cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful inhibition of intracranial human glioblastoma multiforme xenograft growth via systemic adenoviral delivery of soluble endostatin and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2: laboratory investigation.

Object Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by neovascularization, raising the question of whether angiogenic blockade may be a useful therapeutic strategy for this disease. It has been suggested, however, that, to be useful, angiogenic blockade must be persistent and at levels sufficient to overcome proangiogenic signals from tumor cells. In this report, the authors tested the hypothesis that sustained high concentrations of 2 different antiangiogenic proteins, delivered using a systemic gene therapy strategy, could inhibit the growth of established intracranial U87 human GBM xenografts in nude mice. Methods Mice harboring established U87 intracranial tumors received intravenous injections of adenoviral vectors encoding either the extracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2-Fc fusion protein (Ad-VEGFR2-Fc) alone, soluble endostatin (Ad-ES) alone, a combination of Ad-VEGFR2-Fc and Ad-ES, or immunoglobulin 1-Fc (Ad-Fc) as a control. Results Three weeks after treatment, m...
Metaproterenol Solution in the Treatment of Asthmatic Patients by Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing

The effects of five different doses of a 5% inhalant solution of metaproterenol on pulmonary function were compared in a placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study in 40 asthmatic patients who received the drug via intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB). The response to metaproterenol in terms of FVC, FEV1, RA, and FEF25-75% was significantly superior to the placebo response. The effect of metaproterenol set in within 5 minutes of adminstration, and clinically significant improvement in pulmonary function was sustained for 6 hours even at the lowest dose level. Global response evaluations reflected a progressive increase in effectiveness with each successive dose increment. Typical sympathomimetic side effects such as nervousness and shakiness slightly increased in frequency with higher doses. At none of the metaproterenol doses were any clinically significant changes observed in the mean blood pressure and pulse rate values.
The characteristics of Cuban Immigrant inhalant abusers.

The characteristics of Cuban immigrant inhalant abusers admitted to the Spanish Family Guidance Clinic during a 1-year period were studied. Not surprisingly, this group was found to be similar to inhalant abusers in the national picture. The inhalers in this study were all males, mostly very young, from very low socioeconomic levels, largely from disrupted family backgrounds and disrupted neighborhoods. They showed poor school and/or employment performance, serious antisocial behavior, and occasional hallucinatory experiences. This group of inhalers was found to be multiple substance abusers and more likely to be characterized by a pattern of polydrug abuse than by their abuse of inhalants per se. This finding confirms a general national trend toward the abuse of multiple rather than single substances. A comparison of inhalers with a carefully chosen control group of clients admitted into the Clinic during the same period of time, matched by nationality, sex, and age, indicates that the two groups are sim...
Passivation and corrosion behavior of carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solution under tensile and compressive stresses

AbstractReinforced concrete structures inevitably experience variable mechanical loads and continuous degradation from aggressive environments such as deicing salts. In this study, several electrochemical measurements were performed on steel immersed in simulated concrete pore solution (with and without chloride ions) under different types and levels of mechanical loadings. Results indicate that steel specimens immersed in chloride-free pore solution under tensile loadings passivate more rapidly compared with those under compressive loadings. However, the situation in chloride-contaminated solution is different, and steel under tensile stress exhibits more corrosion than steel under compressive stress or under no load.
Instrumentation problems in ophthalmic ultrasonography

Abstract This paper describes the shortcomings of current ophthalmological ultrasonographic equipment and correlates the effects of these shortcomings upon the appearance of the ultrasonogram. The techniques used to improve transducer performance are described. Available compression methods and their effects upon the appearance of the ultrasonogram are analyzed.
ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and PGE2 stimulate the growth of normal but not tumor mouse mammary epithelial cells: Evidence for alterations in the signaling pathways in tumor cells

Abstract The direct effect of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids on the proliferation of mouse mammary tumor cells (MTC) was examined in a serum-free cell culture system. While the EGF-induced proliferation of normal mammary epithelial cells was shown to be enhanced by ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and prostaglandins (PGs), a majority (75–80%) of primary mammary tumors were not stimulated by these agents. Compared to normal cells, some MTC cultures showed a higher susceptibility to inhibition by ω-3 fatty acids. The general lack of response of MTC cultures to PGE 2 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) suggests some alterations in the cAMP-mediated pathway. However, the PGE 2 -induced cAMP levels and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activities in the tumor cells were comparable to normal cells. We conclude that the proliferation of mammary tumor cells either follow a cAMP-PKA-independent pathway or have some alterations in the serine/threonine kinase mediated signaling pathway.
Network model for the evolution of the pore structure of silicon-carbide membranes during their fabrication

