cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning in embodied activity framework: a sociocultural framework for embodied cognition

This paper proposes the Learning in Embodied Activity Framework (LEAF) which aims to synthesize across individual and sociocultural theories of learning to provide a more robust account of how the body plays a role in collaborative learning, particularly when students are learning about a collective phenomenon where coordination between and across students is important to their learning. To demonstrate the uses and limits of LEAF, we apply it to data from several iterations of the Science through Technology Enhanced Play (STEP) project. This project involved first and second-grade students using an embodied, mixed-reality simulation to learn about the particulate nature of matter. We use data from this project to demonstrate the ways in which students’ embodied actions serve as a resource in understanding their embodied activity both individually and collectively. We demonstrate how both dimensions provide insight into student cognition and learning. Supported by this analysis, we present LEAF as a useful tool to help researchers, designers, and instructors thoughtfully design collective activities.
Scaling-continuous variation: supporting students’ algebraic reasoning

This paper introduces a new mode of variational and covariational reasoning, which we call scaling-continuous reasoning. Scaling-continuous reasoning entails (a) imagining a variable taking on all values on the continuum at any scale, (b) understanding that there is no scale at which the continuum becomes discrete, and (c) re-scaling to any arbitrarily small increment for x and coordinating that scaling with associated values for y. Based on the analysis of a 15-h teaching experiment with two 12-year-old pre-algebra students, we present evidence of scaling-continuous reasoning and identify two implications for students’ understanding of rates of change: seeing constant rate as an equivalence class of ratios, and viewing instantaneous rate of change as a potential rate. We argue that scaling-continuous reasoning can support a robust understanding of function and rates of change.
Atrial Oversensing and Optimizing His Bundle Lead Position

His bundle pacing has the advantage of restoring physiologic ventricular activation, rather than mimicking it as is the case with biventricular pacing. Engaging intact His-Purkinje fibers distal to conduction disease reestablishes multisite simultaneous endo-to-epicardial activation, resulting in normal torsional contraction and optimal cardiac output.
Immunotherapy in Prostate Cancer.

Immunotherapy encompasses a wide range of therapies to engage the immune system to target malignancies. In recent years, immunotherapy has made a major impact on treatment of metastatic cancer and has altered standard of care for many tumor types. However, predicting and understanding responses across tumor types has been challenging. While some metastatic cancers have shown dramatic responses to immunotherapy, such as melanoma, lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer has generally failed to show a significant response. However, small series of prostate cancer patients have shown impressive responses to cellular and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current data for immunotherapy’s use in prostate cancer, as well as how currently available data might help predict patient responses to immunotherapy. Specifically, we will review vaccine-based therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and future directions that are actively being explored.
Factors impacting successful salvage of the failing free flap.

Background Understanding factors impacting successful salvage of a compromised free flap. Methods Multi-institutional review of free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects (n = 1764). Results Free flap compromise rate: 9% (n = 162); 46% salvaged (n = 74). Higher salvage rates in initial 48 hours (64%) vs after (30%; P 8 hours (40%) (P = .04). Conclusions There were higher rates of free flap salvage if the vascular compromise occurred within 48 hours, if due to venous congestion, if operative duration ≤8 hours, and if the anastomosis did not require intraoperative revision.
A Note on the Efficiency Gains from a Refusal to Deal in a Bertrand-Nash Framework

A vertically integrated provider (VIP) initially has a duty to deal with a rival at unregulated upstream and downstream prices in a Bertrand-Nash framework. The duty to deal is subsequently terminated which enables the VIP to acquire the rival and serve as a two-product, downstream monopolist. We find that the refusal to deal is efficiency-enhancing, given that prices decrease while profits increase ex post.
Instructional Principles Applied to the Several Stages of Comprehension Learning

We began our study of the comprehension of language learning by positing four concepts that we regard as critical factors in enabling students to comprehend the words and sentences of a second language in the early stages of language learning (Winitz and Reeds 1973, 1975). These concepts were drawn from research findings in the several language and psychology disciplines and from observation of students engaged in comprehension language learning. They are short-term memory, interference from phonetic and semantic similarity, and segmentation of words in sentences. As we progressed in designing language lessons, emphasis on procedures to teach an extensive vocabulary through the use of word fields was considered.
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs, Anticoagulation, and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Advanced age, history of peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori, coadministration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, anticoagulation, and antiplatelets are risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly. Awareness of these risks and appropriate use of NSAIDs, particularly in those needing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, is critical to optimal management. Careful selection of elderly patients requiring antiplatelet, anticoagulation, or chronic NSAID therapy for cotherapy with proton pump inhibitors can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from gastrointestinal bleeding.
Pathology grade influences competing mortality risks in elderly men with prostate cancer.

