cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health and physical activity research as represented in RQES

In the past 75 years, articles in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (RQES) have contributed to the understanding of the role physical activity plays in the health of individuals and populations. Articles have described laboratory and community research studies in humans and animals, presented reviews of topics and conference proceedings, and presented forums for discussion about current topics in physical activity and health. The articles reflect the growth of the profession from basic inquiry, about physiological responses to exercise (and the development of physical fitness methods and standards), to studies of the effects of exercise on physical fitness and health in various population subgroups. This evolution in RQES reflects the well recognized paradigm shift toward public health concerns for physical activity and health outcomes.
Patient Compliance with Clinical Follow-up After Total Joint Arthroplasty

ABSTRACTBackground:Periodic clinical and radiographic evaluation is commonly recommended by orthopaedic surgeons to monitor patients following total joint arthroplasty, yet the compliance with and efficacy of patient follow-up protocols have not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to ev
A Model for Simultaneous Heating and Devolatilization of a Single Coal Particle in a Hot Gas Stream in the Presence of a Thermal Radiative Field

The devolatilization of coal is a complex process (Lowry, 1963; Kobayashi et al., 1977). A simple approach has been employed to develop a theoretical model required for the prediction of simultaneous heating and devolatilization of a single coal particle entrained in a hot inert gas stream in the presence of a thermal radiative field. Reidelbach and Algermissen (1978) have described a single coal particle heating model that predicts the temperature of the particle as a function of time. Their model, however, does not account for the effect of loss of mass of the coal solid phase on the particle temperature during devolatilization. The model described in this note accounts for this deficiency.
First Occurrence of Powdery Mildew Caused by Leveillula taurica on Pepper in New York.

Powdery mildew was observed for the first time on pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in western New York in August 1999 and on Long Island, NY, in August 2000. Infected plants were found in commercial fields planted with transplants from Georgia and Florida. Powdery mildew was not found in nearby commercial fields in either year, and it was not found in 2000 in western New York. Symptoms included white sporulation on the undersurfaces of leaves, causing yellow lesions on upper surfaces that turned necrotic and led to premature defoliation. The pathogen was confirmed to be Leveillula taurica (Lev.) G. Arnaud, a species complex that infects more than 1,000 plant species in 74 families, including pepper, tomato and eggplant. Only the Oidiopsis stage was found. Conidia were 47.3 to 74.3 μm × 10.5 to 20.3 μm (average 64.0 × 16.8 μm (N = 71). Symptoms were observed on all cultivars of bell and chili pepper in the Long Island field but not on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena var. esculentum) in adjacent rows. Powdery mildew of pepper was first observed in North America in 1971 in southwest Florida (1). Symptoms were found on field-grown peppers in Florida in April 2001 at the time that transplants were being produced for New York. Considering the latent period is 18 to 21 days and symptoms tend to be initially subtle, diseased seedlings could easily go undetected. This disease is a problem on tomatoes and peppers in California (2), Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Powdery mildew of pepper was reported in Puerto Rico in 1992, in Idaho on greenhouse-grown pepper in 1998, in north-central Mexico in 1998, and in both Canada and Oklahoma on greenhouse-grown pepper in 1999. Powdery mildew of peppers has not been seen in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Ohio. References: (1) C. H. Blazquez. Phytopathology 66:1155, 1976. (2) R. F. Smith et al. Calif. Agric. 53:40, 1999.
Dynamic session management for telerobotic control and simulation

Session management of a telerobotic operation is an important aspect which has not been adequately addressed by the research community. This paper describes work performed by the Universities Space Automation/Robotics Consortium (USARC) which allows dynamic configuration and monitoring of a telerobotic system which is distributed over a wide-area network. The Telerobotic Session Manager (TSM) allows the session manager to coordinate control among multiple operators, to perform task handoffs or to control multiple robots. This provides greater modularity and reconfigurability than previous telerobot control systems. Motion control of the telerobot is provided by a generic robot motion controller which receives configuration information from TSM. Real or virtual environments are simulated by predictive simulation software which is also configured via TSM. This paper describes TSM, the motion controller, the simulation system, and a variety of tasks which have been performed by the system. >
Serological Evidence for Zoonotic Hantaviruses in North Carolina Rodents

In a survey of seven species of wild rodents (n = 423) collected between October 1993 and March 1994 from the three principal ecological biomes of North Carolina (USA), we found hantavirus antibodies in seven (2%) of 301 Peromyscus spp. Hantavirus antibodies were detected in P. leucopus and P. maniculatus captured from mountain and coastal island bi-omes. Three mice were positive for Sin Nom-bre virus, while four others had antibodies to Seoul virus or a related agent. Two mice serologically positive for Sin Nombre virus were collected from inside a private mountain domicile. We conclude that the risk of human exposure to hantaviruses in North Carolina resembles that for most other areas of the continental United States.
Finite-time convergent observer for a class of nonlinear systems using homogeneous method

