cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estructuralismo, ficcionalismo, y la aplicabilidad de las matemáticas en ciencia

This article has two objectives. The first one is a review of some of the most important questions in the contemporary philosophy of mathematics, including: What is the nature of mathematical objects? How do we acquire knowledge about these objects? Should mathematical statements be interpreted differently than ordinary ones? And finally, how can we explain the applicability of mathematics in science? The topic that guides these reflections is the debate between mathematical realism and anti-realism. The second objective of this article is to discuss the arguments that use the applicability of mathematics in science to justify mathematical realism, and show that none of them reaches its objective. To this end, three aspects of the problem of the applicability of mathematics are distinguished: the (mere) utility of mathematics in science; the unexpected utility of some mathematical theories; and the apparent indispensability of mathematics in our best scientific theories, and in particular, in our best scientific explanations. Then I argue that none of these aspects constitutes a reason to adopt mathematical realism.
Lavender Aromatherapy: Examining the Effects of Lavender Oil Patches on Patients in the Hematology-Oncology Setting.

Background Lavender aromatherapy treatment has been used for the general inpatient population to promote relaxation during hospitalization; however, limited research has been conducted on its efficacy with an inpatient hematology-oncology population. Objectives The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine the feasibility of wearable overnight lavender aromatherapy skin patches as a patient-directed nursing intervention for 40 patients on an inpatient hematology-oncology unit. Methods Data were collected during a two-month period using the Lavender Satisfaction Assessment and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Patient demographics and open-ended responses were also collected. Findings After implementing the overnight aromatherapy patches, about half of the participants reported an absence of anxiety or measurable anxiety symptoms, and participants perceived better sleep quality and duration. The results indicate that a nurse- and patient-driven aromatherapy intervention can improve the quality of care on an inpatient hematology-oncology unit.
Language Proficiency and Media Richness in Global Virtual Teams: Impacts on Satisfaction, Inclusion, and Task Accomplishment

Virtual teams that use integrated communication platforms are ubiquitous in cross-border collaboration. This study explores the use of communication media and team outcomes—both social outcomes and task accomplishment—in multilingual virtual teams. Based on surveys from 96 virtual teams (with 578 team members), the research shows that the more time spent in rich communication channels, such as online conferences, increased inclusion and satisfaction, whereas the more time spent with written communication that is lower in richness increased the level of task accomplishment. Team members with lower language proficiency felt less included in all collaboration channels, whereas team members with higher language proficiency felt less satisfied with lean collaboration. In addition, limited language proficiency speakers were significantly less likely to view rich tools as helpful for their teams to reach a mutual decision. Our data support media richness theory in its original context for native and highly proficient English speakers. Our study extends the scope of the theory by applying it to the new context of team members with limited language proficiency. Management should implement a collaboration infrastructure consisting of communication platforms that integrate a variety of media to account for different tasks and different communication needs.
UTILITY OF AFIRMA GENE EXPRESSION CLASSIFIER FOR EVALUATION OF INDETERMINATE THYROID NODULES AND CORRELATION WITH ULTRASOUND RISK ASSESSMENT: SINGLE INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE.

ABSTRACT Objective: We assessed our experience with Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) combined with sono-graphic risk assessment, using both the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Thy...
With respect to what?: simultaneous interaction with dimension reduction and clustering projections

Direct manipulation interactions on projections are often incorporated in visual analytics applications. These interactions enable analysts to provide incremental feedback to the system in a semi-supervised manner, demonstrating relationships that the analyst wishes to find within the data. However, determining the precise intent of the analyst is a challenge. When an analyst interacts with a projection, the inherent ambiguity of some interactions leads to a variety of possible interpretations that the system could infer. Previous work has demonstrated the utility of clusters as an interaction target to address this "With Respect to What" problem in dimension-reduced projections. However, the introduction of clusters introduces interaction inference challenges as well. In this work, we discuss the interaction space for the simultaneous use of semi-supervised dimension reduction and clustering algorithms. Within this exploration, we highlight existing interaction challenges of such interactive analytical systems, describe the benefits and drawbacks of introducing clustering, and demonstrate a set of interactions from this space.
11 – Transgenic Animals

