cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature-Insensitive Fiber-Optic Contact Force Sensor for Steerable Catheters

A steerable catheter with a compact fiber optic sensor for temperature-insensitive contact force measurement is demonstrated. A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is used as the sensor, which is very small and can be fixed on the outer arc of a steerable catheter, such that it does not occupy any space inside the catheter. Contact force sensing performance under various curve diameters during steering is studied and the results show high repeatability. Since the curve diameter during steering is predetermined, accurate contact force measurement can be performed through calibrating the measurement with various steered catheter positions. Different from most conventional FBG contact force sensors, this approach does not require the analysis of FBG reflection spectra. Instead, contact force applied on the catheter tip is determined by the direct measurement of total FBG reflection power, enabling real time, low cost, and compact sensing. Furthermore, the proposed catheter is tested under different temperatures, and temperature-insensitive performance is also obtained.
International Laws, Charters, and Policies

Remote sensing has been identified as one of the most significant technological achievements of the twentieth century. Earth observation satellites transcend national boundaries and geophysical space, creating transparency into activities and places that were once concealed from foreign states. This raises many issues—the ideals of cooperation, societal openness, and information sharing juxtaposed with the very real fears that spatial information could be used for sparking military conflicts and other malevolent purposes.
Small-sinica of Hypoaspidinae Vitzthum and Haemogamasinae Oudemans in northwest China

Objective To study features of species and geographical distribution of Laelapidae Berlese in northwest China.Methods By the methods of mite inspection of host surface and nest. Results Hypoaspidinae Vitzthum and Haemogamasinae Oudemans in northwest China belonging to 4 genera and a total of 64 species had been recorded,of which 2 species of genus Coleolaelaps Berlese and 25 species of genus Hypoaspis Canestrini in Hypoaspidinae Vitzthum of Laelapidae Berlese 1892,of which 13 species of genus Eulaelaps Berlese and 24 species of genus Haemogamasus Berlese in Haemogamasinae Oudemans.Conclusion The study provides scientific gist to more study and preventing and controlling by grasping Hypoaspidinae Vitzthum and Haemogamasinae Oudemans in northwest China.
Peromyscus eremicus (Cactus mouse)

The X chromosome is the most outstanding element of the entire complement, but determination of the Y is somewhat equivocal, since several pairs of autosomes have similar morphology. From karyotypes of a large number of specimens, representing several subspecies, no variation (except the Y chromosome) was found. In some individuals, the Y chromosome may be smaller than the one presented here. However, because of the similarity of many chromosome pairs and the lack of distinct morphological grouping, minor variations in karyotype among subspecies may exist but are difficult to detect.
Fairness perceptions of retail price increases by foreign and domestic brands: The roles of ethnocentric beliefs, profit stickiness, and contextual information

Abstract Although consumers do not usually take kindly to price increases, their perceptions of fairness of price increases are contingent on relevant factors. This study investigates consumers' perceptions of the fairness of retail price increase by a domestic versus a foreign brand, as moderated by consumers' ethnocentricity, bias toward inferring a profit motive from a price increase (i.e., “profit stickiness”), and relevant contextual information. Over the course of two sets of experiments, the authors find that ethnocentricity does not necessarily lead to the intuitively expected favorable (unfavorable) bias toward (against) a domestic (foreign) brand's decision to raise prices, subject to profit stickiness and contextual information. These findings have implications for theory, practice, and further research.
An evaluation of survivorship care plan program.

62Background: The Commission on Cancer mandated the development and implementation of survivorship care plans (SCP) in 2015. Minimal evidence exists to suggest SCP are meaningful to survivors and primary care physicians (PCP). We sought to evaluate the usefulness of the SCP as perceived by both survivors and PCP. Methods: Phase I was 8-month pilot using a 7-page SCP detailing medical information and follow up sections addressed to the survivor and to the PCP. To evaluate patient and PCP views on the SCP, a telephone survey was created for patients and a two-page Likert scale survey for PCP was faxed. Phase I evaluations revealed 90% of survivors did not look past page 2 of the document and 16% of PCP felt it was too long and busy to read. The SCP was edited for a 3-page version and implemented in Phase II over 11-months. Results: In Phase I, 78 SCP were delivered to survivors, 58% were surveyed. Of PCP, 24% responded. In Phase II, 895 SCP were delivered, and 274 (31%) survivors surveyed. In Phase I and II...
Evaluating the development of biocatalytic technology for the targeted removal of perchlorate from drinking water.

