cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The accumulation of guanethidine by human blood platelets

Abstract 1. When human blood platelets were incubated aerobically in plasma containing 2 × 10-7 to 10-3M radioactive guanethidine for 10 min to 6 hr, the drug was accumulated against a concentration gradient until concentration ratios (platelet/plasma) of up to 80:1 were obtained. 2. The decline in rate of uptake after 3 hr appeared to result from a decrease in platelet viability, because accumulation was reduced by prolonged incubation before addition of guanethidine. 3. Uptake was energy-dependent because it was inhibited by cold and ouabain. 4. Sodium ions were essential for guanethidine uptake and retention of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). 5. Accumulation was inhibited by 5-HT, desipramine, cocaine, dexamphetamine, bretylium, tyramine and noradrenaline; bethanidine, p-chlorophenylalanine and (-)-α-methyldopa were inactive. 6. Guanethidine was tightly bound to platelets, only 10% being lost from labelled cells during 60 min incubation in drug-free plasma; but efflux was increased by addition of amphetamine. 7. The binding sites for guanethidine seemed to be different from those for 5-HT since guanethidine accumulation was independent of 5-HT levels, and neither guanethidine uptake or release were affected by reserpine. 8. Guanethidine was not metabolized by platelets or plasma in vitro. 9. We consider that, if our results regarding uptake, binding and release of guanethidine are confirmed in vivo, and also found to apply to other pharmacologically active agents, then the eventual loss of a platelet-bound substance may increase pharmacological action by raising plasma levels.
Auger decay of excitons in Cu 2 O

The nonradiative recombination of an exciton due to a collision with another exciton (i.e., Auger recombination) is the dominant loss mechanism for excitons at high densities in photoexcited ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}\mathrm{O}.$ The principal evidence is that (a) the observed lifetime of excitons shortens substantially at high densities, and (b) the exciton density increases sublinearly with increasing excitation power. To achieve exciton densities at which this two-body decay process comes into play, the particles are produced within a few micrometers of the crystal surface using intense pulsed excitation with photon energies well above the semiconductor band gap. In the past, determination of the ``Auger constant'' A in the two-body decay rate, $1/\ensuremath{\tau}=An,$ was limited by insufficient knowledge of the exciton density n. In the present work, we have determined the density of excitons by (a) measuring their absolute brightness in a calibrated optical system and (b) measuring the expanding volume occupied by the excitons. The luminescence signal following subnanosecond laser excitation exhibits a decay rate which is strongly dependent on the particle density. While some modeling is required to determine the volumes at earliest times, we believe that we have determined the Auger constant to within a factor of 2. The experimental value, $A=7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}17} {\mathrm{cm}}^{3}/\mathrm{n}\mathrm{s},$ is nearly two orders of magnitude larger than that derived from spectroscopic analysis. Such a strong Auger decay prevents the gas from achieving average densities in the quantum statistical regime of an ideal gas.
Engineering the nonlinear phase shift

Large nonlinear phase shifts can be achieved using cascaded and coupled microresonator systems even if the constituent material has large linear and two-photon absorption. Proper design can maintain nearly constant intensity transmittance.
Nuclear Arms, Moral Questions, And Religious Issues

The morality of nuclear strategy is one of the most engaging issues in the U.S. political debate today. Among its more interesting facets is the unprecedented intervention of religious hierarchies and churches on issues traditionally considered extraecclesial. By and large, the religious response has been largely critical of U.S. nuclear policy. In being so, it has also triggered an intense search for a variety of "utopian" solutions aimed at securing "comprehensive and total nuclear disarmament." Rooted in the realist tradition, this article critiques this utopian quest by suggesting that any satisfactory solution to the nuclear dilemma must contain an ethic of both purity and responsibility. Toward that end, the pacifist and contextualist responses to the questions of justice and force are analyzed, and some policy recommendations in the pastoral letter The Challenge of Peace are examined in the light of the fundamental strategic problems confronting American defense policy.
Thermomechanical load-carrying capacity of sandwich flat panels

The study of the nonlinear response of sandwich flat panels exposed to thermomechanical loading systems is the topic of this article. The sandwich structure considered in this article consists of a thick core layer bonded by the face layers, which are assumed to be symmetrically located with respect to the midplane of the overall structure. The loads involved in this analysis consist of biaxial compressive edge loads, a lateral pressure, and a nonuniform temperature field. The effects of the unavoidable initial geometric imperfections and the character of tangential boundary conditions are incorporated, and their implications upon the structural response are explored. In short, the results of this study are intended to provide pertinent information on the thermomechanical load-carrying capacity of flat sandwich structures.
Effect of thoracic duct fistula on canine renal homografts

Abstract Short-term thoracic duct fistula drainage with the addition of low-dose azathioprine therapy appeared to prolong canine renal homograft survival in several animals while short-term thoracic duct drainage alone did not prolong canine renal homograft survival. One animal is a long-term survivor on low-dose azathioprine therapy alone.
THE DIFFUSION MODEL FOR MIGRATION AND SELECTION IN A PLANT POPULATION

