cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of A1 Adenosine Receptor Agonism Using N6-Cyclohexyl-2′-O-Methyladenosine in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background The role of adenosine as a neuromodulator in heart failure was studied with the use of a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclohexyl-2′-O-methyladenosine (SDZ-WAG 994). Methods and Results Fifty patients with heart failure symptoms and moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction had a balloon flotation catheter inserted. Patients received placebo or a single oral dose of either 1, 2, or 5 mg SDZ-WAG 994. After baseline measurements were obtained, hemodynamic and electrophysiological recordings were repeated at 30-minute intervals for the next 4 hours, then every 6 hours for the next 24 hours. Blood samples for norepinephrine, epinephrine, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide, and plasma renin activity were drawn at baseline and 2 hours after drug administration. A1 adenosine receptor agonism produced no important effects on systemic, right atrial, pulmonary artery, or pulmonary capillary wedge pressures; cardiac index; respiratory rate; or heart rate. The PR interval (a reflect...
INCIDENCE OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON PRE-SCALD AND POST-CHILL CHICKEN

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen that can cause serious foodborne disease. For this reason, this pathogen is of great interest to all food manufacturing companies. Recent outbreaks of listeriosis in which poultry products were implicated have focused the attention of the poultry industry on L. monocytogenes. Historically, this pathogen has been isolated from poultry processing plants, especially during the latter stages of processing (post evisceration). This study was designed to survey several plants and determine the incidence of L. monocytogenes on poultry carcasses. Three commercial chicken processing plants were examined for the presence of L. monocytogenes on carcasses from early (pre-scald) and late (post-chill) in the process. Overall, the percentage of positive post-chill samples was lower than that previously reported in earlier studies. Carcasses from two plants maintained a low incidence at both sample sites. Carcasses from the third plant accumulated a significant increase in L. monocytogenes from pre-scald to post-chill. This third plant later replaced the evisceration equipment. A second evaluation, one month after placement of the equipment, revealed much lower incidence on processed carcasses.
Interface between the Behavioral and Cognitive-Developmental Approach to Research in Morality

Philosophers and social theorists in every period of recorded history have devoted much discussion to moral conduct, not only to what it is but to how parents and teachers might encourage or unintentionally interfere with its development in the young. In spite of the attention directed to morality throughout the ages, there was relatively little empirical investigation of this domain until this century. The landmark studies were those conducted by Hartshorne and May, Studies in the Nature of Character (1928, 1929, 1930), and by Piaget, The Moral Judgment of the Child (1932). These two classic studies represent quite contrasting theoretical points of view.
First response of mammalian cells to nanosecond pulsed electric fields

In order to investigate the conditions for the induction of all physiological responses, the changes of the transmembrane potential is recorded during the application of a nanosecond pulsed electric field in real time, i.e., with a temporal resolution of 5 ns, short compared to the duration of the pulse. Results show that the intense fast-rising pulses lead to an immediate change about 1 V at the anodic side of the cell. It was observed that the changes in transmembrane potentials correspond to the increase of intracellular calcium levels several milliseconds after exposure for the same pulse conditions.
Wave propagation algorithms for multicomponent compressible flows with applications to volcanic jets

Numerical algorithms are developed for compressible multicomponent flow problems in the framework of wave propagation finite volume methods based on approximate Riemann solvers. Both models for multifluid flows, which involve pure species separated by well-defined interfaces, and for two-phase flows made of gas carrying a particulate suspension are studied. In the context of multifluid problems, I propose a method for flows governed by an arbitrary equation of state p( E , ρ) based on a local linearization of the pressure law. The scheme is able to guarantee pressure equilibrium at material interfaces, avoiding the well-known numerical difficulty of the appearance of spurious pressure oscillations. A two-phase model for particle-laden gases is then studied, which accounts for interphase drag and heat transfer, and gravity for both phases. A wave propagation algorithm is proposed to solve the governing equations, designed to guarantee an efficient treatment of source terms, and overcome the difficulties related to the non-strictly hyperbolic character of the equations of the pressureless particulate phase. In this context, the f-wave approach is employed, which enters into the framework of a general class of Riemann solvers (Relaxation Riemann Solvers) that we have introduced in a parallel study on the relation between relaxation schemes and approximate Riemann solvers. The multi-dimensional two-phase dusty gas model is then applied to the simulation of jets and pyroclastic dispersion processes that characterize explosive volcanic events. In particular, I focus on the decompression phase of underexpanded supersonic volcanic jets on different crater morphology, describing the fluid dynamic structures that develop in the jet thrust region, such as internal shock waves. By means of numerical simulation I investigate the main factors controlling the expansion of the eruptive mixture and the generation of wave patterns above the conduit exit, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the complex and highly nonlinear thermo-fluid dynamic mechanisms governing these processes.
Strongly magnetized accretion discs require poloidal flux

