cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perspectives in human reproduction

In-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer represent only one of the rapidly emerging applied advances in reproductive medicine beginning in the late 1950s; these include 'the pill' and the IUD for contraception, and hormones for the infertile requiring gonadal stimulation by gonadotrophins, clomiphene citrate or bromocryptine, to mention but a few. But from where and when did the biological basis for these sweeping changes derive? Virtually all the recent applications grew out of imaginative basic research. Fundamental animal studies by pioneers, such as Chang, Thibault and Edwards, taught us nature's axioms for gametogenesis, fertilization, development and differentiation. Millions are now seeking voluntary manipulation of their intrinsic reproductive capabilities to gain quality of life benefits for themselves and their children. Although not universal, the popularity of such options sparked industrial investment, governmental policies and international agencies to promote development of safer, more effective drugs and devices. Increased advocacy of aggressive treatment for infertile couples was a spontaneous outgrowth of this movement. Thus, the right of individuals to procreate, even to pursue the extraordinary means required, arose from the diverse events of the nascent reproductive revolution.
Abstract B08: Kicking the addictions: Therapeutic strategies for NSCLC

The discovery of cancer cells9 dependency on the self-cannibalization program autophagy has spawned the investigation of its efficacy as a therapeutic target. However, the use of lysomotropic agents to inhibit autophagy as single-agent therapeutics has proven less than optimal. Recent investigations into the design of sequential treatment strategies targeting pathways preferentially used by cancer cells have shown promise. This novel spin on personalized medicine seeks to exploit the kinetics and mechanisms by which cancer cells become dependent on proliferation and survival pathways. Oncogenic KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known to depend on mTORC1-driven growth and autophagy for survival; such autophagy addiction is beneficial to cancer cells, as it eliminates the need for exogenous nutrient supplies. We aim to elucidate the mechanism and kinetics of autophagy addiction in NSCLC, in order to design sequential treatment strategies against this disease. Citation Format: Abigail R. Solitro, Jeffrey P. MacKeigan. Kicking the addictions: Therapeutic strategies for NSCLC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Targeting the PI3K-mTOR Network in Cancer; Sep 14-17, 2014; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B08.
Co60 vitamin B12 binding capacity of normal human serum.

SummaryA method is presented for estimating binding capacity of serum for radioactive vit. B12. This capacity was found to increase as the concentration of the vitamin was raised. “Bound” vit. B12 measured in this way is not synonymous with that considered bound because it is unavailable to certain microorganisms.
High-performance work systems in health care, part 3: the role of the business case.

Background: Growing evidence suggests the systematic use of high-performance work practices (HPWPs), or evidence-based management practices, holds promise to improve organizational performance, including improved quality and efficiency, in health care organizations. However, little is understood about the investment required for HPWP implementation, nor the business case for HPWP investment. Purpose: The aim of this study is to enhance our understanding about organizations’ perspectives of the business case for HPWP investment, including reasons for and approaches to evaluating that investment. Methodology/Approach: We used a multicase study approach to explore the business case for HPWPs in U.S. health care organizations. We conducted semistructured interviews with 67 key informants across five sites. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to qualitative analysis using both deductive and inductive methods. Findings: The organizations in our study did not appear to have explicit financial return expectations for investments in HPWPs. Instead, the HPWP investment was viewed as an important factor contributing to successful execution of the organization’s strategic priorities and a means for competitive differentiation in the market. Informants’ characterizations of the HPWP investment did not involve financial terms; rather, descriptions of these investments as redeployment of existing resources or a shift of managerial time redirected attention from cost considerations. Evaluation efforts were rare, with organizations using broad organizational metrics to justify HPWP investment or avoiding formal evaluation altogether. Practice Implications: Our findings are consistent with prior studies that have found that health care organizations have not systematically evaluated the financial outcomes of their quality-related initiatives or tend to forgo formal business case analysis for investments they may perceive as “inevitable.” In the absence of a clearly described association between HPWPs and outcomes or some other external imperative, ongoing HPWP investment may be at risk relative to other quality-related initiatives, particularly if organizational resources are constrained.
Mechanisms of Cell Killing/Cytopathic Effects by Nonhuman Retroviruses