This paper develops nonlinear observers by using the newly developed homogeneous observer for a class of lower-triangular nonlinear systems whose solution trajectories are bounded. We show that the estimated states of the proposed observer can converge to the real states in a finite time for small initial estimation errors. We also show that by adjusting the observer gain the required range of the initial estimation errors can be expanded.
An approach to object-oriented discrete-event simulation of manufacturing systems

It is shown how the object-oriented approach can be applied to discrete-event simulation and, in particular, to discrete-event simulation of manufacturing systems. A hierarchical structure of object classes is proposed, consisting of three class libraries: base classes, simulation support object classes, and manufacturing systems simulation object classes. The definition of each class and how the class objects interact with one another are discussed. An example of a discrete-event simulation model developed using the object classes is presented. The example illustrates the basic nature, merits, and drawbacks of this approach. >
Determination of Blood Pressure Percentiles in Normal-Weight Children: Some Methodological Issues

Blood pressure in children has consistently been related to adult blood pressure, with implications for long-term prevention of cardiovascular disease. The epidemic of obesity in children has resulted in corresponding increases in childhood blood pressure. In this paper, the authors develop norms for childhood blood pressure among normal-weight children (body mass index <85th percentile based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines) as a function of age, sex, and height, using data from 49,967 children included in the database of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents (the Pediatric Task Force). The authors considered three types of models for pediatric blood pressure data, including polynomial regression, restricted cubic splines, and quantile regression, with the latter providing the best fit. The sex-specific norms presented here are a nonlinear function of both age and height and are generally slightly lower than previously developed norms based on Pediatric Task Force data including both normal-weight and overweight children.
Conservative confidence intervals for a single parameter

The method of constructing confidence intervals from hypothesis tests is studied in the case in which there is a single unknown parameter and is proved to provide confidence intervals with coverage probability that is at least the nominal level. The confidence intervals obtained by the method in several different contexts are seen to compare favorably with confidence intervals obtained by traditional methods. The traditional intervals are seen to have coverage probability less than the nominal level in several instances, This method can be applied to all confidence interval problems and reduces to the traditional method when an exact pivotal statistic is known.
Do tubular changes in the diabetic kidney affect the susceptibility to acute kidney injury

Diabetes is the single largest contributor to the growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) increase the risk of advanced CKD in diabetic patients. Here we discuss whether the pathophysiological changes that occur in the tubular system of the diabetic kidney affect the intrinsic susceptibility to AKI. There is abundant data showing that drug-induced nephrotoxicity is attenuated in rodents with experimental diabetes mellitus, and some mechanistic explanations have been provided, in particular in response to aminoglycosides. Besides downregulation in proximal tubular megalin, which mediates the aminoglycoside uptake in proximal tubules, a role for hyperglycemia-induced activation of regenerative mechanisms has been proposed. The available clinical data, however, indicates that diabetes is a risk factor for AKI, including aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity. While much needs to be learned about this disconnect, the isolated induction of diabetes in otherwise healthy young adult rodents may simply not fully mimic the influence that diabetes exerts in the setting of a critically ill and often elderly patient. We speculate that diabetic tubular growth and the associated molecular signature (including upregulation of TGF-β, senescence, and inflammation) set up the development of diabetic nephropathy and renal failure in part by increasing the susceptibility to AKI, which further promotes hypoxia and apoptosis. Considering the strong association between AKI episodes and the cumulative risk of developing advanced CKD in diabetes, strategies that reduce AKI in these patients are expected to help reduce the growing burden of end-stage renal disease.
Complete Balancing of the Stiller—Smith Engine: 4, 8, 12, 16 or More Cylinders

A review of the Stiller-Smith mechanism is followed by a summary of balancing techniques to date. These are supplemented with further balancing techniques which allow engines with any multiple of four cylinders to be balanced. The use of counter-rotating shafts enables wobble induced by a single four-cylinder Stiller-Smith mechanism to be countered. The advantages and disadvantages of the different configurations are discussed with respect to balancing. Of special interest are two 16-cylinder configurations which are completely balanced without the use of counterweights.
A Real-World Business Approach to Teaching M.B.A. Managerial Accounting: Motivation, Design, and Implementation

ABSTRACT: This article explains the motivation, design, and implementation of a real-world business approach to teaching managerial accounting in an M.B.A. program to facilitate a shift in student learning from traditional passive listening to active participation. A teaching methodology requiring students to work through the evolution of a potentially viable business contributes to a long-standing effort in the profession to link practice and theory. The course immerses students in the life of an evolving business in four ways: working assignments based on lectures, discussing costing concepts individually with the instructor, summarizing existing research papers, and most importantly participating in mutual interest groups to develop a realistic business plan based on personal research. This approach integrates learning of cost concepts with developing critical thinking skills. It differs from other student projects because students may choose a business based on interest in any industry, and the instru...
Stretching the Truth Way into the Future: Cynthia Hopkins's The Success of Failure (Or, The Failure of Success)