Abstract A pore-network model is developed to study the evolution of the pore spce of a nanoporous silicon-carbide membrane during its fabrication by the chemical-vapor infiltration/chemical-vapor deposition (CVI/CVD) techniques. The pore space of the support is represented by a three-dimensional network of interconnected pores, in which the pores’ effective size is distributed according to a pore size distribution (PSD) that closely mimics the experimental PSD. The chemical reaction that generates the SiC, the various transport mechanisms in the pores, and the evolution of the pore structure during the SiC deposition on the pores’ surface are included in the model. The Maxwell–Stefan equations are used for describing the pore-level transport processes, which include the Knudsen and hindered diffusion, as well as viscous flow. The effect of pore shrinkage and blockage as a result of the deposition of the SiC on the pores’ internal surface is taken into account. The simulator monitors the PSD as the membrane's structure develops by the CVD process and evolves. Also computed are the permeances of argon, the carrier gas, and of helium during the CVD, as well as the membrane's selectivity. Good agreement is found between the simulation results and the experimental data. Thus, the model may be used for determining the optimal conditions under which a membrane may achieve a given value of permselectivity.
Decision alternatives between expected cost minimization and worst case scenario in emergency supply – Second revision

Abstract Emergency supply chain management is often in the focal point of public scrutiny. Expected cost minimization may result in unacceptable high shortage for scenarios with small probabilities that is hardly tolerated by the public. To decrease the loss for the worst-case scenario, the min–max regret criterion could be applied for the pre-positioning decision. This alternative could get public support but results in high pre-positioning cost and large amount of unused resources since an unfavorable scenario with very low chance would dominate the solution. We suggest a compromising decision criterion and apply it for hurricane supply of commodities (like bottled water and canned food) in the Louisiana Gulf Coast. We coordinate the two stages, the preparedness and response decisions, in a large hierarchical emergency supply chain. The decision makers can utilize the major advantage of our parametric decision model providing a set of solution alternatives that dominate the decisions on different reliability levels.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic vascular ring division in infants and children

Objectives. This study evaluated our early experience with video-assisted thoracoscopic vascular ring division and compared this approach with division by means of a conventional open thoracotomy. Background. Video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques reduce surgical trauma and have been applied to several adult thoracic procedures; however, pediatric applications have been limited. We developed instruments and techniques for video-assisted thoracoscopic vascular ring division in the pediatric population. Methods. We compared patient characteristics, operative results and postoperative hospital courses of all patients undergoing vascular ring division by a video-assisted approach with a historical control group of all patients undergoing division by an open thoracotomy between January 1991 and December 1992. Results. Eight patients (median age 5 months, range 40 days to 5.5 years; median weight 6.2 kg, range 1.8 to 17.1) underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic vascular ring division. Four had a double aortic arch with an atretic left arch and a left ligamentum, and four had a right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and a left ligamentum. All eight had successful ring division with symptomatic relief and no mortality. A limited thoracotomy was performed in three patients to divide patent vascular structures, and the hospital period was prolonged in one because of chylothorax. These eight patients were compared with a historical cohort of eight pediatric patients having vascular ring division performed by a conventional thoracotomy. The two groups did not differ in age, weight, intensive care unit or postoperative hospital stay, duration of intubation or thoracostomy tube or hospital charges. Total operating room time was longer for the group undergoing video-assisted operation. Conclusions. Early results for video-assisted thoracoscopic vascular ring division are comparable to those of the conventional surgical approach. With further refinement in technique and instrumentation, video-assisted surgical intervention may become a viable alternative to open thoracotomy for management of the symptomatic vascular ring.
Ultrafast laser ablation ICP-MS: role of spot size, laser fluence, and repetition rate in signal intensity and elemental fractionation

Ultrafast laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has gained prominence in recent times owing to its superior capabilities in eliminating fractionation effects providing the possibility of developing a non-matrix matched calibration system. Though ultrafast laser ablation sample introduction provides better accuracy and precision compared to long-pulse nanosecond lasers, the fundamental ablation mechanisms using femtosecond lasers are still not clearly understood. In this study, the role of spot size, fluence and repetition rate has been studied using brass and NIST 612 samples to understand their signal intensity and fractionation effects. A white light interferometric microscope has been used for crater analysis and the results are correlated with the LA-ICP-MS signal intensity and measured elemental ratios. The results show that the spot size, laser fluence and repetition rate can play an important role in overall performance of the LA-ICP-MS system as well as in elemental fractionation. Crater measurements also show that the ablation mechanisms are different for the NIST 612 sample and brass and the observed differences are discussed using ultrafast ablation theories.
Spontaneous rupture of liver during pregnancy: current therapy.

