cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of ERK1/2 Activity by the MEK1/2 Inhibitor AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) Induces Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Apoptosis in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment: A New Therapeutic Strategy for MM.

Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2 MAPK) signaling pathway mediates tumor cell growth in many cancers, including human multiple myeloma (MM). Specifically, this pathway mediates MM cell growth and survival induced by cytokines/growth factors (i.e. IL-6, IGF-1, CD40, BAFF) and adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), thereby conferring resistance to apoptosis in the bone marrow (BM) milieu. In this study, we therefore examined the effect of the MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244 (ARRY-142886), on human MM cell lines, freshly isolated patient MM cells and MM cells adhered to BMSCs. AZD6244, inhibits constitutive and cytokine (IL-6, IGF-1, CD40)-stimulated ERK1/2, but not AKT phosphorylation. Importantly, AZD6244 inhibits the proliferation and survival of human MM cell lines, regardless of sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy, as well as freshly isolated patient MM cells. AZD6244 induces apoptosis in patient MM cells even in the presence of BMSCs, as evidenced by caspase 3 activity and PARP cleavage at concentrations as low as 20 nM. AZD6244 overcomes resistance to apoptosis in MM cells conferred by IL-6 and BMSCs, and inhibits IL-6 secretion induced by MM adhesion to BMSCs. AZD6244 suppresses MM cell survival/growth signaling pathways (i.e., STAT3, Bcl-2, cyclin E1, CDK1, CDK3, CDK7, p21/Cdc42/Rac1-activated kinase 1, casein kinase 1e, IRS1, c-maf) and up-regulates proapoptotic cascades (i.e., BAX, BINP3, BIM, BAG1, caspase 3, 8, 6). AZD6244 also upregulates proteins triggering cell cycle arrest (i.e. p16 INK4A , p18 INK4C , p21/WAF1 [Cdkn1a], p27 [kip1], p57). In addition, AZD6244 inhibits adhesion molecule expression in MM cells (i.e. integrin a4 [VLA-4], integrin b7, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, catenin a1, c-maf) associated with decreased MM adhesion to BMSCs. These pleiotropic proapoptotic, anti-survival, anti-adhesion and -cytokine secretion effects of AZD6244 abrogate BMSC-derived protection of MM cells, thereby sensitizing them to both conventional (dexamethasone) and novel (perifosine, lenalidomide, and bortezomib) therapies. In contrast, AZD6244 has minimal cytotoxicity in BMSCs and does not inhibit DNA synthesis in CD40 ligand-stimulated CD19 expressing B-cells derived from normal donors at concentrations toxic to MM cells (between 0.02–2 mM). Furthermore, AZD6244 inhibits the expression/secretion of osteoclast (OC)-activating factors (i.e., macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1a, MIP-1b, IL-1b, VEGF) from MM cells. It also downregulates MM growth and survival factors (IL-6, BAFF, APRIL) in OC cultures derived from MM patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Significantly, AZD6244 inhibits OC differentiation from MM PBMCs (n=10) in a dose-dependent manner. Together these results provide the preclinical basis for clinical trials with AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) in MM.
An insect-inspired model for visual binding I: learning objects and their characteristics

Visual binding is the process of associating the responses of visual interneurons in different visual submodalities all of which are responding to the same object in the visual field. Recently identified neuropils in the insect brain termed optic glomeruli reside just downstream of the optic lobes and have an internal organization that could support visual binding. Working from anatomical similarities between optic and olfactory glomeruli, we have developed a model of visual binding based on common temporal fluctuations among signals of independent visual submodalities. Here we describe and demonstrate a neural network model capable both of refining selectivity of visual information in a given visual submodality, and of associating visual signals produced by different objects in the visual field by developing inhibitory neural synaptic weights representing the visual scene. We also show that this model is consistent with initial physiological data from optic glomeruli. Further, we discuss how this neural network model may be implemented in optic glomeruli at a neuronal level.
Multiple Security Domain Nondeducibility Air Traffic Surveillance Systems

Traditional security models partition the securityuniverse into two distinct and completely separate worlds: highand low level. This partition is absolute and complete. Morecomplex situations, such as those that arise in cyber-physicalsystems (CPS) are better treated as sets of increasingly moresecure domains. In a CPS, security partitions often overlap andthe high-low distinction does not hold well. This paper utilizes Multiple Security Domain Nondeducibility(MSDND) as a model to determine information flow amongmultiple partitions, such as those that occur in a CPS. MSDND isapplied to selected aspects of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast(ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system under variousphysical and cyber security vulnerabilities to determine when theactual operational state can, and cannot be, deduced. It is alsoused to determine what additional information inputs and flightphysics are needed to determine the actual operational state. Several failure scenarios violating the integrity of the system areconsidered with mitigation using invariants.
Cytochrome Oxidase and Neuroanatomical Patterns