Cynthia Hopkins is the latest “It-girl” on the contemporary theatre scene of New York City. Her recent The Success of Failure (Or, The Failure of Success) is the third installment of the Accidental Nostalgia trilogy, a poetic and enigmatic multimedia epic that is part autobiography, part science fiction, part none of the above.
The Effects of Land Development on Municipal Finance

This review presents a conceptual model to understand and trace the effects of land development on municipal expenditures and revenues. It includes discussion of the how local voters determine leve...
Modeling cardiac ventricular cells

A mathematical model of the cardiac ventricular cell (the L-R model) is used to describe ionic currents and dynamic concentration changes during the action potential. The role of the fast and slow components of the delayed rectifier potassium current in repolarization is investigated. The model is also used to study arrhythmogenic activity of the single cell including early afterdepolarizations (EADs), delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs), and rhythmic (spontaneous and triggered activity during calcium overload). In addition, effects of various pharmacological agents on cellular behavior are simulated.
The Representation of Geometric Cues in Infancy.

There is evidence that, from an early age, humans are sensitive to spatial information such as simple landmarks and the size of objects. This study concerns the ability to represent a particular kind of spatial information, namely, the geometry of an enclosed layout—an ability present in older children, adults, and nonhuman animals (e.g., Cheng, 1986; Hermer & Spelke, 1996). Using a looking-time procedure, 4.5- to 6.5-month-olds were tested on whether they could distinguish among the corners of an isosceles triangle. On each trial, the target corner was marked by a red dot. The stimulus (triangle with dot) appeared from different orientations across trials, ensuring that only cues related to the triangle itself could be used to differentiate the corners. When orientations were highly variable, infants discriminated the unique corner (i.e., the corner with the smaller angle and two equal-length sides) from a nonunique corner; they could not discriminate between the two nonunique corners. With less variable...
The computational future for climate and Earth system models: on the path to petaflop and beyond

The development of the climate and Earth system models has had a long history, starting with the building of individual atmospheric, ocean, sea ice, land vegetation, biogeochemical, glacial and ecological model components. The early researchers were much aware of the long-term goal of building the Earth system models that would go beyond what is usually included in the climate models by adding interactive biogeochemical interactions. In the early days, the progress was limited by computer capability, as well as by our knowledge of the physical and chemical processes. Over the last few decades, there has been much improved knowledge, better observations for validation and more powerful supercomputer systems that are increasingly meeting the new challenges of comprehensive models. Some of the climate model history will be presented, along with some of the successes and difficulties encountered with present-day supercomputer systems.
Acid-induced anomerization of 1-deoxy-1-C-alkenylglycopyranose derivatives

Abstract Precise conditions permitting equilibration between α- and β-anomers of certain 1-deoxy-1-C-alkenylglycopyranose compounds have been established. It is shown that the β-configuration is favored over the α- by a ratio of more than 9:1 at equilibrium. Under these conditions stereoconvergent access to the β-alkenylglycopyranose derivatives may be achieved in preparatively useful yields.
The nanogranular acoustic signature of shale

A multiscale, micromechanics model has been developed for the prediction of anisotropic acoustic properties of shale. The model is based on the recently identified nanogranular mechanical response of shale through indentation experiments. It recognizes the dominant role of the anisotropic elastic properties of compacted clay in the anisotropic elasticity of shale at different length scales compared to contributions of shape and orientation of particles. Following a thorough validation at multiple length scales using mineral elasticity data, nanoindentation experiment results, and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, the model predictions compare adequately with measurements on kerogen-free and kerogen-rich shales and shaley sandstones. The acoustic signature of shale thus is found to be controlled by two volumetric parameters that synthesize the porosity and mineralogy information: the clay-packing density and the silt inclusion volume fraction. Through a series of dimensionless isoparametric plots, the micromechanics model predicts trends of increasing elastic anisotropy with increasing clay-packing density (or decreasing porosity), which correspond to the intrinsic mechanical response of unfractured shale, and quantifies the stiffness reduction induced by the presence of kerogen.
Vaginal Foreign Bodies and Child Sexual Abuse

Objective: To determine whether vaginal foreign bodies (VFBs) in prepubertal girls are associated with sexual abuse and whether evidence exists in earlier reports for such an association. Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: General pediatric clinic at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Participants: All 12girls 10 years of age and under who, between 1985 and 1988, were seen in the general clinic and subsequently found to have VFBs. Interventions: None. Measurements and Results: Clinic protocol required referral of all children with vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, or VFBs to the Child Protection Team at the medical center, which also served as a pediatric gynecology consultation service. Records for the 12 girls, whose mean age was 6.3 years, showed 19 visits for single, multiple, or recurrent VFBs. Two girls had concurrent sexually transmitted diseases. Eight met diagnostic criteria for confirmed sexual abuse; three, for suspected abuse; and in one, abuse status was unknown. Conclusions: Vaginal foreign bodies in young girls may be a previously unrecognized indicator of sexual abuse. Girls with VFBs should be evaluated for possible sexual abuse. Prospective studies on the suggested association between VFBs and sexual abuse need to be conducted. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:195-200)
Monte Carlo Simulation of Dynamic Systems on GPU's

