and studies the basic properties of these measures. He deals with the function K/sub L/, which measures the complexity of the simplest strings in the language L and with sets of the form KU/sub v/(s(n),t(n)), which consists of strings with unique short descriptions. >
Adapter Reagents for Protein Site Specific Dye Labeling

Chemoselective protein labeling remains a significant challenge in chemical biology. Although many selective labeling chemistries have been reported, the practicalities of matching the reaction with appropriately functionalized proteins and labeling reagents is often a challenge. For example, we encountered the challenge of site specifically labeling the cellular form of the murine Prion protein with a fluorescent dye. To facilitate this labeling, a protein was expressed with site specific p-acetylphenylalanine. However, the utility of this aceto-phenone reactive group is hampered by the severe lack of commercially available aminooxy fluorophores. Here we outline a general strategy for the efficient solid phase synthesis of adapter reagents capable of converting maleimido-labels into aminooxy or azide functional groups that can be further tuned for desired length or solubility properties. The utility of the adapter strategy is demonstrated in the context of fluorescent labeling of the murine Prion protein through an adapted aminooxy-Alexa dye.
Automatic Detection of Spherical Particles from Spot-Scan Electron Microscopy Images

In this article we present a method to identify and extract spherical particle images from noisy spot-scan and flood beam electron microscopy images. We use a template matching algorithm with additional image preprocessing operations to allow consistent particle selection in spot-scan and other highly spatially varying images. In addition, this algorithm incorporates an automated image-cutting and edge-sewing mechanism that allows efficient particle selection despite the large size of electron microscopy images. We have tested this template matching algorithm on various spherical virus particle images with a large range of defocus values and have found that the particles are consistently selected in an accurately centered manner. In addition, this method is able to extract spherical virus particles from 400-kV electron microscopy images with defocus values of less than 1.0 μm underfocus where the particles are not readily visible to the human eye.
Investigating effects of water conditioning on the adhesion properties of crack sealant

This paper investigates the effect of water exposure on three different crack sealants commonly used in cold, moderate and hot climates. It is hypothesized that water penetrates into the interface between crack sealant and substrates causing progressive adhesion failure and that the rate of failure varies depending on the sealant’s surface chemistry as relates to its interaction with water molecules in different environmental conditions. Accordingly, this paper measures the change in sealant’s adhesion strength and surface energy before and after water conditioning. To study adhesion strength and its change due to water conditioning, three different types of sealant were tested using Direct Adhesion Tester (DAT). It was found that the adhesion strength of all three crack sealants reduces due to water exposure. In addition, to evaluate the surface properties and water phobicity of each sealant, the contact angle between a droplet of water and sealant surface was measured before and after conditioning at different temperature. The objective of the latter experiment was to determine whether sealants susceptibility to water would vary with pavement surface temperature. To do so, a sessile drop method utilizing FTA-1000 was used to determine the contact angle for each of the aforementioned water-sealant pairs at different temperatures. The results obtained were further used to calculate the work of adhesion at each scenario to be correlated to mechanical adhesion strength measured with DAT.
Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to Gypsy Moth Larvae Parasitized by Apanteles melanoscelus

Treatment of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), larvae with the parasite Apanteles melanoscelus Ratzeburg and the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner yielded a higher mortality than treatment with A. melanoscelus or B. thuringiensis alone. The mortality was, however, less than the sum of the mortalities for the separate treatments. The 7- and 14-day LC50 values for parasitized (97.6 and 50.2 IU of B. thuringiensis per ml of diet, respectively) and for unparasitized (95.3 and 43.4 IU of B. thuringiensis per ml of diet, respectively) larvae showed no significant differences with respect to B. thuringiensis treatment. Mortality due to B. thuringiensis treatment continued up to the 28th day and was dependent on dosage. The majority of deaths due to parasitism alone occurred between the 15th and 28th days. B. thuringiensis treatment of host larvae caused an increase of ca. 3 days in the total development time of A. melanoscelus .
Evaluation and Use of Marketing Research by Decision Makers: A Behavioral Simulation:

A behavioral simulation in a laboratory setting was used to investigate decision makers’ evaluation and use of marketing research results. Propositions about the persistence of the decision makers’...
Determination of halogenated hydrocarbons in adhesives by gas chromatography

Objective:To establish a method for determining four kinds of halogenated hydrocarbons,including dichloromethane,1,2-dichloromethane,trichloroethane,trichloroethylene in adhesive by gas chromatography.Methods:The samples were extracted by ethyl acetate and separated by capillary column and detected by flame ionic detector.Results:The average recoveries of four kinds of halogenated hydrocarbons ranged from 96.6% to 104% with a relative standard deviation(RSD) between 1.98% and 3.31%.The detection limit of this method for halogenated hydrocarbons ranged from 0.05 g/kg to 0.1 g/kg and linear range was 1.0 μg/L～200 μg/L,with all correlation coefficient 0.9995.Conclusion:The method is simple,high effective and stable,and it is appropriate for determination of the 4 halogenated hydrocarbons,in adhesives.
Composition and Diversity Pattern of Butterflies in Chishui Alsophila Nature Reserve of Guizhou Province

The butterfly resources of Chishui Alsophila Nature Reserve of Guizhou province were investigated from May to October 2008.A total of 465 specimens of butterflies were collected,and combined with the literature,there were 113 species belonging to 11 families and 66 genera.Viewing the results from the species composition aspect and the amount of caputred insects in the three valleys in the nature reserve,the species number was maximal in Yaozhan Valley,secondly in Banqiao Valley,and the lowest in Jinsha Valley.According to the analysis of butterfly diversity and evenness of the three valleys,the result showed that the species diversity index(H')of Yaozhan Valley is the highest,the evenness index(J)of Banqiao Valley is the highest,and the similarity coefficient between the three valleys is lower in species composition of butterflies.
China and the World

It is important to anticipate how China will manage its relationships with the rest of the world over the next several decades. This will fundamentally affect China’s ability to benefit from international relations, and more easily attain its domestic and foreign objectives. China’s role in world events as an active and regular participant in trade, investment, and foreign relations is of relatively recent vintage. This makes it difficult to anticipate and project the behavior of the PRC in years to come.
Sampling bee communities using pan traps: alternative methods increase sample size

Bees play an important role in natural and agricultural landscapes and increased interest in these pollinators has lead to an increase in studies designed to monitor bee populations across the globe. Many studies investigating bee diversity use pan traps (colored plastic bowls filled with soapy water) as a cost-effective trapping method. Here we investigate how alternative pan trap designs (both the size of the traps, and the addition of “nectar guides”) affect the number of specimens collected. We find that larger pan traps collect more specimens than small and medium sized traps, and that the addition of “nectar guides” can significantly increase the number of specimens collected. Increased sample sizes can lead to a better understanding of patterns of bee diversity, which can lead to more informed management decisions.
An experimental technique for accelerating a single liquid droplet to high impact velocities against a solid target surface using a propellant gas

Abstract The literature of droplet impingement primarily focuses on the range of impact Weber numbers that can be achieved by free-falling droplets, by droplets propelled towards a surface by electro-mechanical means, such as those used in ink jet printing, or by pressure atomization, as utilized for example in spray cooling. The range of Weber number achievable by these techniques is 20
The story of plumes: the development of a new conceptual framework for understanding magnetosphere and ionosphere coupling

Abstract. The name “plume” has been given to a variety of plasma structures in the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. Some plumes (such as the plasmasphere plume) represent elevated plasma density, while other plumes (such as the equatorial F region plume) represent low-density regions. Despite these differences these structures are either directly related or connected in the causal chain of plasma redistribution throughout the system. This short review defines how plumes appear in different measurements in different regions and describes how plumes can be used to understand magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling. The story of the plume family helps describe the emerging conceptual framework of the flow of high-density–low-latitude ionospheric plasma into the magnetosphere and clearly shows that strong two-way coupling between ionospheric and magnetospheric dynamics occurs not only in the high-latitude auroral zone and polar cap but also through the plasmasphere. The paper briefly reviews, highlights and synthesizes previous studies that have contributed to this new understanding.
Salman Rushdie and Islamophobia