Retroviruses have been studied primarily for their role in cancer. However, with the AIDS epidemic, attention has shifted to the other effects of retroviral infection. In particular, since human immunodeficiency virus results in killing of CD4-positive T cells, there is interest in the mechanism of cell killing by retroviruses. Numerous other retroviruses are also cytopathic. Studies of these other retroviruses are reviewed in this article. In particular, the hypothesis that cell killing is the result of superinfection or other increased viral envelope protein-cell receptor interaction is suggested.
Stochastic global identification of a bio-inspired self-sensing composite UAV wing via wind tunnel experiments

In this work, the system design, integration, and wind tunnel experimental evaluation are presented for a bioinspired self-sensing intelligent composite unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wing. A total of 148 micro-sensors, including piezoelectric, strain, and temperature sensors, in the form of stretchable sensor networks are embedded in the layup of a composite wing in order to enable its self-sensing capabilities. Novel stochastic system identification techniques based on time series models and statistical parameter estimation are employed in order to accurately interpret the sensing data and extract real-time information on the coupled air flow-structural dynamics. Special emphasis is given to the wind tunnel experimental assessment under various flight conditions defined by multiple airspeeds and angles of attack. A novel modeling approach based on the recently introduced Vector-dependent Functionally Pooled (VFP) model structure is employed for the stochastic identification of the "global" coupled airflow-structural dynamics of the wing and their correlation with dynamic utter and stall. The obtained results demonstrate the successful system-level integration and effectiveness of the stochastic identification approach, thus opening new perspectives for the state sensing and awareness capabilities of the next generation of "fly-by-fee" UAVs.
SUPPRESSION OF CORTICOSTEROID PRODUCTION IN THE DOG BY MONASE.

SummaryClinical toxicity encountered with 3-(2-aminobutyl)-indole acetate (Monase) has included syncope and hypotension. Hence the effects of this compound on adre-nocortical function were studied. A sharp decrease in adrenocortical steroid output of dogs under pentobarbital anesthesia was seen shortly after intravenous injection of this compound. Doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg were used. Adrenal venous blood levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids returned to normal at 1-2 hours after drug administration. ACTH infusion as well as ether anesthesia prevented this corticosteroid depressant action. After hypophysectomy, Monase did not alter the increased corticosteroid secretion induced by exogenous ACTH. The data suggest that the pharmacologic action of Monase in reducing 17-hydroxycorticosteroid secretion in intact dogs is a result of suppression either of formation or release of ACTH in dogs under pentobarbital anesthesia.The able assistance of Mr. Donald L. Barber is gratefully acknowledged. We wish to thank ...
Loosely Coupled Time-Marching of Fluid-Thermal-Structural Interactions

This study focuses on the development of a loosely coupled partitioned multi-physics time marching procedure for fluid-thermal-structural analysis using time-accurate high-fidelity models. The scheme is specifically formulated to maintain global second order temporal accuracy using implicit second order solvers for each discipline, and requires no subiterations between solvers. Furthermore, the scheme is designed to exploit disparities in time scales between the submodels through the use of multicycling, i.e. multiple fluid time steps between each structural step, and multiple structural steps between each thermal step. Preliminary verification of the scheme is carried out by coupling a CFD solver with thermal and structural solvers. A fluid-structural analysis with and without multicycling demonstrates the second order accuracy of structural displacements/velocities, and integrated pressure loads. A fluidthermal analysis is also performed, demonstrating second order accuracy of the temperature rise and integrated heat load in the absence of multicycling. However, currently the fluid-thermal time-marching is less than second order accurate with multicycling.
The Incorporation of Radioactive Phosphate into Feline Pneumonitis Virus in the Chick Embryo Yolk Sac

that the energy for the synthesis of feline pneumonitis virus in chick embryo yolk sac is supplied by the aerobic oxidation of endogenous substrates and the concomitant production of organic acidsoluble phosphate esters. Infected yolk sacs, during the 24 hours just preceding the death of the embryos, incorporate phosphorus into their desoxypentose nucleic acid (DNA) fraction much more rapidly than do uninfected yolk sacs. The infection may also cause an increase in the rate of incorporation of phosphorus into pentose nucleic acid (PNA). This investigation was made to clarify the mode of feline pneumonitis virus reproduction. Virus purified from infected yolk sacs labeled with radioactive phosphorus (P32) was fractionated and compared with the yolk sac pool from which it was prepared. Both DNA and PNA appear to be integral components of the virus, and the nucleic acids of the purified virus have higher specific activities than any chemical fraction of the yolk sac pool from which the virus is isolated.
Effect of Bromodiolone poison bait against rodents in the fields

