cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology, Religion, and Justice: The Problems of Disembedded and Disembodied Law

In this article, the authors explore how technology has helped erode society’s conceptions of justice. Law, via juridification, has replaced the concept of justice with one of efficiency. The authors argue that this has been largely a result of the destruction of society’s common story or vision and the introduction of the computer and the Internet as tools enabling technique to replace that story. They offer a perspective on how justice operated in traditional societies, using the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. Finally, the authors ask what might be done to recover the best features of what has been lost and create a new common story to help guide society’s conception of justice.
Bicontinuous DMRT model extracted from multi-size QCA with application to terrestrial snowpack

In terrestrial snow, the ice particles are irregular and densely packed together. At microwave frequencies (X-band to Ka-band), there are thousands of ice grains packed within one-wavelength cube. The interaction of the propagation wave and ice particles is coherent. The bicontinuous model is using computer-generated samples to construct the snow microstructures and numerically solve the Maxwell equations to include coherent wave and incoherent wave. There are two input parameters in the model, the scale parameter ⁁and the size distribution parameter b. We related those two inputs with the ground measurement by comparing scattering coefficient of the bicontinuous model and multiple size spheres model. In the multi-size sphere model, the modified gamma distribution is used to describe size distribution of the different spheres. The scattering properties of the multi-size models are calculated by quasi-crystalline approximation (QCA). The incoherent wave is calculated with the distorted Born approximation in terms of the T-matrix and Fourier transform of the Percus-Yevick (PY) cross-pair distribution function. The scale parameter is related to the mean size of the ice particles. Therefore we can extract the size distribution parameter b of the bicontinuous model from the multi-size QCA by comparing the scattering coefficients.
Manipulation with Tower Cranes Exhibiting Double-Pendulum Oscillations

The payload oscillation inherent to all cranes makes it challenging for human operators to manipulate pay-loads quickly, accurately, and safely. Under certain conditions, the problem is compounded when the payload creates a double-pendulum effect. This paper presents an input-shaping control method for suppressing double-pendulum payload oscillations. Local and teleoperation experiments performed on a portable tower crane are used to verify the effectiveness of the method. Data from these experiments show that operators performed manipulation tasks faster and safer when input shaping was utilized to reduce payload sway. Furthermore, the teleoperation delays did not degrade the input shaping effectiveness.
Distributed FACTS - A New Concept for Realizing Grid Power Flow Control

Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices are used to control power flow in the transmission grid to relieve congestion and limit loop flows. High cost and reliability concerns have limited the widespread deployment of FACTS solutions. This paper introduces the concept of distributed FACTS (D-FACTS) as an alternative approach to realizing cost-effective power flow control. By way of example, a distributed series impedance (DSI) and a distributed static series compensator (DSSC) are shown that can be clipped on to an existing power line and can, dynamically and statically, change the impedance of the line so as to control power flow. Details of implementation and system impact are presented in the paper, along with experimental results.
Pds5 is required for homologue pairing and inhibits synapsis of sister chromatids during yeast meiosis

During meiosis, homologues become juxtaposed and synapsed along their entire length. Mutations in the cohesin complex disrupt not only sister chromatid cohesion but also homologue pairing and synaptonemal complex formation. In this study, we report that Pds5, a cohesin-associated protein known to regulate sister chromatid cohesion, is required for homologue pairing and synapsis in budding yeast. Pds5 colocalizes with cohesin along the length of meiotic chromosomes. In the absence of Pds5, the meiotic cohesin subunit Rec8 remains bound to chromosomes with only minor defects in sister chromatid cohesion, but sister chromatids synapse instead of homologues. Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed but are not repaired efficiently. In addition, meiotic chromosomes undergo hypercondensation. When the mitotic cohesin subunit Mcd1 is substituted for Rec8 in Pds5-depleted cells, chromosomes still hypercondense, but synapsis of sister chromatids is abolished. These data suggest that Pds5 modulates the Rec8 activity to facilitate chromosome morphological changes required for homologue synapsis, DSB repair, and meiotic chromosome segregation.
Regeneration of powdered activated carbon. Part II: Steam‐carbon reaction kinetics

The kinetics of the reaction between steam and spent activated carbon (from sucrose deposition) was studied at 1003 to 1123 K and 1 atm pressure. At these conditions some virgin carbon, upon which the sucrose was originally adsorbed, was also gasified. Rates of oxidation were essentially the same for spent and virgin activated carbon. The kinetics data fit a Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation, originally proposed for gasification of other types of carbon, with an activation energy of 2.3 × 105 J/mol. Surface area and pore volume measurements indicated that the adsorption capacity of the original carbon could be completely restored by thermal regeneration followed by reaction with steam. However, some activated carbon is lost implying that there would be an optimum extent of steam gasification in a cyclical adsorption-regeneration process.
Modeling Dispersion of Chemical-Biological Agents in Three Dimensional Living Space