Spontaneous hepatic rupture secondary to severe pregnancy-induced hypertension is associated with a high rate of maternal and fetal mortality. Numerous types of surgical management have been described, but a uniform surgical approach has not been accepted. The purpose of this review was to examine modes of surgical therapy reported in the literature since 1976, as well as the 11-year experience at our institution. Twenty-eight cases were extracted from the literature and seven more were identified at our institution. The incidence in our population was one per 45,145 live births. Among 27 cases managed by packing and drainage, an 82% overall survival was achieved, whereas only 25% of eight patients undergoing hepatic lobectomy survived (P = .006). Hepatic hemorrhage with persistent hypotension unresponsive to blood products should be managed by evacuating the hematoma, packing the damaged liver, and draining the operative site. More aggressive surgical techniques, such as hepatic artery ligation or hepatic lobectomy, should be reserved for refractory cases.
A two-particle collision in aesthetic field theory

We have found a new computer solution to the aesthetic field equations. This solution describes a two-particle system with more structure than previously found. The contour lines show an arm structure. We have observed four arms around the maximum center. The location of the maximum (minimum) center is not along a straight line as a function of time. This is the first time that such an effect has been observed for any kind of nonlinear partial differential equation, so far as we know. A further discussion of the aesthetic principles leading to the field equations is given.
Explorations in tag suggestion and query expansion

The query used in a search system is only an approximation to the user's true information need, and as a result, many factors can reduce the quality of search results. One is query ambiguity, causing searchers with different needs to issue the same query. For example, for the query java, some users may want to find java tutorial while others may want to download java software. Other factors include a vocabulary mismatch and a lack of knowledge regarding the contents of the document collection. In any case, many users benefit from assistance in forming a good query. As a result, some commercial services provide query suggestions for many queries.In this paper, we propose a Tag Suggestion System that takes advantage of tags associated with query results to expand a searcher's query. Since not every web page is associated with existing tags, we first build an auto-tagging system which can assign multiple tags to web pages, including news, blogs, etc. The current system contains the most popular 140 tags in del.icio.us, with high precision performance.A small user study is performed to evaluate anecdotally the performance of our Tag Suggestion System, showing better quality than the query suggestion mechanisms provided by Yahoo! and Google. The result pages of expanded queries generated by the Tag Suggestion System are also significantly better than those of the Google original system.
High-transconductance p-channel InGaAs/AlGaAs modulation-doped field effect transistors

A p-channel quantum-well InGaAs/AlGaAs modulation-doped field effect transistor has been fabricated. With a 1-µm gate, the device exhibits transconductances of 17.8 and 89 mS/mm at room temperature and 77 K, respectively. Experimental results indicate an extrinsic transconductance greater than 200 mS/mm is achievable with reduced ohmic contact resistance and gate leakage.
Birth Weight and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Black Women’s Health Study: Does Adult BMI Play a Mediating Role?

OBJECTIVE To assess the association of birth weight with incident type 2 diabetes, and the possible mediating influence of obesity, in a large cohort of U.S. black women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Black Women’s Health Study is an ongoing prospective study. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CI for categories of birth weight (very low birth weight [<1,500 g], low birth weight [1,500–2,499 g], and high birth weight [≥4,000 g]) in reference to normal birth weight (2,500–3,999 g). Models were adjusted for age, questionnaire cycle, family history of diabetes, caloric intake, preterm birth, physical activity, years of education, and neighborhood socioeconomic status with and without inclusion of terms for adult BMI. RESULTS We followed 21,624 women over 16 years of follow-up. There were 2,388 cases of incident diabetes. Women with very low birth weight had a 40% higher risk of disease (IRR 1.40 [95% CI 1.08–1.82]) than women with normal birth weight; women with low birth weight had a 13% higher risk (IRR 1.13 [95% CI 1.02–1.25]). Adjustment for BMI did not appreciably change the estimates. CONCLUSIONS Very low birth weight and low birth weight appear to be associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in African American women, and the association does not seem to be mediated through BMI. The prevalence of low birth weight is especially high in African American populations, and this may explain in part the higher occurrence of type 2 diabetes.
Role of ventral subiculum in context-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking in rats.

In rats, reexposure to heroin-paired contexts after extinction of lever responding in a different context reinstates heroin seeking. Previous reports indicate that ventral hippocampus/Ca1 region plays a critical role in cocaine-, cue- and context-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Here, we examined whether ventral subiculum, the output region of ventral hippocampus, is involved in context-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. We found that reversible inactivation of ventral subiculum, but not posterior Ca1, with the gamma-aminobutyric acid agonists muscimol + baclofen decreased context-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. Our findings, together with previous studies on cocaine seeking, indicate a critical role of ventral subiculum in context-induced relapse across drug classes.
A CMOS Resistive-fuse Processor for 2-D Image Acquisition, Smoothing, and Segmentation

An integrated CMOS resistive-fuse processor capable of smoothing out noise while preserving the edges of a 32×32 image is described. An on-chip photo-transistor imager converts the optical image into electrical currents. The design of a single-pixel processing element using resistive fuses is described. The processed output is read out using a row decoder and a column MUX. Operating from a single 5-V supply, the chip typically dissipates only 10 mW.
Buyer beware! Doctor be aware!—Answers