Abstract Background Recent guidelines recommend active management of prostate cancer (CaP), especially high-risk disease, in elderly men. However, descriptive data from a large cohort with extended follow up on the risk of death from CaP in men diagnosed over 70 years of age and its relationship to Gleason score (GS) and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is lacking. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we evaluated the influence of GS and serum PSA levels on the risks of mortality from PC (PCM) and mortality from other causes in localized (LPC) and metastatic (MPC) disease in elderly population. Methods Men diagnosed with PC over 70 years of age between 2004 and 2016 were divided into LPC and MPC groups, categorized by age: 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–89, and ≥90 years and stratified by GS 7, and serum PSA level 50 ng/mL. Competing risk estimates for PCM and mortality from other causes were generated for both groups. Results Of the 85,649 men, 85.5 % were LPC at diagnosis. Overall, at a median follow up of 4 years, 15% of the men had died including a third from PC. While 30% in men with GS >7 in LPC group, which accounted for almost half of total deaths for age 70–84 years. The GS >7 was also significantly associated with PCM in men with MPC. Furthermore, PCM directly correlated with serum PSA levels, with mortality rates reaching up to 50% and 70% for PSA >50 ng/dl for LPC and MPC, respectively. Conclusions There is a substantial risk of dying in men diagnosed with LPC over 70 years of age with GS >7 or a serum PSA >20 ng/mL. Furthermore, the risk for death for MPC directly correlated with GS with PCM increasing from 10%–30% for GS ≤7 to >50% for GS >7. The data, in conjunction with other clinical parameters such as comorbidities could be used to counsel elderly men on management options of PC for both localized and metastatic PC.
Integrated MIMO fault detection and disturbance observer-based control

Abstract This paper presents a new method of disturbance observer-based control (DOBC) for multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) highly-coupled unstable systems. In contrast to the current input–output approach for stable single-input-single-output (SISO) systems, the Youla parameterization of stabilizing controllers by full order state observer (FOSO) feedback control is shown more appropriate for general MIMO systems, while retaining the intuitive aspects of DOBC design. We propose a general MIMO DOBC expanded from this single FOSO stabilizing control, where a parallel number of FOSOs for fault detection, state estimation, and disturbance observer are integrated to achieve the relevant operational requirements and performance. Within this integrated control system, we propose a MIMO disturbance observer design method by a game-theoretic detection filter (GTDF) design. The DOBC design features GTDF disturbance decoupling followed by H-infinity model matching to establish the desired bandwidth for each channel of the decoupled disturbance observer. The proposed DOBC is applied to an open-loop unstable MIMO Active Magnetic Bearing Spindle (AMBS). Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the design method and control performance.
Sternal fixation for isolated traumatic sternal fractures improves pain and upper extremity range of motion

Sternal fractures are debilitating due to intractable pain, constant fracture movement and limited range of motion (ROM) of the upper extremities (UE). Traditional treatment comprises mainly of pain control, delaying return to daily activities. Recently, sternal fixation has gained popularity. There is, however, a lack of literature demonstrating efficacy. We report our experience of traumatically fractured sternal fixation. Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was completed for all patients undergoing sternal fixation by a single trauma surgeon at our Level I trauma center. Basic demographics were obtained. Primary outcomes included average cumulative pain scores, total cumulative narcotic amounts and total number of pain medication agents utilized prior to and after sternal fixation. Secondary outcome included physical therapy UE ROM before and after surgery. Paired t tests were used for comparison; significance set at p < 0.05. Thirteen patients underwent sternal fixation from 8/2016 to 2/2018. Average age was 54.4 ± 20.8 years; 54% were female. All patients experienced blunt trauma; average injury severity score was 15.8 ± 10.9 and abbreviated chest injury score was 2.5 ± 0.51. Average intensive care unit/hospital length of stay was 2.3/10.2 days. Average pain scores significantly improved by a score of 3.5 postoperatively (preoperative = 7.08 ± 2.3, postoperative = 3.54 ± 2.5; p = 0.001). Total pain medications required by sternal fixation patients significantly decreased by 1 medication postoperatively (preoperative = 4.2 medications, postoperative = 3.2 medications; p = 0.002). Average narcotic requirements significantly decreased by 7.59 morphine milligram milliequivalents (MME) after sternal fixation (preoperative amount = 71.78 MME, postoperative amount = 64.19 MME; p = 0.041). Every patient had limited UE ROM preoperatively; however, all but one patient resumed full UE ROM postoperatively (p < 0.001). There were no postoperative complications. Sternal fixation is a safe and effective procedure resulting in improved pain, decreased narcotic requirements, and faster recovery.
Reduced gray-white matter contrast localizes the motor cortex on double inversion recovery (DIR) 3T MRI.