Motivated by indirect observational evidence for strongly magnetized accretion discs around black holes, and the novel theoretical properties of such solutions, we investigate how a strong magnetization state can develop and persist. To this end, we perform local simulations of accretion discs with an initially purely toroidal magnetic field of equipartition strength. We demonstrate that discs with zero net vertical magnetic flux and realistic boundary conditions cannot sustain a strong toroidal field. However, a magnetic pressure-dominated disc can form from an initial configuration with a sufficient amount of net vertical flux and realistic boundary conditions. Our results suggest that poloidal flux is a necessary prerequisite for the sustainability of strongly magnetized accretion discs.
The Rate of Regeneration in the German Roach

Regeneration, the ability to replace lost or injured appendages, is commonly acknowledged as being spread widely throughout the insect world, but specific citations are surprisingly meagre. Even those which are available are mostly mere records of occurrence, while the majority of the fundamental research in this connection has dealt with the Crustacea. Woodruff (1937) attempted to summarize the entomological literature and recorded observations on the German roach. This species, Blattella germanica (L.), was found to have two well defined breaking-points on each leg; one at the tibio-tarsal joint and the second between the trochanter and femur. Regeneration, as in all arthropods, occurred only at the time of ecdysis, normally at the first following the amputation, but even when a leg was removed immediately after eclosion the new growth was occasionally retarded through the succeeding stadium. Regenerated appendages frequently equalled the normal by the time adulthood was reached, except for the fact that renewed tarsi were always composed of only four subsegments in place of the usual five. Multiple fractures being repaired simultaneously appeared to proceed at approximately the same rate, but otherwise had no influence upon each other; at least, there was no perceptible decrease in rate.
Uncertainty assessment of the pulse-echo ultrasonic burning rate measurement technique

The pulse-echo ultrasonic technique has been successfully applied to solid propellant for burning rate measurement. However, no one has ever performed an uncertainty analysis of this technique. This study presents a detailed uncertainty assessment of the technique and shows the results for a set of three selected propellants. Direct Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to determine the uncertainty in the burning rate. The total uncertainty was shown to range between 0.01 in/set and 0.035 in/set and the relative uncertainty from 3.5 to 5%. In general, when propellant burns faster, the total uncertainty is larger and the relative uncertainty is smaller. The total uncertainty in the burning rate tends to follow the same variation with pressure as the burning rate and the relative uncertainty stays pretty much constant during an entire test. A sensitivity analysis shows that the parameters which have the most influence on the mcertainty in the burning rate are the propagation time of the ultrasonic pulses through the propellant and the initial thickness of the propellant. The thicker the initial length of the propellant sample is, the lower the uncertainty will be.
Effects of Nanocrystalline Structure and Passivation on the Photoluminescent Properties of Porous Silicon Carbide

We present the results of an investigation of the dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) spectra on preparation conditions, the resulting microstructure, and post-anodization treatment of porous silicon carbide films which were formed from both p and n-type 6H-SiC substrates. Porous samples were prepared by anodic dissolution under different galvanostatic conditions, resulting in different porosities and crystallite sizes. Selected-area electron diffraction patterns taken on similarly prepared porous silicon carbide (PSC) samples confirmed that the films were monocrystalline. Transmission electron microscopy of as-anodized films revealed an isotropie porous network; a dependence of porosity and nanocrystallite size on porous layer formation current density was established. Some PSC samples were passivated using a short, thermal oxidation treatment. The effects of porosity and crystallite size, and of oxide passivation in these PSC films, on PL spectra and intensity were studied using a 365 nm Kr-ion laser as excitation. Under certain conditions, the spectrally integrated PL intensity of a passivated film is more than 450x that for the original bulk SiC substrate. PL spectra are presented, and possible mechanisms are discussed.
Dynamic Evolution of Defect Structures during Spall Failure of Nanocrystalline Al

The dynamic evolution and interaction of defects under the conditions of shock loading in nanocrystalline Al with an average grain size of 20 nm is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations for an impact velocity of 1 km/s. Four stages of defect evolution are identified during shock deformation and failure that correspond to the initial shock compression (I), the propagation of the compression wave (II), the propagation and interaction of the reflected tensile waves (III), and the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids (IV). The results suggest that the spall strength of the nanocrystalline Al system is attributed to a high density of Shockley partials and a slightly lower density of twinning partials (twins) in the material experiencing the peak tensile pressures.
Believing that Humans Swallow Spiders in Their Sleep: False Beliefs as Side Effects of the Processes that Support Accurate Knowledge