Like his protean characters, Rushdie has changed dramatically over the course of his career. His shifting discussion of Islam’s internal diversity is exemplified by the brief possibility of a plura...
CD30 + T cell enriched primary cutaneous CD4 + small/medium sized pleomorphic T cell lymphoma: A distinct variant of indolent CD4 + T cell lymphoproliferative disease

Abstract Primary cutaneous CD4 + small/medium sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma (SMPTCL) is unique among the peripheral T-cell lymphomas because of its indolent nature, typically presenting as a solitary nodule or plaque in the head and neck area of middle-aged and older adults. Recent studies have suggested a follicular helper cell origin for these lesions. Materials and methods A retrospective review was conducted on all cases of SMPTCL diagnosed between 2008 and 2017. The goal of our study was to better categorize the clinical, pathologic and molecular features of cases of SMPTCL showing a significant degree of CD30 neoplastic large cell infiltration. Results Fifteen patients (10 male, 5 female) were encountered (age 33–86 years at presentation). All lesions were solitary and the head and neck region was the most common area of involvement (7 cases). Surgical excision alone was performed in 6 cases and was supplemented with radiation in 5 cases. Disease recurrence did not occur. Spontaneous regression following biopsy was reported and two patients had a history compatible with lymphomatoid papulosis. All cases showed pathologic features characteristic of SMPTCL. Additionally, there were many larger CD30 + T-cells occupying 15–30% of the infiltrate. Monoclonality was demonstrated in 5 of 10 cases in which clonality studies were performed. Conclusion CD30 positivity amidst large neoplastic T-cells is not uncommon in SMPTCL. The extent of CD30 positivity in SMPTCL needs to be defined further along with its association with other forms of CD30 + lymphoproliferative disease including its potential categorization as a form of endogenous CD30 + lymphoproliferative disease.
Multiattribute Decision Making Using Multiperiod Probabilistic Weighted Fuzzy Axiomatic Design

Axiomatic Design is a methodology that provides a framework to systematically analyze the transformation of customer needs into functional requirements and design parameters. Decision-makers use Weighted Fuzzy Axiomatic Design (wFAD) in cases where there is imperfect information, and decision criteria have different priorities. In this paper, the wFAD approach is extended to situations which include uncertainty in future events and decision payoffs. In particular, we consider multiple future scenarios with different probabilities and time-dependent decision payoffs for each system range (SR). For such decision problems, we propose the Multiperiod Probabilistic Weighted Fuzzy Axiomatic Design (MPP-wFAD) methodology. The methodology utilizes probabilistic scenario analysis and SR forecast data to assist decision makers in attaining better decisions with improved expected payoffs. As a case study, we apply MPP-wFAD to tackle a multiattribute industry selection problem in Turkey and show the impact and usability of the method.
A microfluidic in-line ELISA for measuring secreted protein under perfusion

Recent progress in the development of microfluidic microphysiological systems such as ‘organs-on-chips’ and microfabricated cell culture is geared to simulate organ-level physiology. These tissue models leverage microengineering technologies that provide capabilities of presenting cultured cells with input signals in a more physiologically relevant context such as perfused flow. Proteins that are secreted from cells have important information about the health of the cells. Techniques to quantify cellular proteins include mass spectrometry to ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Although our capability to perturb the cells in the microphysiological systems with varying inputs is well established, we lack the tools to monitor in-line the cellular responses. User intervention for sample collection and off-site is cumbersome, causes delays in obtaining results, and is especially expensive because of collection, storage, and offline processing of the samples, and in many case, technically impractical to carry out because of limitated sample volumes. To address these shortcomings, we report the development of an ELISA that is carried out in-line under perfusion within a microfluidic device. Using this assay, we measured the albumin secreted from perfused hepatocytes without and under stimulation by IL-6. Since the method is based on a sandwich ELISA, we envision broad application of this technology to not just organs-on-chips but also to characterizing the temporal release and measurement of soluble factors and response to drugs.
Calming Cycle Theory and the Co-Regulation of Oxytocin.