Objective To observe the effect of 0.005% Bromodiolone poison bait against the rodents.Methods The rodent density was investigated by the method of powder trace. Bromodiolone posion bait was put in the fields. Results 25 days after placing the poison bait, the rodent density decreased from 24.6%~28.8% to 2.0%~2.9%. The rate of deratization was above 89%. Conclusion 0.005% Bromodiolone poison bait had good effect on killing rodents in fields.
Combining Databases and Signal Processing in Plato

Sensors generate large amounts of spatiotemporal data that have to be stored and analyzed. However, spatiotemporal data still lack the equivalent of a DBMS that would allow their declarative analysis. We argue that the reason for this is that DBMSs have been built with the assumption that the stored data are the ground truth. This is not the case with sensor measurements, which are merely incomplete and inaccurate samples of the ground truth. Based on this observation, we present Plato; an extensible DBMS for spatiotemporal sensor data that leverages signal processing algorithms to infer from the measurements the underlying ground truth in the form of statistical models. These models are then used to answer queries over the data. By operating on the model instead of the raw data, Plato achieves significant data compression and corresponding query processing speedup. Moreover, by employing models that separate the signal from the noise, Plato produces query results of higher quality than even the original measurements.
Use of media in tobacco control programs.

Media messages have the potential to change public health. Changes in media have been associated with major changes in smoking behavior, but only when the rest of the social structure actively changed the environment for the smoker. These changes act synergistically with media messages, and cessation or behavior change occurs. Only when we put media into the larger construct of the society within which we live, and when that society is receptive to media messages, can one expect to see an effect. It is perhaps not a specific attitude change that is so critical, but rather the presence of those messages which can grow in the smoker’s environment and eventually become strong enough to allow that smoker to quit for the long term.
Strain-Induced Crystallization during Relaxation Following Biaxial Stretching of PET Films: A Real-Time Mechano-Optical Study

The relaxation behavior of simultaneously and sequentially biaxially stretched PET films was studied at the rubbery state stretching temperatures. The primary objective was to investigate the influence of process conditions and the mode of deformation on the structural changes that take place in the stretched films. Using an instrumented biaxial stretcher, the films were stretched and held at the stretching temperature at fixed dimensions while true stress, true strain, in- and out-of-plane birefringences were monitored. The relaxation behavior was found to be dependent on the process prehistory including extent and rate of deformation. The behavior was divided into three regimes: Regime I, where the birefringence and strain always decrease and the material remains in the amorphous state. Regime II, where both the birefringence and strain first decrease while the film remains amorphous; then they start to increase when the first evidence of strain crystallization appears. Regime III, where strain-induced ...
Sanguinarine causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of human pancreatic cancinoma AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 629 Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers and it is estimated that in the USA alone, 31,860 new cases for pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed and 31,270 deaths will occur during 2004. Pancreatic cancer is clinically very silent and difficult to diagnose. It is associated with low responsiveness to conventional chemotherapies and surgery is not very useful, except in early stages. This warrants the development of novel mechanism-based approaches for the management of pancreatic cancer. In the recent past, naturally occurring agents such as plant-derived alkaloids have remarkable anti-cancer effects. Sanguinarine, derived from the roots of Sanguinaria canadensis and other poppy fumaria species, possesses strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sanguinarine has also shown anti-proliferative effects in cell culture studies. In this study, we determined the anti-proliferative effects of sanguinarine against human pancreatic carcinoma (AsPC-1 and BxPC-3) cells. Our data demonstrated that sanguinarine (at low concentrations of 0.1-10 μM; for 24 h) treatment to AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells resulted in a dose dependent i) inhibition of cell growth (up to 62% in AsPC-1 and 47.3% in BxPC-3 cells at 10 μM), ii) inhibition of cell viability (up to 97.3% in AsPC-1 and 95.6% in BxPC-3 cells at 10 μM), iii) arrest of cells in G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle (up to 64.7% in AsPC-1 and 74.1% in BxPC-3 cells at 10 μM), and iii) induction of apoptosis (97.9% in AsPC-1 and 96.5% in BxPC-3 cells at 10 μM). Sanguinarine treatment also resulted in a significant dose-dependent inhibition in the colony forming ability of both the cell lines. Since, mitochondrial pathway is critical for the regulation of apoptosis, and sanguinarine has been shown to induce apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway, we studied the involvement and regulation of mitochondrial events in sanguinarine-mediated apoptosis of AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. Our data demonstrated that sanguinarine-treatment to AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells resulted in a dose dependent i) increase in pro-apoptotic Bax protein, ii) decrease in ani-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and iii) increase in Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio. Sanguinarine treatment also resulted in a dose dependent increase in Bak and Bid, the pro-apoptotic members of Bcl-2 family proteins in AsPC-1 cells. Based on our data and the available literature, we suggest that sanguinarine imparts strong anti-proliferative effects against pancreatic cancer cells via i) induction of apoptosis that is mediated by modulations in Bcl-2 family proteins, and ii) cell cycle blockade at G1 phase. These results suggest that sanguinarine may be developed as an agent for the management of pancreatic cancer.
Abstract 144B: Racial Differences in Physiological and Behavioral Response to School Based Wellness Program