Acute hyperphosphatemia with hypocalcemic tetany from exogenous phosphate load was diagnosed. The serum phosphorous level was 45.2 mg/dl, total calcium 5.1 mg/dl and ionized calcium 1.83mg/dl (normal range 4.40–5.40 mg/dl). An adult Fleet® enema (C.B. Fleet Co., Lynchburg, VA) has a volume of 118 ml and contains 19 g of monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate, 7 g of dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate and 4.4 g of sodium [1]. Hypocalcemia is induced by calcium complexing with phosphate, and the magnitude of hypocalcemia is proportional to the degree by which the solubility product of calcium phosphate is exceeded. Although the exact threshold is impossible to determine, a product as low as 60 mg/dl has been associated with increased visceral calcification [2, 3]. Phosphorous is the sixth most abundant element in the human body, and under normal conditions most total body phosphorous exists in the bone in the divalent form (HPO4 ). Of the remaining phosphorous 10 % exists intracellularly, and only 1 % is found in the extracellular fluid of which 15 % is protein bound and another 5 % is complexed as salts with cations such as sodium, calcium and magnesium [4, 5]. Active absorption of dietary phosphorous occurs in the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) via sodium phosphate cotransporter 2b (NaPi2b). Passive absorption takes place throughout the intestine, including the colon. As a reference, the typical adult diet contains 1 g of phosphorous daily. The recommended elemental phosphorous intake for a 6-year-old child is 500 mg per day. Our patient received 15.8 g (488.5 mmol) of elemental phosphate within 12 h. Control of plasma phosphate is normally maintained by altering renal excretion or redistribution within the body compartments. Phosphate is freely filtered at the glomerulus, and 85 % is reabsorbed into the blood at the level of the proximal tubule. Phosphate enters the proximal tubule cell against an electrical gradient via the NaPi2a and NaPi2c transporters, both of which are located along the brush border membrane [5]. Inhibition of proximal tubule reabsorption produces phosphaturia, which not uncommonly can cause hypophosphatemia. In our case, the large exogenous phosphorous load overwhelmed the limited ability of the gut and kidney to regulate phosphorous absorption and excretion. Hyperphosphatemia occurs from exogenous sources, as in our case, or from endogenous sources, such as tumor lysis syndrome or rhabdomyolysis. In clinical medicine, chronic kidney disease is the most common cause. Severe This article refers to the article that can be found at http://dx/doi.org/ 10.1007/s00467-012-2338-y E. Anyaegbu : T. Keefe Davis (*) :K. Hruska :A. Beck (*) Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8208, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA e-mail: davis_tk@kids.wustl.edu e-mail: beck_a@kids.wustl.edu
A zero-one law for a random subset

We consider first order sentences about two logical structures. First we consider 1,…, n with the successor relation and a random unary relation that points satisfy with probability p(n). We then replace the successor relation with less than. For both structures we characterize those p(n) for which a zero-one law holds. © 1991 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dimensional analysis and selective distortion in scaled bilateral telemanipulation

This paper addresses the issue of dynamic similarity and intensive property invariance in scaled bilateral manipulation, and offers a design methodology based on these considerations. Dimensional analysis methods are utilized to form the basis of a constrained optimization problem that enables selection of a force scaling factor that minimizes the intensive distortion of the environment. The proposed formulation is applicable to any physical environment, including those that are nonlinear and contain multiple degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the formulation does not require an exact environmental model, provided the parameters that influence the environment are known. The proposed techniques are particularly relevant to bilateral manipulation of a microscopic environment (i.e., macro-micro bilateral manipulation), since such environments are difficult to model exactly and are largely influenced by nonlinear effects.
Abdominal Angiostrongyliasis Mimicking Acute Appendicitis and Meckel's Diverticulum: Report of a Case in the United States and Review

Two cases of children with abdominal angiostrongyliasis acquired within the United States are reported. The index patient presented with complaints consistent with appendicitis, but at surgery findings were thought to represent an atypical presentation of a Meckel's diverticulum. His sole sibling (sister) had eosinophilia, no other intestinal parasites on fecal examination, and a positive serologic test, all suggesting infection with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Because infections with this parasite are not known to result from human-to-human transmission, his sister's infection represents a second case.
Wigner spectrograms for femtosecond pulse-shaped heterodyne and autocorrelation measurements

We develop a mixed time-frequency representation for the calculation and interpretation of coherent optical measurements. Heterodyne and autocorrelation signals are expressed in terms of a mixed material response function and a Wigner distribution for the incoming pulses, the detected field, and the gating device. Applications to pump-probe spectroscopy, spontaneous light emission, and impulsive four-wave mixing (three-pulse echoes) are discussed.
Ecosystem pathology: A new perspective for phytopathology