Reduced gray-white matter contrast along the central sulcus has been described on T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to assess the gray-white matter contrast of the motor cortex on double inversion recovery (DIR), a sequence with superior gray-white matter differentiation. The gray-white matter signal on DIR was retrospectively compared to T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo (T1-MPRAGE) using normal (n = 25) and abnormal (n = 25) functional MRI (fMRI) exams. Quantitative gray-white matter contrast ratios (CR) of the precentral and adjacent gyri were obtained on normal exams. Two neuroradiologists qualitatively rated reduced gray-white matter contrast of the hemispheres of both normal and abnormal exams. Hand motor functional mapping was used as a reference. In normal hemispheres (n = 50), the mean CR was significantly lower on DIR (0.44) vs T1-MPRAGE (0.63, p < 0.001). Reduced gray-white matter contrast was categorized as “definitely present” more frequently on DIR than T1-MPRAGE by reviewers in both normal (n = 50; reviewer 1 DIR 88% and MPRAGE 68%, p = 0.02; reviewer 2 DIR 86% and T1-MPRAGE 64%; p=0.01) and abnormal hemispheres (n = 50; reviewer 1 DIR 80% and T1-MPRAGE 38%, p < 0.001; reviewer 2 DIR 74% and T1-MPRAGE 46%, p = 0.005). Reduced gray-white matter contrast of the motor cortex is more pronounced on DIR compared to T1-MPRAGE on quantitative and qualitative assessments of normal MRI exams. In abnormal cases, reviewers more definitively identified the motor cortex on DIR. In cases with distorted brain anatomy, DIR may be a useful adjunct sequence to localize the motor cortex.
A class of spatially correlated self-exciting statistical models

Abstract The statistical modeling of multivariate count data observed on a space–time lattice has generally focused on using a hierarchical modeling approach where space–time correlation structure is placed on a continuous, latent, process. The count distribution is then assumed to be conditionally independent given the latent process. However, in many real-world applications, especially in the modeling of criminal or terrorism data, the conditional independence between the count distributions is inappropriate. In this manuscript we propose a class of models that capture spatial variation and also account for the possibility of data model dependence. The resulting model allows both data model dependence, or self-excitation, as well as spatial dependence in a latent structure. We demonstrate how second-order properties can be used to characterize the spatio-temporal process and how misspecification of error may inflate self-excitation in a model. Finally, we give an algorithm for efficient Bayesian inference for the model demonstrating its use in capturing the spatio-temporal structure of burglaries in Chicago from 2010–2015.
Management of Urethral Strictures in Men

Urethral strictures in men often cause bothersome obstructive urinary symptoms and occasionally bladder dysfunction and even renal failure. Management of this disease differs depending on the location and length of the stricture, as well as the patient's overall health and goals. Most patients choose definitive reconstructive surgery since this offers the highest success rate compared to other treatments for urethral strictures.
Buy Brown’s book!: A fully impartial commentary on Postmodern Marketing

Provides a fully impartial commentary on Stephen Brown’s Postmodern Marketing. Implores readers to ignore all rumours to the contrary. Notes that it is very difficult to summarize this commentary in 100 words or less and refuses to even try. Nonetheless, the author says he worked quite hard on this paper and that you really must read it, lest you will be overwhelmed with guilt and subject to a dreadful curse. Also pledges to get even with the author’s anonymous reviewers. Finally, reports that the author has been under a great deal of stress lately but that his therapy has been going well.
Binding of D-phenylalanine and D-tyrosine to carboxypeptidase A.

Abstract The structures of the complexes of carboxypeptidase A with the amino acids D-phenylalanine and D-tyrosine are reported as determined by x-ray crystallographic methods to a resolution of 2.0 A. In each individual study one molecule of amino acids binds to the enzyme in the COOH-terminal hydrophobic pocket: the carboxylate of the bound ligand salt links with Arg-145, and the alpha-amino group salt links with Glu-270. The carboxylate of Glu-270 must break its hydrogen bond with the native zinc-bound water molecule in order to exploit the latter interaction. This result is in accord with spectroscopic studies which indicate that the binding of D or L amino acids (or analogues thereof) allows for more facile displacement of the metal-bound water by anions (Bicknell, R., Schaffer, A., Bertini, I., Luchinat, C., Vallee, B. L., and Auld, D. S. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 1050-1057). Additionally, we observe a significant movement of the zinc-bound water molecule (approximately 1 A) upon the binding of D-ligands. We propose that this unanticipated movement also contributes to anion sensitivity. The structural results of the current x-ray study correct predictions made in an early model building study regarding the binding of D-phenylalanine (Lipscomb, W. N., Hartsuck, J. A., Reeke, G. N., Jr., Quiocho, F. A., Bethge, P. H., Ludwig, M. L., Steitz, T. A., Muirhead, H., and Coppola, J. C. (1968) Brookhaven Symp. Biol. 21, 24-90).
Models and Design Judgment: Conflicting Perspectives on Redesigning a Doctoral Readings Course