The diffusion approximation is derived for migration and selection at a multiallelic locus in a partially selfing plant population subdivided into a lattice of colonies. Generations are discrete and nonoverlapping; both pollen and seeds disperse. In the diffusion limit, the genotypic frequencies at each point are those determined at equilibrium by the local rate of selfing and allelic frequencies. If the drift and diffusion coefficients are taken as the appropriate linear combination of the corresponding coefficients for pollen and seeds, then the migration terms in the partial differential equation for the allelic frequencies have the standard form for a monoecious animal population. The selection term describes selection on the local genotypic frequencies. The boundary conditions and the unidimensional transition conditions for a geographical barrier and for coincident discontinuities in the carrying capacity and migration rate have the standard form. In the diallelic case, reparametrization renders the entire theory of clines and of the wave of advance of favorable alleles directly applicable to plant populations.
Resonant Raman spectroscopy on α-hexathiophene single crystals

Resonant Raman measurements of \ensuremath{\alpha}-hexathiophene at 33 K have identified over ten vibrational modes that couple to electronic excitations in the single crystal. These excitations at 2.066 eV and 2.068 eV with a width of 2meV have been tentatively identified as bound singlet Frenkel excitons or a triplet Frenkel exciton.
Synthetic Insulin Analogs and Their Use in Dogs and Cats

Human recombinant synthetic insulin analogs allow better control of blood glucose concentrations while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemic events in diabetic human patients. Little information is available regarding the use of insulin analogs in cats and dogs. Insulin lispro is an ultrashort-acting analog that has been used in the intensive treatment of dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis. Insulin glargine and insulin detemir are long-acting, and are used in people as basal insulin replacement. Both are associated with reduced risk of hypoglycemia, while detemir also is associated with less undesired weight gain. In cats, insulin detemir and insulin glargine have longer durations of action than traditionally used insulin formulations, and both have been used successfully in once-a-day regimens for treatment of diabetes. Insulins detemir and glargine may have shorter durations of action in cats than in people, and more variability in their effects.
Fundus Scattered Light in the Near Infrared and Changes with Aging not Associated with the Anterior Segment

A confocal scanning laser polarimetry technique using near infrared light reveals an increase with aging in scattered light returning from the ocular fundus. The increase is not associated with dry eye or cataract.
Calculations of the equilibrium photoelectron flux in the thermosphere

Theoretical calculations of the equilibrium photoelectron fluxes in the upper atmosphere are reported. The calculations employ an accurate description of the photoelectron production processes and take explicit account of the discrete nature of the electron energy losses. The neutral atmospheric and ionospheric parameters were obtained from simultaneous measurements by the various instruments of the Atmosphere Explorer-C mission and the solar EUV fluxes measured on the same satellite were used. The photoelectron fluxes are calculated using a recent compilation of photon and electron cross section data. The results are in good agreement with the measured photoelectron fluxes over several orders of magnitude, though there are detailed differences at specific energies that have yet to be resolved.
An Evaluation of Holiday Weight Gain Among Elementary-aged Children.

Background: Previous studies suggest adults gain extra weight during the holiday season, however, few studies have been done with children during this time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gains in growth among elementary children, and compare differences by gender and weight status. Methods : Children’s (n = 90) height and weight were measured before and after their holiday break. Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) and body mass index-percentiles (BMI-%) were evaluated and compared by groups using repeated measures ANCOVA’s. Results : On average, children grew 0.82 cm (0.32 in), and gained 0.56 kg (1.2 lbs) and 0.28 BMI units, however the average BMI-% slightly decreased by 0.4%. Overweight and obese children gained significantly more weight, BMI units and BMI-% units compared with normal weight children. Conclusions : This study supports that the holiday period may be an important time to target children, especially those who are already overweight and obese. doi:10.4021/jocmr414w
Realistic litz wire characterization using fast numerical simulations

The losses of realistic litz wires are characterized while explicitly accounting for their construction, using a procedure that computes the current-driven and magnetic-field-driven copper losses using fast numerical simulations. We present a case study that examines loss variation in one- and two-level litz wires as a function of twisting pitch, over a wide range of values and in small increments. Experimental confirmation is presented for predictions made by numerical simulations. Results confirm the capability and efficiency of numerical methods to provide valuable insights into the realistic construction of litz wire.
DREDed Anomaly mediation

We offer a guide to dimensional reduction (DRED) in theories with anomaly mediated supersymmetry breaking. Evanescent operators proportional to epsilon arise in the bare Lagrangian when it is reduced from d=4 to d= (4-2 epsilon) dimensions. In the course of a detailed diagrammatic calculation, we show that inclusion of these operators is crucial. The evanescent operators conspire to drive the supersymmetry-breaking parameters along anomaly-mediation trajectories across heavy particle thresholds, guaranteeing the ultraviolet insensitivity.
In-situ X-ray topographic observations of notches in ice