Abstract Humans can store, maintain, and retrieve an impressive amount of information—but the processes that support accurate knowledge can also lead to errors, such as the false belief that humans swallow eight spiders in their sleep each year. In this chapter, we review characteristics of the knowledge base and explore how five adaptive properties that support accurate knowledge can also lead to the learning, storage, and retrieval of falsehoods. First, people exhibit a bias to believe information is true since, most of the time, incoming information is indeed true. Second, we utilize a fluency-based heuristic for judging truth since—again, most of the time—easy processing reliably signals that something is true. Third, the knowledge base is productive: people use existing knowledge to make new inferences, which are typically accurate but occasionally are inappropriate and result in errors. Fourth, existing knowledge supports new learning, so our ingrained misconceptions can foster new errors and interfere with learning the truth. Fifth, because it would be too taxing to carefully compare all incoming information to stored knowledge, we do not require a perfect match and often accept information as “good enough.” As a result, errors that are similar to the truth often slip by undetected, and sometimes are later reproduced. Finally, we discuss methods for correcting errors and potential barriers to the correction of misconceptions. In particular, it is essential to refute the error as well as provide a simple alternative to replace it. Overall, the processes that support accurate knowledge and false beliefs are the same, and can lead to competing representations in memory.
A joint source coding and networking scheme for video streaming over wireless LANs

We present a joint source coding and networking technique for video delivery over wireless local area networks. The objective is to improve the end-to-end video quality with the constraint of network throughput. The proposed video transport scheme integrates several networking and coding components, including load-aware multipath routing, class based queuing (CBQ), and scalable (or layered) video source coding. An effective 3D-OCTREE video coder is used to generate the multilayer source data streams. The coded bitstreams can be segmented into multiple substreams, each with a different contribution towards the final video reconstruction. The underlay wireless ad hoc network is designed to support differentiated service (DiffServ). A multipath routing with load-aware route discovery is used to find multiple routes from the source to the destination with different quality of service (QoS) characteristics. The video substreams will be distributed among these paths according to their QoS priority. CBQ is applied to all intermediate nodes, which gives preference to important substreams. Through this approach, the scalable source coding techniques are incorporated with DiffServ networking techniques so that the overall system performance is effectively improved. Preliminary simulations have been conducted on the network simulator (ns-2), and significant improvements over traditional wireless LAN transport schemes have been observed.
GPU sorting algorithms

In this chapter, we briefly introduce the basics of graphics processing unit (GPU) architectures, CUDA programming, memory and computation models, and generic programming strategies to achieve high performance with GPU architectures. Using these models, we present GPU-based parallel implementations of popular sorting algorithms, including Bitonic Sort, Radix Sort, and Merge Sort. We also present a brief discussion about other sorting algorithms, such as Quicksort, Warpsort, and scalable sorting algorithms, along with a comparison between these sorting algorithms.
Single dose of prophylactic oral dextrose gel reduces neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Commentary on: Hegarty JE, Harding JE, Gamble GD, et al. Prophylactic oral dextrose gel for newborn babies at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia: a randomised controlled dose-finding trial (the Pre-hPOD Study). PLoS Med 2016;13:e1002155. Oral dextrose gel is a novel therapeutic option to manage asymptomatic neonatal hypoglycaemia. Previous studies1–3 have shown that the use of 40% buccal dextrose gel along with feeds reduces the need for intravenous dextrose therapy, promotes maternal infant bonding and reduces cost. The ease of administering the dextrose gel via the buccal mucosa2 and improvement in breastfeeding rates have made this a popular therapy for hypoglycaemia and is currently being implemented in nurseries across the world. The incidence of hypoglycaemia is almost 50% in neonates with risk factors, including maternal diabetes, maternal β blocker therapy, large or small for gestational age and …
A 3D printed fluid filled variable elastance electrostatic machine optimized with conformal mapping

Recently, fluid filled electrostatic machines have demonstrated specific and volumetric torque density that hold promise to be competitive with electromagnetic machines in niche applications. These demonstrations of variable elastance (dual of reluctance) machines were non-optimized from an electrostatics perspective as their geometry was heavily constrained due to manufacturability. Higher performance electromechanical power conversion for electrostatics requires optimal geometric design. This paper proposes a semi-analytical method incorporating conformal mapping techniques with finite element (FE) analysis to optimize a variable elastance electrostatic machine in a low speed direct drive applications. As a proof of concept, an optimized geometry was built using additive manufacturing, specifically stereolithographic 3D printing, to circumvent geometry constraints. By building the machine from plastic plated with conductor, it is lightweight with improved torque density. This manufacturing approach suggests that a machine can be injected molded or cast in a single step. Experimental results support both the design and manufacturing approaches and the resulting machine is benchmarked against previous work.
The Phenomenological Elucidation of Truth: Between Skepticism and Relativism