Removing micropollutants is challenging in part because of their toxicity at low concentrations. A biocatalytic approach could harness the high affinity of enzymes for their substrates to address this challenge. The potential of biocatalysis relative to mature (nonselective ion exchange, selective ion exchange, and whole-cell biological reduction) and emerging (catalysis) perchlorate-removal technologies was evaluated through a quantitative sustainable design framework, and research objectives were prioritized to advance economic and environmental sustainability. In its current undeveloped state, the biocatalytic technology was approximately 1 order of magnitude higher in cost and environmental impact than nonselective ion exchange. Biocatalyst production was highly correlated with cost and impact. Realistic improvement scenarios targeting biocatalyst yield, biocatalyst immobilization for reuse, and elimination of an electron shuttle could reduce total costs to $0.034 m–3 and global warming potential (GWP...
Seeking Consistency in Relating Capital to Current Expenditures

Identifies relational duration as the key factor that distinguishes capital from current expenditures for tax purposes and argues that inventory cost is fundamentally identical to capitalization. Barriers to deductibility such as illegal payment prohibitions should also be barriers to capitalization or inventory absorption.
Severe Colitis in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis, Course, and Treatment

Nineteen children with "severe" colitis (14 with ulcerative colitis and 5 with Crohn's colitis) were analyzed according to newly established criteria. There were 8 boys and 11 girls (mean age 12.3 ± 3.8 years), and duration of acute illness ranged from 2 to 56 days at the time of presentation. Six episodes responded to medical management within 12 days; one episode responded at 3 weeks, one at 4 weeks, and one had not responded when the patient was lost to follow-up. Extending the period of medical treatment beyond 12 days substantially increased morbidity and complications of therapy. No combination of criteria accurately predicted those patients who would respond to medical therapy alone. Ten episodes unresponsive to medical treatment required surgery for control of disease. Of the group who had responded to medical therapy, 5 of the 9 patients required proctocolectomy for intractable disease in the 2-year period after the severe attack, 3 others are doing poorly on a medical regimen (1.5-2.5 years later), and only 1 is in remission (5 years after the severe attack). The data demonstrate that 32% of children with severe colitis had a rapid response to medical management, but the remission achieved was short-lived. The majority of pediatric patients with severe colitis require surgery within 2 years of the onset of the attack.
1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 mitigates cancer cell mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal muscle cells

Cancer cachexia is associated with muscle weakness and atrophy. We investigated whether 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), which has previously been shown to increase skeletal myoblast oxygen consumption rate, could reverse the deleterious effects of tumor cell conditioned medium on myoblast function. Conditioned medium from Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells inhibits oxygen consumption, increases mitochondrial fragmentation, inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, and enhances proteasomal activity in human skeletal muscle myoblasts. 1α,25(OH)2D3 reverses the tumor cell-mediated changes in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and proteasomal activity, without changing pyruvate dehydrogenase activity. 1α,25(OH)2D3 might be useful in treatment of weakness seen in association with CC.
Ehretia Microphylla (Tsaang Gubat) versus Loratadine as Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine if Ehretia microphylla (Tsaang Gubat) decoction tea and placebo can improve the symptoms of mild intermittent allergic rhinitis in comparison to loratadine and control tea. Methods: Study Design: Double blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Subjects: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with mild intermittent allergic rhinitis from October 2015 to July 2016 were randomly divided into a treatment group given Ehretia microphylla (Tsaang Gubat) decoction tea and placebo, and a control group given control tea and loratadine, both taken for 7 days. Patients underwent pre– and post–intervention evaluation by anterior rhinoscopy, Sino-nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT 22) Questionnaire and 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were encoded and subjected to statistical analysis using Mann Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Results: Age and gender of the treatment and control group participants were comparable. Prior to intervention, no differences in symptoms were noted between both groups on SNOT 22 and VAS scores. After intervention, no differences in symptoms were noted between the 2 groups on SNOT 22 and VAS scores either. Comparison of pre- (30.4 ± 17.3) and post- (7.2 ± 6.5) intervention mean SNOT 22 scores of the loratadine control group with pre- (32.5 ± 23.7) and post- (7.8 ± 10.4) intervention mean SNOT 22 scores of the Ehretia Microphylla treatment group showed significant improvement of symptoms in both groups. Likewise, comparison of pre- and post-intervention mean VAS scores of the loratadine control group and pre- and post-intervention mean VAS scores of the Ehretia Microphylla treatment group based on symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and pruritus showed significant improvement of symptoms in both groups (p-values of < .001). Conclusion: Ehretia microphylla (Tsaang Gubat) decoction tea may improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, rhinorrhea, pruritus, and nasal congestion) and be taken as an alternative to loratadine in patients with mild intermittent allergic rhinitis. Further clinical trials with more participants may provide stronger evidence for this conclusion. Keywords: Allergic rhinitis, tsaang gubat, ehretia microphylla, loratadine
Design of a vascularized synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) macroencapsulation device for islet transplantation