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses animals in which one or more extra genes have been introduced to the cells, these are also known as “transgenic animals.” To breed transgenic animals, the foreign genes are injected into the nuclei of fertilized eggs, and the latter are cultivated and screened for a successful implantation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Then the embryos are transferred to surrogate mothers for development and birth. The chapter lists the various transgenic animals that have been bred, and reveals the fascinating technology that is being developed in this field. The chapter explains the issues in adapting laboratory methods to research larger farm animals and also provides a list of pharmaceutical products derived from transgenic animals and describes their uses. An animal can be made more resistant to infectious diseases through the use of transgenic technology. The methods by which transgenic animals can help slow down the spread of disease are discussed. The chapter also describes a number of researchers who contributed to the development of transgenic animals.
Academic Affiliation and Surgical Volume Predict Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Surgery.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the academic affiliation or surgical volume affects the overall survival (OS) of human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients receiving surgery. METHODS A retrospective study of 39 North Carolina Medical Centers was conducted. Treatment centers were classified as academic hospitals, community cancer centers, or community hospitals and were divided into thirds by volume. The primary outcome was 5-year OS. Hazard ratios (HR) were determined using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for demographics, tumor site, stage, insurance status, tobacco use, alcohol use, stage, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Patients were also stratified by stage (early stage and advanced stage). RESULTS Patients treated at community cancer centers had significantly better 5-year OS (HR 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.48-0.98), and patients treated at academic hospitals trended toward better 5-year OS (HR 0.72, 95% CI = 0.50-1.04) compared to patients treated at community hospitals. The effect for academic affiliation on survival was more pronounced for patients with advanced stage cancer at diagnosis (HR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37-0.95). There were no significant survival differences among early stage patients by treatment center type. Top-third (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42-0.96) centers by surgical volume had significantly better 5-year OS, and middle-third (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51-1.03) centers by volume trended toward better 5-year OS when compared to the bottom-third centers by volume. CONCLUSION Patients treated at academic hospitals, community cancer centers, and hospitals in the top third by case volume have favorable survival for HPV-negative HNSCC. The effect for academic hospitals is most pronounced among advanced stage patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E479-E488, 2021.
Perceptions, Opinions, Beliefs, and Attitudes About Physical Activity and Exercise in Urban-Community-Residing Older Adults:

Background: This research study illustrates the perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes of older adults residing in an urban community as major factors to understanding barriers and motivators in older African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians adults within Washington, DC. Methods: Eight focus group sessions conducted with 58 older adults to determine their understanding of physical activity and exercise, as well as of barriers to, motivators for, and benefits of physical activity and exercise. Results: The results showed that dance was the preferred physical activity and exercise, fixed or limited income were the main barriers, and prolonged life, more energy, and a stronger body were the main benefits. Conclusion: The results will assist in recommendations to policy makers on programs for older adults that will increase physical activity and exercise for local citizens. These interventions are more likely to increase older adults' ability to remain in their communities and improve their overall health and well-being.
Corrected QT Interval-Polygenic Risk Score and Its Contribution to Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 Long-QT Syndrome in Probands and Genotype-Positive Family Members.

Background: Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by a prolonged heart rate–corrected QT interval (QTc). Genome-wide association studies identified common genetic variants that collectively expl...
Experimental investigation of ammonia combustion in a bench scale 1.2 MW-thermal pulverised coal firing furnace

Abstract The use of carbon-free fuel in fossil fuel firing power stations is one solution for CO2 reduction, and renewable hydrogen, when produced by renewable sources and energy can be a potential alternative fuel. Ammonia is one of promising hydrogen carriers, because it offers a high energy density, is easily liquefied, and is already widely used in the industry as fertiliser, raw chemical material, or selective catalytic reactant. Furthermore, it is well known that ammonia can be co-fired with pulverised coal. However, for utilising as fuel there are often concerns like expected flame instabilities due to slow reaction, higher NOx emission because of higher nitrogen content and lower thermal radiation because of lower flame temperature. This paper focuses on the first two items. A coal-fired furnace with capacity of 1.2MWth is used to evaluate the characteristics of ammonia co-firing with different ammonia guns. The study shows that CO2 emission can be reduced in proportion to the co-firing ratio as expected. A properly designed gas gun enables successful operation of pure ammonia firing with zero CO2 emission. The same NOx (nitrogen oxides such as NO, NO2 etc.) emission levels as achieved in pure coal-firing can be realised when co-firing ammonia with coal. Even in the case of pure ammonia firing low NOx emission can be realized without ammonia slip. Concerning unburnt carbon residues in the fly-ash under co-firing condition, large reductions have been recognised compared to pure coal-firing.
Electrocatalytic Activity of Bimetallic Ni–Mo–P Nanocrystals for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Electrochemical water splitting represents a sustainable method to produce molecular hydrogen, a foreseeable clean energy alternative to exhaustible fossil fuels. Transition-metal phosphides (TMPs)...
An Evaluation of Neurosurgical Practices During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Objective We sought to understand how the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the neurosurgical workforce. Methods We created a survey consisting of 22 questions to assess the respondent's operative experience, location, type of practice, subspecialty, changes in clinic and operative volumes, changes to staff, and changes to income since the pandemic began. The survey was distributed electronically to neurosurgeons throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Results Of the 724 who opened the survey link, 457 completed the survey. The respondents were from throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and represented all practices types and subspecialties. Nearly all respondents reported hospital restrictions on elective surgeries. Most reported a decline in clinic and operative volume. Nearly 70% of respondents saw a decrease in the work hours of their ancillary providers, and almost one half (49.1%) of the respondents had had to downsize their practice staff, office assistants, nurses, schedulers, and other personnel. Overall, 43.6% of survey respondents had experienced a decline in income, and 27.4% expected a decline in income in the upcoming billing cycle. More senior neurosurgeons and those with a private practice, whether solo or as part of a group, were more likely to experience a decline in income as a result of the pandemic compared with their colleagues. Conclusion The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic will likely have a lasting effect on the practice of medicine. Our survey results have described the early effects on the neurosurgical workforce. Nearly all neurosurgeons experienced a significant decline in clinical volume, which led to many downstream effects. Ultimately, analysis of the effects of such a pervasive pandemic will allow the neurosurgical workforce to be better prepared for similar events in the future.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) cycling and fates in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA

The cycling and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is not well understood in estuarine systems. It is critical now more than ever given the increased ecosystem pressures on these critical coastal habitats. A budget of PAHs and cycling has been created for Galveston Bay (Texas) in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, an estuary surrounded by 30-50% of the US capacity of oil refineries and chemical industry. We estimate that approximately 3 to 4 mt per year of pyrogenic PAHs are introduced to Galveston Bay via gaseous exchange from the atmosphere (ca. 2 mt/year) in addition to numerous spills of petrogenic PAHs from oil and gas operations (ca. 1.0 to 1.9 mt/year). PAHs are cycled through and stored in the biota, and ca. 20 to 30% of the total (0.8 to 1.5 mt per year) are estimated to be buried in the sediments. Oysters concentrate PAHs to levels above their surroundings (water and sediments) and contain substantially greater concentrations than other fish catch (shrimp, blue crabs and fin fish). Smaller organisms (infaunal invertebrates, phytoplankton and zooplankton) might also retain a significant fraction of the total, but direct evidence for this is lacking. The amount of PAHs delivered to humans in seafood, based on reported landings, is trivially small compared to the total inputs, sediment accumulation and other possible fates (metabolic remineralization, export in tides, etc.), which remain poorly known. The generally higher concentrations in biota from Galveston Bay compared to other coastal habitats can be attributed to both intermittent spills of gas and oil and the bay's close proximity to high production of pyrogenic PAHs within the urban industrial complex of the city of Houston as well as periodic flood events that transport PAHs from land surfaces to the Bay.
Characterizing the Coherent Reflected Power Dependence on Rough Surface Height at Low Signal Levels

The Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R) community has traditionally used the Kirchhoff approximation to model how the coherent reflected power reduces as a function of the RMS height of the rough surface observed. While this approximation has been valid for most GNSS-R applications to date, the community has recently raised the question of the model's validity when the normalized coherent reflected power is very low $(\leq-20\mathrm{dB})$ due to increased interest in measuring the coherent reflected power in situations where the incoherent reflected power is dominant. To investigate the trend of the normalized coherent reflected power below −20dB, Monte Carlo simulations were performed by randomly generating Gaussian rough PEC surfaces with various RMS heights and averaging over multiple realizations at each RMS height to obtain a reflected power whose incoherent component has been averaged out, leaving only the coherent reflected power behind. In this process, the statistics of the Rician random variable obtained when coherent specular scattering from a rough surface is measured must also be considered, and it can be shown that the accuracy of the coherent power estimate is dependent on the number of realizations used and the ratio of the coherent and incoherent powers. This analysis also shows that a large number of averages can be required to obtain reasonable accuracy in estimating the coherent power in the limit of low coherent to incoherent power ratio.
[β-Glu2]TRH Is a Functional Antagonist of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) in the Rodent Brain

Selective antagonists of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; pGlu-His-Pro-NH2), in order to enable a better understanding of this peptide's central functions, have not been identified. Using pGlu-Glu-Pro-NH2 ([Glu2]TRH) as a lead peptide and with modification at its central residue, our studies focused on some of its analogues synthesized as potential functional antagonists of TRH in the rodent brain. Among the peptides studied, the novel isomeric analogue [β-Glu2]TRH was found to suppress the analeptic and antidepressant-like pharmacological activities of TRH without eliciting intrinsic effects in these paradigms. [β-Glu2]TRH also completely reversed TRH's stimulation of acetylcholine turnover in the rat hippocampus without a cholinergic activity of its own, which was demonstrated through in vivo microdialysis experiments. Altogether, [β-Glu2]TRH emerged as the first selective functional antagonist of TRH's prominent cholinergic actions, by which this endogenous peptide elicits a vast array of central effects.
Complications of neuroendoscopic septostomy.