This report documents a series of calculations designed to demonstrate Sandia's capability in modeling the dispersal of chemical and biological agents in complex three-dimensional spaces. The transport of particles representing biological agents is modeled in a single room and in several connected rooms. The influence of particle size, particle weight and injection method are studied.
Biotechnology and chemical weapons control

Biotechnology is revolutionizing the way new drugs are discovered, from a sub- stantially empirical art to a rational, predictive process in which targets of drugs are selected on the basis of known physiology, then ligands that can bind to these targets are designed. The same process could be used to identify promising new chemical weapons (CW) agents, which would be synthesized from unscheduled precursors. Biotechnology thus has the poten- tial of fueling CW proliferation. It can also aid the development of novel nonlethal chemical agents, the development of which could have a number of negative consequences for CW control.
Validation of Adult Generalized Imitation Topographies and the Emergence of Generalized Imitation in Young Children with Autism as a Function of Mirror Training

We tested 128 adults; male and female ages 19 to 56, for the emission of mirrored or non-mirrored responses in generalized imitation (GI). We found that the adults emitted both. Thus, the emission of non-mirrored responses was not part of the criterion for GI in Experiment 2, where we isolated the effects of using a mirror for training imitative responses on the emergence of GI by children with autism (six children, 3-4 years old). We used an experimental-control group design with a “nested” non-concurrent multiple probe design across participants in the experimental group. Test scores and developmental measures were used to match participants who were then assigned randomly to groups. The numbers of instructional trials were yoked between pairs controlling the amount of instruction. GI emerged for the individuals who received the mirror training, but not for those trained face-to-face. One possibility is that mirror training rotating different responses may result in a class of responding whereas, face-to-face training results in specific responses, which may explain why prior studies were unable to induce GI with typically developing young children. Moreover, given the findings herein, the correspondence between seeing and doing as conditioned reinforcement for GI remains a viable theory.
Parental Involvement in the Developmental Screening of Their Young Children A Multiple-Source Perspective

Because multiple risk factors can influence child development, methods designed to screen young children for developmental problems should incorporate information from various sources in order to cover all potential areas of delay effectively. In this study we combined results from a standardized parent questionnaire with those of an individually administered developmental screening instrument (the Early Screening Inventory) in order to predict more accurately which children will be at risk for school failure. Our results show a decrease in misclassifications after combining the parent measure with the screening instrument, thus increasing the predictive accuracy of the developmental screening process. Implications of our findings are discussed within the context of screening from a perspective of multiple risks and multiple sources of input Recent attention to early intervention for young children with disabilities and developmental vulnerabilities has been accompanied by a growing concern to identify these children and their families as early as possible. As mandated by the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986 (Public Law 99457), and its subsequent reauthorization under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 102-119), identification ef
Virtual pelvic anatomy simulator: a pilot study of usability and perceived effectiveness.

Background. Simulators for surgical education are in high demand due to new curriculum requirements for surgical residency accreditation. Our aim was to assess the usability and perceived effectiveness of a three-dimensional (3-D) pelvic anatomy teaching module derived from human magnetic resonance and computerized tomography images. Methods. A convenience sample of medical students and surgery residents was surveyed. Results are frequency (proportion) of respondents who agreed or strongly agreed with each statement. Results. Ten participants (5 medical students, 5 surgical residents) completed the survey. At baseline, a minority (30%) self-reported a very good knowledge of pelvic anatomy; none reported excellent knowledge of pelvic anatomy. All participants agreed that the module teaches clinically relevant anatomy; 90% preferred this type of education to traditional methods. Fifty percent of participants felt the module needed a higher level of anatomic detail. Participants specifically requested inclusion of Denonvillier’s and Waldeyer’s fascia, and the component muscles of the pelvic floor. Conclusions. These pilot results suggest that our 3-D pelvic anatomy teaching module is easy to use and would enhance student learning of anatomy over traditional methods in an effective manner. Further study is warranted to assess the incremental impact of this and standard educational interventions for teaching
A data-dependent distance measure for transductive instance-based learning

We consider learning in a transductive setting using instance-based learning (k-NN) and present a method for constructing a data-dependent distance "metric" using both labeled training data as well as available unlabeled data (that is to be classified by the model). This new data-driven measure of distance is empirically studied in the context of various instance-based models and is shown to reduce error (compared to traditional models) under certain learning conditions. Generalizations and improvements are suggested.
Helodermatid Lizard from the Mio-Pliocene Oak-Hickory Forest of Tennessee, Eastern USA, and a Review of Monstersaurian Osteoderms