The use of immunoisolating macrodevices in islet transplantation confers the benefit of safety and translatability by containing transplanted cells within a single retrievable device. To date, there has been limited development and characterization of synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel macrodevices for islet encapsulation and transplantation. Herein, we describe a two-component synthetic PEG hydrogel macrodevice system, designed for islet delivery to an extrahepatic islet transplant site, consisting of a hydrogel core cross-linked with a non-degradable PEG dithiol and a vasculogenic outer layer cross-linked with a proteolytically sensitive peptide to promote degradation and enhance localized vascularization. Synthetic PEG macrodevices exhibited equivalent passive molecular transport to traditional microencapsulation materials (e.g., alginate) and long-term stability in the presence of proteases in vitro and in vivo, out to 14 weeks in rats. Encapsulated islets demonstrated high viability within the device in vitro and the incorporation of RGD adhesive peptides within the islet encapsulating PEG hydrogel improved insulin responsiveness to a glucose challenge. In vivo, the implementation of a vasculogenic, degradable hydrogel layer at the outer interface of the macrodevice enhanced vascular density within the rat omentum transplant site, resulting in improved encapsulated islet viability in a syngeneic diabetic rat model. These results highlight the benefits of the facile PEG platform to provide controlled presentation of islet-supportive ligands, as well as degradable interfaces for the promotion of engraftment and overall graft efficacy.
Note: Law & Politics: The Case Against Judicial Review of Direct Democracy

This Note argues against strong judicial review of direct democracy. Judicial review has been the dominant answer in legal scholarship for the perceived danger of majoritarian tyranny in any democratic system. But progressives throughout American history, as well as a growing number of respected law professors, have questioned the assumption that courts or even legislatures are better protectors of discrete and insular minorities than the rights respecting populace. Although the vast majority of legal scholarship still displays a crippling cynicism about popular competence, this view cannot continue to block progressives from participating in initiative campaigns. Exclusive resort to elitist procedural mechanisms begs the question of populism and drives a wedge between law and the people it seeks to protect. The only way forward for progressive agendas is to engage directly with direct democracy, fighting inevitable bad results at their source rather than merely trying to circumvent the results with appeals to undemocratic courts.
Inhibition of R-(−)-Apomorphine-induced Stereotypic Cage-climbing Behavior in Mice by S-(+)-Apomorphine

Apomorphine exists in both R-(−)- and S-(+)-enantiomeric forms. Only R-(−)-apomorphine (R-(−)-APO) has previously been shown to have agonistic dopaminergic activity. In this study, the ability of S-(+)-apomorphine (S-(+)-APO) to antagonize R-(−)-APO-induced stereotypic cage-climbing behavior in mice was investigated. Initial studies using a racemic mixture showed a depression of the cage-climbing behavior relative to that expected if S-(+)-APO were merely inactive. In subsequent experiments, S-(+)-APO was administered alone or one minute prior to the injection of R-(−)-APO and dose- and time-response analyses were carried out. These studies demonstrated that S-(+)-APO possessed no agonistic activity at 30 and 50 mg/kg compared to R-(−)-APO which showed an ED 50 of 4.3 mg/kg in the cage-climb model. S-(+)-APO did however, act as an antagonist of R-(−)-APO-induced stereotypic activity. Pretreatment of mice with S-(+)-APO (30 mg/kg) caused an orderly shift to the right in the dose response curve for R-(−)-APO (5 to 20 mg/kg). Furthermore, a dose-related inhibition of cage-climbing was observed when S-(+)-APO (2.5 to 60 mg/kg) pretreated mice were administered subsequently R-(−)-APO (5 mg/kg). From these experiments, an antagonist ED 50 of 7.7 mg/kg was calculated for S-(+)-APO. The S-(+)-isomer of apomorphine, thought heretofore to be pharmacologically inactive, possesses significant dopamine antagonistic activity.
Sirtuin 1 Deacetylase: A Key Regulator of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism

Obesity is a serious medical problem worldwide and disruption of metabolic/energy homeostasis plays a pivotal role in this global epidemic. In obese people, fatty liver (steatosis) develops, which increases the risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even, liver cancer. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a NAD+-dependent deacetylase that functions as a key metabolic/energy sensor and mediates homeostatic responses to nutrient availability. Accumulating evidence indicates that SIRT1 is a master regulator of the transcriptional networks that control hepatic lipid metabolism. During energy-deprived conditions, SIRT1 deacetylates and alters the expression and activities of key transcriptional regulators involved in hepatic lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and cholesterol/bile acid metabolism. This review will discuss the latest advances in this field, focusing on beneficial roles of SIRT1 in hepatic lipid metabolism including its potential as a therapeutic target for treatment of steatosis and other obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Differentiation of muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes in human cortex and pons: implications for anti-motion sickness therapy.