Cytochrome oxidase (C.O.) histochemistry has proved to be an excellent method for the identification of neuroanatomical patterns. In some cases, C.O. staining has led to the discovery of completely novel patterns; the best known examples are the puffs (or blobs) in primate visual area V1, and the stripes in visual area V2. In other cases, C.O. staining has revealed modules associated with cytoarchitectural patterns that were previously known but whose modular organization was not fully appreciated, such as the periodic cell clusters in entorhinal cortex layers 2–3. In developmental neuroanatomy, C.O. histochemistry has been used to demonstrate emerging patterns (the barrelettes of the brainstem trigeminal complex) before they become visible by other methods. In addition, C.O. is a useful marker for detecting neuroanatomical changes caused by environmental manipulations, or by genetic defects in spontaneous or targeted mutant animals. Since C.O. is present in all brain cells, the sensitivity of the histochemical method for showing neuroanatomical patterns may seem paradoxical. In this chapter, I will attempt to explain the remarkable correspondence between C.O. activity and patterns in the brain by delineating the links between C.O. activity, neuronal functional activity, synaptic inputs, parallel pathways, and modular processing.
The Role of Healthcare Stereotype Threat and Social Identity Threat in LGB Health Disparities

Health disparities exist between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and heterosexuals and can be explained by differential access to healthcare, unique experiences with discrimination, and higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS. This article will examine another possible explanation, namely healthcare stereotype threat and social identity threat in the healthcare experiences of sexual minority individuals. In doing so, this article integrates previous research on stereotypes and discrimination with regard to LGB individuals as well as research concerning LGB individuals’ experiences with healthcare providers. The article concludes with a discussion about future research and potential interventions to ameliorate identity threats for LGB individuals in healthcare contexts. From a social justice perspective, identity threats serve as an important contextual variable feeding health disparities among sexual minorities. If better understood, such threats and resultant disparities may be reduced via cost-effective changes in environmental cues and educational strategies.
Place learning overrides innate behaviors in Drosophila.

Animals in a natural environment confront many sensory cues. Some of these cues bias behavioral decisions independent of experience, and action selection can reveal a stimulus-response (S-R) connection. However, in a changing environment it would be a benefit for an animal to update behavioral action selection based on experience, and learning might modify even strong S-R relationships. How animals use learning to modify S-R relationships is a largely open question. Three sensory stimuli, air, light, and gravity sources were presented to individual Drosophila melanogaster in both naive and place conditioning situations. Flies were tested for a potential modification of the S-R relationships of anemotaxis, phototaxis, and negative gravitaxis by a contingency that associated place with high temperature. With two stimuli, significant S-R relationships were abandoned when the cue was in conflict with the place learning contingency. The role of the dunce (dnc) cAMP-phosphodiesterase and the rutabaga (rut) adenylyl cyclase were examined in all conditions. Both dnc1 and rut2080 mutant flies failed to display significant S-R relationships with two attractive cues, and have characteristically lower conditioning scores under most conditions. Thus, learning can have profound effects on separate native S-R relationships in multiple contexts, and mutation of the dnc and rut genes reveal complex effects on behavior.
An evaluation of nutritional and vasoactive stimulants as risk factors for gastroschisis: a pilot study.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate poor maternal nutrition, environmental exposures and vasoactive stimulants as potential risk factors for gastroschisis.Methods: A case–control ...
Customer Relationship Management Systems: The Application of Fuzzy ART Neural Network

An essential element of e-commerce customer relationship management (eCCRM) systems is the analytical subsystem, or model base for analyzing customer-related data. We present a neural network-based application for this data mining function for effective customer relationship management. We first list the various objectives of CRM, the essential elements and the requisite e-business architectures. Then we propose, and illustrate the application of Fuzzy ART neural network for customer grouping and buying pattern recognition, based on customer’s purchasing history. Step-by-step procedures for implementing the algorithm, and contextual framework for real-world CRM system are presented.
Addressing TCP Incast

As discussed in Chaps. 1 and 3, clients performing synchronized reads across an increasing number of servers in high bandwidth, low latency data center environments, observe TCP’s throughput drop by one or two orders of magnitude below their link capacity. Labeled Incast, this pathological behavior of TCP is endured by a growing number of data center applications and services. Hence, a feasible solution that addresses the Incast problem is urgently needed. In this chapter, we provide a broad overview of existing Incast solutions followed by detailed description of our proposed techniques that are designed to address the Incast problem at the Transport Layer [1].
AORTIC VALVE CALCIUM SCORE AND AORTIC VALVE GRADIENT

Aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) has been widely accepted as a marker for aortic stenosis severity. We sought to determine the relation between AVCS and aortic valve mean gradient (MG). A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at our institution
Bard College: An Ecosystem of Engagement

Despite its moderate size and rural location, Bard’s civic engagement efforts resonate locally, nationally and internationally, and have significant public policy impacts. Bard has achieved success by making engagement central to its institutional mission, viewing liberal arts and sciences education as both a means and an end of civic engagement efforts, and forging an “ecosystem of engagement” that encourages organizational engineers, links student-led and institutional initiatives and unites a network of partners across the globe.
Diagnosis, treatment, and survival in spinal dissemination of primary intracranial glioblastoma: systematic literature review