The extant venomous Gila monster and beaded lizards, species of Heloderma, live today in southwestern USA and south along the Pacific coastal region into Central America, but their fossil history is poorly understood. Here we report helodermatid osteoderms (dermal ossicles) from the late Miocene-early Pliocene Gray Fossil Site, eastern Tennessee USA. Twenty-three species of mammals are known from the fauna including abundant Tapirus polkensis, as well as fishes, anurans, salamanders, turtles, Alligator, birds, and snakes. Beaded lizards belong to the Monstersauria, a clade that includes Primaderma + Paraderma + Gobiderma + Helodermatidae (Estesia, Eurheloderma, Lowesaurus, and Heloderma). Osteoderms of lizards in this clade are unique within Squamata; they typically are circular to polygonal in outline, domed to flat-domed in cross-section, have a vermiculate surface texture, are not compound structures, and do not have imbricate surfaces as on many scincomorph and anguid lizards. We review and characteri...
On detecting linear frequency modulated waveforms in dispersive channels: alternatives to segmented replica correlation

The paper addresses the problem of detecting echos from linear frequency modulated (LFM) active sonar transmissions when the propagation channel exhibits time spreading distortion (TSD) and fast fading distortion (FFD). Both distortion mechanisms reduce the performance of "high resolution" LFM replica correlators which are designed to improve detection performance in reverberation. Robust detectors are required in this situation. The paper compares two robust detectors: the segmented replica correlator (SRC) and the replica correlator followed by incoherent integration (RCI). The author shows that for LFM, (1) TSD and FFD have an equivalent effect on the signal, (2) the RCI and SRC have equivalent reverberation only output statistics, and (3) the RCI and SRC have equivalent performance against either TSD or FFD. The author points out that while virtually all robust active sonar detectors use the SRC, the RCI is preferable when the amount of distortion is not known apriori. >
Peri-implantation phase endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptors: Effect of ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate

The effects of clomiphene citrate on endometrial nuclear estradiol receptors and progesterone receptors were examined in 10 normal women during an untreated cycle (control) and during treatment with 50 mg clomiphene citrate and 150 mg clomiphene citrate daily on days 5 through 9. Concentrations and binding constants of the receptors were determined in endometrium obtained 8 to 12 days after midcycle luteinizing hormone surge. Scatchard plots for both estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors were linear, indicating only one type of high-affinity binding sites. In control cycles, estrogen receptor levels (mean ± SEM) were 199.6 ± 23.1 fmol/mg deoxyribonucleic acid, ( n = 8) and were not significantly different from either 50 mg clomiphene citrate (180.5 ± 19.1 fmol/mg deoxyribonucleic acid, n = 6) or 150 mg clomiphene citrate (194.3 ± 35.2 fmol/mg deoxyribonucleic acid, n = 4). Similarly, the dissociation constants were unaffected by clomiphene citrate treatment. The concentrations of progesterone receptors in the control cycles (613 ± 31 fmol/mg deoxyribonucleic acid, n = 5) and treatment cycles (50 mg clomiphene citrate — 652.8 ± 121 fmol/mg deoxyribonucleic acid, n = 6; 150 mg clomiphene citrate — 592.6 ± 31 fmol/mg deoxyribonucleic acid, n = 7) were also not significantly different. Clomiphene citrate also did not affect dissociation constants for progesterone receptors. Therefore, ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate apparently did not affect peri-implantation phase endometrial estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors or their respective binding constants.
Operator Methods for Continuous-Time Markov Processes ⁄

Publisher Summary This chapter surveys a set of mathematical and statistical tools that are valuable in understanding and characterizing nonlinear Markov processes. Such processes are used extensively as building blocks in economics and finance. Operator methods begin with a local characterization of the Markov process dynamics. This local specification takes the form of an infinitesimal generator. The infinitesimal generator is itself an operator mapping test functions into other functions. From the infinitesimal generator, one constructs a family (semigroup) of conditional expectation operators. The operators exploit the time-invariant Markov structure. Each operator in this family is indexed by the forecast horizon; the interval of time between the information set used for prediction and the object that is being predicted. Operator methods allow ascertaining global and, in particular, long-running implications from the local or infinitesimal evolution. These global implications are reflected in the implied stationary distribution; the analysis of the eigenfunctions of the generator that dominate in the long run; and the construction of likelihood expansions and other estimating equations.
Quellcode der Unit Special

Die Unit Special ist etwas umfangreich geworden (insgesamt mehr als 2300 Zeilen) und besteht aus mehreren Include-Dateien, die fur sich abgeschlossene Funktions-Gruppen enthalten (z.B. Menu-System oder Taschenrechner).
Preparation of onium salts of a reduced anthracenone crown ether macrocycle: a reactivity series involving pyridine, phosphine, thiophene, nitrile and primary amide nucleophiles

Reaction of mineral acids with a cyclic macromolecule containing a secondary alcohol produces ammonium, phosphonium, thiophene, and amide adducts via a carbocation intermediate. X-ray crystallography confirms the structures of the products, including those when two competing nucleophiles are present. A reactivity series that mirrors the nucleophilicity index, where reactivity decreases in the order thiophene > pyridine > primary amides > alkyl nitriles >> aromatic nitriles (unreactive), results. Addition of metal ions to ammonium adducts dissolved in acetonitrile produces secondary amides via the Ritter amide synthesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confirmation and Quantitation of Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine, Ecgonine Methyl Ester, and Cocaethylene by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: Use of Microwave Irradiation for Rapid Preparation of Trimethylsilyl and T-butyldimethylsilyl Derivatives