Monte Carlo simulation is an important method of uncertainty quantification in a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines. Computational scalability is a critical problem in Monte Carlo implementation for many dynamical systems. However, new high-throughput computing architectures such as GPU’s are enabling realizations of Monte Carlo that exhibit 1–2 orders-of-magnitude runtime reductions over comparable serial methods. This chapter outlines the basic process of Monte Carlo implementation on GPU’s including optimization techniques and cost-benefit considerations. Example source code listings are provided for Monte Carlo simulation of a point-mass in atmospheric flight. Runtime results are provided demonstrating significant runtime reductions compared to serial CPU-based implementations.
Ability of the Methane Number Index of a Fuel to Predict Rapid Combustion in Heavy Duty Dual Fuel Engines for North American Locomotives

Low natural gas prices have made the fuel an attractive alternative to diesel and other common fuels, particularly in applications that consume large quantities of fuel. The North American rail industry is examining the use of locomotives powered by dual fuel engines to realize savings in fuel costs. These dual fuel engines can substitute a large portion of the diesel fuel with natural gas that is premixed with the intake air. Engine knock in traditional premixed spark-ignited combustion is undesirable but well characterized by the Methane Number index, which quantifies the propensity of a gaseous fuel to autoignite after a period of time at high temperature. Originally developed for spark-ignited engines, the ability of the methane number index to predict a fuel’s “knock” behavior in dual fuel combustion is not as fully understood. The objective of this effort is to evaluate the ability of an existing methane number algorithm to predict rapid combustion in a dual fuel engine.Sets of specialized natural gas fuel blends that, according to the MWM methane number algorithm, should have similar knock characteristics are tested in a dual fuel engine and induced to experience rapid combustion. Test results and CFD analysis reveal that rapid or aggressive combustion rates happen late in the dual fuel combustion event with this engine hardware configuration. The transition from normal combustion to late rapid combustion is characterized by changes in the heat release rate profiles. In this study, the transition is also represented by a shift in the crank angle location of the combustion’s peak heat release rate. For fuels of similar methane number that should exhibit similar knock behavior, these transitions occur at significantly different relative air-fuel ratios, demonstrating that the existing MWM methane number algorithm, while excellent for spark-ignited engines, does not fully predict the propensity for rapid combustion to occur in a dual fuel engine within the scope of this study. This indicates that physical and chemical phenomena present in rapid or aggressive dual fuel combustion processes may differ from those in knocking spark-ignited combustion. In its current form a methane number algorithm can be used to conservatively rate dual fuel engines. It is possible that derivation of a new reactivity index that better predicts rapid combustion behavior of the gaseous fuel in dual fuel combustion would allow ratings to be less conservative.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Polymerization of α-(N-vinylformamidomethyl)acrylates: cyclopolymers from non-symmetric monomers

t-Butyl α-(N-vinylformamidomethyl)acrylate (tBVFA) and ethyl α-(N-vinylformamidomethyl)acrylate (EVFA) were synthesized from t-butyl α-bromomethylacrylate and ethyl α-chloro-methylacrylate, respectively. tBVFA was found to cyclopolymerize at 120°C in DMF, DMSO, and 1,2-dichlorobenzene at solvent: monomer ratios of 10 : 1 vol : wt. Molecular weights for poly(tBVFA) ranged from 10 000 to 13 000 as estimated by size-exclusion chromatography. At lower solvent monomer ratio (1 : 1), and at lower temperature (71°C), crosslinking occurred. EVFA was found to cyclopolymerize, but only in DMF at 122°C and at a 10: 1 solvent: monomer ratio.
Identification of a bile acid response element in the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase gene CYP7A

The transcriptional activity of the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase gene CYP7A is repressed by bile acids. Taurine conjugates of chenodeoxycholate and deoxycholate, but not cholate and ursodeoxycholate, inhibited the CYP7A promoter/luciferase reporter activity in transient transfection assays in Hep G2 cells. A region from nucleotide (nt) -74 to -55 was found to mediate bile acid response. However, deletion of this bile acid response element (BARE-I) enhanced reporter activity but did not eliminate the bile acid response. This is due to the presence of another BARE-II located in a conserved region between nt -149 and -128. Deletion or mutations of these sequences reduced promoter activity and abolished bile acid repression. This BARE-II shares an identical AGTTCAAG core sequence with BARE-I. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays of BARE-I and BARE-II probes using Hep G2 nuclear extract and the partially purified binding activity of nt -65/-54 DNA-affinity column revealed that the same or a similar nuclear protein might bind to both BAREs. BARE-II is the major BARE involved in the transcriptional repression of the CYP7A gene by hydrophobic bile acids.
Noun classification in Wolof: when affixes are not renewed