Objective Spinal metastases from primary intracranial glioblastoma (GBM) are infrequently reported, and the disease has yet to be well characterized. A more accurate description of its clinical presentation and patient survival may improve understanding of this pathology, guide patient care, and advocate for increased inclusion in GBM research. The authors sought to describe the clinical presentation, treatment patterns, and survival in patients with drop metastases secondary to primary intracranial GBM. Methods A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were queried for abstracts that included patients with primary intracranial GBM and metastases to the spinal axis. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate characteristics of the primary brain lesion, timing of spinal metastases, clinical symptoms, anatomical location of the metastases, and survival and treatment parameters. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank analysis of the survival curves were performed for selected subgroups. Results Of 1225 abstracts that resulted from the search, 51 articles were selected, yielding 86 subjects. The patients' mean age was 46.78 years and 59.74% were male. The most common symptom was lumbago or cervicalgia (90.24%), and this was followed by paraparesis (86.00%). The actuarial median survival after the detection of spinal metastases was 2.8 months and the mean survival was 2.72 months (95% CI 2.59-4.85), with a 1-year cumulative survival probability of 2.7% (95% CI 0.51%-8.33%). A diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease, present in 53.54% of the patients, was correlated, and significantly worse survival was on log-rank analysis in patients with leptomeningeal disease (p = 0.0046; median survival 2.5 months [95% CI 2-3] vs 4.0 months [95% CI 2-6]). Conclusions This study established baseline characteristics of GBMs metastatic to the spinal axis. The prognosis is poor, though these results will provide patients and clinicians with more accurate survival estimates. The quality of studies reporting on this disease pathology is still limited. There is significant need for improved reporting methods for spinal metastases, either through enrollment of these patients in clinical trials or through increased granularity of coding for metastatic central nervous system diseases in cancer databases.
Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans

Worldwide, domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) outnumber domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Despite cats' success in human environments, dog social cognition has received considerably more scientific attention over the last several decades [1-3]. A key aspect of what has been said to make dogs unique is their proclivity for forming attachment bonds, including secure attachments to humans [1,3], which could provide scaffolding for the development of human-like socio-cognitive abilities and contribute to success in human environments [3]. Cats, like dogs, can be found living in social groups or solitarily, depending on early developmental factors, resource distribution, and lifetime experiences such as human interaction [1,2,4]. Despite fewer studies, research suggests we may be underestimating cats' socio-cognitive abilities [2]. Here we report evidence, using behavioral criteria established in the human infant literature [5,6], that cats display distinct attachment styles toward human caregivers. Evidence that cats share social traits once attributed to dogs and humans alone would suggest that broader non-canine-specific mechanisms may be needed to explain cross-species attachment and socio-cognitive abilities.
Assessing integrated sustainability research: use of social network analysis to evaluate scientific integration and transdisciplinarity in research networks

Global environmental challenges are increasingly complex and interdependent and the sentiment that sustainability requires new approaches to integrating science and policy is ubiquitous. This is the domain of sustainability science. Yet, major gaps exist in our understanding of the relationships between researchers from different disciplines and between science, policy, and management. While scientific research is shifting toward greater collaboration and transdisciplinarity, we need to improve our understanding of the processes and structures that lead to successful scientific collaboration and high-impact, innovative science-policy outcomes. ‘Networks and networking’ offer a powerful strategy for integration in sustainability science, yet empirical research assessing network-based integration is limited. Using social network analysis, we empirically investigate the integration of the Texas Water Research Network (TWRN), which comprises academic and non-academic participants from multiple universities, disciplines and research orientations seeking to address the challenges posed by complex, multilevel water resource issues across the state of Texas. We found that TWRN members were relatively well connected (an average of 3.8 ties per member), but that some research groups (e.g. water science) were way more active and connected than others (e.g. scenario building). Within the different phases of the research process, bringing results to fruition was the most transdisciplinary. Utilizing analytical methods from network science can offer techniques to analyze and evaluate, as well as prescribe interventions and enable action in transdiciplinary research networks.
Straniere a se stesse. Identità femminili e stilistica visuale nel cinema di Michelangelo Antonioni degli anni cinquanta: By Di Andrea Malaguti. Pp. 291. Giulianova, Teramo: Galaad Edizioni, 2018.

