cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel caudal-fin-inspired hourglass-shaped self-agitator for air-side heat transfer enhancement in plate-fin heat exchanger

Abstract A novel caudal-fin-inspired hourglass-shaped self-agitator installed inside a plate-fin heat exchanger has been experimentally investigated to characterize its thermo-hydraulic performance. Because of fluid-structure interaction between the air and the caudal-fin-inspired hourglass-shaped self-agitator, there is periodic conversion between fluid kinetic energy and elastic strain energy. Vortices generated by the self-sustained vibration of the self-agitator enhance flow mixing and thus heat transfer performance. Experiments were conducted at a wide range of Reynolds numbers from 400 to 10,000, which covered the laminar-transitional-turbulent regime. Experimental correlations of pressure drop as a function of a dimension parameter, friction factor, and Nusselt number have been proposed. Mutual coupling motions and effects of multiple-row flapping caudal-fin-inspired hourglass-shaped self-agitators in parallel and tandem configurations were studied by using a high-speed camera. A stereo Particle Image Velocimetry system was used to conduct detailed flow field measurements to quantify the flow mixing level. Parameter studies for the stream-wise distance (i.e., the pitch) between the neighboring caudal-fin-inspired hourglass-shaped self-agitators have been investigated to exploit the best performance of the heat exchanger equipped with caudal-fin-inspired hourglass-shaped self-agitators. For the chosen plate-fin heat exchanger and assigned working conditions, the best heat transfer performance was obtained with twelve-row self-agitators with a pitch of 12.5 mm, which caused a 200% increase in the Nusselt number over the clean channel at the same Reynolds number. However, the best overall performance was obtained with six-row self-agitators with a pitch of 25 mm, which caused a 68% enhancement in thermal-hydraulic characteristics compared to the clean channel at the same Reynolds number.
Exploring Environmental Health on Weibo: A Textual Analysis of Framing Haze-Related Stories on Chinese Social Media

According to the latest report by the World Health Organization, air pollution, one of the planet's most dangerous environmental carcinogens, has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. In China this is a particularly crucial issue, with more than 100 cities and close to one billion individuals threatened by haze due to heavy air pollution in recent years. Beyond traditional channels, the rise of social media has led to greater online haze-related information sharing. Formative research suggests that Weibo is playing a larger role in the process of information seeking than traditional media. Given the severity of haze and the influential role of Weibo, a textual analysis was conducted based on Sina Weibo (Chinese Twitter) to provide health decision-makers and media consumers knowledge on how environmental health issues such as haze are framed in Chinese social media. Framing theory served to explain the differences across various outlets: People's Daily, China Daily, and the Chinese version of the Wall Street Journal. By analyzing 407 Weibo posts, five major frames emerged: (1) governmental concern, (2) public opinion and issue management, (3) contributing factors and effects, (4) socializing haze-related news, and (5) external haze-related news.
Is the type of neuraxial anesthesia associated with adverse neonatal outcomes among patients with preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE Both preeclampsia and neuraxial anesthesia can alter placental perfusion, potentially affecting the neonatal status. The objective of our study is to quantify the association between type of neuraxial anesthetic and short-term neonatal morbidity among preeclamptic patients undergoing cesarean delivery. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study. Women with singleton gestations and a diagnosis of preeclampsia who underwent cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia were included in the analysis. Short-term neonatal morbidities, defined as neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, arterial cord gas pH ≤7.2 and 5-minute Apgar <7, were compared based on type of neuraxial anesthetic. RESULTS A total of 4100 patients were included in the analysis, 1696 (41.4%) received spinal anesthesia 1848 (45.1%) received epidural anesthesia and 556 (13.5%) received a combined spinal-epidural (CSE). Antepartum and intrapartum characteristics significantly differed between the groups (p≤0.02). After adjusted analysis, spinal anesthesia was associated with reduced odds of NICU admission, compared with epidural or CSE (OR; 95% CI: 0.79; 0.63-0.98, 0.71; 0.53-0.94, respectively). Spinal anesthesia was also associated with lower odds of a 5-minute Apgar <7 compared with epidural anesthesia (OR 0.59; 95% CI; 0.43-0.83). We found no association between type of anesthesia and arterial cord pH ≤7.2. In stratiifed analysis by gestational age, no association between the type of neuraxial anesthesia and neonatal outcomes was noted among term infants, but associations persisted in preterm infants. CONCLUSIONS Among women with preeclampsia undergoing cesarean delivery, spinal anesthesia may be associated with reduced short-term neonatal morbidity in preterm infants, compared with epidural or CSE.
Myocardial Extracellular Volume Fraction Adds Prognostic Information Beyond Myocardial Replacement Fibrosis.