The purpose of this project was to document the redesign of an existing doctoral reading course for an online environment. Potential methods for actualizing the proposed course structure in an online environment, including technology tools and interactions are discussed. The design process began within the framework of the Four-Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model (van Merrienboer, 1997; van Merrienboer & Kirchner, 2007), which advocates a shift from topic-centeredness to a task-centered course organization, but quickly evolved into a flexible, iterative design process that was informed by prototyping, the judgment of the design team, and various theories of knowledge and knowing. The 4C/ID model represented our philosophical starting point, but our focus quickly shifted to a more flexible, eclectic process as we attempted to reconcile conflicting constraints on the final design. Along with the redevelopment of course objectives to meet strategic goals within the doctoral program came a focus on facilitating research thinking of the students rather than teaching isolated research tasks. The design process resulted in changes to the current residential course, which then provided an opportunity for further investigation.
IMPORTANCE OF THE FISTULA TRACT ANGLE IN FISTULA TRACT DISRUPTION IN PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY

Background: The fistula tract angle formed by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was examined. Also, the previous literature on fistula tract disruption is reviewed and the possible influence of the fistula tract angle on fistula tract disruption by non-endoscopic catheter change is discussed. Methods: A total of 15 patients aged 24–80 years were examined.The fistula tract angle was measured as the angle of elevation between the tangent line at the orifice of the PEG stoma and the longitudinal axis of the catheter. Results: Values of the angle ranged from 56 to 90° (mean 77.6°), with four cases (27%) having angles below 70°.With one case of pan-peritonitis after catheter insertion at 90°, laparotomy revealed that the angle of the fistula tract was low at 62° and that the catheter had broken through the tract just below the abdominal wall. Conclusion: This study suggests that the fistula tract angle might be a potential risk factor for fistula tract disruption by non-endoscopic catheter change.
A Manufactured Diversification Discount

The commonly constructed measure of the value to corporate diversification manufactures a discount by focusing solely on error-prone and irrelevant industry matching to the exclusion of sales and age. In a “falsification” test that replaces diversified firms with focused firms that are similar in sales, focused firms trade at a discount that is indistinguishable from the “true” discount for diversified firms. Extrapolation of the equally weighted mean discount created using the chop-shop approach is also incorrect; properly value-weighted, the measure shows aggregate gains to the economy of $720 billion annually. Using a novel non-parametric method to closely match firms, we find no discount to diversification and a new measure of excess value based upon these locally close matches shows no association with corporate form. We conclude the discount to diversification generated by the traditional measure of excess value is an artifact of the methods used to create it.
Design Research, an Oxymoron?

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms. The word oxymoron is of Greek origin. It combines the word oxy (=sharp) and moron (=dull). Thus, oxymoron not only names a contradiction in terms, it is an oxymoron as well. Oxymoronsmay be used for achieving rhetorical effects, as in working vacation and uninvited guest. They may also result from conceptual sloppiness, as in extremely average, original copy, or same difference. Oxymorons may remain unnoticed when the meanings of the contradictory parts are not distinguished, as in spendthrift, virtual reality, and Artificial Intelligence. Typically, contradictions of this kind are resolvedby taking one term as the inferior attribute of a superior concept. For example, unbiased opinion is a kind of opinion, accurate estimate is a kind of estimate, and the reply “no comment” is not taken as a comment.
Paradoxes of Tight Groups

The first compact group of galaxies to be discovered, Stephan’s Quintet, was identified more than a century ago (Stephan 1877). The second was probably Seyfert’s Sextet, found in the 1940’s (Seyfert 1948). (Nowadays this system is usually considered to consist of five galaxies with a massive tidal tail responsible for the sixth image.) These groups were remarkable for the close apparent proximity of the galaxies and for the fact that several of the images appear highly distorted. When they were observed spectroscopically it was a considerable surprise to find that each contained a galaxy with a redshift very different from that of the remaining members. An additional similar case, the compact galaxy chain VV 172, was found a few years later (Burbidge and Sargent 1971). As can be seen from the discussion of Burbidge and Sargent, it was appreciated immediately that the critical question is whether such discordant redshifts can be discarded as resulting from the superposition of unrelated systems. The very high surface density of the groups would seem to argue against this easy way out. However, the alternative implies radically new physics either in the form of explosive ejection of whole galaxies, or in the form of noncosmological redshifts.
A fuzzy fault diagnosis scheme with application

In this paper, a new fuzzy logic diagnosis strategy is developed where the emphasis is placed upon knowledge expression and approximate reasoning. First, the fuzzy relations, between faults and symptoms, are considered as: one fault may cause several symptoms, in turn, one symptom may represent several possible faults. Second, to solve the problem that once some symptoms have been detected it is generally very difficult to attribute them to a certain fault, we employ the fuzzy relation matrix to represent these complex fault-symptom relations which are foundations of reasoning, in which the probabilities of faults are expressed as fuzzy numbers, and complex fault-symptom relations are represented with a fuzzy relation matrix whose elements are obtained by fault tree and Bayes rule. Third, upon these relations the fuzzy recognition reasoning is accomplished, which can list all faults whose possibilities of causing the occurring symptoms are greater than a certain threshold. Finally, to make the diagnostic conclusion more accurate, the fuzzy relation matrix will be appropriately revised further, based on the obtained information. The computer simulation results show that location of the malfunction is deduced by full use of the relations between faults and symptoms.
Leukemia inhibitory factor blocks expression of Crx and Nrl transcription factors to inhibit photoreceptor differentiation.