Abstract Evaluations of ecosystem health are substantially different from evaluations of individual plant health. The significance of regional air pollutants, e.g. ozone, acid deposition and trace metals, must be evaluated in terms of ecosystem health. All ecosystems have common components organized in structural patterns and united by functional processes. The most important ecosystem components impacted by regional air pollutants include the producers and decomposes. These influences can alter the processes of energy flow (production) and biogeochemical cycling. This alteration, in turn, can change the production of biomass and/or the pattern of succession of the ecosystem. Forest ecosystem interaction with three air pollutants is reviewed to illustrate ecosystem pathology.
Alignment of Multiple Languages for Historical Comparison

An essential step in comparative reconstruction is to align corresponding phonological segments in the words being compared. To do this, one must search among huge numbers of potential alignments to find those that give a good phonetic fit. This is a hard computational problem, and it becomes exponentially more difficult when more than two strings are being aligned. In this paper I extend the guided-search alignment algorithm of Covington (Computational Linguistics, 1996) to handle more than two strings. The resulting algorithm has been implemented in Prolog and gives reasonable results when tested on data from several languages.
S-parameter analysis of multiconductor, integrated circuit interconnect systems

The authors explore the use of S-parameter-based network techniques for the analysis of coupled, multiconductor, high-speed analog and digital integrated circuit interconnects. S-parameter-based computer-aided design (CAD) techniques, widely used in microwave network analysis, provide a powerful framework for the analysis of analog and digital integrated circuit interconnect systems. The specific additions to the existing S-parameter network analysis framework developed provide for multiport interconnect capabilities and for the use of multiconductor S-parameters derived from three categories of input parameters: (1) lossy quasi-static R,L,C and G; (2) lossy frequency-dependent (dispersive) R,L,C,G; and (3) the propagation constants, characteristic impedance, and conductor eigencurrents, derived from full-wave electromagnetic analysis. Results are compared with computed simulations and experimental measurements. >
Fast Electron Transfer Kinetics on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Microbundle Electrodes

The rate of electron transfer at carbon electrodes depends on various factors such as the structure and morphology of the carbon material used in the electrodes. With the advent of new carbon struc...
An assessment of osteoporosis health beliefs based on the health belief model

Osteoporosis health beliefs are components of theoretical models that predict changes in osteoporosis preventive behaviors. A literature review was conducted to assess osteoporosis health beliefs, particular those of the health belief model (HBM), such as the perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis, perceived severity of osteoporosis, perceived benefits of osteoporosis preventive behaviors to prevent osteoporosis, perceived barriers to osteoporosis preventive behaviors, and self-efficacy for osteoporosis preventive behaviors. To find research that assessed these osteoporosis health beliefs based on the HBM, a search was conducted to determine which articles used the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale and Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale to determine measures for each of the osteoporosis health beliefs based on the HBM, but also included these health beliefs measured with other instruments. Having assessed these osteoporosis health beliefs, they can be applied to theoretical models, such as the HBM, for cre...
A recurrent neural network-based adaptive variable structure model following control of multijointed robotic manipulators

A scheme that uses neural networks for an adaptive implementation of variable structure control for multijointed robotic manipulators in complex task executions is presented. The control strategy is developed within the general framework of nonlinear model-following control, and within attempts to minimize the total time for nullifying the deviations from the desired model behavior while ensuring a specified percentage of time on the sliding manifolds in order to exploit the disturbance attenuation features present during the sliding motions. These objectives are realized by tailoring an adaptation process that consists of appropriately adjusting the controller gains to keep the motion on the sliding manifolds, and of progressively updating the sliding manifold parameters. A rapid execution of the adaptation process is facilitated by a multilayer recurrent neural network with a supervised training algorithm. The resulting control scheme is decentralized and permits the design of independent joint controls. A quantitative performance evaluation of the neural network-based adaptive controller is given in various task scenarios such as regulation, trajectory tracking, and model following. >
The Diversity of Ganglion Cells in a Mammalian Retina

We report a survey of the population of ganglion cells in the rabbit retina. A random sample of 301 neurons in the ganglion cell layer was targeted for photofilling, a method in which the arbors of the chosen neurons are revealed by diffusion of a photochemically induced fluorescent product from their somas. An additional 129 cells were labeled by microinjection of Lucifer yellow. One hundred and thirty-eight cells were visualized by expression of the gene encoding a green fluorescent protein, introduced by particle-mediated gene transfer. One hundred and sixty-six cells were labeled by particle-mediated introduction of DiI. In the total population of 734 neurons, we could identify 11 types of retinal ganglion cell. An analysis based on retinal coverage shows that this number of ganglion cell types would not exceed the available total number of ganglion cells. Although some uncertainties remain, this sample appears to account for the majority of the ganglion cells present in the rabbit retina. Some known physiological types could easily be mapped onto structural types, but half of them could not; a large set of poorly known codings of the visual input is transmitted to the brain.
USING A THOUGHT EXPERIMENT TO CLARIFY A RADIOBIOLOGICAL CONTROVERSY