Raise your hand if in your Italian cinema courses you regularly screen or talk at length about anything Antonioni did before L’Avventura (1960). Seriously. I must admit that in my own courses my re...
Effects of an Exogenous Ketone Supplement on Five‐Kilometer Running Performance

Numerous oral ketone supplements are marketed with the claim that they will rapidly induce ketosis and improve exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to assess exercise performance time and related physiological, metabolic and perceptual responses of recreational endurance runners after ingestion of a commercially available oral ketone supplement. Recreational endurance runners (n = 10; age: 20.8 ± 1.0 years; body mass: 68.9 ± 5.6 kg; height: 175.6 ± 4.9 cm) participated in a double-blind, crossover, repeated-measures study where they were randomized to 300 mg.kg-1 body weight of an oral β-hydroxybutyrate-salt + Medium Chain Triglyceride (βHB-salt+MCT) ketone supplement or a flavor matched placebo (PLA) 60 min prior to performing a 5-km running time trial (5KTT) on a treadmill. Time, HR, RPE, affect, RER, VO2, VCO2, and VE were measured during the 5-km run. The Session RPE and affect (Feeling Scale) were obtained post-5KTT. Plasma glucose, lactate and ketones were measured at baseline, 60-min post-supplement, and immediately post-5KTT. Plasma R-βHB (endogenous isomer) was elevated from baseline and throughout the entire protocol under the βHB-salt+MCT condition (p 0.05) were noted in any of the other physiological, metabolic or perceptual measures.
Ceramic-Doped in Cross-Linked Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Batteries

Replacing liquid electrolytes with solid-state Li-ion conductors is one way to achieve safe rechargeable batteries with high energy density. Semi-interpenetrating polymer network (s-IPN) was synthesized from the mixture of poly(propylene carbonate), poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide salt via one-pot thermal curing method. The crosslinker PEGDA content and salt concentration were optimized and the best result was abtained at a molar ratio of EO:Li ∼ 14:1. The electrolyte with higher salt concentration had lower ionic conductivity, consistent with higher glass transition temperature of poly(ethylene glycol) chain. Differential scanning calorimetry has shown a low degree of crystallinity when lithium lanthanum zirconate doped tantalum (LLZTO) was added to the s- IPN electrolyte which corresponds to an increase in ionic conductivity, 4.5 x 10-4 S/cm at 40°C. The resulting composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) showed high electrochemical stability up to 5.5 V. Lithium plating and stripping at 0.1 mA/cm2 at room temperature revealed a stable Li/electrolyte interface and no dendrite formation. Cycling performance of a full solid-state cell made with the CPE using LiFePO4 as the cathode will be discussed.Figure 1
Associations Between Smoking and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Related Cytokines and Chemokines Among US Female Nurses.

OBJECTIVE Smoking has been associated with increased systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk, but the biologic basis for this association is unknown. Our objective was to investigate whether women's smoking was positively associated with SLE-associated proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines (stem cell factor [SCF], B lymphocyte stimulator [BLyS], interferon-γ-inducible 10-kd protein [IP-10], and interferon-α); or negatively associated with antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10); and whether associations were modified by SLE-related autoantibody status. METHODS The Nurses' Health Study (NHS, n = 121,700) and NHSII (n = 116,429) cohorts were begun in 1976 and 1989. In 1988-1990 (NHS) and 1996-1999 (NHSII), ~25% of participants donated blood samples. We identified 1,177 women without SLE with banked samples, and we tested by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for chemokines/cytokines as well as anti-Sm, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and anti-RNP. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) were detected by HEp-2 cell indirect immunofluorescence, and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and were assayed by ELISA. Smoking was assessed until blood draw. Separate tobit and linear regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders, modeled associations between smoking and log-transformed chemokine/cytokine concentrations. Analyses were stratified by autoantibody status. Effect estimates were calculated as ratios of geometric means expressed as percentage differences. RESULTS Among the 15% of current/recent versus 85% of past/never smokers, BLyS levels were 8.7% higher (P < 0.01) and were 24% higher (P < 0.0001) among those who were ANA positive. Current/recent smokers had IL-10 concentrations 46% lower (P < 0.01) than past/never smokers; each 10 pack-years of smoking was associated with a 17% decrease in IL-10 level (P < 0.001). Smoking was not associated with IP-10 or SCF. CONCLUSION Elevated BLyS and lower IL-10 levels among current smokers, particularly among ANA-positive women, may be involved in SLE pathogenesis.
Development of One-kilowatt Capacity Single Phase Pure Sine Wave Off-grid PV Inverter

To provide electricity to the peoples of unelectrified remote off-grid areas, the household standalone photovoltaic (PV) system is an impressive solution. However, traditional off-grid PV systems use ordinary PWM or square waver inverters, which provide a poor quality output responsible for rapid reduction of the life cycle of electrical appliances. This paper presents the design and development of one-kilowatt capacity single phase pure sine wave standalone photovoltaic inverter using Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) with an output voltage having the same magnitude and frequency of the grid voltage. The SPWM signals used to drive the H-bridge inverter circuit were generated using Arduino. The simulation was done on PSIM for primary design, which provides a 50Hz, 220V rms AC sinusoidal output voltage. Based on this simulation, a hardware prototype was developed whose experimental test-bed results corroborates profoundly with the simulated ones ensuring proper viability of the proposed system.
Pathophysiology of Lower Esophageal Sphincter Damage: A New Method of Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Present diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is aimed at the presence and control of symptoms without consideration of its etiology, which is lower esophageal sphincter damage. This has resulted in progression of GERD to treatment failure, complications of chronic acid suppressive drug therapy, Barrett esophagus, and adenocarcinoma.
The “Third-Victimization”: The Cybervictimization of Sexual Assault Survivors and Their Families:

Sexual assault has a devastating effect on survivors as well as their family and friends (i.e., secondary survivors). Research shows that survivors’ abilities to cope in the aftermath of sexual tra...
Sequential importance sampling for estimating expectations over the space of perfect matchings

This paper makes three contributions to estimating the number of perfect matching in bipartite graphs. First, we prove that the popular sequential importance sampling algorithm works in polynomial time for dense bipartite graphs. More carefully, our algorithm gives a $(1-\epsilon)$-approximation for the number of perfect matchings of a $\lambda$-dense bipartite graph, using $O(n^{\frac{1-2\lambda}{8\lambda}+\epsilon^{-2}})$ samples. With size $n$ on each side and for $\frac{1}{2}>\lambda>0$, a $\lambda$-dense bipartite graph has all degrees greater than $(\lambda+\frac{1}{2})n$. Second, practical applications of the algorithm requires many calls to matching algorithms. A novel preprocessing step is provided which makes significant improvements. Third, three applications are provided. The first is for counting Latin squares, the second is a practical way of computing the greedy algorithm for a card guessing game with feedback, and the third is for stochastic block models. In all three examples, sequential importance sampling allows treating practical problems of reasonably large sizes.
Who’s Wearing the Pants? How the New York Times Reported the Changing Dress of Women

When women’s clothing veers near men’s fashion, it has often been controversial. Conversationally, “who wears the pants” translates into “who has the power.” Pants symbolize more than a fashion choice. Instead, the clothing option has become part of a symbolic message about women’s roles in public. Over time, it has been an example of male authority or a patriarchal culture exerting control—clothing as oppression. The role of fashion journalists was one that guided the conversation. For decades, most newspapers had a women’s section that included fashion journalism. These women had a significant voice in a significant industry. It was the introduction of pants as a fashionable alternative.
The Management of Missed Median Nerve Laceration After Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fracture: A Case Report.

Case A 12-year-old girl presented with a both-bone forearm fracture after a fall. Fracture healing occurred, but nerve injury was not addressed until 18 months after injury. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography yielded a median nerve injury, and she underwent nerve reconstruction with sural nerve grafting. She improved but continued to have deficits beyond her 1-year follow-up. Conclusion Both-bone forearm fractures are a common fracture pattern with rare complications. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion with persistent nerve symptoms and consider further investigation, given the importance of early nerve repair.
Spine Disorders: Medical and Surgical Management

This book has developed from a course at the Academy of Neurology's annual meeting given by the authors over several years. The opening chapter describes the basic sciences relating to the spine. Subsequently, the authors subdivide the spine into the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions and describe, for each region, the clinical evaluation, investigation and possible treatments for the variety of conditions affecting the spine. There is a comprehensive chapter on diagnostic testing. As well as structural imaging such as MRI, CT and myelography, the authors discuss neurophysiological tests, provocative and beneficial injections, and other diagnostic studies such as bone densitometry. For the budding surgeon, there are several chapters that consider specific imaging prior to surgery and give a more detailed surgical management. This covers a wide scope from clinical assessment, through diagnostic pitfalls to the surgical indications and approaches, with surgical complications. There are several useful chapters, including one on when, and to whom, to refer spinal patients, another on what to do if patients do not improve following surgery, medical management of patients undergoing surgery and an appendix entitled ‘Please don't make my mistakes’. The final chapters look at newer developments. Minimally invasive surgery is well discussed both conceptually and in practical terms. New technologies ranging from disc arthroplasty to image guidance are discussed. A small section is even written about assessment of new devices, trials and government regulation. Throughout the book, the text is clearly written and easy to read. It is not didactic and gives a balanced view about all topics, presenting the various arguments. It is well supported by additional information in tabular form and good graphics including illustrations, pictures of imaging and photographs. References are supplied for further reading and a useful glossary has been compiled. The index enables any individual subject to be found easily. The authors believe that the book will benefit all healthcare providers who see patients with spine disorders. I would certainly agree that it provides a very good insight into all aspects of spinal disease and the surgical treatment of such conditions for all non-medical practitioners. It would also provide a very good grounding for all surgical trainees considering embarking upon a career in spinal surgery.
Once a Failed REMIC, Never a REMIC