Abstract Deformation at the notch tip of ice single crystals was studied by in-situ X-ray topography. The plastic deformation of ice is mainly caused by the characteristic behavior of the dominant dislocations which lie on the basal plane. Short segment of dislocations on the non-basal plane play an important role in the generation of screw dislocations on the basal plane. The dislocation/crack tip interaction mechanism depends strongly on the crystal orientation relative to the loading direction and the crack plane, i.e. the slip system with the highest Schmid factor is the most active in single crystal ice. No dislocation free zone (DFZ) was found in any of the specimens. Etch pit and replication method has the limitation for observing dislocations in ice crystals.
Low Carbohydrate/High Fat Diet Attenuates Pressure Overload Induced Ventricular Remodeling and Dysfunction

Abstract Background It is not known how carbohydrate and fat intake affect the development of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction in response to pressure overload. We hypothesized that a low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet prevents LV hypertrophy and dysfunction compared with high-carbohydrate diets. Methods and Results Rats were fed high-carbohydrate diets composed of either starch or sucrose, or a low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet, and underwent abdominal aortic banding (AAB) for 2 months. AAB increased LV mass with all diets. LV end-diastolic and systolic volumes and the ratio of the mRNA for myosin heavy chain β/α were increased with both high-carbohydrate diets but not with the low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet. Circulating levels of insulin and leptin, both stimulants for cardiac growth, were lower, and free fatty acids were higher with the low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet compared with high-carbohydrate diets. Among animals that underwent AAB, LV volumes were positively correlated with insulin and LV mass correlated with leptin. Conclusion A low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet attenuated pressure overload-induced LV remodeling compared with high-carbohydrate diets. This effect corresponded to lower insulin and leptin concentrations, suggesting they may contribute to the development of LV hypertrophy and dysfunction under conditions of pressure overload.
6-Formylindolo (3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) enhances retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of HL-60 myeloblastic leukemia cells

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand 6-Formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) has received increasing attention since its identification as an endogenous AhR ligand and a photoproduct of tryptophan. FICZ and its metabolites have been detected in human fluids. We recently reported that AhR promotes retinoic acid (RA)-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 myeloblastic leukemia cells by restricting the nuclear abundance of the stem cell associated transcription factor Oct4. The standard clinical management of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is differentiation induction therapy using RA. But RA is not effective for other myeloid leukemias, making the mechanism of RA-induced differentiation observed in a non-APL myeloid leukemia of interest. To our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the influence of FICZ on RA-induced differentiation in any type of leukemic blasts. Using flow cytometry and Western blotting assays, we determined the effects of FICZ on RA-induced differentiation of HL-60 human leukemia cells. All experiments were performed in triplicate. The groups RA and FICZ + RA were compared using the Paired-Samples T-Test. Western blot figures present the typical blots. We demonstrate that FICZ enhances RA-induced differentiation, assessed by the expression of the membrane differentiation marker CD11b; cell cycle arrest; and the functional differentiation marker, inducible-oxidative metabolism. FICZ causes changes in signaling events that are known to drive differentiation, and notably augments the RA-induced sustained activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK axis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. FICZ also augments expression of the known MAPK signaling regulatory molecules c-Cbl, VAV1, pY458 p85 PI3K, Src-family kinases (SFKs), and IRF-1, a transcription factor associated with this putative signalsome that promotes RA-induced differentiation. Moreover, FICZ in combination with RA also increases expression of AhR and even more so of both Cyp1A2 and p47phox, which are known to be transcriptionally regulated by AhR. pY1021 PDGFRβ, a marker associated with retinoic acid syndrome was also increased. Our data suggest that FICZ modulates intracellular signaling pathways and enhances RA-induced differentiation.
Field and Laboratory Evaluation of the Thermo Electron 5020 Sulfate Particulate Analyzer

The Thermo Electron Model 5020 Sulfate Particulate Analyzer is a recently commercialized instrument that provides continuous measurements of the sulfate component of ambient particulate matter. The technique uses a stainless steel rod placed inside a quartz oven to reduce the particle sulfate to sulfur dioxide; followed by pulsed fluorescence detection of the sulfur dioxide. Field and laboratory evaluations of a pre-production version of the analyzer are described as well as laboratory evaluations of the pre-production version and two production units. Laboratory tests concentrated on challenging the instruments with ammonium sulfate aerosol, but tests with sodium, potassium, and calcium sulfate are reported as well. The instrument performed very well in field and laboratory settings, reporting values that were highly correlated with continuous mass measurements in the lab, and 24-hour filters in the field. Conversion/detection efficiencies for ammonium sulfate in the laboratory, and for ambient sulfate a...
Performance of La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 coated NiO as cathodes for molten carbonate fuel cells