Are philosophers of science limited to conducting autopsies on dead scientific theories, or might they also help resolve contemporary methodological disputes in science? This essay (1) gives an overview of thought experiments, especially in mathematics; (2) outlines three major positions on the current dose-response controversy for ionizing radiation; and (3) sketches an original mathematical thought experiment that might help resolve the low-dose radiation conflict. This thought experiment relies on the assumptions that radiation "hits'' are Poisson distributed and that background conditions cause many more radiation-induced cancers than human activities. The essay closes by responding to several key objections to the position defended here.
A mounting medium for permanent preparations of microfungi.

Summary: Ainsworth's formula of a glycerin jelly mounting medium, with ingredients mixed in slightly difierent proportions, gives permanent prepamtions of microfungi. In ow experience, the slide cultures mounted in this medium were superior to slides that were mounted in lactophenol cotton blue and sealed with nail polish. The preparation and application of the mounting medium were simple and rapid. The preparations yielded permanent mounts of slide cultures of microfungi that were satisfactory for teaching, reference, and photography. Zusammenfassung: Die von Ainsworth angegebene Rezeptur eines Glyceringel-Einbettungs-mediums bei dem die weiteren Zusatze in leicht abgeanderter Proportion beigegeben werden, gibt dauerhafle Praparationen von Mikropilzen. Nach unserer Erfaluung sind Deckglaskulturen, die in dieses Medium eingebettet werden, wesentlich besser als solche Kulturen, die mit Lactophenol-Baumwollblau eingebettet und mit Nagellack versiegelt werden. Die Herstellung und Anwendung des Einbettungsmediums ist einfach und rasch zu bewerkstelligen. Die so gewonnenen dauerhaften Praparate von Deckglaskulturen der Mikropilze waren durchaus zufriedenstellend fur Unterrichtszwecke, Dokumentation und fur die Fotografie. Dauerhafte Praparationen
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory: Pediatric Asthma as Exemplar:

Asthma is the most frequent reason for preventable hospital admissions among children regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Since hospitalizations are preventable, a reasonable assumption is that parents are not optimally managing their child's asthma. Using Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory, 14 conditions were uncovered in the pediatric asthma literature that influence development of competency by parents. Twelve of the 14 antecedent conditions are influenced by factors partly or completely controlled by the healthcare system. Healthcare system gaps associated with asthma symptom control have come to light through the articulation of the pediatric asthma literature and Orem's theory.
Adenosine linking reduced O2 to arteriolar NO release in intestine is not formed from extracellular ATP.

We have previously reported that adenosine formed in response to reduced arteriolar and/or tissue Po 2 preserves endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis during sympathetic vasoconstriction in the r...
Verification Study of an FEA Hydroelastic Modeling Method

The analysis and design of fluid-filled structures is a common problem in mechanical engineering. The fluid will add mass, stiffness, and damping properties to the structure that are not present in the dry configuration, and that alter the dynamic response of the structure. Understanding the fluid-structure dynamics can be an essential part of designing a fluid container, particularly if large structural deflections or dynamic motion are expected. For many structures, it is important to appreciate the modal harmonics of the structure and how the fluid will influence them. For instance, the modal frequencies of the tank change with the fluid level, requiring a study of frequency response for different fluid levels. Actual testing to confirm these effects can be expensive and impractical so it is useful to have an accurate model to supplement or replace physical data. Finite element analysis (FEA) codes are well suited to modeling the hydroelastic coupling between the fluid and container. FEA is commonly used to model the structural dynamics of complex systems and to generate the modal frequencies and shapes. One such application is the design of the fuel tank on a flight vehicle, where pressure fluctuations in the fuel line can lead to oscillations in thrust at the engine and high vibrations in the structure. If the frequency of these vibrations matches a natural frequency of the fluid-tank structure, a feedback loop forms coupling the structural response to the fluid oscillations through the engine thrust. This phenomenon is often referred to as “pogo” instability in flight vehicles. The resulting vibrations can cause the vehicle to break apart. The fuel tank must be designed to avoid natural frequencies in the range likely to be excited vehicle vibrations. This report describes the use and verification of hydroelastic modeling capabilities using FEA software to model a fluid-filled fuel tank. Test data from previous experimental work is used to validate the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the tank at different fluid fill levels. The FEA model compares very well to experimental data and theoretical calculations, providing good validation for the modeling technique. The FEA modeling method is thus authenticated as a valuable tool for predicting the dynamics of fluid-tank systems.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Influences of age, tongue region, and chorda tympani nerve sectioning on signal detection measures of lingual taste sensitivity