The Wolof noun class system exhibits a variety of class assignment strategies based on the intersection of semantic, morphological, phonological and sociolinguistic criteria. This study examines and analyzes the many strategies for class assignment that have coalesced in the Wolof noun class system, including the tendency towards a single default class, and an unusual copy process in which phonological material is copied from the stem to the class marker in a process that looks superficially like reduplication. Wolof noun classification is examined within the comparative context of its two closest sister languages, Pulaar and Seereer-Siin, and is shown to contrast with them in that the disappearance of class prefixes did not entail their replacement by suffixes. Finally, an argument is made that noun class systems like that of Wolof which appear to be somewhat incoherent from a semantic point of view are actually typical because noun classification is not only an artifact of the human mind, but also an artifact of human language.
Intratesticular serous papillary cystadenoma of low malignant potential: an ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study suggesting müllerian differentiation.

A 51-year-old man was found to have two separate intratesticular serous cystadenomas of low malignant potential. Electron microscopy and OC 125 antibody reactivity characterize the neoplasms as serous and suggest mullerian histogenesis.
Ethnic Patriotism and the East African Revival: A History of Dissent, c.1935–1972. By Derek R. Peterson. (Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Pp. 344. $34.99.)

Writing the history of the East African Revival has remained largely the prerogative of missionaries, church leaders, and historians of Christianity. These historians saw that the personal testimon...
Synthesis of Phosphine-Ligated Zinc Acetylide Dimers: Enhanced Reactivity in Carbonyl Additions

Phosphine-ligated dinuclear zinc acetylides effectively promote the alkynylation of carbonyl derivatives. Good to excellent yields (46–91%) of the corresponding propargylic alcohols were obtained f...
Computational Modeling of Spatiotemporal Ca 2+ Signal Propagation Along Hepatocyte Cords

Objective: The purpose of this study is to model the dynamics of lobular Ca2+ wave propagation induced by an extracellular stimulus, and to analyze the effect of spatially systematic variations in cell-intrinsic signaling parameters on sinusoidal Ca2+ response. Methods: We developed a computational model of lobular scale Ca2+ signaling that accounts for receptor- mediated initiation of cell-intrinsic Ca2+ signal in hepatocytes and its propagation to neighboring hepatocytes through gap junction-mediated molecular exchange. Results: Analysis of the simulations showed that a pericentral-to-periportal spatial gradient in hormone sensitivity and/or rates of IP3 synthesis underlies the Ca2+ wave propagation. We simulated specific cases corresponding to localized disruptions in the graded pattern of these parameters along a hepatic sinusoid. Simulations incorporating locally altered parameters exhibited Ca2+ waves that do not propagate throughout the hepatic plate. Increased gap junction coupling restored normal Ca2+ wave propagation when hepatocytes with low Ca2+ signaling ability were localized in the midlobular or the pericentral region. Conclusion: Multiple spatial patterns in intracellular signaling parameters can lead to Ca2+ wave propagation that is consistent with the experimentally observed spatial patterns of Ca2+ dynamics. Based on simulations and analysis, we predict that increased gap junction-mediated intercellular coupling can induce robust Ca2+ signals in otherwise poorly responsive hepatocytes, at least partly restoring the sinusoidally oriented Ca 2+ waves. Significance: Our bottom-up model of agonist-evoked spatial Ca2+ patterns can be integrated with detailed descriptions of liver histology to study Ca2+ regulation at the tissue level.
A kind of layout method of aircraft assembly cell by considering logistics mode

Aiming at the layout issue of aircraft assembly cell,a kind of method by considering logistics mode has been put forward. Firstly,mathematical model which can realize integrated design of layout and logistics has been established. The aircraft assembly logistics has been concluded into space transportation and horizontal transportation. The logistics transportation route has been calculated. Based on sequence pair,the presentation of solution structure for cell layout has been put forward,and the solution structure has been solved by use of particle swarm optimization. Finally,taking the aircraft fuselage panel assembly for an example,the feasibility of method has been verified.
A Strategy for Approaching the Sensitive Topic of Islamic Fundamentalism in Cultural Geography Courses for American Undergraduates

This paper suggests tactics for use by college instructors discussing the influence of fundamentalism on cultures influenced by Islam. Although this topic is an important element in many cultural g...
Additional triggers of endothelial disfunction modulate antiphospholipid-mediated microangiopathy in a central nervous system-cutaneous syndrome.