This article analyses how courts may reach results that undercut arguments that REMICs were the owners of the mortgage notes and mortgages for tax purposes. And even if the majority of states rule in favor of REMICs, the few that do not can destroy the REMIC classification of many mortgage-back securities that were structured to be — and promoted to investors as — REMICs. This is because rating agencies require that REMICs be geographically diversified in order to spread the risk of defaults caused by local economic conditions, REMICs hold notes and mortgages from multiple jurisdictions. Most, if not all, REMICs own mortgages notes and mortgages from states governed by laws that the courts determine do not support REMIC eligibility for the mortgages from those jurisdictions. This diversification requirement makes it very likely that REMICs will have more than a de minimis amount of mortgages notes that do not come within the definition of qualified mortgage under the REMIC regulations. Professionals who helped structure these securitizations may face liability if the IRS were to find that a purported REMIC was just purported and not a REMIC.
Mother–Child Planning, Child Emotional Functioning, and Children’s Transition to First Grade

Mother-child planning was examined in relation to child emotional functioning and first-grade school performance. Ninety dyads were randomly assigned to the explicit-goal condition (emphasized accuracy and preparation for a child-only posttest) or the no-explicit-goal condition (dyads just asked to work together). In the no-explicit-goal condition only, children higher in negative emotionality and lower in regulation skills were less engaged in the task and planned less effectively. Both mother-child planning and adaptive child emotional functioning were positively associated with school performance. Results suggest that child emotional functioning mediated associations between planning and school performance. Implications of these findings for the development of planning and children's transition to school are discussed.
“The Carolingian Afterlife of the Damasan Inscriptions.” Early Medieval Europe 23.2 (2015): 129–160

This paper investigates the multiple impulses that contributed to the early medieval interest in Pope Damasus's inscriptions. In part, Damasus's verses were read as guides to Rome's martyrial topography; in part, they served as models of a classicizing Christian style. Above all, the appeal of these verses derived from their association with Damasus himself, who came to be seen as a secure mediator of the early Christian past. Concurrently, the figure of Damasus grew in stature, as a saint marked by his solicitude for the Christian community, whether living or dead.
The Veil: women writers on its history, lore, and politics

List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction I 1. From Her Royal Body the Robe Was Removed: The Blessings of the Veil and the Trauma of Forced Unveilings in the Middle East Mohja Kahf 2. Shattered Vessels That Contain Divine Sparks: Unveiling Hasidic Women's Dress Code Barbara Goldman Carrel 3. Going the Whole Nine Yards: Vignettes of the Veil in India Roxanne Kamayani Gupta 4. Out of the Cloister: Unveiling to Better Serve the Gospel Laurene M. Lafontaine 5. The Amish Veil: Symbol of Separation and Community Jana Hawley 6. "What is subordinated, dominates": Mourning, Magic, Masks, and Male Veiling Jennifer Heath 7. I Just Want to Be Me: Issues in Identity for One American Muslim Woman Pamela K. Taylor II 8. "She freed and floated on the air": Salome and Her Dance of the Seven Veils Shireen Malik 9. "He hath couerd my soule inwarde": Veiling in Medieval Europe and the Early Church Desiree G. Koslin 10. Nubo: The Wedding Veil Sarah C. Bell 11. After Eden: The Veil as a Conduit to the Internal Eve Grubin 12. Virtue and Sin: An Arab Christian Woman's Perspective Rita Stephan 13. Drawing the Line at Modesty: My Place in the Order of Things Michelle Auerbach 14. On the Road: Travels with My Hijab Maliha Masood III 15. Purdah, Patriarchy, and the Tropical Sun: Womanhood in India Jasbir Jain 16. The Veil: From Persepolis Marjane Satrapi 17. Concealing and Revealing Female Hair: Veiling Dynamics in Contemporary Iran Ashraf Zahedi 18. That (Afghan) Girl! Ideology Unveiled in National Geographic Dinah Zeiger 19. Burqas and Bikinis: Islamic Dress in Newspaper Cartoons Kecia Ali 20. Dress Codes and Modes: How Islamic Is the Veil? Aisha Shaheed 21. From Veil to Veil: "What's in a woman's head is more important than what's on it" Sherifa Zuhur Epilogue About the Contributors Index
The Impact of Exhaust Gas Recirculation on Performance and Emissions of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine

This work studies the complex interactions resulting from the application and control of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) on a production heavy-duty diesel engine system, and its effectiveness in reducing NOx emissions. The coupling between EGR, the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and the EGR cooler critically affects boost pressure, air/fuel ratio (A/F), combustion efficiency and pumping work. It is shown that EGR provides an effective means for reducing flame temperatures and NOx emissions, particularly under low A/F ratio conditions. However, engine thermal efficiency tends to decrease with EGR as a result of decreasing indicated work and increasing pumping work. Combustion deterioration is predominant at higher load, low speed and low boost conditions, due to a significant decrease of A/F ratio with increasing EGR. For conditions allowing the VGT to maintain high enough boost and hence A/F ratio, efficiency losses with increased EGR are largely attributed to increased pumping work. Finally, the total system heat rejection increases significantly due to EGR cooling.
Backscatter Observations of Sporadic E