Objective The advent of neuroendoscopy revolutionized the management of complex hydrocephalus. Fenestration of the septum pellucidum (septostomy) is often a therapeutic and/or necessary intervention in neuroendoscopy. However, these procedures are not without risk. The authors sought to record the incidence and types of complications. They attempted to discern if there was decreased likelihood of septostomy complications in patients who underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)/choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) as compared with those who underwent other procedures and those with larger ventricles preoperatively. The authors investigated different operative techniques and their possible relationships to septostomy complications. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed all neuroendoscopic procedures with Current Procedural Terminology code 62161 performed from January 2003 until June 2019 at their institution. Septostomy, either alone or in conjunction with other procedures, was performed in 118 cases. Basic demographic characteristics, clinical histories, operative details/findings, and adverse events (intraoperative and postoperative) were collected. Pearson chi-square and univariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Patients with incomplete records were excluded. Results Of 118 procedures, 29 (24.5%) septostomies had either intraoperative or postoperative complications. The most common intraoperative complication was bleeding, as noted in 12 (10.2%) septostomies. Neuroendocrine dysfunction, including apnea, bradycardia, neurological deficit, seizure, etc., was the most common postoperative complication and seen after 15 (12.7%) procedures. No significant differences in complications were noted between ventricular size or morphology or between different operative techniques or ventricular approaches. There was no significant difference between the complication rate of patients who underwent ETV/CPC and that of patients who underwent septostomy as a part of other procedures. Greater length of surgery (OR 1.013) was associated with septostomy complications. Conclusions Neuroendoscopy for hydrocephalus due to varying etiologies provides significant utility but is not without risk. The authors did not find associations between larger ventricular size or posterior endoscope approach and lower complication rates, as hypothesized. No significant difference in complication rates was noted between septostomy performed during ETV/CPC and other endoscopic procedures requiring septostomy.
Remarks on the Stability of Steady-State Solutions of Reaction-Diffusion Equations

In this note we shall describe a new approach to the stability problem for steady-state solutions of reaction- diffusion equations. We shall explain our techniques and results by discussing a few examples which model quite well the general theory.
RecA Superfamily Proteins

The bacterial RecA protein is the central component in both the catalysis of homologous recombinational DNA repair and the regulation of expression of a family of DNA repair genes. It functions in a number of mechanistically distinct processes, all of which contribute to the maintenance of genomic integrity, and all of which require formation of an active RecA/ATP/DNA complex. As cellular, biochemical, and structural studies of the eukaryotic and archaeal RecA homologs progress (Rad51 and RadA, respectively), it is clear that despite fundamental similarities in the mechanism of DNA strand exchange catalyzed by both proteins, there are distinct differences in their catalytic mechanisms as well as dramatic differences in the cellular pathways in which each protein plays important roles. For example, both RecA and the human Rad51 protein require ATP binding and hydrolysis for the catalysis of DNA strand exchange, but the use of ATP is distinctly different for each protein. Additionally, whereas RecA plays a specific role in transcriptional regulation of DNA repair genes, no such activity is seen for Rad51. In this review, we offer a comparative view of the biochemical functions of RecA and Rad51, with a particular focus on descriptions of our current understanding of the molecular design, catalytic organization, and allosteric regulation of enzyme function. Keywords: Allosteric Switch; ATP Cap; C-terminal Gateway; Helix-hairpin-helix motif; Holliday Junction; Homologous Recombination (HR); N-terminal Polymerization Motif; Rad51-mediator Activity; Translesion Bypass
DLP erobert die Märkte

Krankenhauser, Sternwarten, Online-Shops — das sind nicht die klassischen Gebiete der Projektionstechnologie, fur die Texas Instruments DLP mittlerweile weltberuhmt ist. Vielmehr findet man die DLP-Chips in Business- und PrivatProjektoren, TV-Geraten und digitalen Kinoprojektoren. Mehr als 20 Millionen DLP-Chipsets sind derzeit in uber 350 verschiedenen Projektor-Modellen im Umlauf, auserdem sorgen DLP-Systeme in tausenden von Lichtspielhausern fur extrem helle und hochauflosende Bilder. Das neueste Highlight im DLP-Portfolio sind die so genannten Pico-Projektoren, die so klein sind, dass sie in Handys eingebaut werden konnen. Aktuelle Modelle wurden dieses Jahr bereits auf der CES in Las Vegas und auf dem Mobile World Congress in Barcelona vorgestellt. Weniger bekannt hingegen ist, dass die DLPTechnologie auch innovative Spektroskopie-Applikationen jenseits herkommlicher Bildprojektion ermoglicht.
DCE-MRI analysis methods for predicting the response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: pilot study findings.