Abstract La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 was coated on NiO (LSC–NiO) cathodes using a sol–gel method. Dissolution studies in molten Li2CO3 and K2CO3 (62:38 mol%) at 650 °C showed lower Ni dissolution than that of the conventional nickel oxide cathode. Impedance analysis showed that the behavior of the developed cathode is similar to that of nickel oxide. The LSC coated Ni cathode has an over potential of 109 mV at an applied current density of 160 mA/cm2. The LSC–NiO shows promise as an alternate cathode in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs).
The Application of Dynamic Methods to Language Assessment A Nonbiased Procedure

Dynamic methods are discussed as interactive and process-oriented procedures for nonbiased assessment of communicative competence and language learning potential. Specifically, this study demonstrates the application of mediated learning experience to language assessment. Significant results of the study supported the hypothesis that a task matching young children's socialization better differentiates between nondisabled and language disordered children than a static standardized measure. Dynamic methods were most effective in differentiating nondisabled children from those with possible language disorders.
Occurrence of graphite in serpentinized olivines in kimberlite

Abundant (6 to 9 wt %) graphite has been found in the serpentinized regions of olivine grains from several kimberlites. If the graphite originally was dissolved as atomic carbon in high-pressure olivine, this factor must affect petrologic models of mantle melting in the presence of CO 2 . On the other hand, if the carbon originally existed as CO 2 -filled fluid inclusions in olivine grains or was introduced during serpentinization, the development of graphite provides f o 2 constraints on kimberlite serpentinization. There is evidence for all three mechanisms of graphite formation. However, it appears most likely that graphite developed during reduction of serpentinizing fluids (probably methane-bearing).
Regeneration of O6-Alkylguanine-DNA Alkyltransferase in Human Lymphocytes after Nitrosourea Exposure

Mitogen-stimulated human lymphocytes have an increased capacity to repair many forms of DNA damage caused by UV, ionizing radiation, and chemical carcinogens. Human lymphocytes rely on a particular DNA repair protein, O 6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (alkyltransferase) to repair efficiently O 6-alkylguanine, an important mutagenic adduct formed by nitrosoureas and other N -nitroso compounds. The alkyltransferase is a “suicide” protein which becomes inactivated during the repair process. Thus, basal activity and the ability to synthesize new protein activity are important compounds of O 6-alkylguanine repair. We compared basal and regenerated alkyltransferase activity in resting and mitogen-stimulated human lymphocytes. During stimulation with l-phytohemagglutinin, alkyltransferase activity increased by a mean of 70% over resting cells. Following exposure to N -nitroso- N -methylurea (MNU), alkyltransferase activity was consumed in a dose-dependent manner in both resting and l-phytohemagglutinin-stimulated cells by the repair of MNU-induced O 6-methylguanine-DNA adducts. Recovery of alkyltransferase activity began within 1 day of MNU exposure in the l-phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes but did not occur in resting cells. Enzyme induction was not observed. When the alkyltransferase was only partially inactivated by low dose MNU, resting lymphocytes still failed to recover alkyltransferase activity. The rate of recovery of alkyltransferase activity in proliferating cells was dependent on the basal level of activity, which varied about 3-fold among donors. These data indicate that mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes develop an increased capacity to repair nitrosourea-induced DNA damage and are able to regenerate activity following nitrosourea exposure. In contrast, resting lymphocytes do not rapidly synthesize new alkyltransferase molecules after nitrosourea exposure and appear susceptible to DNA damage caused by persistent O 6-alkylguanine adducts. Thus, both basal alkyltransferase activity and the proliferative state of normal lymphocytes influence the response to nitrosourea exposure.
The DNA unwinding element in a yeast replication origin functions independently of easily unwound sequences present elsewhere on a plasmid

Abstract We have previously identified a DNA unwinding element (DUE) in autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs) and demonstrated a correlation between single-strand-specific nuclease hypersensitivity of the DUE and ARS-mediated plasmid replication in yeast. The DUE in the H4 ARS is the most easily unwound sequence in a supercoiled DNA molecule, in the context of the Ylp5 plasmid. To determine whether sequences which are more readily unwound than the ARS can influence replication activity, we have inserted such sequences, called 'torsional sinks', into the plasmids at a site distal to the ARS. We show that the torsional sink sequences effect reduction or elimination of the nuclease hypersensitivity of a variety of H4 ARS derivatives. However, we detect no difference in the in vivo replication activity of an individual ARS plasmid with or without a torsional sink. Thus, the function of the DUE in a yeast replication origin is unaffected by easily unwound sequences present elsewhere on the same plasmid.
There's a devil on wayamba beach : Social dramas of development and citizenship in northwest Sri Lanka

In this article we draw upon religious sermons, poetry and first-person accounts to show how rural Sri Lankans used localized meanings of security and sacrifice to mobilize against a project of national development Using Victor Turner's concept of social drama and the idea that state officials and citizens relate as audiences of each others' actions, we bring the metho dological lens of performance to the study of citizenship, development, and legitimacy. The authors find that people's attempt to transform everyday meaning into legitimate meaning forms a profound kernel in the process of mating of state-society relations.
Bridging Dichotomies in Cognitive Architectures for Virtual Humans