The authors developed a technique by which cocaine metabolites as well as cocaethylene can be identified and quantitated using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and deuterated standards of benzoylecgonine, cocaine, ecgonine methyl ester, and cocaethylene as internal standards. The authors used a solid phase extraction (Clean Screen, Worldwide Monitoring Corporation, (Horsham, PA)) technique, and rapid derivatization of metabolites using microwave irradiation before GC/MS analysis. The t-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives (prepared by microwave irradiation in 2.5 minutes, 640 Watts [WI]) offered better baseline separation and chromatography than conventional trimethylsilyl derivatives. The assay was linear between 0.87-17.3 μmol/ L of benzoylecgonine (250-5,000 ng/mL) concentration, 0.83-16.6 μmol/L of cocaine (250-5,000 ng/mL), 0.79-15.8 μmol/L of cocaethylene (250-5,000 ng/mL) and 1.25-25.1 μmol/L of ecgonine methyl ester (250-5,000 ng/mL). The yields are comparable between the microwave technique and conventional heating. (Key words : Cocaine metabolites ; Microwave irradiation ; Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry) Am J Clin Pathol 1995 ; 104 :187-192.
Process for Developing Asynchronous Online Training for Transportation Agency Professionals

Efficient training is an essential component of work force development for transportation agencies. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) recognized one such training need in its management of contracts for professional services consultants. This recognition led to a research effort to identify standardized procedures in the procurement and administration of these contracts, resulting in the development of a training manual and daylong pilot training session. Although the session received positive feedback, it limited the time and location for delivery. This traditional, in-class method is no longer the only available option. Asynchronous online training presents agencies with the option of providing training to employees regardless of their spatial or schedule variabilities while minimizing the need for instructor effort and availability. In light of this change, the South Carolina DOT commissioned a subsequent research effort to study best practices for development, delivery, and assessm...
Optimizing Exercise Performance in Older Adults

As the global population continues to age in parallel to the growing popularity of recreational athletics, it is becoming more important for physiatrists to understand the unique needs of the older athlete. The aging athlete is concerned with optimizing exercise performance, return to training and competition, and minimizing age-related physiological changes in order to maintain optimal function. Physiologic changes, cardiopulmonary risk screening, pharmacology, and training principles of the older athlete are all reviewed in order to provide an overview of issues that may arise more commonly in general physiatric practice as current trends continue.
The Construction of Analytic Hypersonic Pitch Moment Coefficients Using a Curl Transformation

This study investigates the creation of analytic hypersonic pitch moment coe cients by converting the traditional Newtonian surface integration into a mathematically equivalent curl calculation. This manipulation enables analytic pitch moment coe cients to be derived for shapes of increasing complexity. The analytic solutions are obtained by converting the physical moment calculation across the unshadowed surface to an equivalent volumetric curl calculation of a mathematical vector eld that is directed away from the center of gravity location. This capability is made possible by the analytic expression of the Newtonian moment calculation and is not available in present-day studies that rely on approximate panel methods. The results of this investigation enable the construction of analytic relations for new hypersonic con gurations of interest, and this approach serves as the foundation to construct e cient hybrid exact-approximate solutions for more complex con gurations. A state-of-the-art hypersonic design tool validates all of the analytic relations developed in this investigation. The rapid longitudinal analysis made possible by the analytic pitch moment relations enable packaging considerations and trim control surface de ections to be incorporated into conceptual design studies.
Susceptibility of the Cayenne Tick to Acaricides

Engorged females of Amblyomma cajennense (F.) were dipped in emulsions, suspensions, or solutions of 27 acaricides, and effects on estimated reproduction (ER) were determined; ER = (grams of eggs/grams of ♀♀) × estimated percent hatch × 20,000. Percent inhibition of ER was analyzed by log-probit method. Effectiveness of acaricides ranged from that of chlorfenvinphos with a 50% inhibition of reproduction (IC50) of 0.000324% to that of DDT with an IC50 of 2.79%. Rankings of effectiveness of acaricides by IC50 and IC90 values against A. cajennense were highly significantly correlated with rankings of the same acaricides tested by the same technique against A. Americanum (L.), Anocentor nitens (Neumann), Boophilus annulatus (Say), B. Microplus (Canestrini), and Dermacentor albipictus (Packard).
The Compensation Benefit of ITIL® Skills and Certifications

Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) is a quality management approach for managing IT services that meet business needs. The most broadly accepted ITSM framework is ITILÂ® (Mann, 2012) and its adoption by organizations across the globe has grown over the past decade. A study conducted by Forrester and itSMF (2013) found that IT service providers that employ ITILÂ® enjoy better service quality and higher operational productivity as well as cost savings. Therefore, IT professionals with ITILÂ® knowledge and skills are likely valuable to organizations and earn a higher wage than their peers. This paper investigates whether or not there are salary benefits for IT professionals that possess ITILÂ® knowledge and skill and what are the estimated benefits, if any. Using a human capital model and employing data from an on-line survey of a large set of IT professionals (16,632 responses) conducted at the end of 2013 this benefit is confirmed and quantified.
Knot Security- How is it Affected by Suture Technique, Material, Size, and Number of Throws?