Husserl’s most comprehensive efforts to overcome relativism are in the end inseparable from the larger project of establishing phenomenology as a foundational discipline. The starting-point of this project is the conviction, in the tradition of Descartes and Brentano, that intuition is the ultimate source of all knowledge and certainty.1 Initially Husserl’s aim is to make clear the basis in intuition of knowledge in the specific fields of arithmetic (Philosophy of Arithmetic) and logic (Logical Investigations). This more limited project leads to the elaboration of a general intuitionist epistemology and Evidenz-theory of truth; that is, to a systematization of the initial guiding conviction that intuition is the ground of all knowledge. At this early stage (i.e., through the first edition of the Logical Investigations), Husserl uncritically combines his intuitionism with a realist, Cartesian-style ontology inherited from Brentano. However, as the inconsistencies of this combination become clear, the definitive outlines of the project take shape. The guiding aim becomes twofold: to establish a discipline which will found the sciences while itself fulfilling the demand for Evidenz (truth) to the highest degree; and in so doing to perfect the overcoming of the Cartesian conception of truth and reality.
A novel deterministic and probabilistic dynamic security assessment approach for isolated microgrids

Isolated microgrids are prone to large frequency and voltage deviations, due to limited generation capacity, finite generation inertia, and possibly including large portions of dynamic loads. They require effective security-constrained power management methods, which operate the system optimally, while satisfying the security constraints. Region-based security assessment is popular for real-time security-constrained power management, thanks to its low calculation burden. This paper presents a systematic method to assess an approximation of the system deterministic or probabilistic (risk-based) Dynamic Secure Region (DSR) in isolated microgrids. To demonstrate how the method works, it was implemented on a notional isolated microgrid in an all-electric ship. The results showed the effectiveness of the proposed DSR assessment method.
Anticoagulation reversal in vitamin K antagonist-associated intracerebral hemorrhage: a systematic review.

The effect of rapid anticoagulation reversal on mortality and functional outcome in vitamin K antagonist–associated intracerebral hemorrhage (VKA–ICH) is uncertain. Given the approval of idarucizumab for dabigatran reversal and pending approval for andexanet alfa for reversal of factor Xa inhibitors, a systematic appraisal of the effectiveness of reversal for VKA–ICH would provide a bench mark for current practice. We performed PubMed searches and reviewed current guidelines. Using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were reviewed by two physicians independently. Data elements abstracted included study design, sample size, inclusion and exclusion criteria; patient characteristics at presentation; time to presentation and therapy; dose and timing of warfarin reversal agents; functional outcome and mortality. Studies were assessed for risk of bias. Twenty-one studies met the selection criteria. The overall quality of the studies was poor with small sample size for the majority and all studies being either case series or retrospective observational in design. Inclusion criteria were not uniform. Interpretation of the effectiveness of vitamin K antagonist reversal on functional outcome was not feasible due to lack of standard protocols in the management of VKA–ICH including choice, dose, and timing of reversal agent, timing of subsequent INR monitoring, and decision for repeat imaging. Confounding by indication, lack of universal reporting of functional outcome, and use of varied scales for the endpoint further limited a summary interpretation. Despite availability of reversal agents, mortality and morbidity remain high following VKA–ICH. Evidence for improvement in neurological outcome is limited.
Rigid Uretero-Resectoscopic Management of Ureteral Tumors

Ureteroscopic resection of upper tract is indicated by patient preference, medical comorbidities, and location/size of tumor. The literature on ureteral recurrence reports a recurrence rate of 48% for low grade and 60% for high grade, but the real recurrence rate is likely to be higher. Risk factors for recurrence include size >2 cm, grade, prior history of urothelial cell carcinoma and stage. The most important factor appears to be grade. Patients who failed conservative therapy and had a delayed radical nephroureterectomy had similar disease-specific survival and pathological stage to those who choose immediate radical nephroureterectomy. In our experience, ureteral tumors are best treated with ureteraoresectoscope. One must be careful with resecting near vessels such as the iliacs in the mid-ureter. In many cases, the resection will need to be staged secondary to the bulky nature of the tumor. If the lesion appears to be extensive or high grade, we instill Mitomycin C at the end of the procedure.
Neural Mechanisms Associated with Semantic and Basic Self-Oriented Memory Processes Interact to Modulate Self-Esteem

Individuals constantly encounter feedback from others and process this feedback in various ways to maintain positive situational state self-esteem (SSE) in relation to semantic-based or trait self-esteem (TSE). Individuals may utilize a data-driven, or episodic-based process that encodes positive, but not negative, self-relevant information automatically, or employ a semantic-driven process that manipulates encoded negative feedback post-hoc. It is unclear, however, how these processes work either alone or in concert while individuals receive positive and negative feedback to modulate feedback encoding and subsequent SSE. Utilizing neural regions associated with semantic self-oriented and basic encoding processes (mPFC and PCC respectively), and time-frequency and Granger causality analyses to assess mPFC and PCC interactions, this study examined how encoding of positive and negative self-relevant feedback modulated individuals post-task SSE in relation to their TSE while continuous EEG was recorded. Among those with higher levels of TSE, the encoding of positive or negative feedback was not associated with SSE. Rather, higher SSE was associated with mPFC activity to all feedback and higher TSE. The relationship between TSE and SSE was moderated by mPFC-PCC communication such that increases in mPFC-PCC communication led to SSE levels that were consistent with TSE levels. Furthermore, Granger causality analyses indicated that individuals exhibited higher SSE to the extent mPFC influenced PCC in response to positive and negative feedback. Findings highlight the dynamic interplay between semantic self-oriented and basic encoding processes that modulate SSE in relation to TSE, to maintain more positive global self-perceptions in the moment and over time.
Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Irritant Dermatitis