Radioligand binding studies were used to analyze muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes in human cortex and pons. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors were labeled by H-3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (H-3-QNB). Scopolamine was equipotent in both brain regions and did not discriminate subtypes of H-3-QNB binding. By contrast, the M1 selective antagonist pirenzepine was approximately 33-fold more potent in human cortex than pons. Carbachol, a putative M2 selective agonist, was more than 100-fold more potent in human pons than cortex. These results demonstrate that the human pons contains a relatively large proportion of carbachol-sensitive muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Drugs targeted to this subpopulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors may prove to be effective anti-motion sickness agents with less side effects than scopolamine.
Ernest R. Breech: Award-Winning CPA and Corporate Financial Troubleshooter

Accountants have risen to leadership positions in many large companies, but few have been successful in as many major corporations, and to such an extent, as was Ernest Robert Breech. His 1978 obituary stated that Breech had created “one of the greatest accounting careers in history” [Obituary, 1978]. Breech won the gold medal for achieving the highest score on the 1921 CPA Examination in Illinois. Following a short career as a bookkeeper with Fairbanks, Morse and Company, a manufacturer of scales, and other Chicago-area companies, he went to work for Yellow Cab Manufacturing Company. Yellow Cab became a part of General Motors Corporation (GM) where Breech apprenticed under the tutelage of F. Donaldson Brown, the inventor of the renowned Du Pont Formula and other financial breakthroughs. Breech became president of what was then a GM subsidiary, North American Aviation Corporation. He then moved to the presidency of Bendix Aviation. In 1946, Breech moved to Ford Motor Company, where he became chairman of the board, and where he remained until 1960. In 1961, he became chairman of the Board of Trans World Airlines (TWA). Thus, Breech enjoyed a career in the limelight — a career that led to him becoming known as the financial problem solver and troubleshooter for companies that needed to be revitalized. He was an intellectual catalyst who applied the lessons of accounting to modern industry.
Compressive sensing solutions through minimax optimization

This paper is concerned with the basic issue of the robustness of compressive sensing solutions in the presence of uncertainties. In particular, we are interested in robust compressive sensing solutions under unknown modeling and measurement inaccuracies. The problems are formulated as minimax optimization. Exact solutions are derived through the approach of Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers. Numerical examples show the minimax problem formulations indeed improve the robustness of compressive sensing solutions in the presence of model and measurement uncertainties.
Associations of Fenofibrate Therapy With Incidence and Progression of CKD in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction Abnormalities in lipid metabolism may contribute to the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Fenofibrate induces early and reversible reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but it may have protective effects on microvascular complications of diabetes. We hypothesized that randomization to fenofibrate versus placebo would be associated with beneficial long-term effects on kidney outcomes in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial participants. Methods We conducted a post hoc analysis in the ACCORD Lipid Trial to examine the association of randomization to fenofibrate versus placebo with change in eGFR and with time-to-development of microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria, CKD, and kidney failure. Results We analyzed 2636 participants in the fenofibrate arm and 2632 in the placebo arm. During a median follow-up of 4 years, treatment with fenofibrate was associated with lower rate of eGFR decline (−0.28 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year in the fenofibrate group vs. −1.25 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year in the placebo group, P Conclusion Compared with placebo, randomization to fenofibrate was associated with lower rates of incident albuminuria and a slower eGFR decline, but no difference in incidence of CKD or kidney failure in ACCORD participants.
Truth lies below: A case report and literature review of typical appearing polyps yet with an atypical diagnosis.

Truth lies below: A case report and literature review of typical appearing polyps yet with an atypical diagnosis
Impact of Spatial Variations in Permeability of Liquefiable Deposits on Seismic Performance of Structures and Effectiveness of Drains

AbstractSand deposits are often stratified with thin layers of low-permeability silt. Previous studies have shown that the presence of sharp variations in permeability could slow down the dissipati...
Duodenal variceal bleeding with large spontaneous portosystemic shunt treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and embolization: A case report.

Duodenal variceal bleeding with large SPSS treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and embolization: A case report
Butterflies and the people who love them

In The Language of Butterflies, Wendy Williams chronicles some of the key events in the history of butterflies, spanning the geologic record to current population declines. The book flits from personal journey, to the work of scientists, to the biology of butterflies, weaving a conversational and accessible lyric.
Pattern Interference Radiation Force (PIRF) Based on Large-scale Focused Transducer Using Fresnel Lens

Using a focused ultrasound transducer is one of the most preferred methods for neurostimulation. Due to its high spatial resolution, high penetration depth, ultrasonic property, and its ability to be combined with other methods, a focused ultrasound transducer is suitable for non-invasive brain neurostimulation and is widely used. Generally, only one transducer is used or all transducers face one direction for focusing. Unlike previous cases, neurostimulation using a pattern interface radiation force (PIRF) uses more than two focused transducers and makes standing wave patterns inside the brain for neurostimulation. This paper presents the fabrication and application of a large-scale focused transducer using a Fresnel lens for PIRF application. The focused transducer is made with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a hybrid-type piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic plate similar to PZT-4 with a size of 100 mm × 80 mm × 2.2 mm. The lens was designed for a 1-MHz frequency, which is the center frequency of the PZT plate. Using these two transducers, a standing wave pattern was created inside the skull, and the radiation force was calculated using the measured pressure field.
A Technical Perspective on Decentralization