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study is to determine (1) if early changes in both semiquantitative and quantitative DCE-MRI parameters, observed after the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, show significant difference between responders and nonresponders and (2) if these parameters can be used as a prognostic indicator of the eventual response. Methods Twenty-eight patients were examined using DCE-MRI pre-, post-one cycle, and just prior to surgery. The semiquantitative parameters included longest dimension, tumor volume, initial area under the curve, and signal enhancement ratio related parameters, while quantitative parameters included Ktrans, ve, kep, vp, and τi estimated using the standard Tofts-Kety, extended Tofts-Kety, and fast exchange regime models. Results Our preliminary results indicated that the signal enhancement ratio washout volume and kep were significantly different between pathologic complete responders from nonresponders (P < 0.05) after a single cycle of chemotherapy. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the AUC of the signal enhancement ratio washout volume was 0.75, and the AUCs of kep estimated by three models were 0.78, 0.76, and 0.73, respectively. Conclusion In summary, the signal enhancement ratio washout volume and kep appear to predict breast cancer response after one cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This observation should be confirmed with additional prospective studies. Magn Reson Med 71:1592–1602, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tonic reflex seizures of early infancy: an age-related non-epileptic paroxysmal disorder

Non-epileptic paroxysmal disorders (NEPD) include a heterogeneous group of disorders that can be confused with epileptic manifestations. They occur very frequently in the first year of life and are expressed predominantly as unusual movements. We report the clinical and EEG-polygraphic characteristics of 13 patients (nine male, four female) that we observed between 1988 and 1999, who presented non-epileptic tonic reflex seizures in the first months of life. All children had normal psychomotor development with no neurological antecedents. Onset of manifestations occurred between the first and third month of life. The seizure was characterized by diffuse tonic contraction with extension of four limbs, apnoea and cyanosis, and lasted 3-10 sec without loss of consciousness. Seizures occurred only while the child was awake and being held in a vertical position by an adult, and were triggered by movement or tactile stimulation. Ictal and interictal EEG were normal. Prognosis was benign with spontaneous remission within 2 months of onset. In our experience, this paroxysmal manifestation has not been described previously by other authors and represents a new NEPD which, in accordance with our first report of this entity, we suggest calling tonic reflex seizure of early infancy (TRSEI). (Published with videosequences.)
INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT, ATTITUDES, AND STEREOTYPES OF ADOLESCENTS AND OLDER PEOPLE

Contradictory findings characterize the literature on the efficacy of intergenerational programs that bring children and older persons together for joint activities to promote more positive attitudes and stereotypes. Nor is it clear whether cross-generational attitudes are negative to begin with. The research reported in this paper operationalized the constructs of attitudes and stereotypes by employing ideographic measures based on the attitude model of Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) and adopted the principles of the contact hypothesis in organizing a cross-age program. Sixty-three middle school adolescents (age 11–13) were randomly assigned to cross-age contact, didactic instruction, or control conditions for a 6-week program. Overall, adolescents and older persons held generally positive attitudes and stereotypes of each other. Relative to the control group, the contact group adolescents’ attitudes toward older people became more positive. There was no change in the didactic group. Following contact, the ol...
Dopaminergic regulation of circadian rhythms of blood pressure, renin and aldosterone in essential hypertension.

This study examines the influence of bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, circadian mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) levels and circadian secretory patterns of plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone in essential hypertension. Nine patients with sustained essential hypertension were studied after they had reached metabollic equilibrium on a constant 100 mmol sodium and 80 mmol potassium intake. MAP measurements and PRA and aldosterone determinations were made at 30 min intervals over 24 h during a control (no medication) and a bromocriptine period (bromocriptine, 2.5 mg three times a day for 5 days). In the control period there was a clear circadian rhythm in blood pressure in these hypertensive patients with lowest MAP occurring during sleep. Bromocriptine treatment was associated with a depression in MAP throughout the 24 h cycle. Circadian patterns for both PRA and plasma aldosterone were observed in all patients before and after bromocriptine treatment. PRA demonstrated peaks between 1600 and 2000 h and again between 2400 and 0600 h. Peak aldosterone occurred in the late hours of sleep, 0400 to 0630 h, and shortly after awakening, 0800 to 0900 h. Although bromocriptine did not significantly affect the circadian rhythm of PRA and aldosterone it did decrease (P<0.05) mean 24 h recumbent PRA from 2.3±0.1 ng/cm3·h−1 to 1.40±0.1 ng/cm3·h−1 and plasma aldosterone from 8.5±0.3 ng·dl−1 to 6.8±0.2 ng·dl−1. 24 h recumbent blood pressures were not correlated with PRA or plasma aldosterone, and PRA and aldosterone were not correlated. These observations suggest that hour-to-hour maintenance of blood pressure is not dependent on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with essential hypertension. Dopaminergic mechanisms do not appear to account for the circadian periodicity of renin and aldosterone secretion.
Online Learning as a Demonstration of Type II Technology