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance techniques permit quantification of the myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV), representing a surrogate marker of reactive interstitial fibrosis, and...
CARCINOID HEART DISEASE: A RARE COMPLICATION OF PRIMARY OVARIAN CARCINOID TUMOR

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare manifestation of an exceedingly rare neuroendocrine malignancy. Pathological cardiovascular changes in carcinoid syndrome occur secondary to the release of vasoactive neuroendocrine mediators. It is thought that these cause the formation of fibrous lesions along the
Virtual physical assessment training during the COVID-19 pandemic - student pharmacists' performance & perceptions

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted pharmacy education and caused significant transformation in student learning and assessment. Pharmacy PA faculty transformed the traditional PA teaching and practicum to virtual utilising Zoom. PA practicum consists of demonstration of a set of short videos, followed by students identifying incorrect techniques, describing the correct technique, and the purpose of the specific PA skill. After completion of the virtual PA practicum examination, students were invited to complete a 20-item survey about their perceptions. Most students preferred blended learning (56.8%) format over in-class, even though students performed significantly better on the traditional practicum (0.89+0.13) rather than the virtual (0.84+0.11). Hands-on skills are an integral part to PA instruction and learning, making innovations in virtual delivery and assessment vital for student success. This pandemic gave opportunities to explore curricular innovations as our virtual formats provided alternative approaches to review and summative assessment of PA.
Evaluating costs of heavy metal tolerance in a widely distributed, invasive butterfly

Organismal tolerance to environmental pollution is thought to be constrained by fitness costs, where variants with higher survival in polluted environments have lower performance in nonpolluted environments. Yet, costs are not always detected in empirical studies. One hypothesis suggests that whether tolerance costs emerge depends on the degree of heterogeneity populations experience with respect to pollution exposure. For instance, in populations confined to local environments where pollution is persistent, selection may favour alleles that enhance pollution tolerance but reduce performance in nonpolluted environments (costs). However, in broadly distributed populations that undergo selection in both polluted and nonpolluted patches, costs should be eroded. Understanding tolerance costs in broadly distributed populations is relevant to management of invasive species, which are highly dispersive, wide ranging, and often colonize disturbed or polluted patches such as agricultural monocultures. Therefore, we conducted a case study quantifying costs of tolerance to zinc pollution (a common heavy metal pollutant) in wild cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae). This wide ranging, highly dispersive and invasive pest periodically encounters metal pollution by consuming plants in urban and agricultural settings. In contrast to expected costs of tolerance, we found that cabbage white families with greater zinc tolerance also produced more eggs and had higher reproductive effort under nonpolluted conditions. These results contribute to a more general hypothesis of why costs of pollution tolerance vary across studies: patchy selection with pollutants should erode costs and may favour genotypes that perform well under both polluted and nonpolluted conditions. This might partly explain why widely distributed invasive species are able to thrive in diverse, polluted and nonpolluted habitats.
Does inflation solve the hot big bang model's fine-tuning problems?

Cosmological inflation is widely considered an integral and empirically successful component of contemporary cosmology. It was originally motivated (and usually still is) by its solution of certain so-called fine-tuning problems of the hot big bang model, particularly what are known as the horizon problem and the flatness problem. Although the physics behind these problems is clear enough, the nature of the problems depends on the sense in which the hot big bang model is fine-tuned and how the alleged fine-tuning is problematic. Without clear explications of these, it remains unclear precisely what problems inflationary theory is meant to be solving and whether it does in fact solve them. I analyze the structure of these problems and consider various interpretations that may substantiate the alleged fine-tuning. On the basis of this analysis I argue that at present there is no unproblematic interpretation available for which it can be said that inflation solves the big bang model’s alleged fine-tuning problems.
Mutagenicity of flavones, chromones and acetophenones in Salmonella typhimurium: New structure—activity relationships

28 flavones and 11 structurally-related flavonoids, chromones, and acetophenones, were tested for mutagenicity in the Salmonella typhimurium his reversion assay. 7 flavones, all of which were hydroxy- or methoxy-substituted at position 8, were moderate to strong mutagens in strain TA100 in the presence of rat liver S9 mix. In each case, the response of strain TA98 was either not significant or was very much weaker than that observed in strain TA100. The activation by S9 is not mediated by the microsomal cytochrome P450 system, since activation was not diminished when microsomes were removed by centrifugation at 100000 × g. The observed strain specificity and structural requirements for activity indicate a mutagenic mechanism different from that associated with previously reported mutagenic flavonols (3-hydroxy-flavones) which are most active in strain TA98. The most mutagenic flavone investigated, 5,7,8-trihydroxy-flavone (norwogonin), had a potency of 17 revertants/nmole. Simplification of the chemical structures to hydroxy-substituted chromone and acetophenone systems revealed similar strain specificity, hydroxylation requirements, and S9 dependence within these structural classes, suggesting a similar activation pathway and mutagenic mechanism. The greatest mutagenic potency was observed within the flavone series, but significant potency was retained by similarly hydroxylated chromones and acetophenones. No mutagenic activity was observed in the absence of the aryl ketone moiety.
Chemical and Electrochemical Studies in Room Temperature Aluminum Halide-Containing Melts.