This chapter presents a technical perspective on decentralized structures. The purpose of the chapter is to provide guideposts and an overview of the technical possibilities and limitations for the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). A core precept for the creation of DAOs is the recognition that any set process or set of rules that can ever be designed will ultimately fail to secure a network for all time. This insight is particularly relevant for a decentralized net-work that should be open for anyone on the globe and provide anonymity. How can a DAO be governed with a set of rules that always need to be amended in the future as the environment changes, to keep the network running healthily? It is necessary to design the systems with an evolutionary mindset and a dynamic governance process. The chapter shows how a dynamic environment for the governance of DAOs can be created and how DAOs may thrive with such a design.
EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT WEEDICIDES AGAINST BROADLEAF WEEDS OF WHEAT IN SUGARCANE WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM

The present study was conducted in a farmer field of Tehsil Kot Addu, District Muzaffargarh to evaluate the efficacy of different weedicides available in the market against wheat sown in sugarcane field along with their cost benefit ratio. There were total six treatments including a check. Five weedicides including Aim, Logron, Atlantis, Affinity and Buctril-super were used at the doses of 20 g, 16 g, 160 ml+160 g, 800 g and 300 ml/acre respectively. The randomized complete block design was adopted with four replications of treatment. Results revealed that Atlantis resulted maximum (85%) weed population followed by the Affinity resulting 78% weed population reduction. Maximum yield (5.05 tonne/Acre) was resulted from spray of Atlantis followed by use of Atlantis i.e. 4.43 Tonne/Acre. Atlantis also resulted maximum cost benefit ratio i.e.5.2 as compared with control and all other weedicides tested against wheat weeds
Not all machines are created equal.

Automation can depress wages even without eliminating jobs. Ashley Nunes explains this risk and argues that universal basic income offers a solution.
Acute effects of estradiol-17β on plasma volume and uterine cell proliferation in sheep.

Abstract Ovarian steroids play an important role in increasing plasma volume in pregnant females and preparing the uterus for implantation. We hypothesized that a short duration of increased estradiol-17β (E2) would increase plasma volume and uterine cell proliferation in ovariectomized ewes. Adult non-pregnant Romanov ewes (n = 15) were ovariectomized. After ovariectomy, ewes were individually housed and were offered water at ad libitum intake and were fed a pelleted diet at maintenance once daily according to body weight. After at least 30 days post-ovariectomy ewes were fasted and received an implant placed in the axillary region that contained 100 mg of E2 (E2; n = 8) or a sham implant with no E2 (CON, n = 7). After 24 h, ewes were weighed prior to plasma volume measurement procedures. Plasma volume was determined using the Evans blue dye method. Blood samples were taken at 0 (pre dye injection), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after dye injection. After the final blood collection, ewes were euthanized with an overdose of sodium pentabarbital and uterine weights were recorded. Uterine cross-sections were fixed in formalin for immunohistochemical localization of Ki67 (a marker of proliferating cells) followed by image generation of luminal epithelium and endometrial stroma (5 areas each/tissue section) and analysis to determine the proportion of proliferating cells. Plasma volume tended to be greater in E2 vs CON (2.75 ± 0.11 vs. 2.54 ± 0.12 L, P = 0.07) and uterine weights were greater in E2 vs CON (27.25 ± 2.35 vs. 17.35 ± 2.51 g, P
Borders and the Limits of Authority

In this article I introduce a variety of social, political and economic collectivities to analyze ways in which their interactions are influenced by borders as the territorial delimitations of legal authority, or jurisdictions. The limits of authority within such collectivities are seen in the overlapping grants of authority that impact them. To the extent that borders delineate spheres of legitimate action by governments, they can be defensive of the rights of people within them as well as protective of the rights of governments to impinge on those same rights, or both simultaneously. Borders can thus be constraining of those who cannot easily pass across them, yet simultaneously unconstraining of international actors who may be predatory on those who expect their state to protect them. If we are to understand borders, boundaries and cognate phenomena, we need always to take both sets of relations into account.
Integrating Business and Foreign Languages: The Lauder Institute and Advanced Language Education