Desiderata for cognitive architectures that are to support the extent of human-level intelligence required in virtual humans imply the need to bridge a range of dichotomies faced by such architectures. The focus here is first on two general approaches to building such bridges ‐ addition and reduction ‐ and then on a pair of general tools ‐ graphical models and piecewise continuous functions ‐ that exploit the second approach towards developing such an architecture. Evaluation is in terms of the architecture’s demonstrated ability and future potential for bridging the dichotomies.
Tracking non-rigid objects in complex scenes

The authors describe a model-based method for tracking nonrigid objects moving in a complex scene. The method operates by extracting two-dimensional models of an object from a sequence of images. The basic idea underlying the technique is to decompose the image of a solid object moving in space into two components: a two-dimensional motion and a two-dimensional shape change. The motion component is factored out and the shape change is represented explicitly by a sequence of two-dimensional models, one corresponding to each image frame. The major assumption underlying the method is that the two-dimensional shape of an object will change slowly from one frame to the next. There is no assumption, however, that the two-dimensional image motion between successive frames will be small. >
Trade-Area Models and Choice-Based Samples: Methods:

The use of choice-based data to generate parameters of a trade-area gravity model is described in detail in this paper. The importance of being able to estimate parameters with data collected from ...
Multi-robot boundary coverage with plan revision

This paper revisits the multi-robot boundary coverage problem in which a group of k robots must inspect every point on the boundary of a 2-dimensional environment. We focus on the case in which revision of the original inspection plan may be necessary due to changes in the robot team size or the environment. Building upon prior work, which presented a graph-based approach to path planning for this problem, we present a graph representation of the task that is greatly reduced in complexity and a path revision algorithm appropriate for addressing such changes
A survey of relativistic transformations

The usefulness of invariance properties in calculating various kinematical quantities relevant to particle physics is outlined and examples given. General formulae relating to the transformation of distributions from one Lorentz system to another are given and their uses demonstrated. Particular application is made to the γ-ray distribution arising from π0-decay.
Foreign Teaching Assistants at U.S. Universities: Problems in Interaction and Communication

occurred) and a for item two (indicating that they believed that it had). However, several of the students found the first sentence to be ambiguous and interpreted it in a way different from what had been anticipated. In the class discussion following the test, they explained that they had inferred that Mary was dead-killed by someone, but not by Tom. That is, by placing contrastive stress on Tom in their reading, rather than reading it as unmarked, they identified an interpretation that had not been previously considered. As this example illustrates, there are advantages to be found in using testing techniques for instructional purposes. Requiring students to make conscious choices, as they had to in this testing format, made it possible to discover and identify problems, ambiguities, and alternative interpretations which might otherwise have gone undetected.
Evaluation of Erythrocyte Disorders With Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

The red cell distribution width (RDW), which provides a quantitative measure of heterogeneity of red cells in the peripheral blood, and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) are part of the routine red cell indices reported by automated blood analyses. This study evaluated 193 pediatric patients with a wide range of erythrocyte disorders and determined the diagnostic utility of the RDW in relation to the MCV. Six different groups of erythrocyte disorders by MCV and RDW values are described: low MCV/normal RDW, low MCV/high RDW, normal MCV/normal RDW, normal MCV/high RDW, high MCV/normal RDW, high MCV/high RDW. This combination established a useful differential diagnosis of erythrocyte disorders. The data provided a baseline against which future studies of infants and children can be compared, though each laboratory has to verify its own normals. It should be cautioned that different electronic counters yield different RDW values, so there have to be qualifications when reporting reference values. The RDW may find its best use as a guide in the differential diagnosis of anemia, rather than as a definitive test per se.
Recurrence after Treatment for Pulmonary Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Abstract We estimated the proportion of recurrence within 2 years among adults cured by individualized multidrug-resistant tuberculosis regimens in Peru. Among 310 individuals with at least 24 months of follow-up, 16 experienced an episode of recurrent tuberculosis. If we assume the worst for treatment effectiveness-that all 16 episodes were caused by the original tuberculosis strain-then 5.2% (95% confidence interval, 3.0%-8.2%) experienced true relapse. This is an upper-bound estimate of relapse on which new regimens must improve.
Staged hybrid repair of extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms secondary to chronic aortic dissection