It is now recognised that the spectrum of antiphospholipid (aPL)-mediated syndromes includes end-organ injury due to microangiopathic manifestations. In the central nervous system (CNS), the clinical and radiographic appearance of microangiopathic lesions can be notoriously difficult to distinguish from multiple sclerosis (MS). A patient is presented who developed white-matter lesions in the brain and spinal-cord, shortly after receiving toxic doses of radiation for an arterio-venous malformation. The institution of interferon therapy for presumptive MS not only led to worsening neurologic deficits, but triggered a cutaneous syndrome with pleomorphic stigmata of microvascular injury (livedo reticularis rash, splinter haemorrhages). Subsequent workup revealed persistently elevated high-titer antiphospholipid of multiple isotypes. Treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant therapy afforded improvement in locomotor function. We hypothesise that radiation injury and treatment with interferon-therapy constituted iatrogenic "hits" of endothelial injury, and potentiated aPL-mediated microangiopathic disease affecting the CNS and the skin.
Does C-reactive protein predict cardiovascular events in women better than LDL?

Abstract C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of a first cardiovascular event in women and appears to be a stronger predictor than low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, this information does not lead directly to a therapeutic intervention. As an accompanying editorial stated, low carotenoid levels also predict cardiovascular events, but supplementation with beta carotene does not reduce an individual's risk. This study does not clarify whether CRP is a causative agent, a marker, or a result of cardiovascular disease. Our focus should remain on identifying and treating conventional risk factors until we better understand the exact role CRP has in therapeutic decisions regarding cardiovascular disease.
Recognition in Bilateral Relations

Recognition or nonrecognition of a new regime as government of its state has its most immediate effects on bilateral inter-government relations. In most legal scholars’ work and governments’ summaries of practice, information about the impact of recognition or nonrecognition is presented in two discussions: one on the effects of recognition or nonrecognition, and the other on which acts may be interpreted as conveying tacit recognition. This chapter relies on both discussions to trace the evolution of scholars’ and governments’ definitions of the sorts of bilateral relations regarded as possible only with recognized governments and those regarded as possible with unrecognized regimes as well. Any such analysis must pay attention to two sorts of differences among instances when recognition is an issue. First, it is essential to determine whether nonrecognition of a new regime rests on doubt that it meets the minimum criterion of controlling its state, on other criteria (particularly when motivated by political hostility), or on a legal obligation to avoid recognition.1 Nonrecognition motivated solely by doubts about control is likely to produce fewer problems of reconciling nonrecognition with a need for contact because control is usually consolidated or lost fairly quickly.
Against Myopia: Public Administration and Ethics

Given the practical orientation of an action or a professional program, it is natural to adopt a pedagogical approach to teaching ethics in public administration (PA) curricula that seeks to offer firmly founded and straightforward answers. Unfortunately, the serious study of ethics cannot oblige; adopting that approach lessens the real benefits that a more philosophical method can provide.To the extent that PA ethics ignores the philosophical and focuses too much on seeking foundations or anchors like core values, the method is ethically shortsighted-and we have a deficiency that we can call "anchor-myopia." It is an affliction that can be thought of as the anxious search for an anchor (or foundation) that in fact turns out to be no anchor at all. In dealing with a topic like ethics (which always admits to yet another question), it is natural in a professional program to want to demonstrate practical student relevance.The urge is probably increased the more the program sees itself as consumer-oriented. Given that many students have difficulty understanding the big picture about public administration, and given that many have been philosophically starved in their previous education, it is not surprising if the ethics coursework has a bias toward the individual student's direct or "micro" needs. Professors often find that the individual student is thrilled by recognizing that ethics can be about her own individual life. To the extent that PA ethics focuses too much on the "micro" concerns of the individual practitioner, the scope is ethically narrowand we have a deficiency we are choosing to call "macromyopia." It is an affliction because it constricts the supply of ethical attention away from where it is primarily needed.This need is at the macro level, aiming for the further liberation of the human spirit within-borrowing Max Weber's metaphorthe iron cage of bureaucracy. This paper suggests that the development and presentation of ethics courses for PA students should pay attention to these two myopic afflictions of method and scope. Neither difficulty is unrecognized. Relating to the first, we can read statements like "Many authors acknowledge that ethics should be grounded in philosophy, and they recognize the difficulties in such an approach" (Sheeran, 1993, xi). Relating to the second, John Rohr long ago warned that we focus on J-PAE 4 (1998): 1:33-38
White Matter Dementia

Cerebral white matter disorders affecting behavior and cognition are reviewed from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Denver VA Medical Center.
Neuroimaging of Rapamycin and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease for APOE4 carriers