This chapter describes the Wharton School’s Lauder Program with its double concentration in MBA and foreign languages, one of its kind in the United States. It compares that program with the current practice of teaching business courses within the collegiate foreign language curriculum. He suggests that that business language courses can complement and expand the traditional foreign language curriculum if that program integrates business-related components into the language curriculum as a whole. Like other authors in this volume, he frames his suggestions within the calls for change that are articulated in the MLA ad hoc report and other voices asking for reform in language education. Using the example of the Lauder Institute’s language and culture program, the author describes the unique features of that program, notably its emphasis on advanced language competency and business-related content and suggests some ways language departments might integrate several of these components. The chapter concludes with descriptions of ways the Wharton School brings language and business educators together with industrial expertise in order to prepare proficient students able to assume managerial and global positions in foreign countries.
Design of a holographic micro-scale spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system

Micro-scale PV technology combines the high conversion efficiency of concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) with the low costs and the simple form of flat panel PV. Some of the benefits of micro-scale PV include: reduced semiconductor material usage; improved heat rejection capacity; and more versatile PV cell interconnect configurations. Spectrumsplitting is also a beneficial technique to increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of photovoltaic systems. It spatially separates the incident solar spectrum into spectral components and directs them to PV cells with matching bandgaps. This approach avoids the current and lattice matching problems that exist in tandem multi-junction systems. In this paper, we applied the ideas of spectrum-splitting in a micro-scale PV system, and demonstrated a holographic micro-scale spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system. This system consists of a volume transmission hologram in combination with a micro-lens array. An analysis methodology was developed to design the system and determine the performance of the resulting system. The spatial characteristics of the dispersed spectrum, the overall system conversion efficiency, and the improvement over best bandgap will be discussed.
Electricity Production by Nuclear Power – Present Scenario and Future Prospect

This essay covers the contemporary issues related to nuclear power production in India and its related uses. It covers the present status of nuclear electricity generation in India, future potential, different sources of nuclear fuel, and environmental issues. In additional to this, a comparative [dis]advantage of nuclear fuel is discussed in terms of greenhouse gas emission, safety standards, economics, and sustainability over other fuel sources like hydro and coal. This essay discusses India's three stage nuclear power program, which has emphasis on self dependence in nuclear fuel production. In the end, the essay discusses other spin off advantages of nuclear energy in other fields like agriculture, medicine, etc.
Economic Evaluations of Strategies for Preventing Renal Disease in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Recent clinical trials such as the Stockholm Diabetes Intervention Study (SDIS) and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) have demonstrated that intensive glycaemic control can slow the development and delay the progression of renal disease in persons with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) [1,2]. In addition, clinical studies suggest that treatment of patients with microalbuminuria and clinical nephropathy with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and other antihypertensive agents [3–8] or with a low protein diet [9–12] can slow progression to end-stage renal disease. However, few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such interventions in persons with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
Tissue Capacity for Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and its Adaptation to Stress

The sections in this article are: 1 Regulation of the Rate of Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation in Vivo 1.1 “Supply” and “Demand” in Determining the Mitochondrial Respiratory Rate 1.2 On the Mechanism of Regulation of Mitochondrial ATP Synthesis In Vivo 1.3 Oxygen Dependence of Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation In Vivo 2 Mitochondrial Enzyme Content in Cells with Different Rates of Respiration 3 Metabolic Adaptation of Heart Muscle to Alterations in Physiological Work Rate 4 Metabolic Adaptations of Skeletal Muscle in Response to Endurance Training and to Electrical Stimulation 4.1 General Observations 4.2 Effects of Increased Energy Demand on Enzyme Content and Metabolism of Skeletal Muscle 4.3 Enhancement of Protein Synthesis 4.4 Possible Second Messengers 4.5 Resistance to Fatigue During Exertion 5 Effects of Conditioning on the Capacity for Oxygen Delivery to Local Regions of the Muscle 5.1 Changes in Muscle Capillarity 5.2 Changes in Myoglobin Content 6 Evolutionary Design of Muscles for Different Work Loads 7 Effects of Deconditioning on the Activity of Oxidative Enzymes in Muscle 8 Effects of Chronic Diminished Substrate Delivery on Energy Metabolism in Muscle 8.1 Effect of Restricted Blood Flow in Muscle 8.2 High-Altitude Induced Adaptation 9 Summary
"We are Taking You to Attend the Birth of History": Tlatelolco in Carlos Fuentes's Los 68: Paris, Praga, México and Roberto Bolaño's Amuleto

Este articulo se propone analizar la novela de Roberto Bolano Amuleto (1999) y en particular su interes por el limite de una resistencia politica. En este estudio se yuxtapone la descripcion en la novela de la masacre en Tlatelolco con la obra de Carlos Fuentes Los 68: Paris, Praga, Mexico (2005), y su uso tanto de la memoria no ficcional de Paris en 1968 como el recuento ficcional de lo sucedido en Tlatelolco. Este articulo intenta demostrar como en Los 68 se intenta recuperar un tipo de subjetividad cuyos imaginarios utopicos definian los anos sesenta, y como el uso de alegoria en Amuleto marca el vaciamiento de ese imaginario
Control of gene expression of adrenal steroid hydroxylases and related enzymes.