Objective Many patients with aortic dissection develop Crawford extent I or II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Because open repair is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, hybrid approaches to TAAA repair are emerging. In this study, we evaluated the midterm outcomes and aortic remodeling of a hybrid technique that combines proximal thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), followed by staged distal open thoracoabdominal repair for patients with Crawford extent I or II TAAAs secondary to chronic aortic dissection. Methods We identified 19 patients with Crawford extent I (n = 1) or extent II (n = 18) TAAAs secondary to chronic aortic dissection who underwent a staged hybrid repair from 2007 to 2014 at our institution. Nine patients had previous open ascending aortic surgery for type I aortic dissection. Stage 1 TEVAR was performed via percutaneous (n = 8), femoral cutdown (n = 8), or iliac exposure (n = 3). The left subclavian artery was covered in nine patients and revascularized in eight patients using carotid-subclavian bypass (n = 7) or laser fenestration (n = 1). Stage 2 open repair was performed a median of 18 weeks later with partial cardiopulmonary bypass via left femoral arterial and venous cannulation for visceral and lower body perfusion. The open thoracoabdominal graft was anastomosed proximally in an end to end fashion with the endograft. We then assessed surgical morbidity and mortality, midterm survival, and freedom from reintervention. Aortic remodeling was measured and change in maximum aortic and false lumen diameter at last follow-up (median, 3 years) from baseline was assessed. Results There were no deaths, strokes, or chronic renal failure in this cohort. After stage 1 TEVAR, three patients required repeat intervention for endoleak (type Ia, n = 1; type Ib, n = 1; type II, n = 1) before open repair. After stage 2 open repair, there was a single delayed permanent paralysis 2 weeks after discharge. At a median 3-year follow-up (range, 6 months-6.2 years), there were no deaths, neurologic events, endoleaks, or TAAA reinterventions. Complete false lumen thrombosis occurred in 100% of the patients, with maximum false lumen diameter decreasing from 34.3 ± 15.3 mm to 13.2 ± 12.0 mm ( P P Conclusions Staged hybrid TAAA repair, using a combination of proximal TEVAR with open distal repair, can be performed using established endovascular skills and technology coupled with traditional open aortic surgical techniques, with low surgical morbidity and mortality. In the midterm, staged hybrid TAAA repair was associated favorable survival, aortic remodeling, and freedom from reintervention.
Effects of Scale and Loading Rate with Tests of Concrete and Masonry Structures

Abstract Static and dynamic response of large‐scale and reduced‐scale test structures are correlated to discern effects attributable to scale and loading rate. Three case studies are presented where reduced‐scale models were subjected to dynamic excitation using a shaking table. The test structures were: (a) multi‐story reinforced masonry building systems, (b) two‐story unreinforced masonry bearing and shear wall systems, and (c) ten‐story reinforced concrete frame‐wall systems. For each study, static testing of either critical components, or of the complete structural system, was done at a large scale to examine differences attributable to the modeling method, or to the loading procedure.
The use of engineering design scenarios to assess student knowledge of global, societal, economic, and environmental contexts

Product archaeology as an educational approach asks engineering students to consider and explore the broader societal and global impacts of a product's manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal on people, economics, and the environment. This study examined the impact of product archaeology in a project-based engineering design course on student attitudes and perceptions about engineering and abilities to extend and refine knowledge about broader contexts. Two design scenarios were created: one related to dental hygiene and one related to vaccination delivery. Design scenarios were used to (1) assess knowledge of broader contexts, and (2) test variability of student responses across different contextual situations. Results from pre- to post-surveying revealed improved student perceptions of knowledge of broader contexts. Significant differences were observed between the two design scenarios. The findings support the assumption that different design scenarios elicit consideration of different contexts ...
Islamic ethics of saving life: a comparative perspective

Addressing specific modes of reasoning common to legal and theological discussions, this paper seeks to understand how the modern debate on euthanasia fits into a broader Islamic worldview. After an overview of contrasting religious and secular ethical theories, the paper demonstrates that Islamic theological views, and also traditions on martyrdom and suicide, continue to inform Muslim authorities today. Also included are specific suggestions on the incorporation of Islamic ideas of death into the modern hospital environment.
Softening of hard tissue for sectioning.

A method for softening refractory paraffin-embedded specimens by trimming the block to just expose the tissue and soaking in solutions of wetting agents (detergents) is recommended. Paraffin blocks are soaked several hours to overnight in 1% aqueous solutions of either new Dreft, sodium lauryl sulfate, Aerosol OT, Glim, or Joy. Excellent sections of rat skin, cartilage, wood and chitin were obtained after soaking. Ribboning and spreading were improved. The method did not improve sectioning of tissue embedded in nitrocellulose when the blocks were stored in 70% alcohol before cutting.
Estimated Fuel Burn Performance for MDW Arrivals

The Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) arrival flows are an important component of overall NAS efficiency and airline costs of operation. The efficiency of TRACON arrival flows is a function of the relative position of the final waypoint on the Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) to the runway threshold, the type of approach (ILS, RNP, VFR), and the arrival vertical and longitudinal profile. A previous research established the presence of 16 unique arrival flows for the main runways (31C, 4R, 22L and 13C) at Midway International Airport (MDW), using 43 days of National Offload Program (NOP) radar track data. This paper uses an aerodynamic fuel burn model to estimate the fuel burn for these flows.
Perceived Effectiveness and Business Structure among Advertising Agencies: A Case Study of Mobile Advertising in South Korea

AbstractMobile advertising has become a new form of marketingcommunications in recent years as mobile phones became ubiquitous in many countries. While the consumer aspect of mobile advertising has attracted much attention, few studies have touched on the business aspect of this new advertising medium. The present paper explores the status and trends of mobile advertising through in-depth personalinterviews with the advertising practitioners in one of the leading mobileeconomies in the world, South Korea. Specifically, it addresses the current practices of mobile advertising, the business structure of mobile advertising market, and how mobile advertising is evaluated by practitioners.
Carcass, sensory, and adipose tissue traits of Brangus steers fed casein-formaldehyde-protected starch and/or canola lipid.