Purpose To measure knot security in relation to different surgical knotting techniques, suture materials, suture sizes, and number of throws commonly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and Methods Three surgical tying techniques were tested: square, surgeon's, and sliding knots. Suture materials included chromic gut, nylon, silk, and Vicryl (polyglycolic acid). Suture diameter sizes 3-0, 4-0, and 5-0 were tested. Ten trials were undertaken for each combination of material, size, and technique using 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 throws (ties). Suture materials were presoaked in 0.9% saline solution for 15 minutes to simulate the environment of the oral cavity. A standard knot-tying force for each throw was applied to each combination. Knot security satisfaction was set from pilot experimental trials at less than 1.8-mm slippage from the center of the knot while testing. The dichotomous outcome of knot slippage (stable or unstable) was analyzed using logistic regression analysis and odds ratios with Tukey-adjusted 95% confidence intervals. Results Knot security depended on suture technique, material, and number of throws but did not depend on suture size. In general, 4 throws were required for surgeon's and square knots, whereas 5 throws were required for sliding knots. After 5 throws, tying an additional throw did not contribute to knot security. Surgeon's knots were stronger than square knots and sliding knots (P Conclusion This study showed that knot security depends on suture material, tying technique, and number of throws, but is independent of suture size. Surgeon's knot security was greater than that for square and sliding knots when using sutures commonly used in the oral cavity. Vicryl had the greatest knot security and silk had the least. For surgeon's and square knots, at least 4 throws were generally indicated to achieve knot security; for sliding knots, at least 5 throws were generally indicated. Knot security did not increase after 5 throws and 2 throws are never indicated.
Analysis on epidemic characteristics of other infectious diarrhea in Anhui Province,2007- 2012

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of other infectious diarrhea( excluding cholera,dysentery,and typhoid) in Anhui Province in recent years,to explore the trends and characteristics of this disease and to provide the scientific basis of prevention measures. Methods The descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the cases of other infectious diarrhea from 2007 to 2012. The moving average curve method was used to predict the incidence of other infectious diarrhea. Results The incidence rate of other infectious diarrhea showed an increasing trend in recent years.The incidence of other infectious diarrhea was 109. 46 /100 000 in 2012 to which children are vulnerable. The ratio of male to female was 1. 35 ∶ 1. The moving threshold analysis indicated that the number of cases in 2013 might increase by the basis of previous years,which maintained at a high level. Conclusions With the increasing trends of the amount of reported cases of other infectious diarrhea,this work suggests that the routine monitoring and pathogen diagnose of diarrhea disease are assential,and the health education of other infectious diarrhea should be improved.
Level of immunity against epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis and the carrier status among healthy population in 2009-2011 in Guangzhou

Objective To understand the level of immunity against epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis and the carrier status of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitides in the healthy population,and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control.Methods Blood specimens and throat swab were collected from the normal subjects from 8 different aged groups in Guangzhou.Microbiological methods were used for the identification of Neisseria meningitides,and the level of antibody against Neisseria meningitides group C was also measured.Results The carrier state of Neisseria meningitides in the healthy population was 0.8%,and the isolates were mainly group B and group W135.The carrier status was similar between the male and female subjects,and also in the subjects of different age groups.The positive rate and protective rate of serum antibody against group C was 39.1% and 31.9%,respectively.The level of antibody against group C was higher in the meningococcal polysacharide vaccinated subjects (χ2 =57.84,P0.001).Conclusion The carrier ststus of Neisseria meningitides in the healthy population is relatively low.It is necessary to increase the level of protective antibody against group C Neisseria meningitides in children under 3 years old.
Transurethral Electrical Bladder Stimulation: A Followup Report

AbstractTransurethral electrical bladder stimulation (TEBS) initially proposed to rehabilitate the neurogenic bladder has been promoted in the United States since the mid 1980s. The ultimate goal of TEBS is volitional voiding. Since January 1989 we performed 938 sessions of stimulation comprising 64 TEBS series in 25 patients with neurogenic bladders. A cystometrogram was performed before each series of stimulation to monitor progress, and at the time of this review parental impressions of the stimulation were obtained by a telephone interview questionnaire.The initial evaluation cystometrogram before stimulation revealed that 18 patients (72%) had bladder contractions. After TEBS 24 patients (96%) manifest contractions. Before stimulation only 3 children sensed the contractions, while during stimulation half of the patients perceived the contractions. A cystometrogram performed before each series demonstrated a greater than 20% increase in the age adjusted bladder capacity in 6 of the 18 patients (33%) w...
Experimental nonthrombocytopenic vascular purpura: a review of the Japanese literature, with preliminary confirmatory report.