Utilization of cDNA probes specific for various components of the bovine adrenocortical steroidogenic pathway have led to the conclusion that there are three levels of regulation of steroid hydroxylase gene expression. In each case it is postulated that specific classes of proteins bind to regulatory regions of these genes and modulate their transcription. Throughout adult life, cAMP-dependent regulation via SHIP protein(s) is the predominant mechanism by which optimal steroidogenic capacity is maintained. A second type of regulation is tissue-specific. One subclass of tissue-specific expression is the “all-or-none” type whereby steroid 21-hydroxylase and 11β-hydroxylase gene expression occur only in adrenal cortex and not in other steroidogenic tissues. A second subclass of tissue-specific expression is the “variable” type whereby 17α-hydroxylase and cholesterol side chain cleavage (SCC) activity are both expressed in ovarian thecal cells but only SCC activity is expressed in corpus luteum. The third typ...
Effects of temperature and the incorporation of W on the oxidation of ZrB2 ceramics

Abstract The effects of tungsten additions and temperature on the oxidation behavior of nominally pure ZrB 2 and ZrB 2 containing 4, 6 or 8 mol% of W after oxidation at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1600 °C were investigated. For pure ZrB 2 , the protective liquid/glassy layer covering the surface as a result of oxidation was evaporated above 1500 °C. For (Zr,W)B 2 specimens, the liquid/glassy layer was present after exposure up to 1600 °C. The higher stability of the liquid/glassy phase in the W-containing compositions was attributed to the presence of tungsten in the liquid/glassy phase, resulting in improved oxidation resistance for ZrB 2 samples containing W.
Dose-dependent antagonism of spinal opioid receptor agonists by naloxone and naltrindole : additional evidence for δ-opioid receptor subtypes in the rat

Intrathecally administered μ-opioid (morphine; DAMGO ([D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly5-ol]enkephalin)) and δ-opioid (DPDPE ([D-Pen2,D-Pen5] enkephalin); DADLE ([D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin)) receptor preferring agonists were systematically challenged with the competitive opiate antagonists naloxone or naltrindole in the rat. Naloxone produced a dose-dependent reduction in agonist effect with the intrathecal IC50 being similar for all agonists (2.1–5.4 μg). In contrast, the naltrindole antagonist profile was (IC50 in μg) DPDPE (4.0); morphine (23.5); DADLE (> 30) and DAMGO (> 30). Three points are emphasized: (1) antagonism of DPDPE and not DAMGO by naltrindole suggests two distinct opioid sites; (2) a similar potency for naloxone against these agonists suggests that the agonists may act upon spinal sites for which naloxone has comparable affinity or that they may act upon separate sites which are functionally coupled and that the action of naloxone on one or the other site is responsible for the antagonism; and (3) given the modest cross-tolerance between DADLE and μ agonists, the failure of naltrindole to antagonize DADLE suggests that in the rat this peptide acts through a δ site different from that acted upon by DPDPE.
Two-layer rotating hydraulics: Strangulation, remote and virtual controls

The hydraulics of two-layer, rotating channel flow is examined in the limit where the channel width is large compared to the internal Rossby radius of deformation, but small compared to the external deformation radius. In this limit the baroclinic flow is contained in boundary layers along each side wall, while the barotropic flow is distributed over the width of the channel. Width variations along the channel cause the strength of the barotropic flow to vary and the barotropic variations influence the baroclinic boundary layers in two independent ways. The dual nature of this forcing gives rise to a new type of critical condition which we refer to as a ‘remote’ control. ‘Virtual’ and ‘narrows’ controls also arise. Steady solutions can be obtained by solving a pair of simple quadratic equations and examples are given showing various combinations of controls.
Total versus subtotal hysterectomy: a survey of gynecologists.

Abstract Objective To estimate the attitudes and practice of gynecologists in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area regarding total versus subtotal abdominal hysterectomy. Methods A questionnaire with 18 questions on physicians’ attitudes and practice regarding total versus subtotal hysterectomy was mailed to 1647 gynecologists in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. Results The corrected response rate was 51.2%. Forty-five percent of respondents stated that they always removed the cervix. The most common reason cited was to eliminate the risk of cervical cancer. The most common reason for subtotal hysterectomy was surgical difficulty leading to an intraoperative change of procedure. Only 17.8% of respondents always counseled women regarding the advantages and disadvantages of both total and subtotal hysterectomy; 63% rarely or never did. Nineteen percent always offered women a choice between the procedures; 61% rarely or never did. Eighty-eight percent of respondents felt that the risk of cancer in the cervical stump was small or negligible. Gender of the physicians or year of completion of residency made no significant impact on patients being counseled about both procedures or being offered a choice between the two. Conclusion Most gynecologists surveyed favor total abdominal hysterectomy over subtotal hysterectomy. Few counsel women regarding the options of total and subtotal hysterectomy or offer a choice between the procedures. Given that there are no convincing data proving the superiority of either procedure over the other, it may be reasonable to discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of both procedures with women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease and to offer them a choice.
Costs of pleometrosis in a polygamous termite