Purpose Activating ligands of gp130, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), can block differentiation and function of retinal neurons. This study focused on determining whether LIF inhibits differentiation of photoreceptors by altering cell fate or by blocking the expression of essential transcription factors in vivo. Methods Transgenic mice were generated that had lens-specific expression of the secreted human LIF protein. Retinal differentiation was assessed by histology and by gene expression analysis, with in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and real-time qRT-PCR. Electroretinograms were used to assess retinal function. Results LIF did not prevent or alter the timing of outer and inner nuclear layer separation, but it inhibited phototransduction gene expression in both rods and cones, thereby blocking functional maturation of photoreceptors. LIF also reduced the expression of Crx, Nrl, and Nr2e3, and upregulated the expression of transcription inhibitors Baf and Fiz1. Conclusions LIF expression did not appear to alter photoreceptor cell fate specification, but it inhibited subsequent differentiation. These results suggest that gp130 ligands can inhibit photoreceptor functional differentiation by reducing Crx- and Nrl-dependent transcription.
IGF-1 Induces SREBP-1 Expression and Lipogenesis in SEB-1 Sebocytes via Activation of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway

Understanding the factors that regulate sebum production is important in identifying therapeutic targets for acne therapy. Insulin and IGF-1 stimulate sebaceous gland lipogenesis. IGF-1 increases expression of sterol response element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), a transcription factor that regulates numerous genes involved in lipid biosynthesis. SREBP-1 expression, in turn, stimulates lipogenesis in sebocytes. The goal of this study was to identify the intracellular signaling pathway(s) that transduces the lipogenic signal initiated by IGF-1. Sebocytes were treated with IGF-1 and assayed for activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) pathway and of the three major arms of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun-N terminal kinase). IGF-1 activated the MAPK/ERK and PI-3K pathways. Using specific inhibitors of each pathway, we found that the increase in expression of SREBP-1 induced by IGF-1 was blocked in the presence of the PI3-K inhibitor but not in the presence of the MAPK/ERK inhibitor. Furthermore, inhibition of the PI3-K pathway also blocked the IGF-1-induced transcription of SREBP target genes and sebocyte lipogenesis. These data indicate that IGF-1 transmits its lipogenic signal in sebocytes through activation of Akt. Specific targeted interruption of this pathway in the sebaceous gland could be a desirable approach to reducing sebum production and improving acne.
Managerial attitudes towards strategic decisions: maximizing versus satisficing outcomes

Presents and compares two contrasting managerial attitudes towards strategic decisions. The first attitude is called maximizing behaviour, and it is founded on a set of assumptions that are unattainable in real‐world decision making. The use of this attitude invariably results in a failed strategic decision. The second managerial attitude is called satisficing behaviour, and its use is demonstrably conducive to strategic decision success. Applications of real‐world successful and failed strategic decisions tend to confirm the case for satisficing behaviour in quest of successful strategic outcomes.
Penetration of tritium into the Atlantic thermocline

Abstract Theoretical considerations suggest that, for optimal resolution in determination of exchange coefficients and advection rates in the ocean thermoclines, a radioactive tracer should have a mean life of about one-tenth of the characteristic system relaxation time. Tritium, with a mean life of 18 years, comes close to this ideal when the vertical transport in the thermocline in the interior basins is considered. Tritium from nuclear tests is found in the Sargasso Sea, distributed in a way which indicates simultaneous action of different mixing modes. Local vertical exchange below the core of the Eighteen Degree Water may be represented by a diffusion process with an exchange coefficient K v of 0·20 ± 0·03 cm 2 /sec. This process does not provide measurable tritium concentrations below the 10°C isotherm. Irregular occurrence of tritium at lower temperatures suggests a lateral penetration effect which could be labeled either as horizontal advection or lateral exchange. If the gross penetration of tritium were ascribed to a vertical diffusion process, one would deduce an exchange coefficient of K v = 0·75 cm 2 /sec. This value is close to those used in recent diffusive thermocline models. Our data suggest that the advective models of the thermocline, with quasi-horizontal exchange and circulation almost everywhere, have to be preferred over those built on laterally uniform vertical diffusion coefficients.
Etched or Sketched? Inscriptions and Erasures in the Messages to Sardis and Philadelphia (Rev. 3.1-13):