A E e4 allele (APOE4) is strongest genetic risk facot for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain vascular and metabolic deficits can occur in cognitively normal APOE4 carriers decades before the onset of AD. The goal of this study was to determine whether early intervention using rapamycin could restore neurovascular and neurometabolic functions, and thus impede pathological progression of AD-like symptoms in pre-symptomatic APOE4 transgenic mice. Using in vivo, multimodal neuroimaging, we found that APOE4 mice treated with rapamycin had restored cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier integrity and glucose metabolism, compared to ageand gender-matched wild-type controls. The preserved vasculature and metabolism were associated with amelioration of incipient learning deficits. We also found that rapamycin restored the levels of the proinflammatory cyclophilin A in vasculature, which may contribute to the preservation of cerebrovascular function in the APOE4 transgenics. Our results show that rapamycin improves functional outcomes in this mouse model and may have potential as an effective intervention to block progression of vascular, metabolic and early cognitive deficits in human APOE4 carriers. As rapamycin is FDA-approved and neuroimaging is readily used in humans, the results of the present study may provide the basis for future AD intervention studies in human subjects.
Considering Attachment and Partner Perceptions in the Prediction of Physical and Emotional Sexual Satisfaction

Abstract Introduction Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding sexual satisfaction; in general, research suggests that attachment anxiety and avoidance are associated with decreased sexual satisfaction. Given their different working models of self and other, perceptions of the partner's level of satisfaction might differentially influence people's own perceptions of satisfaction based on their attachment avoidance and anxiety. Aim To examine the predictive value of attachment anxiety and avoidance and perceptions of partner satisfaction in predicting physical and emotional satisfaction after sexual interactions in two studies. Methods Participants (study 1, n = 52; study 2, n = 144) completed a one-time survey containing a measurement of attachment and then reported on their physical and emotional sexual satisfaction after each sexual interaction over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. Main Outcome Measures The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale–Revised was completed during the one-time survey, and ratings of personal physical and emotional sexual satisfaction (studies 1 and 2) and perceptions of partner's physical and emotional satisfaction were completed after sexual interactions (study 2). Results Greater attachment avoidance was associated with lesser physical and emotional satisfaction. Moreover, when perceiving the partner to be emotionally satisfied, people with more attachment avoidance reported less emotional satisfaction for themselves. For greater attachment anxiety, greater perceived partner satisfaction (physical and emotional) predicted greater personal satisfaction of the two types. Conclusion The findings support attachment theory as a valuable lens through which to study sexual satisfaction. Moreover, the results suggest that it is important to consider perceptions of partner sexual satisfaction in understanding the sexual satisfaction of people who demonstrate attachment anxiety and avoidance.
CHOP Plus Rituximab (CHOP-R) in Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (WM).

Recently, a consensus panel of experts recommended alkylator therapy, nucleoside analogues and rituximab as appropriate first line therapies for WM (Semin Oncol 2003; 30:121). It was also recommended that candidates for future autologous transplantation should have limited alkylator or nucleoside analogue exposure due to potential stem cell harm. CHOP-R (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone, rituximab) is a highly active, stem cell sparing regimen that has been extensively evaluated in other low-grade Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients. No published experience in WM exists. As such, we analyzed the outcome of 13 patients with WM who received CHOP-R at our Institution. Patients had a median age of 54 (range 44–72) yrs, and a median of 1 (range 0–5) prior therapies. 8 of 13 (62%) patients had relapsed (n=2) or were refractory (n=6) to fludarabine. Five patients had received rituximab previously. Patients received a median of 6 cycles (range 2–6) of standard dose CHOP, and 6 infusions (range 2–6) of Rituximab (375 mg/m 2 ). Three patients received additional rituximab (4 weekly infusions every 6 months) as maintenance therapy. Median IgM for all patients declined from 4,975 (range 1,960–12,400) to 1,575 (range 62–8,230) mg/dL (p=7 x 10 −5 ); median S.V. 2.8 (range 1.5–12) declined to 1.6 (range 1.3–4.8) CP (p=0.04). Importantly, the median hematocrit rose from 30.7 (range 21.9–35.6) to 39 (range 24.3–43.2) p=0.005. Clinical responses were as follows: 3 CR/CRu; 7 PR; 2 MR. One patient is in stable disease after 3 cycles of CHOP-R. With a median follow-up of 8 (range 3–28) months, no patient has progressed. Therapy was well tolerated for most patients. Two patients had febrile neutropenia with documented bacteremia and recovered without any complication. Circulating effector cell levels pre- and post-CHOP-R were also evaluated in 6 patients since rituximab activity is mediated in part by ADCC activity. No significant change in CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD16 + /CD56 + effector cell levels occurred following CHOP-R as assessed by multicolor flow cytometry.
Disclosing Agents for the Intraoperative Identification of Biofilms on Orthopedic Implants