Abstract Backscatter sounding of the ionosphere provides information on the growth, drift and appearance of sporadic- E clouds over a wide region about the sounding station. Sweep-frequency backscatter sounding has been especially useful for observing certain types of auroral forms of sporadic E , while the fixed-frequency, swept-azimuth backscatter sounder has provided valuable information on sporadic- E characteristics at temperate and equatorial latitudes. Observations near the magnetic equator have revealed the presence of field-aligned irregularities in the E -region which are responsible for the equatorial type of sporadic E. Temperate latitude observations have shown that there is a marked difference in the amount of sporadic E observed over water and over land at a coastal observing station. In addition to these effects, sporadic- E drift motions as well as other observations (by backscatter techniques) made during the International Geophysical Year are summarized.
Improved 3D Phase Contrast MRI with Off-resonance Corrected Dual Echo VIPR

Phase contrast (PC) magnetic resonance imaging with a three-dimensional, radially undersampled acquisition allows for the acquisition of high resolution angiograms and velocimetry in dramatically reduced scan times. However, such an acquisition is sensitive to blurring and artifacts from off-resonance and trajectory errors. A dual-echo trajectory is proposed with a novel trajectory calibration from prescan data coupled with a multi-frequency reconstruction to correct for these errors. Comparisons of phantom data and in vivo results from volunteer, and patients with arteriovenous malformations patients are presented with and without these corrections and show significant improvement of image quality when both corrections are applied. The results demonstrate significantly improved visualization of vessels, allowing for highly accelerated PC acquisitions without sacrifice in image quality. Magn Reson Med 60:1329–1336, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of early postnatal pinealectomy on adult brain and divisional pituitary weights in relation to type of illumination.

Female S1 rats, pinealectomized (p), sham-operated (s) or not operated (n-o) 2–4 days postnatally, were placed at weaning (age = 20–23 days) in individual activity-monitoring cages under blue, green or red fluorescent lights. Photoperiod (LD 12:12) timing was reversed at 2–3 week intervals until autopsy at 293–299 days. In p as compared with s and n-o animals, the brains were lighter and the pituitary glands were heavier. This difference was significant in pars distalis, pars intermedia and the colloid in the residual lumen. Neurohypophyseal weight, however, was significantly greater in both p and n-o than in s animals, suggesting a reversal of a traumatic effect by pinealectomy. Although most of these effects were most significant or marked in the blue-lighted animals, the results are not inconsistent with dependence on known spectral sensitivity of the rat's retinal rhodopsin. However, the results contradict the idea that all effects of pinealectomy are necessarily greater in, or depend upon, reduced il...
Small zone gel chromatography of interacting systems: theoretical and experimental evaluation of elution profiles for kinetically controlled macromolecule-ligand reactions.

Abstract A phenomenological theory of small zone gel chromatography is elaborated for kinetically controlled macromolecule-ligand interactions. Chromatography, direct binding experiments, and rate measurements are used for successful comparison of experimental behavior with theoretical elution profiles for the interaction of MAP-2 with two synthetic peptide fragments from the C-terminal moieties of α- and β-tubulin subunits. The results of this study provide guidelines for interpretation of experimental small zone elution profiles of total ligand.
Major factors influencing the development of a nuclear flight stage.

The feasibility of solid-core nuclear rocket propulsion systems has been adequately demonstrated by the Rover, Kiwi, and Phoebus programs. With the advanced state of development of the nuclear engine system, it is in order to focus attention on the mission, scientific research, and program aspects influential in the development of a flight stage. In particular, the major technology, design, development, qualification, and operational elements which can affect the performance, economics, and schedule of the nuclear vehicle have been considered. Each phase of the vehicle development cycle is pursued sequentially illustrating the resultant requirements based on and influenced by the decision making rationale associated with specific mission objectives. Additional factors not directly related to but which could influence the over-all nuclear vehicle program are specified.
Microbiology of Commercial Turkey Deboning

Abstract Swab and direct microbiological samples of equipment, clothing, turkey skin and turkey meat were obtained from four commercial turkey deboning plants operating on a year round basis. Total numbers of aerobes and coliforms were determined and all cultures were tested for staphylococci and salmonellae. Taken all together, the microbial data indicate that turkey further processing was being conducted under reasonably sanitary conditions in these plants and that potentially dangerous microorganisms such as staphylococci and salmonellae were infrequently present and when present they occurred in low numbers. There were no differences of importance in bacteriological findings at a plant where conventional boning methods and equipment with loose shackles were changed to new handling methods and rigid shackles.
A statistical approach to understanding nucleation phenomena