Although the ability to taste is critical for ingestion, nutrition, and quality of life, a clear understanding of the influences of age, sex, and chorda tympani (CT) resection on taste function in different regions of the anterior tongue is generally lacking. In this study we employed criterion-free signal detection analysis to assess electric and chemical taste function on multiple tongue regions in normal individuals varying in age and sex and in patients with unilateral CT resections. The subjects were 33 healthy volunteers, ranging from 18 to 87 years of age, and 9 persons, 27 to 77 years of age, with unilateral CT lesions. The influences of age, sex, tongue region, and chorda tympani resections on signal detection sensitivity (d') and response bias (β) measures was assessed in 16 tongue regions to weak electric currents and solutions of sucrose, sodium chloride, and caffeine. Significant age-related decrements in d' were found for sucrose (p=0.012), sodium chloride (p=0.002), caffeine (p=0.006), and electric current (EC) (p=0.0001). Significant posterior to anterior, and medial to lateral, gradients of increasing performance were present for most stimuli. β was larger on the anterior than the posterior tongue for the electrical stimulus in the youngest subjects, whereas the opposite was true for sucrose in the oldest subjects. No sex differences were apparent. d' was depressed ipsilateral to the CT lesion side to varying degrees in all tongue regions, with the weakest influences occurring on the medial and anterior tongue. CT did not meaningfully influence β. This study is the first to employ signal detection analysis to assess the regional sensitivity of the tongue to chemical and electrical stimuli. It clearly demonstrates that tongue regions differ from one another in terms of their age-related sensitivity and their susceptibility to CT lesions.
The invisible dimension of fungal diversity

Taxonomy plays a central role in understanding the diversity of life, translating the products of biological exploration and discovery—specimens and observations—into systems of names that capture the relationships between species. Taxonomic names facilitate communication among scientists and the public and provide conceptual handles for complex phylogenetic hypotheses. However, taxonomy can be challenging, particularly for fungi and other microorganisms, which are morphologically simple and extremely diverse ( 1 ). Molecular environmental surveys have revealed previously unknown branches of the fungal tree of life ( 2 – 5 ) and illuminated biogeographic patterns across all groups of fungi ( 6 , 7 ). Yet the products of this research are not being translated into formal species names, in part because of the very rules designed to facilitate taxonomy.
Cardiac Glycogen in Diabetic Animals

SummaryCardiac glycogen is found to be raised in depancreatized cats, and to be well maintained in fasting phloridzinized rats, both with and without an accompanying injection of epinephrine. Attention is drawn to the importance of these findings to current views of carbohydrate change in the body.
Evidence for Cnidaria-like behavior in ca. 560 Ma Ediacaran Aspidella: COMMENT

[Menon et al. (2013)][1] regard wrinkles at the base of discoid fossils ( Aspidella terranovica ) and deformation of laminae in cut slabs as evidence for upward migration of a cnidarian polyp in marine shales, but their observations are better explained by a sessile-growing organism with growth
Template Synthesis of 3D High-Temperature Silicon-Oxycarbide and Silicon-Carbide Ceramic Photonic Crystals from Interference Lithographically Patterned Organosilicates

The fabrication of 3D diamond-like silicon-oxycarbide and silicon-carbide high-temperature ceramic photonic crystals has been achieved by a strategy involving (1) the use of four-beam interference lithography (IL) to construct a patterned silsesquioxane (POSS) template and (2) infiltration of the polymeric allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) silicon-carbide precursor into the patterned POSS template followed by high temperature ceramic conversion and HF etching. Energy-dispersive X-ray mapping analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) studies suggested that the 3D ceramic photonic crystals formed at 1100 °C were SiC-like silicon oxycarbide. Additional thermal treatment at 1300 °C in vacuo resulted in the carbothermic reduction of the 3D silicon-oxycarbide to form 3D β-SiC with less than 10% shrinkage in the (111) plane and [111] direction, respectively. The reflectivities of the inverse 3D ceramic photonic crystals obtained at different stages were characterized by FT-IR in the [111] direction. Both...
The Generalized Higher Criticism for Testing SNP-Set Effects in Genetic Association Studies.

ABSTRACTIt is of substantial interest to study the effects of genes, genetic pathways, and networks on the risk of complex diseases. These genetic constructs each contain multiple SNPs, which are often correlated and function jointly, and might be large in number. However, only a sparse subset of SNPs in a genetic construct is generally associated with the disease of interest. In this article, we propose the generalized higher criticism (GHC) to test for the association between an SNP set and a disease outcome. The higher criticism is a test traditionally used in high-dimensional signal detection settings when marginal test statistics are independent and the number of parameters is very large. However, these assumptions do not always hold in genetic association studies, due to linkage disequilibrium among SNPs and the finite number of SNPs in an SNP set in each genetic construct. The proposed GHC overcomes the limitations of the higher criticism by allowing for arbitrary correlation structures among the S...
STUDY ON TOURISM SYSTEM OF GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF TAISHAN MOUNTAIN GLOBAL GEOPARK