Antisera were produced against guinea pig and mouse blood platelets, guinea pig and mouse spleen, mouse bone marrow, spleen, marrow plus spleen ("antireticulocytotoxic" serum), aqueous fraction of guinea pig adipose tissue rich in nonmuscular blood vessels, guinea pig choroid plexi rich in capillaries, whole guinea pig blood vessels, guinea pig smooth muscle, whole guinea pig blood vessel antiserum absorbed with guinea pig smooth muscle, and dog vascular endothelium. In all cases except the last named there were positive agglutinin and/or complement fixation titers, which were slightly enhanced anamnestically by whole adrenal cortical extract, but not by "Lipoadrenal" extract presumably high in "carbohydrate" factor. In no case was there a nonthrombocytopenic vascular purpura produced in vivo except by the anti-vascular endothelium serum. These preliminary observations are considered to confirm and extend observations made in previous reports in Japanese language periodicals, which are reviewed.
Review: The Toraṇa in Indian and Southeast Asian Architecture by Parul Pandya Dhar

Parul Pandya Dhar . The Toraṇa in Indian and Southeast Asian Architecture . New Delhi: D.K. Printworld, 2010, xviii + 317 pp., 330+ illus., 43 in color, 57 line drawings. $140 (cloth), ISBN 8124605343 This well-produced, well-conceived, and lavishly illustrated study of garlands and gateways as parts of the structure and decorative ornamentation of architecture in South and Southeast Asia is dedicated to Madhusudan Amilal Dhaky, under whose supervision a preliminary version was prepared as a doctoral thesis at the National Museum Institute (NMI), New Delhi. The author completed the manuscript while on a postdoctoral fellowship in Berlin. She follows that eminent scholar's methodological model, widely surveying existing monuments and coordinating inscriptional, literary, and textual references to establish an appropriate terminology and classification for an architectural and decorative element of great proliferation and importance in southern Asia. Its use and evolution spans more than 2,000 years. Dhaky set a pattern for this type of rigorous analysis of elements of South Asian architecture in his studies The Ceilings in the Temples of Gujarat (coauthored with J. M. Nanavati, 1963);1 The Indian Temple Forms in Karṇāṭa Inscriptions and Architecture (1977);2 and most recently, The Indian Temple Traceries (2005).3 Leaf garlands are ritually hung across doorways today, temporary toraṇas are constructed to welcome godlike politicians, and torii gates lead up to Shinto shrines in Japan. Such gateways and garlands mark a progression to "more sacred" ground (not "profane to sacred"): toward a stupa or Buddha himself; into a sacred compound, temple entry, sanctum doorway; as frame for the enshrined image. Their forms proliferate remarkably, as …
Takeover protection and stock price crash risk: Evidence from state antitakeover laws

Abstract We exploit the passage of state antitakeover laws to examine the relation between takeover protection and stock price crash risk. We find that firms incorporated in states that passed the laws are negatively associated with future stock price crash risk in the post-law periods, suggesting that takeover protection mitigates bad news hoarding activities. Further analysis shows that the mitigating effect is more pronounced when firms have severe information asymmetry or face strong product market competition. Together, our findings shed new light on the impact of takeover threats on managerial incentives to engage in bad news hoarding.
Trends and tasks of the conference on electrical insulation

Ideas and organizations wear out if not reappraised at appropriate time intervals and adapted to changing circumstances. For our Conference the situation has changed completely since it was first launched after World War I. Inspired by Professor Whitehead's enthusiasm, a small band of insulation experts first met in an annual Round Table conference. Anyone contributing a paper was a member for that year, and nobody paid dues, since Dr. Davidson generously dedicated energy and office help to keep the written record straight.
AIDE: An Active Learning-Based Approach for Interactive Data Exploration

In this paper, we argue that database systems be augmented with an automated data exploration service that methodically steers users through the data in a meaningful way. Such an automated system is crucial for deriving insights from complex datasets found in many big data applications such as scientific and healthcare applications as well as for reducing the human effort of data exploration. Towards this end, we present AIDE, an Automatic Interactive Data Exploration framework that assists users in discovering new interesting data patterns and eliminate expensive ad-hoc exploratory queries. AIDE relies on a seamless integration of classification algorithms and data management optimization techniques that collectively strive to accurately learn the user interests based on his relevance feedback on strategically collected samples. We present a number of exploration techniques as well as optimizations that minimize the number of samples presented to the user while offering interactive performance. AIDE can deliver highly accurate query predictions for very common conjunctive queries with small user effort while, given a reasonable number of samples, it can predict with high accuracy complex disjunctive queries. It provides interactive performance as it limits the user wait time per iteration of exploration to less than a few seconds.
Perceptions of orthodontic case complexity among orthodontists, general practitioners, orthodontic residents, and dental students