Abstract Online learning can be an effective tool in second-language acquisition (SLA) because it can be an efficient and convenient way to provide accurate, understandable material to second-language learners. It is crucial for instructors to have online knowledge and skills as well as the ability to choose how, when, and to whom to apply such expertise. Online learning also promotes student-centered learning, which is widely believed to be important in SLA. Online learning technologies also have the advantage of reducing learner anxiety by providing a nonjudgmental, independent learning environment. In addition, SLA students using online learning may develop improved attitudes toward the second language (L2) and its culture.
Increased activity of cyclooxygenase-2 signals early neurodegenerative events in the rat retina following transient ischemia.

Following transient retinal ischemia, there is neuronal cell death, breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, activation of microglia and infiltration by hematogenous cells. The early appearance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) following an ischemic event may be responsible for signaling some of the responses that lead to neurodegeneration. We have determined the time courses of changes in protein levels and cellular localizations of COX-2 in the rat retina after transient ischemia. In the normal rat retina, COX-2 immunoreactivity was present in neurons in the INL and ganglion cell layer (GCL). Six to 12 hr after ischemia, COX-2 immunoreactivity was upregulated/induced in horizontal cells, amacrine cells, retinal ganglion cells, displaced amacrine cells of the INL and GCL, and Muller cells. The NMDA-receptor antagonist, MK801, blocked the increased COX-2 protein level and COX-2 immunoreactivity in neurons of the INL and GCL, but did not affect the induction of COX-2 in Muller cells after ischemia. The selective COX-2 inhibitor, SC-58236, prevented apoptotic cell death and was neuroprotective against loss of retinal ganglion cells after ischemia. Following transient ischemia, the selective COX-2 inhibitor did not prevent breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier or activation of microglia. However, the selective COX-2 inhibitor reduced infiltration of hematogenous cells into the retina. These results suggest that the early, increased activity of COX-2 signals neurodegenerative events following retinal ischemia.
Multisource biological pathway consolidation

A typical method to discover phenotypic descriptions of an ordered set of differential gene expressions is to identify pathway enrichments. There are many pathways that are highly related or maybe redundant across different databases making their consolidation an essential step when interpreting these results. Two methods of pathway consolidation are explored, one utilizes the gene set of the most enriched pathway to find similar pathways also enriched in a given experiment. The other method uses only the gene members in each pathway, this finds de novo pathway clusters independent of any given experiment. Unique consolidation results from both methods are presented, demonstrating their applications in biological studies.
Transthoracic defibrillation: Effect of dual-pathway sequential pulse shocks and single-pathway biphasic pulse shocks in a canine model☆

To determine whether dual-pathway sequential shocks and single-pathway biphasic shocks improved the efficacy of transthoracic defibrillation, we delivered single or sequential truncated waveform shocks of variable duration, voltage, and direction (polarity) to three groups of closed-chest dogs. Dual-pathway sequential shocks were assessed in group 1 (eight animals), biphasic shocks with a single pathway were compared in 11 dogs (group 2), and the effect of varying the duration of the biphasic shocks was assessed in group 3 (four animals). There was no improvement in success rates of the intervention shocks compared with a standard single "control" shock at any energy level. In this experimental model unidirectional or biphasic sequential shocks given over single or dual pathways were not superior to standard single-pulse transthoracic defibrillation.
Cognitive processes in technology management and transfer

Abstract Ideological conflict often emerges in the joint efforts of less-developed country (LDC) planners and multinational corporation (MNC) executives to bring about change through technology transfer. Managing conflict in such situations is a task of extreme complexity and ambiguity. A number of heuristic biases sometimes lead to severe and systematic errors in the decision-making process. Influence diagramming (ID) can be used to clarify opposing worldviews and to help LDC planners and MNC executives deal with cognitive simplification processes. A specific example from the technology transfer literature illustrates the possibility of transforming, through ID, the “vicious circle of lack of technology and underdevelopment” into a “virtuous circle” of technological development. Technology's fundamental tension between stability and social change is examined within the dialectical-materialism inquiry system (DMIS) and the change-resilience control (CRC) frameworks. The integration of these models brings the distinction between high technology, technology, and appropriate technology into a sharper operational focus.
Isozymal differention between two species of Prosopis

Abstract The patterns of five multilocus isozyme systems were investigated in seed, shoot and cotyledon tissue of two species of mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa and P. pallida . The isozymes of malate dehydrogenase, peroxidase, esterase, alcohol dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase from each of these tissues were analysed by starch gel electrophoresis and specific histochemical stains. In the case of each enzyme system examined, there were distinctly different isozymes which could be utilized to differentiate between these two species.
Evaluation of osteopathic manipulative treatment by electromyography