Molten salts have been used in industrial processes, such as for the production of aluminum, for many years. Applications in areas of molten salt battery systems, molten salt nuclear reactors, extraction from metal ores, electrorefining, etc., have prompted researchers to study the fundamental properties of molten salt systems for the past 30 years.1 Recently, owing partly to the relatively low working temperatures (150–200°C), the molten aluminum halides have been widely studied, e.g., AlX3/MX, where M+ is an alkali metal cation.1 Very recently, work on “room temperature” A1X3-based systems has been initiated.
Comparing Electrically Small Folded Conical and Spherical Helix Antennas Based on a Genetic Algorithm Optimization

A genetic algorithm (GA) is used as a search tool to determine the optimal geometry for maximizing bandwidth or efficiency in electrically small, volumetric antenna structures. Folded shaped helix structures, including the folded conical helix and the folded spherical helix, are placed in the same population and optimized using GA. A dense-top, spherical helix-like structure is chosen for its optimal performance.
Job satisfaction and quality of working life: A reassessment

The usefulness of job satisfaction measures in assessing job characteristics and in improving quality of working life is problematic. Public opinion polls and organizational surveys have shown high and stable levels of job satisfaction for many years, while signs of employee frustration and alienation have been increasing. Closer examination of this paradoxical finding leads to the conclusion that, whatever rigorous job satisfaction surveys are measuring, it is not the information needed to modify jobs and work in order to reduce employee frustration. To overcome flaws in the measurement of satisfaction for this purpose employees themselves need to be more involved in the measurement process. Recent experience with employee participation in action research on quality of working life is noted, and the extension and furtherance of this model is proposed.
U-series isotope systematics of mafic magmas from central Oregon: Implications for fluid involvement and melting processes in the Cascade arc

Abstract The Cascade arc is the warm-slab subduction zone global end member, where a broad variety of primitive magmas with highly variable slab fluid signatures have erupted in close spatial and temporal proximity. A number of petrogenetic models have been proposed to explain the occurrence of such diverse magmas, but the source(s) of these magmas and the timing of fluid addition to the sub-arc mantle remain controversial. We present uranium-series isotope data ( 238 U– 230 Th– 226 Ra) for eighteen mafic lavas from the Three Sisters region of the central Oregon Cascades, and for a further six lavas from the rear-arc Newberry Volcano. The majority of these samples have geochemical characteristics (e.g. Nb/Zr, Ba/Zr, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) consistent with previously described calc-alkaline basalts from this region of the arc, and indicative of limited fluid involvement at some stage in their genesis. Trace element and long-lived radiogenic isotope modeling suggests that this fluid was derived from dehydration of subducting sediments, and was added to an enriched, garnet-bearing mantle wedge source. The trace element systematics of the lavas are consistent with small degree ( 230 Th/ 238 U) and ( 226 Ra/ 230 Th) ≥ 1, similar to values measured in fresh MORB and other parts of the arc. Results of a dynamic melting model support the interpretation that these lavas are small degree melts of an asthenospheric source, and do not allow for a lithospheric mantle source. However, the U-series data do not permit us to determine whether fluid addition was the trigger for melting, or whether the lavas were generated from a secular equilibrium source that had experienced fluid addition > 350 ka prior to melting. Regardless, modern fluid input is limited and melting is dominantly occurring in response to upwelling and decompression.
De-striping hyperspectral imagery using wavelet transform and adaptive frequency domain filtering

Abstract Hyperspectral imagers are built line-by-line similar to images acquired by pushbroom sensors. They can experience striping artifacts due to variations in detector response to incident imagery. In this research, a method for hyperspectral image de-striping based on wavelet analysis and adaptive Fourier zero-frequency amplitude normalization has been developed. The algorithm was tested against three other de-striping algorithms. Hyperspectral image bands of different scenes with significant striping and random noise, as well as an image with simulated noise, were used in the testing. The results were assessed visually and quantitatively using frequency domain Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and/or Peak Signal-to-Ratio (PSNR). The results demonstrated the superiority of our proposed algorithm in de-striping hyperspectral images without introducing unwanted artifacts, yet preserving image details. In the noise-induced image results, the proposed method reduced RMSE error and improved PSNR by 3.5 dB which is better than other tested methods. A Combined method, integrating the proposed algorithm with a generic wavelet-based de-noising algorithm, showed significant random noise suppression in addition to stripe reduction with a PSNR value of 4.3 dB. These findings make the algorithm a candidate for practical implementation on remote sensing images including high resolution hyperspectral images contaminated with stripe and random noise.
Tropical deforestation and atmospheric carbon dioxide