The biological functions of oxytocin in attachment and bonding between mother and infant in parturition and breastfeeding and between adults have been studied extensively. However, most current authors have proposed that infant attachment to the mother is learned through operant conditioning mechanisms via the infant's brain and central nervous system. We propose that oxytocin levels in the mother and infant are co-regulated by emotional connection or disconnection, and that the autonomic co-conditioning learning mechanism can be exploited to change a negative physiological and behavioral response between mother and infant into a positive one. Lack of efficacy and scalability of child development therapies that have come out of the attachment theoretical framework have prompted calls for new ideas. Here, we review calming cycle theory, which takes a new view of the emotional relationship of mother and infant, and predicts ways to positively intervene when problems arise. The theory builds upon the researc...
Social responsibility and the transition toward a knowledge-based society in Latin America

In Latin America, the proliferation of regional and multilateral agreements with integration as a purpose has generated a high flow of goods, services, and investments among these countries. From the economic perspective, the outcome is trade and, therefore, stimulus to economic growth. Information technology is a relevant parameter in this endeavor. The "digital gap" between developed countries (DC) and less developed countries (LDC) is greater than the gap in the "standard of living" between them. The uneven distribution of wealth among and within countries, and the lack of communication infrastructure and computer-based power, situate them at a transitional stage within the "knowledge-based society," which emanates social changes, and therefore new roles to be achieved by private and public institutions within the framework of social responsibility.
Undoing decomposition.

In this paper we discuss gauging one-form symmetries in two-dimensional theories. The existence of a global one-form symmetry in two dimensions typically signals a violation of cluster decomposition -- an issue resolved by the observation that such theories decompose into disjoint unions, a result that has been applied to, for example, Gromov-Witten theory and gauged linear sigma model phases. In this paper we describe how gauging one-form symmetries in two-dimensional theories can be used to select particular elements of that disjoint union, effectively undoing decomposition. We examine such gaugings explicitly in examples involving orbifolds, nonsupersymmetric pure Yang-Mills theories, and supersymmetric gauge theories in two dimensions. Along the way, we learn explicit concrete details of the topological configurations that path integrals sum over when gauging a one-form symmetry, and we also uncover `hidden' one-form symmetries.
Acquiring and maintaining lifelong expertise in surgery.

Abstract Expertise in surgery is essential to ensure the best outcomes across various phases of surgical care. Expertise is multidimensional and is both domain- and context-specific. It encompasses a broad range of knowledge, skills, and professional attributes. General expertise is characterized by pattern recognition, rapid and effective decision-making, fluency of actions, and efficiency in performance. Adaptive expertise involves complex decision-making and exceptional performance within the context of unexpected findings, unusual circumstances, complex systems, and the rapidly changing surgical environment. Traditionally, surgeons have acquired expertise through extensive experiences in a variety of difficult and demanding situations. Over the past few decades, considerable emphasis has been placed on a more planned and efficient approach to the development of surgical expertise through extended periods of deliberate practice coupled with specific feedback, and through establishment of progressively higher goals and benchmarks for the surgeon. Reflection and metacognition have been recognized as playing key roles in achieving expertise. More recently, an expert performance approach to training has been described that involves defining expert performance, focusing efforts on achieving expertise, and monitoring the outcomes of such efforts. The cycle of practice-based learning and improvement should serve as the essential framework for implementation of the expert performance approach. Simulation-based education and training, coaching, and communities of practice can be very helpful in achieving and maintaining expertise. Professional organizations, such as the American College of Surgeons, need to continue playing pivotal roles in supporting surgeons in their quest to achieve and maintain expertise.