This article argues that the image of the ‘pillar in the temple’ in Rev. 3.12 functions as part of the rhetorical contrast (synkrisis) of Sardis and Philadelphia in Rev. 3.1-13. First, I introduce previously unexamined data to show that Rev. 3.12 functions as a general reference to inscribed columns, rather than as a specific literary or archaeological reference. Second, I argue that the description of the community at Philadelphia as an ‘inscribed pillar‘ contrasts rhetorically to that of Sardis, whose name could be blotted out from the book of life (Rev. 3.5). Finally, deconstruction of these paired tropes undermines the appearance of stability in the messages and reveals the ideological struggles within these early Christian communities inscribed in the Apocalypse.
On the existence of expected multi-utility representations

We prove the following facts related to the expected multi-utility representation of an affine preorder: If the prize space is not compact and if the lottery set consists of all probabilities on the prize space, standard independence and continuity axioms do not guarantee the existence of a (continuous) representation. If the prize space is σ-compact and lotteries have compact support, a representation exists. When the preorder in question is bounded, this result extends to the set of lotteries that consists of all probabilities on the prize space. For the case of monetary lotteries, the boundedness assumption in this last result can be dropped, provided that the preference relation at hand is monotone and risk-averse.
Hedgehog Signaling: Progenitor Phenotype in Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Recently, we have shown that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is dependent on activation of Hedgehog signaling, an embryonic pathway implicated in development, morphogenesis and the regulation of stem cell fates. These findings form the framework for an emerging view of cancer as a process of aberrant organogenesis in which progenitor/ stem cells escape dependence on niche signaling through mutation in genes such as Ptch, or through persistent activation of progenitor cell pathways. Interestingly, the normally quiescent airway epithelial compartment uses the Hh pathway to repopulate itself when challenged by injury. How Hh signaling works to promote the malignant phenotype promises to be as important biologically as the promise of Hh pathway inhibitors are clinically.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with α‐interferon

We reanalyzed the results of a pilot study of recombinant α-interferon therapy for chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis in light of the recent discovery of the hepatitis C virus and the development of diagnostic assays for this agent. Stored serum samples from 10 patients treated between 1984 and 1986 were tested for antibody to hepatitis C virus and hepatitis C virus RNA before, during and after therapy. In addition, the current clinical, serum biochemical and virological statuses of these patients were evaluated to determine the long-term effects of interferon therapy. All patients had evidence of hepatitis C virus infection, with hepatitis C viral RNA, antibody to hepatitis C virus or both markers detectable in serum. Serum hepatitis C virus RNA was found to disappear in seven of eight patients whose aminotransferase levels became normal with interferon therapy but remained present in two patients who did not respond to therapy. Levels of hepatitis C virus RNA decreased and disappeared when serum aminotransferases fell to normal levels but rose with subsequent elevation of aminotransfrase levels in two patients who had relapses in disease when interferon was stopped. During a follow-up of 3 to 6 yr, hepatitis C virus RNA remained undetectable in the six patients whose serum aminotransferase levels remained normal after interferon therapy. However, neither initial titers of hepatitis C virus RNA nor disappearance of viral RNA from serum during treatment predicted a sustained response. Thus long-term beneficial responses to α-interferon can occur in patients with chronic hepatitis C and are associated with sustained loss of hepatitis C virus RNA from serum. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;15:1013–1016).
Extending mutation testing to find environmental bugs

Environmental bugs are bugs caused by limitations of precision or capacity in the environment of a piece of software. These bugs may be difficult to activate and even more difficult to find. This paper reports on an extension to traditional mutation testing that enables testing specifically for environmental bugs involving integer arithmetic. This method is both simple and effective, and provides some insight into other possible extensions of the mutation-testing methodology that can be used to expose environmental bugs.
Many polarized radiative transfer models

Abstract This note is an introduction to the reprint of the 1991 JQSRT article “A new polarized atmospheric radiative transfer model” by K.F. Evans and G.L. Stephens. We discuss the significance of the article, how our two plane-parallel polarized radiative transfer codes came about, how our codes have been used, and more recent developments in polarized radiative transfer modeling.
Bailey Pairs With Free Parameters, Mock Theta Functions and Tubular Partitions

This study began in an effort to find a simpler derivation of the Bailey pairs associated with the seventh order mock theta functions. It is shown that the introduction of a new parameter independent of both a and q leads to a much simpler treatment. It is noted that a previous treatment of the central fifth order mock theta function inadvertently uses this approach. The paper concludes by applying this method to find new surprising identities and new arithmetic objects, tubular partitions.
Combining Ecosystem and Landscape Approaches to Great Lakes Wetlands