Abstract A series of undercooling experiments using pure metal samples of niobium and zirconium were performed using the Marshall Space Flight Center 105 meter drop tube, and for zirconium using both electromagnetic and electrostatic levitation in the laboratory. The results from a large number of experiments allowed nucleation frequencies to be measured, following the suggestion of Skripov. Using the nucleation frequencies, the nucleation probability distributions and the cumulative distributions, the critical free energy of nucleation and the magnitude of the pre-exponential in the classical nucleation equation were determined. The results for the pre-exponential and critical free energy for zirconium ranged from 10 8 to 10 13 and 15 kT to 24 kT respectively. Higher purity zirconium stock was observed to cause significant shifts in the undercoolings to higher values. For niobium the values were 10 31 and 73 kT for the pre-exponential and the critical free energy, respectively.
Flexible and conductive bilayer membranes of nanoporous gold and silicone: Synthesis and characterization

This work describes a simple fabrication process to produce a highly flexible bilayer membrane, consisting of a nanoporous gold layer embedded into the surface of a thin elastomer film. The nanoporous gold film shows excellent adhesion due to mechanical interlocking with the elastomer substrate, which penetrates its nanoscale pores. As the bilayer is stretched, the nanoporous gold layer cracks and the resulting bilayer has an effective elastic modulus that is only slightly higher than the elastomer (E∼1.35MPa). The film also exhibits low resistivity, which smoothly varies from ∼1×10−6to∼3×10−5Ωm as elongated to ∼25% strain. The advantages and limitations of the bilayer with respect to sensing and actuation are briefly outlined.
Organizational transformation and strategic learning in high risk, high complexity environments

Abstract The objective of the study was to use a technologically intensive industry as the platform for developing certain conceptual tools that can effectively aid in improving: a) the understanding of the main factors (environmental, organizational, and managerial) that affect the performance of technology-intensive organizations, and: b) the quality of the organizational development and management in such organizations, primarily by means of multiple level, multiple-feedback-loop-driven learning. Case studies were conducted on the four nuclear power utilities of New York State, and a comparative analysis of empirical findings was done. Finally, four theories of organizational transformation and design were applied to the empirical findings to draw inferences (such as the Organizational Structure Dual Nature Paradox) more generally applicable to other technology driven industries as well.
Modal intervals as a new logical interpretation of the usual lattice order between interval truth values

In the traditional fuzzy logic, we use numbers from the interval [0,1] to describe possible expert's degrees of belief in different statements. Comparing the resulting numbers is straightforward: if our degree of belief in a statement A is larger than our degree of belief in a statement B, this means that we have more confidence in the statement A than in the statement B. It is known that to get a more adequate description of the expert's degree of belief, it is better to use not only numbers a from the interval [0,1], but also subintervals [a, ā] ⊆ [0, 1] of this interval. There are several different ways to compare intervals. For example, we can say that [a, ā] ≤ [b, b] if every number from the interval [a, ā] is smaller than or equal to every number from the interval [b, b]. However, in interval-valued fuzzy logic, a more frequently used ordering relation between interval truth values is the relation [a, ā] < [b, b] ≤ a  b & ā ≤ b. This relation makes mathematical sense — it make the set of all such interval truth values a lattice — but, in contrast to the above relation, it does not have a clear logical interpretation. Since our objective is to describe logic, it is desirable to have a reasonable logical interpretation of this lattice relation. In this paper, we use the notion of modal intervals to provide such a logical interpretation.
The role of memory in understanding and encouraging recycling behavior

This article explores the role of memory processes in two aspects of recycling behavior. First, traditional research in cognitive psychology, communication, and consumer behavior is discussed briefly as it relates to understanding how people learn why to recycle. More importantly, a recently emerging stream of memory research, examining memory processes in real-world contexts, is introduced as a conceptual basis for understanding how people remember when and how to recycle. Additionally, these ideas are integrated to help explain the results of past recycling research and to offer suggestions regarding future recycling programs. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Infrared Stimulated Parametric Emission Microscopy

A femtosecond four-wave mixing microscopy was applied to image electronically resonant species, and to measure nonlinear susceptibilities. The parametric emission signal from dye molecules is resistant to photobleaching, making this technique attractive for biological samples.
Arthur Keith, the anatomist who envisioned herniosis

Arthur Keith (1866-1955) was a renowned anatomist who published 529 contributions emphasizing the interaction between structure, function, and patient care. His only practice was 4 years as a family doctor, although he later trained to be a surgeon. Ten of his many articles related to hernia; two (1906, 1924) dealt with etiology. In these he rejected Russell's congenital saccular theory of abdominal herniation, since the latter's assertions regarding peritoneal diverticula were not supported by embryological research. Instead, Keith became the first to hypothesize that defects in the belly wall of adults were brought about by pathological damage to fasciae, aponeuroses and tendons, secondary to systemic connective tissue disease abetted by aging. The pelvis was similarly afflicted, leading to vaginal prolapse, the most common hernia among women. Diverticula were likely to sprout from a weakened alimentary tract. He stated that prevention was a serious consideration. The surgical establishment, overburdened by dogmas accumulated from 5,000 years of being solely responsible for the care of patients with herniae, ignored his hypothesis for decades. However, recent research in herniology has made him a prophet.