Abstract Background Disclosing agents are dyes used in dentistry to colorize plaque (biofilm) and may offer a means for intraoperative detection of biofilms on orthopedic implants. Methylene blue (MB) stains biofilm and is safely used in orthopedic applications. Injection of MB into acutely infected prosthetic knees before debridement may enable visualization of biofilm, which could influence treatment decisions. The aims of this study were to determine if MB could be used to visualize biofilm on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants and to determine if MB staining has an antimicrobial effect that might interfere with subsequent culture. Methods Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms were formed on TKA polyethylene liners and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and Teflon discs. After staining biofilms on these implants, the bacterial densities were determined through sonication and quantitative culture. The antimicrobial activity of MB staining was determined by measuring the bacterial density of S. epidermidis biofilms on PMMA discs incubated in 0.05% MB for 24 hours vs 30 seconds and comparing it with controls unexposed to MB. Results MB stained S. epidermidis biofilms grown on TKA implants and Teflon and PMMA discs in vitro. Sonication and quantitative culture of the stained implants showed that bacterial densities were at supraphysiological levels. Staining did not affect the ability to culture the organism. Conclusion MB is a possible cost-effective and novel method to expeditiously identify intraoperative biofilm. To further evaluate MB staining and its potential clinical usefulness, future studies are needed to assess the ability of MB to stain physiological levels of biofilm.
*Rise of the Pigs: Utilization of the Porcine Model to Study Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering During Skeletal Growth

Large animal models play an essential role in the study of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM), as well as biomechanics. The porcine model has been increasingly used to study the musculoskeletal system, including specific joints, such as the knee and temporomandibular joints, and tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and ligaments. In particular, pigs have been utilized to evaluate the role of skeletal growth on the biomechanics and engineered replacements of these joints and tissues. In this review, we explore the publication history of the use of pig models in biomechanics and TERM discuss interspecies comparative studies, highlight studies on the effect of skeletal growth and other biological considerations in the porcine model, and present challenges and emerging opportunities for using this model to study functional TERM.
The University of California Pay It Forward Open Access Publishing Research Project: An Interview with MacKenzie Smith

ABSTRACTIn 2014, University of California, Davis University Library and the California Digital Library collaborated on an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant-funded project to explore costs associated with moving scholarly journal subscriptions in the U.S. market entirely to an Article Processing Charge business model, known also as “Gold Open Access.” We contacted MacKenzie Smith, one of the principal investigators, in order to get her reflections on the process of gathering the data, and to discuss some implications of the findings. The interview suggests that the “Pay It Forward” model could be successful over time, following a necessarily complex transition period.
Info-dynamics and Some Knowledge Areas

The theory of info-dynamics represents a unified theories of dynamics as such, it is useful now to examine the relational structure of the theory of info-dynamics to other dynamical systems over the epistemological space.
Optical properties of a CaF2 crystal.

The electronic structure, the charge-density distribution, and the optical-absorption spectrum of a ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$ crystal are studied by means of a first-principles local-density calculation. The calculated imaginary part of the dielectric function is in good agreement with experimental measurement up to 27.0 eV. We have also used a simplified self-interaction-correction (SIC) model to address the problem of band-gap underestimation in the local-density calculation. Although some marginal improvement in the optical result has been achieved, there is no strong evidence of unequivocal rectification other than an increment in the band gap. This study shows additional (non-SIC) correction to the conduction-band states of ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$ may also be necessary.
Incorporation of graphene quantum dots to enhance photocatalytic properties of anatase TiO 2

Different sized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been synthesized by an inexpensive wet chemical method using bird charcoal as a precursor. Obtained GQDs found to have luminescence and visible light absorption. These GQDs are further coupled with titanium dioxide (TiO2) to form TiO2–GQDs nanocomposites. GQD nanostructures exhibit band gap tunability and have the potential to enhance the photoabsorption in TiO2. The hybrid combination of the nanomaterials decrease the recombination of charge carriers, increase charge carrier mobility, and improve the overall photoconversion efficiency. The composites exhibit higher photocatalytic activity and rate constants value than pure TiO2.
Letters of Alfred Schutz with Aron Gurwitsch

Gurwitsch was arguably Schutz’s closest “companion in thought,” i.e., the person with whom he had the most sympathy for his phenomenological contributions. They met in Paris in the 1930s at the urging of Husserl, their rich personal and philosophical correspondence lasted through the 20 years of Schutz life in the USA, and Gurwitsch succeeded Schutz at the New School.
Stopping Accidents After They've Happened

The 1971 Accidents Agreement between the US and the USSR specifies what each country must do in the event of an accidental or unauthorized launch of a nuclear weapon. Logic and technology are not enough to bring about a major change in the way nuclear weapons are handled. It is well to recall that the technology was in place for a decade, and the US nuclear arsenal had risen to 20,000, before John F. Kennedy decided to install pre-launch controls in the form of permissive action links (PALs) on US nuclear weapons. The Bush administration must generate the will to move toward post-launch controls. It can begin by convening the proposed committees to study and report back on post-launch controls. Although the armed services committees of both houses have neglected this subject in the past, there is some recent sign of recognition of the need to devote attention to this increasingly important feature of nuclear weapon safety. The little-known Accidents Agreement of 1971 was far-sighted, and its implementation must be guaranteed. 6 refs.