Recent estimates of the net release of carbon to the atmosphere from deforestation in the tropics have ranged between 0.4 and 2.5 × 1015 g yr−1. Two things have happened to require a revision of these estimates. First, refinements of the methods used to estimate the stocks of carbon in the vegetation of tropical forests have produced new estimates that are intermediate between the previous high and low estimates of carbon stocks. When these revised estimates were used here to calculate the emissions of carbon from deforestation, the new range was 1.0−2.0 × 1015 g C.
Role of S-1-P receptors and human vascular smooth muscle cell migration in diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Abstract Background Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1-P) is a bioactive sphingolipid released from activated platelets that stimulates migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in vitro . S-1-P is associated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and is important in vessel remodeling. S-1-P will activate multiple G protein-coupled receptors (S-1-PR 1 to 5), which can regulate multiple cellular functions, including cell migration. The aim of this study is to examine the role of S-1-PR signaling during smooth muscle cell migration in response to S-1-P. Methods Human VSMCs were cultured in vitro . Expression of S-1-PR 1 to 5 was determined in conditions mirroring diabetes (40 mM glucose) and metabolic syndrome (25 mM glucose with 20 μM linoleic acid and 20 μM oleic acid). Linear wound and Boyden microchemotaxis assays of migration were performed in the presence of S-1-P with and without siRNA against S-1-PR 1 to 5. Assays were performed for activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK. Results Human VSMCs express S-1-PR1, S-1-PR2, and S-1-PR3. There was no significant expression of S-1-PR4 and S-1-PR5. The expression of S-1-PR1 and S-1-PR3 is enhanced under high glucose conditions and metabolic syndrome conditions. Migration of VSMC in response to S-1-P is enhanced 2-fold by diabetes and 4-fold by metabolic syndrome. In diabetes, S-1-PR1 expression is enhanced, while S-1-PR2 and S-1-PR3 expression are both maintained. In metabolic syndrome, S-1-PR1 and 3 expressions are enhanced and that of S-1-PR2 is reduced. siRNA to S-1-PR1 results in a 2-fold reduction in S-1-P-mediated cell migration under all conditions. siRNA to S-1-PR2 enhanced cell migration only under normal conditions, while siRNA S-1-PR3 decreased migration in metabolic syndrome only. Down-regulation of S-1-PR1 reduced ERK1/2 activation in response to S-1-P, while that of S-1-PR2 had no effect under normal conditions. In diabetes, down-regulation of S-1-PR1 reduced activation of all three MAPKs. In metabolic syndrome, down-regulation of S-1-PR1 and S-1-PR3 reduced activation of all three MAPKs. Conclusion S-1-PR 1, 2, and 3 regulate human VSMC migration and their expression level and function are modulated by conditions simulating diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Chinese Engagement with Africa: The Case of Madagascar

Using field work in Madagascar as the foundation for a case study, two U.S.-based geographers examine the complex relations developing between many African nations and the Chinese government as wel...
Development of a Novel Environmental Preference Test System for Laying Hens and Its Initial Application to Assess Hen Aversion to Atmospheric Ammonia

An environmental preference test chamber (EPTC) was designed, constructed, and utilized in an initial test for response of laying hens to atmospheric ammonia. The EPTC featured four interconnected, individually ventilated clear acrylic compartments. Each compartment contained a wire-mesh cage that was divided into two sections, one section used for a test bird to navigate between the compartments and the other section used for three stimulus birds to reside in each compartment. The EPTC was designed to assess individual bird preference without isolation effects. The section dividers may be removed to assess group preference. An initial experiment was conducted with six test hens to assess bird aversion to atmospheric ammonia. Each hen was trained to navigate the inter-compartment door prior to the aversion test. Following one day of acclimation to the chamber, behavioral data of the hen were collected for 2 days at ambient conditions (baseline) and 3 days at ammonia level of 25 ppm vs. <10 ppm. Hen location (compartment) was documented and compared for baseline and treatment periods. All hens learned to navigate the chamber within 10 h; 4 of the 6 hens learned within 2 h. No preference for the level of ammoniated condition was observed with regard to occupancy of the corresponding compartment or number of entries into each environment. Further investigation is warranted to determine if this finding is a lack of aversion or other phenomenon. The EPTC will also enable future users to examine preference responses of hens to other environmental conditions, such as thermal comfort vs. air quality.
The distributed and parallel NIC server

Abstract The NIC-Server is a high-performance, low-overhead experimental system which supports distributed and parallel programming in FORTRAN using asynchronous RPC. The minimal requirements from users are natural to FORTRAN programmers; ANSI C implementation on top of the lower layers of Sun-RPC, and the built-in scheduler, ensure good portability across systems.
Successful steroid-sparing treatment of renal limited sarcoidosis with mycophenolate mofetil

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder characterized by non-caseating epithelioid granulomas in multiple organs. The disease usually presents in young adults and is uncommon in children. Renal involvement can usually occur due to granulomatous interstitial nephritis, but renal failure is uncommon. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy. We present the report of a child with severe renal failure secondary to renal limited sarcoidosis who was successfully treated with corticosteroid induction therapy. Because of the severe side effects of corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil was added and corticosteroids were tapered off. The child has been in sustained remission for over a year with mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy.
Flanking Fractures and the Formation of Double Ridges on Europa