Low back pain patients were treated four times with manipulation treatment. Effectiveness of treatment was examined by surface EMG using integration and power spectrum analysis. There was an increase in median frequency after initial treatment. IEMG showed changes after manipulative treatment. The changes in the slope EMG versus load levels stayed the same after the course of treatment. This indicates that the effect of treatment was not temporary.
The Measurement of Anxiety on the Sentence Completion Test

(1968). The Measurement of Anxiety on the Sentence Completion Test. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 197-207.
Walking to the bus: perceived versus actual walking distance to bus stops for older adults

The walking trip from an origin or destination to a bus stop or transit station can be a barrier to riding transit for older adults (over age 60) who may walk more slowly than others or experience declining physical mobility. This article examines the relationship between transit ridership and proximity to fixed-route transit stations using survey data for older adults in Buffalo and Erie County, New York. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics—including age, sex, race, income, possessing a driver’s license, frequency of leaving home, and personal mobility limitations—are tested but do not display, in bi-variate analysis, statistically significant differences for transit riders versus non-transit riders. However, features of the built environment—including distance (actual and perceived) between home and transit stop, transit service level, population density, number of street intersections, metropolitan location, and neighborhood crime (property and violent) rate—display statistically significant differences for transit riders versus non-transit riders. Both objective and perceived walking distances to access fixed-route transit show statistically significant differences between transit riders and non-transit riders. Average walking distance from home to transit for non-transit riders—who mostly live in suburbs—is three times greater than average walking distance between home and the nearest transit stop for transit riders—who mostly live in the central city. When asked how near a bus stop is to their homes, transit riders slightly overestimate the actual distance, while non-transit riders underestimate the distance.
Hydrolytically active Eu(III) and Ce(IV) EF-hand peptides

A chimeric peptide (P4) has been designed to incorporate an EF-hand metal-binding loop into the context of the helix-turn-helix DNA binding motif of the engrailed homeodomain. This construct binds lanthanides, and in the presence of these metals, promotes the cleavage of supercoiled DNA and model phosphate esters (bisnitrophenyl phosphate). P4 binds lanthanides with moderate affinities (Eu(III), log K(a)=4.85; and Ce(IV), log K(a)=5.23). The structure of P4 is enhanced by metal binding, but the increase in secondary structure observed by CD is small, and suggests the metallopeptide is also quite flexible. Despite this flexibility, the efficient cleavage of DNA at low concentrations is dependent on the metallopeptide, and not on peptide or metal alone. This enhanced reactivity suggests the designed DNA-binding EF-hand peptides deliver the metal to the DNA for catalysis, even without rigid secondary structure.
Use of double-balloon enteroscopy to diagnose a primary intestinal melanoma

A 59-year-old white man presented to his cardiologist with palpitations and lightheadedness. The patient was found to have microcytic, hypochromic anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 6.8 gm/dL. After transfusion of blood products to establish hemodynamic stability, upper and lower endoscopies were performed, the findings of which were not revealing. A small bowel follow-through was also done, which was nondiagnostic and was followed by a capsule endoscopy. A suspicious nodule, with prominent mucosa and luminal narrowing, was noted in the ileum (Fig. 1), and the patient underwent a colonic approach double-balloon enteroscopy, which showed a 4to 5-cm hard, friable, ulcerated mass 2.35 m from the ileocecal valve (Fig. 2). Multiple biopsy specimens were obtained, and the area was tattooed with India ink. Histologically, malignant melanoma was noted, staining positive for S-100, HMB-45, and MelanA. The immunohistochemical stain with MelanA showing nests of malignant cells in the lamina propria is shown in Figure 3. The patient successfully underwent a laparoscopic segmental ileal resection and recovered uneventfully postoperatively. Postoperative evaluation included a complete ophthalmologic and dermatologic examination, neither of which revealed any aberrancy. Furthermore, CTand positron emission tomography scans of the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis were performed and did not reveal a primary source of malignancy. Because of the paucity of available literature on the treatment of primary intestinal melanoma and localization of the disease, the patient did not receive chemotherapy treatment. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and free of disease. Primary intestinal melanoma is rarely noted. The diagnosis is one of exclusion, with a need to rule out metastatic disease. Eighteen cases of primary intestinal melanoma are documented in the literature. Several models for the development of melanoma as a primary tumor in the intestine have been proposed, with the amine precursor uptake decarboxylase cell concept being most researched. The proposed mechanism is that of these multipotential cells migrating through the body via the umbilical-mesenteric canal and localizing in the terminal ileum, which in fact is the most common site of intestinal melanoma. A surgical approach is usually undertaken in the treatment of this disease. The reported median survival is 16 months, although this is based on only 15 cases. Neither chemotherapy nor radiation is usually offered to these patients. Based on our literature review, we report the first case of primary intesti-
CHIP-Hsc70 Complex Ubiquitinates Phosphorylated Tau and Enhances Cell Survival