Abstract Great Lakes wetlands can be studied systematically and for their importance in the landscape at different scales. A systems-oriented study of the wetlands of southwestern Lake Erie along Ohio's shoreline has been organized at two levels of hierarchy. At the ecosystem level, a specific wetland model was developed from data collected on hydrology, nutrient budgets, and aquatic metabolism. The model, calibrated from the field data, was used to predict phosphorus retention rates and to compare them with results from empirical models and field studies. At the landscape scale, synoptic surveys of diked (hydrologically isolated with impoundments) and undiked (natural hydrology) wetlands for hydroperiods, water quality, sediment chemistry, and vegetation biomass and species illustrated several differences between these two types of wetlands. Combining data collected from these surveys with data collected from remote platforms will lead to the development of spatial dynamic models for the shoreline to deal with landscape-level questions on the management of these shoreline wetlands.
Procedure for sterilizing and storingpolyethylene catheters

Summary A simple method for sterilizing andstoring polyethylene catheters has been presented.
Flow visualization and measurement on the roof of the Texas Tech building

Flow visualization and flow measurement on the roof of the Texas Tech Building are performed in this study. It mainly explores visualization techniques applied to full scale and discusses the results of flow measurements within the separation bubble. The shape of the separation bubble along one axis of the building has been characterized by an intermittency factor. Preliminary observations of the dynamics of the separation bubble are made based upon visualization records.
Intrinsically switchable, high-Q ferroelectricon-silicon composite film bulk acoustic resonators

This paper presents a voltage-controlled, high-quality factor (Q) composite thin-film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) at 1.28 GHz. The composite FBAR consists of a thin layer of barium strontium titanate (BST) that is sandwiched between two electrodes deposited on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. The BST layer, which has a strong electrostrictive effect, is used for electromechanical transduction by means of its voltage-induced piezoelectricity. The silicon layer, with its low mechanical loss, increases the Q of the resonator. The composite FBAR presented here exhibits Qs exceeding 800 with a resonance frequency and Q product (f × Q) of 1026 GHz.
Onset of mandible and tibia osteoradionecrosis: a comparative pilot study in the rat

Objectives Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is common in the jaws after radiotherapy. We hypothesized that the mandible is more susceptible to ORN than the tibia, based on site disparity in hypoxic, hypocellular, and hypovascular tissue breakdown. Study Design Twelve rats received 50 Gy irradiation to mandible or tibia; 4 of the rats further received minor surgical trauma to the irradiated sites. Structural and cellular skeletal changes were assessed with computerized tomography, histology, and immunostaining. Results Mandible developed ORN with 70% mean bone loss 10 weeks after irradiation ( P P P Conclusions ORN has a more rapid onset in mandible than in tibia in the rat.
Electrophoretic variation of seed proteins among U.S. populations of Tripsacum dactyloides Var. dactyloides

Abstract Accessions from across the range of Tripsacum dectyloides in the US. were assayed electrophoretically for interpopulation variation in seed proteins. Clustering of isoelectric focusing patterns for Tris-HCl and water-soluble proteins revealed high levels of homogeneity. Preliminary resultswith alcohol-soluble proteins, in contrast, showed this fraction to be intrinsically much more variable. Divergent functional roles of the protein fractions themselves could account for this observed difference in variation and are discussed in the paper.
Friction and surface chemistry of implantation- modified metal-carbide composites☆

Abstract Dry sliding friction measurements were performed on model carbide- metal composite samples containing 24–42 vol.% carbide. Wear debris, located preferentially on the carbides, were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis and Auger scanning microscopy. The friction and wear of the composite samples were found to be influenced by the compatibility (degree of mutual solubility) of the carbides with the steel counterface, as well as by local inhomogeneities in the carbide distribution. Friction tests were also made on the samples following high fluence titanium implantation. Implantation resulted in increased friction and wear, possibly owing to an implantation-induced softening or degradation of the carbides.
Practice patterns of academic general thoracic and adult cardiac surgeons.

Objective We hypothesized that academic adult cardiac surgeons (CSs) and general thoracic surgeons (GTSs) would have distinct practice patterns of, not just case-mix, but also time devoted to outpatient care, involvement in critical care, and work relative value unit (wRVU) generation for the procedures they perform. Methods We queried the University Health System Consortium-Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Practice Solution Center database for fiscal years 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 for the frequency of inpatient and outpatient current procedural terminology coding and wRVU data of academic GTSs and CSs. The Faculty Practice Solution Center database is a compilation of productivity and payer data from 86 academic institutions. Results The greatest wRVU generating current procedural terminology codes for CSs were, in order, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve replacement. In contrast, open lobectomy, video-assisted thoracic surgery wedge, and video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy were greatest for GTSs. The 10 greatest wRVU-generating procedures for CSs generated more wRVUs than those for GTSs ( P P Conclusions Academic CSs and GTSs have distinct practice patterns. CSs receive greater reimbursement for services because of the greater wRVUs of the procedures performed compared with GTSs, and evaluation and management coding is a more important wRVU generator for GTSs. The results of our study could guide academic CS and GTS practice structure and time prioritization.
Optimization of exposure conditions for medical ultrasound