Abstract Europa, a satellite of Jupiter, is one of the most intriguing worlds in the Solar System. Its dearth of impact craters and plethora of surface morphologies point to a dynamic evolution of its icy shell in geologically recent times. Double ridges are a common landform and appear to have formed over a significant fraction of the satellite’s observed geologic history. Thus, understanding their formation is critical to unraveling Europa’s history, and many models have been proposed to explain their creation. A clue to the formation of ridges may lie in evidence for flexure of the lithosphere in response to a load imposed by the ridge itself (marginal troughs and subparallel flanking fractures). When this flexure has been modeled, a simple elastic lithosphere has typically been assumed; however, the generally thin lithospheres suggested by these models require very high heat flows that are inconsistent with Europa’s expected thermal budget (of order 1 W m −2 vs. of order 10 mW m −2 ). Each of the proposed formational models, however, predicts a thermal anomaly that may facilitate the flexure of Europa’s lithosphere. Here, we simulate this flexure in the presence of these anomalies, as a means to evaluate the different models of ridge formation. We find that nearly all models of double ridge formation are inconsistent with the observation of flexure (specifically the flanking fractures), except for a cryovolcanic model in which the growing ridge is underlain by a cryomagmatic sill that locally heats and thins the lithosphere.
An Infrared Line List for C I

Precision C I line wavenumbers, measured from laboratory spectra, are presented for the spectral region 1831-11,944 cm-1 (0.83-5.4 μm) with a small extension into the optical. Adjusted C I energy levels based on these measurements are given.
Stokesian Dynamics simulation of the role of hydrodynamic interactions on the behavior of a single particle suspending in a Newtonian fluid. Part 2. 2D flexible and rigid rings

Abstract In this work, a Stokesian Dynamics simulation, which considers deformation due to induced flows, was performed in order to analyze the behavior of a ring-shaped particle in a Newtonian fluid under shear as well as corresponding rheological properties in the absence of Brownian motion. The following results are obtained: (1) the tumbling orbit is kept when ring is rigid, whereas the normal direction of the ring is the independent of the initial state after a large strain when the ring is flexible. (2) When the ring is flexible, there are two states under shear: a stable state, showing a constant tilt angle, and an unstable state, showing a tumbling motion. (3) When the ring is semi-flexible, in steady-state, i.e., after a large strain, a bi-axial nematic phase is predicted when the system is dilute.
Parametric estimation for a simple branching diffusion process

Abstract A simple branching diffusion process is given as an elementary model of spatial evolution. A parametric estimation theory is presented for this model. As side results, a spatial central limit theorem and spatial strong law of large numbers are also obtained.
Modeling the Syn Disposition of Nitrogen Donors in Non-Heme Diiron Enzymes. Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrogen Peroxide Reactivity of Diiron(III) Complexes with the Syn N-Donor Ligand H2BPG2DEV

In order to model the syn disposition of histidine residues in carboxylate-bridged non-heme diiron enzymes, we prepared a new dinucleating ligand, H2BPG2DEV, that provides this geometric feature. The ligand incorporates biologically relevant carboxylate functionalities, which have not been explored as extensively as nitrogen-only analogues. Three novel oxo-bridged diiron(III) complexes, [Fe2(μ-O)(H2O)2(BPG2DEV)](ClO4)2 (6), [Fe2(μ-O)(μ-O2CAriPrO)(BPG2DEV)](ClO4) (7), and [Fe2(μ-O)(μ-CO3)(BPG2DEV)] (8), were prepared. Single-crystal X-ray structural characterization confirms that two pyridyl groups are bound syn with respect to the Fe−Fe vector in these compounds. The carbonato-bridged complex 8 forms quantitatively from 6 in a rapid reaction with gaseous CO2 in organic solvents. A common maroon-colored intermediate (λmax = 490 nm; e = 1500 M−1 cm−1) forms in reactions of 6, 7, or 8 with H2O2 and NEt3 in CH3CN/H2O solutions. Mass spectrometric analyses of this species, formed using 18O-labeled H2O2, indica...
Sequence of ossification in the skeleton of growing and metamorphosing tadpoles of Rana pipiens

Supported by research grants from the National Science Foundation (GB 4317) and the U. S. Public Health Service (GM 05867-10).
Misapplication to females of the standard for aging the male Os pubis.

The results of aging 15 female pelves with both the male standard and a newly developed female standard indicated that the male standard significantly (0.01 < P < 0.05) underaged females 40 years and older in this test sample.
Functional imaging of a large demyelinating lesion.

Summary Purpose. To determine the metabolic characterization of a large solitary demyelinating lesion. Methods. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies with 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro- d -glucose (FDG), carbon-11-methionine (methionine) and carbon-11-choline (choline) were done on the demyelinating lesion. Results. The demyelinating lesion exhibited a low glucose uptake, prominent methionine uptake and a minimal choline uptake on the PET studies. MRS data revealed an increased choline to creatine (cho/cr) ratio and a decreased N-acetyl-aspartate to creatine (NAA/cr) ratio, which demonstrated a return to near normal ratios on follow-up study. Conclusion. The report summarizes the metabolic characteristics of a demyelinating plaque.
Clinical studies on involvement of the pulmonary artery by syphilitic aortic aneurysms.

Cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography studies are reported in two patients with syphilitic aortic aneurysms, both of which compromised the pulmonary circulation. In the first instance the right main pulmonary artery was compressed and pulmonary hypertension proximal to the compression resulted. In the second patient the aneurysm ruptured into the pulmonary artery producing an aortic-pulmonary fistula. This patient also had pulmonary hypertension and evidence at cardiac catheterization of a large left-to-right shunt. The difficulty of making the clinical diagnosis of pulmonary artery compression by an aortic aneurysm is discussed. Cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography were essential for establishing this diagnosis in life.
Relationships between joint motion and facet joint capsule strain during cat and human lumbar spinal motions

Abstract Objective The lumbar facet joint capsule (FJC) is innervated with mechanically sensitive neurons and is thought to contribute to proprioception and pain. Biomechanical investigations of the FJC have commonly used human cadaveric spines, whereas combined biomechanical and neurophysiological studies have typically used nonhuman animal models. The purpose of this study was to develop mathematical relationships describing vertebral kinematics and FJC strain in cat and human lumbar spine specimens during physiological spinal motions to facilitate future efforts at understanding the mechanosensory role of the FJC. Methods Cat lumbar spine specimens were tested during extension, flexion, and lateral bending. Joint kinematics and FJC principal strain were measured optically. Facet joint capsule strain–intervertebral angle (IVA) regression relationships were established for the 3 most caudal lumbar joints using cat (current study) and human (prior study) data. The FJC strain–IVA relationships were used to estimate cat and human spine kinematics that corresponded to published sensory neuron response thresholds (5% and 10% strain) for low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Results Significant linear relationships between IVA and strain were observed for both human and cat during motions that produced tension in the FJCs (P Conclusions Data from the current study support the proprioceptive role of lumbar spine FJC and low-threshold mechanoreceptive afferents and can be used in interpreting combined neurophysiological and biomechanical studies of cat lumbar spines.
Clinical features and surgical outcome in 25 patients with fenestrations of the coronary sinus.

OBJECTIVE To analyze symptoms, associated anomalies, diagnostic approach, and surgical procedures in patients with partial fenestrations of the coronary sinus, a rare congenital disorder. BACKGROUND Partial fenestrations of the walls that usually separate the coronary sinus from the left atrium, also known as partial unroofing of the coronary sinus, may result in increased flow of blood to the lungs, cyanosis, or bidirectional shunting. The diagnosis is important, but difficult to confirm. METHODS We reviewed retrospectively the clinical, echocardiographic, operative, and follow-up data on 25 patients with partial fenestration of the coronary sinus. The patients had a median age of 8 years, and underwent cardiovascular surgery at Mayo Clinic between 1958 and 2003. RESULTS The initial diagnosis of a fenestration of the coronary sinus was made by the surgeon at repair of other congenital cardiac anomalies, by cardiac catheterization, or by echocardiography. In 14 patients, fenestration was missed during previous cardiovascular surgery. The most common associated cardiac lesions were atrial septal defects within the oval fossa, persistent left or right superior caval veins, and pulmonary or tricuspid atresia. In 7 patients, the symptoms were at least partially attributable to the fenestration, and included dyspnea, cerebral abscess, transient ischaemic attacks, and cyanosis. The fenestration was addressed surgically in 23 patients, and consisted of closure of the mouth of the coronary sinus, creation of an intra-atrial baffle, or direct repair of the fenestration. Death occurred in 1 patient due to complications unrelated to the repair. In the 24 early survivors, who have been followed up for a median of 85 months, 1 patient has died after a third reoperation for complex congenital cardiac disease. CONCLUSIONS Fenestrations of the coronary sinus are often missed in the preoperative evaluation of congenitally malformed hearts. When associated with right heart hypoplasia, atrial septal defect, or persistent superior caval vein, fenestrations of the coronary sinus should be considered as a possible additional finding. Once the diagnosis has been made, repair is straightforward.
‘The sweetness of struggle’: innovation in physical education teacher education through student-centered inquiry as curriculum in a physical education methods course

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges and benefits that emerged while using an innovative field-based student-centered inquiry as curriculum model in a secondary physical education methods course.Participants and setting: This study took place in the Southwest USA. Participants included 11 pre-service teachers who were enrolled in a secondary physical education methods class, the instructor of the course and a faculty member from another department within the College of Education.Data collection/analysis: Data were collected during the 2009–2010 school year. Data included (a) all pre-service teachers' generated coursework; (b) 32 instructor's lesson plans; (c) 32 observations with field notes; (d) debriefing notes from conversations with colleagues, pre-service teachers, and high school youth; (e) transcripts from three formal 2-hour interviews with each pre-service teacher; and (f) the transcript of a professional conference presentation given by the professor and 8 of the 11 p...
Simulating arcs and rings in gatherings