The microtubule-binding protein tau has been implicated in the neurofibrillary pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Within affected cells, ubiquitinated and hyperphosphorylated tau assembles into massive filamentous polymers. Eventually these tangle-bearing neurons die. The formation of neurofibrillary tangles closely parallels the progression and anatomic distribution of neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that these lesions play a role in the disease pathogenesis. Mutations in the human tau gene cause autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders. These and other neurodegenerative conditions are also characterized by extensive neurofibrillary pathology. The mechanisms underlying tau-mediated neurotoxicity remain unclear; however, phosphorylated tau is a strong candidate for a toxic molecule, particularly those isoforms phosphorylated by the kinases glycogen synthase kinase 3β and Cdk5. Here we show that Alzheimer tau binds to Hsc70, and its phosphorylation is a recognition requirement for the addition of ubiquitin (Ub) by the E3 Ub ligase CHIP (carboxyl terminus of the Hsc70-interacting protein) and the E2 conjugating enzyme UbcH5B. Other E3 Ub ligases including parkin and Cbl failed to ubiquitinate phosphorylated tau. CHIP could rescue phosphorylated tau-induced cell death, and therefore the CHIP-Hsc70 complex may provide a new therapeutic target for the tauopathies.
The Politics of Global Marginalization

This paper examines the impact of Western foreign policy on African states in the post-containment era. Section I provides a general overview of Western foreign policy in Africa towards the end of the Cold War. Section II explores the political and economic consequences of perestroika on African states. Section III discusses the political, military and economic implications of the demise of communism in Eastern Europe on both national and regional politics in the subcontinent. Section IV argues that the consolidation of power by the industrialized countries of the North, and the deepening economic crises in Africa has marginalized African states in the new world order. With specific emphasis on Africa, the final section critically examines the structural framework and philosophical basis of this new order.
Thickness of Unconsolidated Sediments in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

The unconsolidated sedimentary layer in the eastern Mediterranean Sea becomes more variable in thickness toward the east. The distribution pattern suggests that the primary sources of sediment in Cenozoic times have been the Nile River, elevated areas of Cyrenaica, the Taurus, and the Apennines.
A Theory of Ethnic Group Boundaries

. Despite widespread agreement that ethnic boundaries are malleable rather than fixed, theories of ethnicity and collective action have been unable to adequately explain why individuals choose to mobilise collectively within particular boundaries rather than others. The boundaries of groups engaging in ethnic collective action are always taken for granted at some level rather than problematised. This leads to an undesirable reification of ethnic groups as actors. The theory presented in this article integrates a social psychological view of motivation with a rational choice view of action to provide a systematic way of predicting the boundary location of ethnic groups that begin to mobilise in societies undergoing modernising structural change. It first focuses on the link between cooperation and altruism in small communities. It then predicts how altruistic preferences, in conjunction with structural factors and rational behaviour, will generate boundaries for larger-scale ethnic collective action that transcends yet incorporates such communities. The theory's predictions are then applied to explain the location of group boundaries in four very prominent cases of ethnicity ‘creation’ and collective action in this century.
A New Approach To Teaching Red Black Tree

Red black trees are considered an important data structure and students can find it to be challenging and difficult to learn. This paper describes our new approach, the granularity approach, to teaching the top-down insertion algorithm for red black trees. Past approaches have focused on teaching the mechanics of applying the rules (color flip, single rotation and double rotation). The new approach is based on the hypothesis that students have more difficulty selecting the correct rule than in applying a selected rule. Our approach focuses on helping students learn how to correctly select focuses on helping students learn how to correctly select the rules to be applied. We supplement classroom lectures with an intelligent tutoring system that incorporates our approach. The approach and the tutoring system were used and evaluated in a small data structures class in the fall semester of 2014. The early results indicate that our approach and tutoring system are effective at helping students learn the top-down insertion algorithm.
A permeability test for acute corneal toxicity

The penetration of sulforhodamine B (SRB) into the two corneas of a freshly killed mouse was measured after one eye was briefly exposed to a solution of a possibly toxic substance. The ratio of the penetrations provides a numerical index of acute toxicity to the corneal epithelium. With a group of 6 animals, a 50% rise in the index can be distinguished at the 95% confidence level; the maximum rise achievable in practice seems to be about 30. NaOH and benzalkonium chloride (BAK) gave graded increases in the value as their concentrations rose; the rise in index corresponded roughly to the injury caused to the living eye.