Taken together, the risk-benefit ratio of using topical corticosteroids for the treatment of irritant dermatitis remains unclear. The risk is well established. What is uncertain is corticoids’ clinical benefit in experimental models of irritant dermatitis. Until a clear effect with topical corticosteroids is observed, other treatment options, including prevention, cool compresses, and UV therapy should also be considered (see Chap. 50 “The Treatment of Irritant Dermatitis”). However, in clinical practice, as corticosteroids remain first-line treatment of endogenous eczema, it follows that the clinician will also prescribe them for irritant dermatitis.
Fixing Fuller's Record: The Green Bag and the U.S. Reports

Melville Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States from 1888 to 1910, had a notably "self-effacing nature." Perhaps that is why he did not always push hard to correct errors about himself that appeared in published reports. In retrospect, this seems admirably modest in some contexts and disturbingly irresponsible in others. This article deals first with an example Fuller’s admirable modesty, which it overcomes for the benefit of modern readers. Second, this article examines an instance of Fuller’s converse irresponsibility, and suggests that the Supreme Court can and should officially correct Fuller’s error.
Elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K) expression is associated with poor patient survival and promotes proliferation, invasion and tumor growth of lung cancer.

Abstract Objectives Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in worldwide. Despite recent advances in treatment options, patient survival has not improved substantially due to lack of commonly expressed molecular targets and effective targeted therapeutics. Thus, better understanding of the biology of lung cancer and identification of novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed for development of highly effective molecularly targeted therapies. Materials and methods Viability, proliferation and metastatic ability of lung cancer cells were evaluated using methylthiazoltetrazolium (MTT), colony formation and matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Western blotting, RT-PCR, and gene knockdown by siRNA transfections were carried out to investigate the effects of eEF-2K on lung cancer cells. Athymic Nu/Nu mice were treated with liposomal eEF-2KeEF-2K or control siRNA and tumor growth was evaluated in tumor xenograft models of lung cancer. Results and discussion Here, we report that Eukaryotic Elongation Factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K), a member of an atypical alpha kinases family, is significantly upregulated in lung cancer cell lines and its expression is associated with shorter overall patient survival in lung cancer. Inhibition eEF-2K expression by siRNA or a chemical inhibitorsignificantly suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, survival, migration/invasion and tumorigenesis by inhibiting cyclin D1, Src and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling. In vivo targeting of eEF-2K by systemically injected nanoliposomal eEF-2K siRNA resulted in a significant inhibition of lung cancer tumor xenografts in nude mice. Our results suggest, for the first time, that expression of eEF-2K is associated with poor patient prognosis and involved in regulation of critical pathways, including Src and MAPK/ERK and cyclin D1, promoting tumor growth and progression, and thus may be a novel potential therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Moderate Heat Application Enhances the Efficacy of Nanosecond Pulse Stimulation for the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Nanosecond pulse stimulation as a tumor ablation therapy has been studied for the treatment of various carcinomas in animal models and has shown a significant survival benefit. In the current study...
In vitro estrogenic activity of representative endocrine disrupting chemicals mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Exposure to mixtures of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) has been hypothesized to produce potential synergistic or antagonistic effects that can cause undesired effects that are not reflected by the individual compounds. In this study, the estrogenic activities of 11 EDCs of global environmental concern were systematically investigated using the yeast estrogen screen (YES). The contribution of the individual chemical to the total endocrine activity of environmentally relevant mixtures was evaluated. Compared to 17β-estradiol (E2) as a standard, estrone (E1), estriol (E3), ethinyl estradiol (EE2), bisphenol-A (BPA), and genistein (GEN) showed estrogenic effects, while dibutyl phthalate (DBP), n-butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), nonyl phenol (NP) and 4-tert-octyl phenol (OP) showed anti-estrogenic effects. The 11 EDCs mixture at a constant environmentally relevant ratio also showed estrogenic activity. The mixtures data were fit to concentration addition (CA), response addition (RA) and interaction (IR) models, respectively. The IR model was not statistically different from the observed value and better predicted results than the CA model for mixtures of all 11 compounds. For the mixtures with the 6 estrogenic compounds only, additive effects were observed, and the data were well predicted by the CA and IR models. Further, in the 11 EDCs mixture the presence of EE2 at an environmentally relevant concentration did not increase the estrogenic activity as compared to a 10 EDCs mixture without EE2.
Transport of Ova Transferred to Rabbit Oviducts at Varying Intervals after Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Injection