Introduction Our aims were to assess the perceptions of orthodontic case complexity among orthodontists, general dentists, orthodontic residents, and dental students and to compare their perceptions with the American Board of Orthodontics Discrepancy Index (DI). Methods Orthodontists, general dentists, orthodontic residents, and dental students (n = 343) participated in a Web-based survey. Pretreatment orthodontic records of 29 cases with varying DI scores were obtained. Respondents were asked to evaluate case complexity on a 100-point visual analog scale. Additional information was collected on participants' orthodontic education and orthodontic treatment preferences. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between the average complexity score and the DI score. Repeated measures analysis with linear mixed models was used to assess the association between the average complexity score and the DI score and whether the association between the 2 scores varied by level of difficulty or panel group. The level of significance for all analyses was set at P Results The results showed that 71.6% of general dentists provided some orthodontic services, with 21.0% providing full fixed appliances and 38.3% providing clear aligners. DI score was significantly associated with complexity perceptions (P = 0.0168). Associations between average complexity and DI score varied significantly by provider group (P = 0.0033), with orthodontists and residents showing the strongest associations. When the DI score was greater than 15, orthodontists and residents perceived cases as more complex than did the other provider groups. Conclusions Orthodontists and orthodontic residents had better judgments for evaluating orthodontic case complexity. The high correlation between orthodontic professionals' perceptions and DI scores suggested that additional orthodontic education and training have an influence on the ability to recognize case complexity.
The High-Risk Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma A New Kid on the Block

Despite continuous improvements in the catheter-based treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), our field continues to struggle with the concept that percutaneous intervention may not prevent myocardial infarction or death in the stable patient. The main reason behind this controversial but rather accepted statement is that life-threatening coronary events arise most frequently from lesions that escape proper diagnosis and treatment. As a result, our efforts in clinical practice are almost totally consumed by the treatment of lesions that have limited impact on the natural history of atherothrombosis and CAD. Thus, it is imperative to reflect on this paradox, and do something about it. One way to start is to implement some of the knowledge we have acquired pertaining to our understanding of plaque rupture and thrombosis. We all agree that atherothrombosis evolves from nonobstructive CAD with specific plaque composition.1–3 Atheroslcerotic lesions with increased lipid content can grow eccentrically to become very large plaques without obstructing the vessel lumen. These nonobstructive, positively remodeled, advanced plaques are completely silent on traditional stress testing and coronary angiography but portend an imminent risk for triggering acute events. Therefore, we can only make progress if we see beyond traditional testing and focus our attention on these high-risk lesions. The study of Lindsey et al4 in this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions represents a step forward in the right direction by identifying an increased incidence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus. Article see p 543 Early in atherogenesis, the nascent fatty streak evolves into a transitional lesion, also known as the preatheroma. Death of macrophages, hypoxia, extravasation of erythrocytes, and free cholesterol replace lipid pools to form necrotic cores. Disease progresses through necrotic core expansion by active digestion of collagen, reducing the rim of fibrous tissue separating the core from …
Hybrid NMR: A Union of Solution- and Solid-State NMR

Hybrid NMR (hdNMR) is a powerful new tool that combines the strengths of solution- and solid-state NMR to measure dipolar, chemical shift, and quadrupolar tensors in aqueous solution. We introduce the theory of hdNMR and partially randomly oriented (PRO) crystalline hydrogel samples. PRO samples produce randomly oriented spectra with characteristic Pake patterns from the solid state, yet they maintain the high-resolution dispersion of solution NMR experiments. With new pulse sequences, we show how hdNMR can be used to measure with high precision the 1Hα–13Cα dipolar tensor and carboxylate chemical shift anisotropy tensor of aspartate. These measurements contain detailed information on the distribution of electron density, interatomic distances, and the orientation dependence of molecular motion.
Physical activity and telomere length in U.S. men and women: An NHANES investigation