Taishan Mountain hosts the cultural and natural heritage,and as well as a global geopark.This paper briefly describes the general situation of Taishan Mountain Global Geopark,,analyzes the tourism status of Taian city and Taishan Mountain Global Geopark,and expounds the geological heritage and landscape which are mainly featuring with Precambrian and Neotectonics,and the perfect combination of geological heritage and cultural sites.Eventually,this paper presents the tourism system of geological heritage for Taishan Mountain Global Geopark which is of great significance for tourism resources integration and development in Taian city.
Imaging Agonist-Induced D2/D3 Receptor Desensitization and Internalization In Vivo with PET/fMRI

This study investigated the dynamics of dopamine receptor desensitization and internalization, thereby proposing a new technique for non-invasive, in vivo measurements of receptor adaptations. The D2/D3 agonist quinpirole, which induces receptor internalization in vitro, was administered at graded doses in non-human primates while imaging with simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A pronounced temporal divergence between receptor occupancy and fMRI signal was observed: occupancy remained elevated while fMRI responded transiently. Analogous experiments with an antagonist (prochlorperazine) and a lower-affinity agonist (ropinirole) exhibited reduced temporal dissociation between occupancy and function, consistent with a mechanism of desensitization and internalization that depends upon drug efficacy and affinity. We postulated a model that incorporates internalization into a neurovascular-coupling relationship. This model yielded in vivo desensitization/internalization rates (0.2/min for quinpirole) consistent with published in vitro measurements. Overall, these results suggest that simultaneous PET/fMRI enables characterization of dynamic neuroreceptor adaptations in vivo, and may offer a first non-invasive method for assessing receptor desensitization and internalization.
An Analysis of Teacher Sorting in Secondary Special Education and Alternative Schools

This study provides nationally representative information about the qualifications and preparation of secondary content and special education teachers in special education and alternative school settings, as compared with teachers in regular schools. Findings demonstrate that a statistically significant relationship did not exist between school types and many teacher inputs. However, a relationship between special education preparation and setting did exist among secondary content teachers. Moreover, results highlight the inadequate number of secondary teachers, both in content areas and in special education, who held a degree and/or certification in special education. Practical and policy implications of these findings are discussed, and limitations are addressed.
Simultaneous measurement of light emission, current pulses and growth of prebreakdown streamers in hexane

Extensive studies of events leading to electrical breakdown in liquids [1] and in solids [2] show that streamers are formed in the dielectric before breakdown. The streamers are believed to be low density regions in which charge carriers can move more freely than in the surrounding dense medium [1]. For a needle — sphere electrode system, when the streamer emanates from the cathode needle a pulsed current is produced. The light emitted by the cathode streamer is also in the form of pulses which temporally correlate with the current pulses. When the needle is the anode, the current is in the form of a pulse train superimposed upon a continuous background current. These are familiar results which have received recent attention [3].
Homogeneous and Nonhomogeneous Flow of the Particle Phase

Gas–particle flows are inherently oscillatory, and they manifest in nonhomogeneous structures. Thus, if one sets out to solve the microscopic two-fluid model equations for gas-particle flows, grid sizes of less than 10-particle diameter become essential. For most devices of practical (commercial) interest, such fine spatial grids and small time steps require significant computational time. Thus, the effect of the large-scale structures using coarse grids must be accounted for through appropriate modifications of the closures (i.e., drag model). Qualitatively, this is equivalent to an effectively larger apparent size for the particles.
Social isolation alters central nervous system monoamine content in prairie voles following acute restraint.

ABSTRACTAnimal models have shown that social isolation and other forms of social stress lead to depressive- and anxiety-relevant behaviors, as well as neuroendocrine and physiological dysfunction. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of prior social isolation on neurotransmitter content following acute restraint in prairie voles. Animals were either paired with a same-sex sibling or isolated for 4 weeks. Plasma adrenal hormones and ex vivo tissue concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites were measured following an acute restraint stressor in all animals. Isolated prairie voles displayed significantly increased circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, as well as elevated serotonin and dopamine levels in the hypothalamus, and potentially decreased levels of serotonin in the frontal cortex. However, no group differences in monoamine levels were observed in the hippocampus or raphe. The results suggest that social stress may bias monoamine neurotransmission an...
Searching as Strategic Exploration: How Well Do Faculty Know Their Students’ Opinions Regarding Information Sources?

A research study at a rural, public university revealed gaps between faculty perception and student opinion on the importance and difficulty of use of information sources. This study shares the significant gaps discovered across four common stages related to the preparation of academic course assignments and the information-seeking process. The results of the study are intended to inform information literacy instructional practice and drive dialogue across a campus to support students where they are rather than where we hope them to be.