Ova obtained from donors were transfered to the oviducts of New Zealand White rabbits at various times after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin. The rabbits were killed at varying intervals after transfer. The genital tracts were removed, divided into segments (ampulla, isthmus, uterus, and vagina), and flushed to recover the ova. The experiments demonstrated the following: (1) A mechanism is present that retains some of the transferred ova above the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ). This mechanism is most efficient 60 hours after hCG injection. (2) Transferred ova that succeed in negotiating the AIJ are found in locations appropriate to the time elapsed from ovulation, rather than from transfer; i.e., they "catch up" to the endogenous ova.
Characteristics of Continuous Functions

In this chapter we develop fundamental results about continuous functions in normed spaces, with special attention to the specific setting of Euclidean space.
Filtering adaptive tracking controller for multivariable nonlinear systems subject to constraints using online optimization method

Abstract This paper presents a filtering adaptive tracking control architecture for multivariable nonlinear systems subject to constraints by employing an online optimization method. A piecewise constant adaptive law updates the adaptive parameters which represent the uncertainty estimates by solving the error dynamics between the state predictor and the real system with the neglection of unknowns. A filtering control law is designed to compensate the nonlinear uncertainties and deliver a good tracking performance with guaranteed robustness. In the control scheme, the nonlinear uncertainty compensation component is always active whereas the tracking component is subject to a switching logic. The controller will remain in the tracking mode as long as there exists feasible solution, otherwise this component will be replaced by a new part updated periodically by numerically solving a constrained optimization problem online. The uniform performance bounds are derived for the system states and control inputs as compared to the corresponding signals of a bounded closed-loop reference system, which assumes partial cancellation of uncertainties within the bandwidth of the control signal. Compared to the model predictive control (MPC) method and unconstrained controller, the proposed approach is capable of solving the tracking control problems of multivariable nonlinear systems subject to both constraints and uncertainties.
Selective Manipulation of Biomolecules with Insulator-Based Dielectrophoretic Tweezers

Insulator-based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) trapping, separating, and concentrating nanoscale objects is carried out using a non-metal, unbiased, mobile tip acing as a tweezers. The spatial control and manipulation of fluorescently-labeled polystyrene particles and DNA were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the iDEP tweezers. Frequency-dependent iDEP tweezers' strength and polarity were quantitatively determined using two theoretical approaches to DNA, which resulted in a factor of 2 ~ 40 differences between them. In either approach, the strength of iDEP was at least 4-order of magnitude stronger than the thermal force, indicating iDEP was a dominant force for trapping, holding, and separating DNA. The trapping strength and volume of the iDEP tweezers were also determined, which further supports direct capture and manipulation of DNA at the tip end.
A randomized controlled trial of a tablet-based intervention to address predonation fears among high school donors.

BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown donation-related fear to be associated with decreased donor confidence and an increased risk for vasovagal reactions. This study examined the effects of a predonation intervention that provided fearful donors with suggestions for coping. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Using a tablet-based application, high school donors (49.4% female) answered a question regarding their fear of having blood drawn. Those who reported fear were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 930) or an intervention (n = 911) group. Donors in the control group rated their confidence in dealing with their fear and then donated as usual. Donors in the intervention group received a brief audiovisual presentation on coping strategies, rated their confidence, and then donated as usual. RESULTS A higher proportion of fearful versus nonfearful donors experienced a vasovagal reaction, even after controlling for other demographic and health predictors (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.655-3.185, p < 0.001). Fearful donors who received the intervention reported greater confidence than controls, but the proportion of vasovagal reactions did not differ significantly between the intervention (6.1%) and control (6.8%) groups. CONCLUSION Although the current tablet-based intervention may have some psychological benefit in that it was associated with greater donor confidence, the observed effect was small and did not translate into a lower risk for vasovagal reactions. However, greater confidence among young donors may lead to an increased willingness to donate again-a potential outcome that we will revisit among these donors as part of a planned 2-year follow-up.
Who Banishes? City Power and Anti-homeless Policy in San Francisco:

Despite cross-disciplinary attention to laws targeting homeless behavior in cities, systematic analysis of the power dynamics behind the adoption and implementation of such laws is surprisingly sca...
Feeling safe from the storm of anti-Blackness: Black affective networks and the im/possibility of safe classroom spaces in Predominantly White Institutions

Black affective networks form in evanescent moments when two or more Black people in a white space cluster around a Black feeling and other things. This article is a feminist narrative inquiry into...
CAR T-Cell Therapy: An Update for Radiologists

Chimeric antigen receptor–engineered (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising novel immunotherapy that has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. Four CAR T-cell therapies have received FDA ap...
The physiological acclimation and growth response of Populus trichocarpa to warming.