Costs and benefits of pleometrosis, as understood from social Hymenoptera, have never been tested in the independently evolved termites. To understand the extent to which such co-founding may be advantageous for colony survival and growth, we tracked the survival and reproduction of 5000 laboratory-established incipient colonies of the facultatively polygamous neotropical termite Nasutitermes corniger. Significantly more pleometrotic groups than monogamous queen–king pairs failed within the first 90 days of establishment, and 99 per cent of pleometrotic groups lost at least one founding member. Oviposition commenced earlier in larger groups, but colony growth was slower and production of workers and soldiers was delayed compared with pairs. Thus, pleometrosis does not increase colony fitness and is in fact highly disadvantageous.
Spectrum and energy levels of triply ionized zirconium (Zr IV)

The spectrum of Zr iv was observed with a sliding spark in the region from 440 to 2670 A on the 10.7-m normal-and grazing-incidence spectrographs at NBS. About 30 new lines were observed. The level system (Rb i isoelectronic system, 4p6nl) was extended to include the series ns (n = 5–8), np (n = 5–7), nd (n = 4–6), nf (n = 4–6), and ng (n = 5–9). The nf series exhibits irregular fine-structure splittings and quantum defects. The ionization energy was determined from the ng series to be 277 605.8 ±1.5 cm−1 (34.4190 ± 0.0002 eV). New wavelengths were determined for the 4s24p5−4s4p6 transitions of Zr vi.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of a Liquid Gallium Electrospray Thruster

Molecular dynamics was used to simulate the operation of a liquid gallium electrospray thruster. Molecular dynamics calculates the motions of the ions and ion clusters of liquid gallium in a high electric field (∼1 V/nm) after they are extracted from a platinum capillary. Liquid gallium at 320 K is simulated with a modified ion–ion potential model. The platinum capillary at 320 K is modeled using a three-zone wall model with a Langevin thermostat, and the flow rate at 30 mm/s is generated by the fluidized piston model. The insertion part of a grand canonical ensemble (μVT) is adopted to supply ions of liquid gallium constantly into the platinum capillary. The electric potential and field generated by the extraction ring are solved by a combination of a finite element method and a finite difference method. The results of the simulations under several different operating conditions are used to characterize the performance of an electrospray thruster.
Modeling higher-order term dependencies in information retrieval using query hypergraphs

Many of the recent, and more effective, retrieval models have incorporated dependencies between the terms in the query. In this paper, we advance this query representation one step further, and propose a retrieval framework that models higher-order term dependencies, i.e., dependencies between arbitrary query concepts rather than just query terms. In order to model higher-order term dependencies, we represent a query using a hypergraph structure -- a generalization of a graph, where a (hyper)edge connects an arbitrary subset of vertices. A vertex in a query hypergraph corresponds to an individual query concept, and a dependency between a subset of these vertices is modeled through a hyperedge. An extensive empirical evaluation using both newswire and web corpora demonstrates that query representation using hypergraphs is highly beneficial for verbose natural language queries. For these queries, query hypergraphs significantly improve the retrieval effectiveness of several state-of-the-art models that do not employ higher-order term dependencies.
Effects of child rearing by schizophrenic mothers.

Abstract In an attempt to assess the effect of child rearing by schizophrenic mothers, two groups of 25 children born to schizophrenic mothers were studied. One group was reared by their mothers; the other group was reared from an early age by agents without a history of psychiatric illness. The groups were matched individual to individual for sex, age, and socio-economic status. The procedures employed included a psychiatric interview, a school report questionnaire, a word association test, an adjective check list, and psychophysiological responsiveness, recovery, and generalization testing. It was predicted that the mother-reared children would display greater maladjustment on the various measures than would the reared-apart children. The results failed to support the hypothesis. Those indices which discriminated between the groups at the five per cent level of significance indicated that: (a) the mother-reared children were more asocial in the classroom setting and withdrawn in general, and were also relatively unresponsive to social rewards; (b) the reared-apart children were more easily overtly upset or irritated, and displayed greater psychophysiological responsiveness to stress. These differences were interpreted within the context of an approach versus avoidance classification of orientations to the environment. The mother-reared children were considered to be avoidance oriented, and the reared-apart children approach oriented. It was concluded that rearing by a schizophrenic mother may have less to do with the child's level of adjustment than with the direction of its basic orientation to the world.
Research on School Violence Across the World

(2005). Research on School Violence Across the World. Journal of School Violence: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 1-3.