We predicted that providing rumen-protected starch to the small intestine would increase adiposity of intramuscular adipose tissue, and hence marbling scores. Eighteen 15-mo-old Brangus steers were assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatment groups: 1) cracked corn (Corn); 2) casein-formaldehyde-protected lipid (Canola Lipid); or 3) casein-formaldehyde-protected starch (Marble Plus). All diets were equally balanced for ME (2.91 Mcal/kg), CP (12.5%), and DM (89%). Ether extract was 3.7, 6.9, and 6.9% for the Corn, Canola Lipid, and Marble Plus diets, respectively, and the Marble Plus also contained 3.7% protected starch. Steers were fed the diets for 126 d before slaughter. Average daily feed intake (as-fed basis), ADG, and feed:gain ratio (P > or = 0.23) did not differ among treatments. Carcasses across treatments did not differ (P = 0.26) in adjusted fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, marbling scores, or USDA quality grade. Percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat was higher (P or = 0.33) by diet in i.m. adipose tissue. Fatty acid synthetase activity tended (P = 0.08) to be higher in s.c. adipose tissue of Marble Plus steers, and NADP-malic dehydrogenase activity was higher (P = 0.03) in i.m. adipose tissue of Canola Lipid steers. We conclude that Marble Plus did not improve carcass quality, but also did not reduce beef sensory attributes. Any differences we observed in carcass characteristics, adipose tissue cellularity, or lipogenesis apparently were caused by the protected lipid rather than the protected starch.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Thioredoxin Reductase Is Essential for Thiol Redox Homeostasis but Plays a Minor Role in Antioxidant Defense.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) must cope with exogenous oxidative stress imposed by the host. Unlike other antioxidant enzymes, Mtb’s thioredoxin reductase TrxB2 has been predicted to be essential not only to fight host defenses but also for in vitro growth. However, the specific physiological role of TrxB2 and its importance for Mtb pathogenesis remain undefined. Here we show that genetic inactivation of thioredoxin reductase perturbed several growth-essential processes, including sulfur and DNA metabolism and rapidly killed and lysed Mtb. Death was due to cidal thiol-specific oxidizing stress and prevented by a disulfide reductant. In contrast, thioredoxin reductase deficiency did not significantly increase susceptibility to oxidative and nitrosative stress. In vivo targeting TrxB2 eradicated Mtb during both acute and chronic phases of mouse infection. Deliberately leaky knockdown mutants identified the specificity of TrxB2 inhibitors and showed that partial inactivation of TrxB2 increased Mtb’s susceptibility to rifampicin. These studies reveal TrxB2 as essential thiol-reducing enzyme in Mtb in vitro and during infection, establish the value of targeting TrxB2, and provide tools to accelerate the development of TrxB2 inhibitors.
Curie Temperature Engineering in High Entropy Alloys for Magnetocaloric Applications

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are useful in applications that requir high strength, oxidation resistance, and high temperature stability. Research on HEAs for magnetocaloric applications focuses on increasing the refrigeration constant and controlling the Curie temperature $({{T}}_{c})$ . Here we investigate the effect of metal additions on exchange interaction distributions in eqiatomic ferromagnetic alloys of Fe, Co, and Ni. The metal additions are (a) noble metals (e.g., Cu, Ag), (b) antiferromagnetic transition metals (e.g., Mn), (c) Stoner-enhanced transition metals (e.g., Pt), and (d) early transition metals (e.g., Mo) that contribute to the virtual bound states. We are able to: 1) stabilize a ferromagnetic face-centered cubic $\gamma$ -phase with equiatomic compositions in 4-, 5-, and 6-component systems, 2) make slight departures from equiatomic compositions to a chosen alloy to bring its ${T}_{c}$ closer to room temperature, and 3) measure the role of alloying on exchange interaction distributions. We present a simple model to predict ${T}_{c}$ in HEAs using the Bethe–Slater curve and binary phase diagrams of alloy constituents. Compared to the rare-earth-based magnetocaloric materials, the HEAs investigated here have significantly lower costs.
Where do eusocial insects fit into soil food webs