Plant metabolic acclimation to thermal stress remains underrepresented in current global climate models. Gaps exist in our understanding of how metabolic processes (i.e., photosynthesis, respiration) acclimate over time and how aboveground versus belowground acclimation differs. We measured the thermal acclimation of Populus trichocarpa, comparing aboveground versus belowground physiology over time. Ninety genetically identical ramets were propagated in mesocosms that separated root and microbial components. After establishment at 25°C for 6 weeks, 60 clones were warmed +4 or +8°C and monitored for 10 weeks, measuring photosynthesis (A), leaf respiration (R), soil respiration (Rs ), root plus soil respiration (Rs+r ), and root respiration (Rr ). We observed thermal acclimation in both A and R, with rates initially increasing, then declining as the thermal photosynthetic optimum (Topt ) and the temperature-sensitivity (Q10 ) of respiration adjusted to warmer conditions. Photosynthetic acclimation was constructive, based on an increase in both Topt and peak A. Belowground, Rs+r decreased linearly with warming, while Rs rates declined abruptly, then remained constant with additional warming. Plant biomass was greatest at +4°C, with 30% allocated belowground. Rates of mass-based Rr were similar among treatments; however, root nitrogen declined at +8°C leading to less mass nitrogen-based Rr in that treatment. The Q10 -temperature relationship of Rr was affected by warming, leading to differing values among treatments. Aboveground acclimation exceeded belowground acclimation, and plant nitrogen-use mediated the acclimatory response. Results suggest that moderate climate warming (+4°C) may lead to acclimation and increased plant biomass production but increases in production could be limited with severe warming (+8°C).
Packing of elastic rings with friction

We study the deformations of elastic filaments confined within slowly-shrinking circular boundaries, under contact forces with friction. We perform computations with a spring-lattice model that deforms like a thin inextensible filament of uniform bending stiffness. Early in the deformation, two lobes of the filament make contact. If the friction coefficient is small enough, one lobe slides inside the other; otherwise, the lobes move together or one lobe bifurcates the other. There follows a sequence of deformations that is a mixture of spiraling and bifurcations, primarily the former with small friction and the latter with large friction. With zero friction, a simple model predicts that the maximum curvature and the total elastic energy scale as the wall radius to the -3/2 and -2 powers respectively. With nonzero friction, the elastic energy follows a similar scaling but with a prefactor up to 8 times larger, due to delayering and bending with a range of small curvatures. For friction coefficients as large as 1, the deformations are qualitatively similar with and without friction at the outer wall. Above 1, the wall friction case becomes dominated by buckling near the wall.
Living and deceased donor liver transplantation for unresectable hepatoblastoma at a single center.

: Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. The application of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the management of unresectable HB may add new therapeutic opportunities. We evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent liver transplantation for treatment of unresectable HB in the period between August 1985 and June 2003. Ten children had a diagnosis of unresectable HB. Mean age at transplantation was 5.8 yr. Eight patients were transplanted with deceased donor grafts. Two patients underwent LDLT. Pre-transplant chemotherapy was used in 90% of cases. Post-transplant survival ranges from 3.7 to 18.6 yr. Three patients died of recurrent disease at 4, 14 and 38 months. The two LDLT recipients were able to get pre-transplant chemotherapy with a rapid decision towards transplantation; both are alive and well at 5.5 and 11 yr post-transplant. Our experience supports the role of LDLT and deceased donor liver transplantation in the management of unresectable HB when waiting times can be detrimental to the patient's survival.
Miscanthus: Genetic resources and breeding potential to enhance bioenergy production

Clifton-Brown, J. C., Chiang, Yu-C, Hodkinson, T. R. (2008). Miscanthus: Genetic resources and breeding potential to enhance bioenergy production. Pp. 273-294 in: Genetic Improvement of Bioenergy Crops, Vermerris, W.(Ed.) ISBN: 978-0-387-70804-1. RONO: 1320 5231
The diet, prostate inflammation, and the development of prostate cancer

Evidence that somatic inactivation of GSTP1, encoding the human π-class glutathione S-transferase, may initiate prostatic carcinogenesis is reviewed along with epidemiological evidence implicating several environment and lifestyle factors, including the diet and sexually transmitted diseases, as prostate cancer risk factors. An integrated model is presented featuring GSTP1 function as a ‘caretaker’ gene during the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, in which the early loss of GSTP1 activity renders prostate cells vulnerable to genome damage associated with chronic prostatic inflammation and repeated exposure to carcinogens. The model predicts that the critical prostate carcinogens will be those that are substrates for GSTP1 detoxification and are associated with high prostate cancer risk diet and lifestyle habits.
Diagnosis of fetal maturity by amniotic fluid phospholipids.