Optimum exposure conditions are values of acoustic exposure parameters (e.g., intensity, pressure amplitude, time) which yield maximum net medical benefit in a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure. It is generally agreed that if the exposure values are too low, the procedures are ineffective, while if they are too high, harm will result. However, little quantitative information exists on what specific values the parameters should have to give greatest net benefit in various applications. The determination of optimum exposure conditions is an important goal, but the process is likely to be a long one, requiring efforts by many individuals and groups. In this review several approaches to the problem are discussed, and difficulties are pointed out.
Monte Carlo method for quantum spins using boson world lines.

A new Monte Carlo method for quantum spins is described. The spin Hamiltonian is mapped onto a model of bosons, which may then be studied by a path-integral formalism. The power of this mapping comes from the fact that, by letting the system evolve through unphysical spin states between time slices, we obtain simple expressions for the needed matrix elements. The method is illustrated by measuring the energy and correlation functions for a spin-\textonehalf{} ring as well as the specific heat for the two-dimensional $\mathrm{XY}$ model.
Experimental measurement of the temperature dependence of the polaron self-energy in AgBr☆

Abstract The low temperature indirect absorption edge of AgBr has structure whose energy differs from that of the absorption threshold by nearly the self energy of the electron polaron. The observed temperature dependence of this energy difference coincides with what is expected for the temperature dependence of the self energy of the electron. In order to understand this observation we speculate that higher order transitions are important. One of these transitions has as an intermediate virtual state an exciton at rest whose electron is undressed and whose hole is clothed by the lattice polarization. The observed structure arises when the kinetic energy of the final exciton state differs from the energy of the forementioned virtual state by the energy of a phonon whose momentum is equal to the momentum of the exciton.
Next-Generation Sequencing for Mutation Detection in Heritable Skin Diseases: The Paradigm of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum

Next-generation sequencing applied either to the entire genome or to a subset, such as a whole exome, has revolutionized the search for pathogenic mutations in heritable diseases, including genodermatoses. In this issue, Hosen et al. applied whole-exome sequencing to identify potential pathogenic mutations in four candidate genes associated with pseudoxanthoma elasticum, the prototype of ectopic mineralization disorders. The study highlights the advantages of this approach over traditional Sanger sequencing, including expedience and cost, but it also illustrates some of the challenges encountered in implementing this rapidly evolving technology.
A Mouse Model with Liver-Specific Deletion and Global Suppression of the NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase Gene: Characterization and Utility for in Vivo Studies of Cyclophosphamide Disposition

A mouse model combining liver-specific deletion with global suppression of the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase gene (Cpr) has been developed and characterized. These mice (designated "Cpr-low and liver-Cpr-null" or CL-LCN) retain the respective phenotypes of the previously reported Cpr-low (CL) and liver-Cpr-null (LCN) mouse strains, but hepatic deletion of the Cpr gene occurs at an earlier age in the CL-LCN mouse than in the LCN mouse. Residual hepatic microsomal CPR activities are very low in both CL-LCN and LCN mice (at 1.5 and 2.5% of wild-type levels, respectively). The utility of CL-LCN mice for in vivo drug metabolism studies was explored using the cytochrome P450 (P450) prodrug cyclophosphamide (CPA). After i.p. injection of CPA at 100 mg/kg, the t1/2 and the area under the concentration-time curve for plasma CPA were significantly increased in mice deficient in liver CPR compared with wild-type controls, indicating a lower rate of metabolism, with the effects greater in CL-LCN mice than in LCN mice. Correspondingly, substantial decreases in Cmax, and increases in Tmax, and t1/2, of 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (4-OH-CPA) formation were observed in both LCN and CL-LCN mice relative to wild-type controls. In contrast, CPA and 4-OH-CPA pharmacokinetic parameters were essentially unchanged in CL mice, relative to wild-type controls. The slower elimination of CPA in CL-LCN mice compared with LCN mice suggests a role for extrahepatic P450 in the in vivo metabolism of CPA and demonstrates the utility of the CL-LCN model in determining the role of extrahepatic P450 enzymes in drug metabolism and chemical toxicity.
Variants of N-FINDR Algorithm for Endmember Extraction

In this paper, the original N-FINDR algorithm is implemented in four different versions: 1) parallel mode using the data after dimensionality reduction; 2) parallel mode using all the original bands; 3) sequential mode using the data after dimensionality reduction; 4) sequential mode using all the original bands. We will analyze the performance discrepancy among these versions. Based on experimental evaluation and comparison, instructive recommendations in implementation strategy for practical applications are provided.