Abstract Social insects are an obvious example of soil macrofauna whose role in soil food webs remains poorly understood. Termites and ants are among the most abundant invertebrates found in many terrestrial ecosystems. Termites are functionally detritivores while ants are functionally omnivores in most soil food webs although variation in ant feeding habits and preferences can mean that some species are functionally herbivores while others are predators. The areal abundance of termites and ants in soils, their ecosystem engineering activities in soils and dead wood, and their enormous variety of species interactions with soil organisms suggest that they are key members of soil food webs. Identifying the species of social insects present in soil food webs and quantifying their abundance by collecting whole colonies, whenever possible, will allow quantification of their areal abundance. Using manipulative experiments to test their impacts in combination with studying their areal abundance, diet, and describing the interacting species found within their functional domains (nests, galleries, gut faunae, etc.) it will be possible to better understand the impacts of social insects on soil food webs.
Residential Building Restrictions, Cost of Living, and Partisanship

Why have richer U.S. states become more Democratic and poorer states more Republican? I find that this phenomenon actually reflects cost of living, driven by residential building restrictions. Such restrictions have come under intense scrutiny from economists in recent years. By making housing supply less responsive to price, land-use regulation increases house prices in locations that are highly desirable for either amenities or production. High house prices are the most important component of general cost of living. High cost of living deters in-migration of lower-income households, especially those that do not highly value amenities. Holding median household income constant, higher-cost locations will tend over time to attract and keep households that highly value amenities. It is hypothesized that these households will be more Democratic. Accordingly, raising residential building requirements in high-amenity areas should cause those areas to move gradually to the left. The hypotheses are tested on a variety of individual- and state-level data.
Deleterious effects of net clogging on the quantification of stream drift

Drift studies are central to stream and river ecological research. However, a fundamental aspect of quantifying drift — how net clogging affects the accuracy of results — has been widely ignored. Utilizing approaches from plankton and suspended sediment studies in oceanography and hydrology, we examined the rate and dynamics of net clogging across a range of conditions. We found that nets clog nonlinearly over time and that suspended solid concentrations and net mesh size exerted a strong effect on clogging rates. Critically, net clogging introduced unpredictable biases in resultant data due to the inaccuracies in water volume estimates introduced by progressive clogging. This renders the widespread approach to linearly “correct” for clogging inadequate. Using a meta-analysis of 77 drift studies spanning 25 years, we demonstrate that the detrimental effects of net clogging are routinely unappreciated, even though the results of most of these studies were likely affected by clogging. We close by describing...
Management of Pregnancy in Women Who Have Undergone Bariatric Surgery

As the problem of obesity continues to grow, more patients are choosing to undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight and treat comorbidities, such as diabetes. Of the more than 200,000 procedures performed each year, 80% are in women, many of reproductive age. Taking care of a pregnant woman who has undergone bariatric surgery requires understanding of the risks, the need for additional surveillance, and the limitations of our knowledge about how bariatric surgery affects pregnancy. The aims of this study were to review the current literature on bariatric surgery and pregnancy and summarize the important evidence to help the obstetrician care for a pregnant woman after bariatric surgery. Evidence for this review was acquired using PubMed. Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is safe and may be associated with improved pregnancy outcomes; however, more research is needed to better understand how to manage pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery. Obstetricians will increasingly be caring for women who have undergone bariatric surgery and subsequently become pregnant. Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. After participating this activity, the learner should be better able to understand the indications for bariatric surgery and how different types of bariatric procedures change gastrointestinal physiology and nutrient metabolism; appropriately counsel patients about the risks and benefits of pregnancy after bariatric surgery; and understand the importance of monitoring nutritional status and supplementation in pregnancies after bariatric surgery.
High-capacity, nanofiber-based ion-exchange membranes for the selective recovery of heavy metals from impaired waters

Abstract This contribution describes the development, performance evaluation and modeling of polyelectrolyte-modified nanofiber membranes for heavy metal recovery from impaired water. High-capacity membranes were prepared by grafting poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(itaconic acid) (PIA) to cellulose nanofiber mats. The success of polymer grafting was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Membrane permeabilities for a series of polymer grafted nanofiber membranes were measured by direct-flow filtration. Single-component ion-exchange isotherms were measured at constant pH for cadmium, nickel, and calcium ions. The higher metal-polymer complex stability of Cd-PIA over Cd-PAA was found to be an impact factor for achieving high Cd binding capacities. Single-component ion-exchange isotherms were well described by the Langmuir model, with maximum capacities of PIA-modified membranes that exceeded 220 mg Cd/g, comparable to traditional resin-based ion-exchange media. Moreover, membranes were selective for Cd over Ni and Ca because of different hydration energies and ionization potentials. Competitive ion-exchange measurements were made using environmentally relevant concentrations of these ions to determine the selectivity of the membranes for cadmium ion. Experimental isotherms for Cd-Ca and Cd-Ni were compared to model predictions from the competitive Langmuir model with Langmuir parameters obtained by fitting single-component isotherms. The competitive Langmuir model well describes the experimental isotherms at low metal ion concentrations. However, at high concentrations, the model underestimates experimental uptake values. This work shows that nanofiber membranes offer a high-capacity and high-productivity platform for selective removal of heavy metals, especially Cd, from impaired waters.