Abstract A lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of >1.75 indicates pulmonary maturity. With the use of thin-layer chromatography, the L/S ratio can be determined in about 1½ hours. The L/S ratio should be determined in those patients in whom there is doubt of fetal maturity and where elective termination of pregnancy is warranted. Creatinine determination is less helpful in our laboratory because of the wide range of values.
Thomas Pynchon: Realism in an Age of Ontological Uncertainty?

This paper considers literary realism in the novels of Thomas Pynchon as a means to examine the ways in which realism is embedded within a post-modern context. After first considering some of the problems surrounding the concept of realism – its historical lineage, conflation with philosophical realism and the changing nature of reality itself – I discuss Pynchon's novels in terms of his technological construction of reality effects within a context of ontological doubt. I suggest that in Pynchon we arrive at what might be called a ‘baroque realism’, which draws on the Deleuzian metaphor of the fold, and is concerned with questions of illusion and reality, paradox and complexity in tune with the ontological uncertainty that characterises the age.
Cross-Border Enforcement of Patents

The dissertation complements the existing literature at the intersection of intellectual property and private international law by providing new insights into cross-border enforcement of patent rights. It is a case study of one specific type of patent enforcement problems − problems associated with enforcement across national borders − and also a study of the impact that private international law mechanisms may have on substantive law. The dissertation shows that notwithstanding patent law territoriality, even under current substantive and procedural laws, patent cases arise in which cross-border enforcement is necessary. It explains why such cases exist and what kind of cross-border enforcement problems they generate; it also analyzes current proposals aimed at facilitating smoother recognition and enforcement abroad of decisions issued in such cases, and concludes that the proposals can function only if countries agree on deeper harmonization of patent laws. In the short-term, the U.S. may solve the problem by entering into bilateral or limited regional treaties on crossborder enforcement because the problem is, at least for now, geographically confined.In the long-term, countries should complement discussions on the proposals that will facilitate cross-border enforcement with a reopening of negotiations on creating a world patent or a regional patent. The dissertation is based on an empirical study of patent cases filed in the U.S. and Germany; it also draws on an extensive comparative study of the legislative and jurisprudential development of the patent laws of the two countries.
Essential Chemistry (Chang, Raymond)

Essential Chemistry offers material that would be appropriate as an introduction to chemistry. I would recommend it for students in education and majors in biology, chemistry, and physics, and other programs requiring only one year of chemistry
Nonlinear least squares and Sobolev gradients

Least squares methods are effective for solving systems of partial differential equations. In the case of nonlinear systems the equations are usually linearized by a Newton iteration or successive substitution method, and then treated as a linear least squares problem. We show that it is often advantageous to form a sum of squared residuals first, and then compute a zero of the gradient with a Newton-like method. We present an effective method, based on Sobolev gradients, for treating the nonlinear least squares problem directly. The method is based on trust-region subproblems defined by a Sobolev norm and solved by a preconditioned conjugate gradient method with an effective preconditioner that arises naturally from the Sobolev space setting. The trust-region method is shown to be equivalent to a Levenberg-Marquardt method which blends a Newton or Gauss-Newton iteration with a gradient descent iteration, but uses a Sobolev gradient in place of the Euclidean gradient. We also provide an introduction to the Sobolev gradient method and discuss its relationship to operator preconditioning with equivalent operators.
The effects of dietary protein on age and weight at the onset of puberty in Brown Swiss and Zebu heifers in the tropics.

Abstract The effects of dietary protein level on age and weight at onset of puberty were studied in the Mexican tropics using 12 Brown Swiss and 12 Zebu heifer calves in a completely randomized block design. The calves were weaned at 3 mo of age. They were confined in individual pens and fed either an adequate protein (12.8%) or a high protein (16.4%) diet ad libitum through the onset of puberty, which was defined as the first ovulation. To detect the first ovulation, heifers were palpated at 8 mo of age and then every 2 wk. At the detection of a developing follicle or any behavioral sign of estrus, they were palpated daily. Ovulation was confirmed by palpation of a corpus luteum. A blood sample for the determination of plasma progesterone concentration was taken with each palpation. There was a significant effect of breed on age at the onset of puberty, which was 9.4 and 12.3 mo for the Brown Swiss and Zebu heifers, respectively. Weight at puberty was 233 kg, independent of breed. Dietary protein had no effect on the onset of puberty. Brown Swiss heifers reach puberty earlier than Zebu heifers. Heifers in the tropics fed according to NRC recommendations reach puberty at ages comparable to those in temperate climate. This suggests that, if managed properly, calving age for Brown Swiss and Zebu heifers can be 24 and 27 mo, respectively. This is a considerable improvement from 36 to 48 mo of age now common in the area of study.