A theory of collective behavior must be able to account for simple and common collective phenomena such as arcs and rings. Using a computer simulator designed according to the principles of Perceptual Control Theory, based on a model how a human being, as a living control system, engages in movement alone and with others in temporary gatherings we produced a highly symmetrical ring that remotely corresponds to the non-simulated world because it is made up exclusively of individuals. When we simulated the pairs that compared to non-simulated gatherings, the outcome was an arc but was still unlike those we have observed in many temporary gatherings. When we introduced disturbances into the gatherings in the form of other simulated actors they more closely represented what we have observed in the non-simulated world of parks, plazas, states fairs and school yards as well as those at political, religious and rallies. We offer several proposals for future research.
Conflicting Holocaust narratives in Moldovan nationalist historical discourse

The effort to build a patriotic, usable past for Moldova has led important Moldovan post‐Soviet historians of the pan‐Romanian school to de‐emphasize and rationalize the Holocaust for fear of it staining a national myth grounded in Romanian victimization narratives. Much of this strategy has been focused on the Jewish connection to Soviet communism in interwar greater Romania, which supposedly undermined the Romanian state and thereby warranted a public outcry against the Jews. The construction and use of this interwar “mismemory” has been mimicked by post‐Soviet historians in recent years, whereby greater social, political and economic problems are glossed over in preference for a specifically threatening Jewish anti‐Romanianism. One’s position on this historical debate is seemingly important enough to influence one’s national credentials in the public forum.
Vegetation-induced warming of high-latitude regions during the Late Cretaceous period

Modelling studies of pre-Quaternary (>2 million years ago) climate implicate atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations1, land elevation2 and land–sea distribution3–5 as important factors influencing global climate change over geological timescales. But during times of global warmth, such as the Cretaceous period and Eocene epoch, there are large discrepancies between model simulations of high-latitude and continental-interior temperatures and those indicated by palaeotemperature records6,7. Here we use a global climate model for the latest Cretaceous (66 million years ago) to examine the role played by high- and middle-latitude forests in surface temperature regulation. In our simulations, this forest vegetation warms the global climate by 2.2 °C. The low-albedo deciduous forests cause high-latitude land areas to warm, which then transfer more heat to adjacent oceans, thus delaying sea-ice formation and increasing winter temperatures over coastal land. Overall, the inclusion of some of the physical and physiological climate feedback effects of high-latitude forest vegetation in our simulations reduces the existing discrepancies between observed and modelled climates of the latest Cretaceous, suggesting that these forests may have made an important contribution to climate regulation during periods of global warmth.
Fault-Tolerant VLSI Systolic Arrays and Two-Level Pipelining

This paper addresses two important problems in systolic arrays: fault-tolerance and two-level pipelining. The fault-tolerant scheme we propose maintains the original data flow patterns by simply by-passing defective cells with a small number of registers. As a result, the desirable properties of systolic arrays, such as local and regular communication, massive parallelism and high data throughput, are all preserved. 'Iwo-level pipelining refers to the use of pipelined functional units in the implementation of systolic cells. This paper also addresses the problem of efficiently utilizing such units to increase overall system throughput. We show that both of these problems can be reduced to the same mathematical problem of incorporating extra delays on certain data paths in originally correct systolic designs. We introduce the mathematical notion of a cut which enables us to handle this problem systematically. The results obtained by applying the techniques described in this paper arc encouraging. When applied to systolic arrays without feedback cycles, the arrays can tolerate large numbers of faults with the addition of very little hardware, while maintaining the original throughput. Furthermore, all of the pipeline stages in the cells can be kept fully utilized through the addition of a small number of delay registers. However, adding delays to systolic arrays with cycles typically induces a significant decrease in throughput. In response to this, we have derived a new class of systolic algorithms in which the data cycle around a ring of processing cells The systolic ring architecture has the property of degrading gracefully as cells fail. It can be used in place of many systolic arrays with feedback cycles. Using our cut theory for arrays without feedback and the ring architecture approach for arrays with feedback, we have an effective fault-tolerant scheme for every systolic array that we have considered. Furthermore, as by-products of the ring architecture approach we have derived new systolic algorithms. These algorithms generally require only one-third to one-half of the number of cells used in previous designs to achieve the same throughput. Included in these new systolic algorithms are ones for LU-decomposition, QR-decomposition and the solution of triangular linear systems.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Endoplasmic reticulum HSP90b1 (gp96, grp94) optimizes B-cell function via chaperoning integrin and TLR but not immunoglobulin

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR) plays pivotal roles in both early B-cell development and plasma cell differentiation. As a major ER chaperone to mediate the UPR and a master chaperone for Toll-like receptors (TLRs), HSP90b1 (grp94, gp96) has long been implicated to facilitate the assembly of immunoglobulin. We hereby critically and comprehensively examine the roles of HSP90b1 in B-cell biology in vivo using B-cell–specific HSP90b1-null mice. We found that knockout B cells developed normally. There were no apparent problems with plasma cell differentiation, Ig assembly, class-switching, and Ig production. Strikingly, although both mutant conventional and innatelike B cells failed to compartmentalize properly due to loss of select but not all integrins, HSP90b1 was required for neither germinal center formation nor memory antibody responses in vivo. The only significant defect associated with HSP90b1 ablation in B cells was an attenuated antibody production in the context of TLR stimulation. Thus, our study has resolved the long-standing question regarding HSP90b1 in B-cell biology: HSP90b1 optimizes the function of B cells by chaperoning TLRs and integrins but not immunoglobulin. This study also has important implications in resolving the controversial roles of TLR in B-cell biology.
SOYPOD: A Model of Fruit Set in Soybean

The soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plant matches its reproductive potential to environmental conditions by adjusting the number of fruits and seeds that it produces. This adjustment is an important, but not well understood, part of the yield production process. Developing a model of fruit set will contribute greatly to a better understanding of the determination of fruit number and yield. The model (SOYPOD) is based on the well documented principle that fruit number is related to assimilate availability during flowering. Inputs, including daily photosynthesis, flower production, and potential pod and seed growth rates, were taken from field and greenhouse experiments. Fruit survival at an isolated node was determined by comparing the daily assimilate supply with the assimilate requirement of the developing fruits, which are sensitive to supply only until the pod wall reaches its maximum size. Abortion occurs when the fruit does not receive assimilate for ABRTM consecutive days during the sensitive period (SEN). The most mature fruits receive assimilate first when assimilate is limiting. It was possible to find realistic combinations of ABRTM and SEN that mimicked the curvilinear response of fruit number to increasing assimilate supply observed in planta. Increasing the individual seed growth rate decreased fruit number when the assimilate supply was held constant, as it does in planta. SOYPOD accurately mimics the fruit set process at isolated nodes in soybean suggesting that it can be used as the basic building block of a whole plant model.
Effects of tezosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, on the cardiovascular and renal systems of neonatal piglets during endotoxic shock

Abstract Background/Purpose: Endothelin is a potent mediator of the cardiovascular and renal systems. Studies have found that endothelin has an important role in regulating cardiac function and renal perfusion in neonates who are suffering from endotoxic shock. The authors believe that blockade of the endothelin response during endotoxemia will have a beneficial effect on neonatal cardiac and renal functions. In this study the authors have examined the effects of tezosentan, a dual endothelin-receptor antagonist, on the cardiovascular and renal systems of neonatal piglets during endotoxemia. Methods: Thirteen piglets were subjected to endotoxic shock and divided into a fluid-therapy group that received 0.9% normal saline and a group that received tezosentan (1 mg/kg/h). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were plotted at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 hours. Cardiac index (CI), renal blood flow (RBF), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were obtained at baseline, 1, and 3 hours after baseline. Results: ( P [lt ] .05 for 3 hours versus baseline and tezosentan versus fluid). Although fluid therapy in endotoxemia had no significant effect on MAP and RVR, it significantly increased HR (139 [plusmn] 17 to 246 [plusmn] 17 beats/min) and SVR (0.08 [plusmn] 0.05 to 0.33 [plusmn] 0.09 mm Hg/mL/min) and decreased CI (407 [plusmn] 208 to 98 [plusmn] 13 mL/min/kg), RBF (1.84 [plusmn] 0.38 to 0.97 [plusmn] 0.34 mL/min/kg kidney), and GFR (0.20 [plusmn] 0.05 to 0.11 [plusmn] 0.04 mL/min/kg) at 3 hours. The use of tezosentan also significantly increased HR (130 [plusmn] 14 to 220 [plusmn] 31 beats/min), but unlike in the fluid therapy group, there was a significant fall in MAP (77 [plusmn] 10 to 54 [plusmn] 9 mm Hg) and RVR (1.92 [plusmn] 0.44 to 1.77 [plusmn] 0.64 mm Hg/mL/min) and a less severe decrease in CI (482 [plusmn] 188 to 176 [plusmn] 67 mL/min/kg) at 3 hours. SVR, RBF, and GFR were maintained. Conclusions: Endotoxic shock affected cardiac and renal functions in both treatment groups. Fluid therapy alone could not prevent a statistically significant fall in CI, RBF, and GFR or prevent the increase in HR and SVR. Endothelin antagonism with tezosentan resulted in a statistically significant fall in MAP and RVR from baseline, not seen in the fluid-therapy group. CI and RBF were significantly higher, and MAP, SVR, and RVR were significantly lower when compared with the fluid-therapy group at 3 hours. GFR also was maintained at baseline with tezosentan. During endotoxemia, endothelin antagonism maintained renal and cardiac functions better than with fluid therapy alone.
Induced Osteogenesis in the Repair of Experimental Mandibular Defects in Rats

In order to investigate the repair of mandibular defects, we have devised a nonhealing model in the ramus of the rat mandible. The large full thickness defects, devoid of periosteum, were filled with demineralized bone powder (DBP), lyophilized bone chips, and un-demineralized bone powder (BP) or were irrigated with Ringer's lactate. Healing was judged by gross and histologic examination and by incorporation fo 45 calcium into hydropyapatite. DBP produced more rapid and complete healing than did BP or lyophilized chips. DBP did not undergo appreciable resorption prior to bone formation and was a more potent osteogenic stimulus than was BP or lyophilized chips.