The principal objective was to determine the extent to which physical activity (PA) accounts for differences in leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a large random sample of U.S. adults. Another purpose was to assess the extent to which multiple demographic and lifestyle covariates affect the relationship between PA and LTL. A total of 5823 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2002) were studied cross-sectionally. Employing the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, LTL was compared to standard reference DNA. PA was indexed using MET-minutes using self-reported frequency, intensity, and duration of participation in 62 physical activities. Covariates were controlled statistically. Telomeres were 15.6 base pairs shorter for each year of chronological age (F=723.2, P<0.0001). PA was inversely related to LTL after adjusting for all the covariates (F=8.3, P=0.0004). Telomere base pair differences between adults with High activity and those in the Sedentary, Low, and Moderate groups were 140, 137, and 111, respectively. Adults with High activity were estimated to have a biologic aging advantage of 9years (140 base pairs÷15.6) over Sedentary adults. The difference in cell aging between those with High and Low activity was also significant, 8.8years, as was the difference between those with High and Moderate PA (7.1years). Overall, PA was significantly and meaningfully associated with telomere length in U.S. men and women. Evidently, adults who participate in high levels of PA tend to have longer telomeres, accounting for years of reduced cellular aging compared to their more sedentary counterparts.
Functional Polycarbonate of a d-Glucal-Derived Bicyclic Carbonate via Organocatalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of a bicyclic carbonate monomer of a d-glucal derivative, which originated from the natural product d-glucose, in an efficient three-step procedure and its ring-opening polymerization (ROP), initiated by 4-methylbenzyl alcohol, via organocatalysis. The ROP behavior was studied as a function of time, catalyst type, and catalyst concentration by using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Using a cocatalyst system of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene and 1-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-cyclohexyl-2-thiourea (5 mol %) afforded poly(d-glucal-carbonate) (PGCC) with almost complete monomer conversion (ca. 99%) within 1 min, as analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and a monomodal SEC trace with dispersity of 1.13. The resulting PGCCs exhibited amorphous characteristics with a relatively high glass transition temperature at ca. 69 °C and onset decomposition temperature at ca. 190 °C, as analyzed by differential scanning calori...
Single-Minded Research Review: The Common Rule and Single IRB Policy.

It seemed straightforward on its surface: a minimal-risk study to look at financial incentives for evidence-based treatment of hypertension. In the end, however, it took 27 months and 115 submissio...
Synthesis of Zeolite Na-A in The Presence of Triethanolamine

Abstract It has been shown that the addition of triethanolamine (TEA) (22′2″-nitrilotriethanol) to zeolite Na-A synthesis gels with composition Al 2 O 3 0.84SiO 2 1.94Na 2 O xTEA 194H 2 O leads to a substantial increase in crystal size. At large TEA additions (x > 10) zeolite Na-X is produced in increasing amounts until almost pure Na-X is observed at x = 30. These observations suggest an aluminum complexing role for TEA such that the nucleation of Na-A is being suppressed. The crystallization rate of the zeolite is also inhibited by the depleted reservoir of unbound aluminum. This phenomenon gives rise to longer crystallization times and larger crystals. A second set of experiments using a reaction composition with lower aluminum content (0.7Al 2 O 3 0.84SiO 2 1.94Na 2 O xTEA 194H 2 O) showed similar trends. However, the amount of TEA required to initiate formation of zeolite Na-X in the final product was reduced relative to the first experiment.
A revision of Bittacomorphinae with a review of the monophyly of extant subfamilies of Ptychopteridae (Diptera)

The phylogenetic relationship between the two extant subfamilies of Ptychopteridae is examined using morphological characters. Bittacomorphinae is supported as a monophyletic group with several synapomorphies. Monophyly of the Ptychopterinae is less certain. Descriptions are provided for the family and subfamilies. The genera and species of Bittacomorphinae are reviewed, and phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily are discussed. While Bittacomorpha is a monophyletic group, Bittacomorphella is probably paraphyletic. Redescriptions of the species of Bittacomorpha and most of Bittacomorphella are presented. Bittacomorphella furcata sp. nov, is described from the central Coast Range of Oregon and Olympic Peninsula of Washington, USA. The range of Bittacomorphinae is found to extend into the Neotropical region with a record of Bittacomorpha clavipes from Costa Rica. A key to the world species of Bittacomorphinae is provided. Printed copy of this book is available from US$25.8 plus postage, Click here to order .
The use of trazodone to facilitate calm behavior after elective orthopedic surgery in dogs: Results and lessons learned from a clinical trial

Abstract Trazodone hydrochloride is an atypical antidepressant that has entered clinical use for dogs and cats for a variety of indications. These include management of anxiety disorders, facilitation of travel and veterinary examinations, and facilitation of calm behavior in hospitalized and postoperative patients. Despite the increasingly common use of trazodone in dogs, very little literature exists evaluating trazodone's efficacy against a placebo control. The aim of the study reported here was to evaluate trazodone in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial for use in facilitating calmness and ease of confinement in postoperative dogs. The study enrolled 29 dogs (14 in the trazodone group and 15 in the placebo group) and followed them during 4 postoperative weeks. Trazodone was well tolerated by dogs in the trazodone group. Although dogs in both groups were rated as improved on some behavioral measures, no difference was found between the trazodone and placebo groups in efficacy, with more than 70% of owners in both groups rating the test article (trazodone or placebo) as moderately or extremely helpful for facilitating both calming and crating of their dog. This observed lack of efficacy, over placebo, may be attributed to one or more of several factors that include features about the trial itself and the trial population, a caregiver or placebo-by-proxy effect, a lack of sensitive outcome measures for assessment, or a lack of true efficacy for the medication. It is concluded that future work will be needed to address these factors, and this report aims to provide not only results but lessons learned from the conduct of the described trial.