Background: Racial differences in cardiovascular (CV) risk factors have been shown to exist in children. However, much of this data was obtained decades ago in a rural cohort of children in Bogalusa, LA. Given the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, we sought to examine CV risk factors in black and non-black 6 th grade students prior to and seven months after implementation of a school-based wellness program targeting both inner city and suburban children in Southeast Michigan. Methods: Data from 1,979 middle-school students enrolled in Project Healthy Schools (PHS) were used to compare health behaviors and physiologic markers including lipids, blood pressure (BP), and BMI. PHS is designed to promote physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, decrease consumption of fast/fatty foods and leisure screen time and encourage healthier beverage choices. Pre/post assessments included surveys of diet and physical activity. A Mann-Whitney, non-parametric test was used to compare the differences. Results: Among the 1,979, 504 (25.5%) were black. At baseline, % overweight/obese was significantly different between blacks and non-blacks (39.9% vs. 33.0%, p=0.003. Blacks had poorer diets and were less active than non-blacks (p Conclusion: Black 6 th grade students show higher rates of obesity, poor dietary habits, and less physical activity at baseline. This data suggests that school-based wellness programs such as PHS can improve dietary, physical behavior and cholesterol profile. Early intervention for risk factor modification is not only possible but may be of great importance to the prevention of CV disease in adults, particularly in high risk groups like blacks.
THE COLLISION OF SELF EFFICACY AND GENDER ON TRAIT ANXIETY

The study investigated the collision of self-efficacy and gender on trait anxiety in a sample of one hundred and sixty (160) undergraduate students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Their age ranged between 16–26 years with the average age of 21. It was hypothesized that self-efficacy and gender will not play any significant role in the participant’s reports of trait anxiety. ANOVA statistics used as a statistical package for data analysis showed that self-efficacy played a significant role in the participant’s reports of anxiety (183, df = 1, P>0.01) with participants who have low self – efficacy reporting higher anxiety than those with high self-efficacy. On the other hand, female and male students did differ in their report of anxiety. Discussion highlighted the important of self-efficiency as a personality attribute that moderate a person’s experience of anxiety.
Battery energy storage sizing With Respect to PV-induced power ramping concerns in distribution networks

In the past few years, high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in transmission and distribution networks has challenged the stability of the power grid due to the intermittent nature of the sources, mainly wind and solar energy. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) can be considered as a fast-acting backup source to accommodate higher penetration of RES. A BESS has better ramping characteristics than traditional generators to smooth out the RES fluctuations. The limitation of power ramping capability of PV plants in meeting ANSI C84.1 standard in distribution networks is addressed in this paper. The BESS is added in parallel with the PV plant with the aim of minimizing voltage variations of the grid at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). Due to grid characteristics, different power ramping capability of the BESS is required to mitigate PV plant intermittency. An analytical method is introduced to find the required BESS power and energy ratings considering network characteristics, geographical variables like wind speed, and size of the PV plant. The IEEE 13-bus system is selected as a test case for investigating the voltage sensitivity to the injected active power. Finally, the minimum required ratings of a BESS is calculated and validated with a common BESS sizing method using historical data.
Determining degree of roasting in cocoa beans by artificial neural network (ANN)-based electronic nose system and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Roasting is a critical step in chocolate processing, where moisture content is decreased and unique flavors and texture are developed. The determination of the degree of roasting in cocoa beans is important to ensure the quality of chocolate. Determining the degree of roasting relies on human specialists or sophisticated chemical analyses that are inaccessible to small manufacturers and farmers. In this study, an electronic nose system was constructed consisting of an array of gas sensors and used to detect volatiles emanating from cocoa beans roasted for 0, 20, 30 and 40 min. The several signals were used to train a three-layer artificial neural network (ANN). Headspace samples were also analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with 23 select volatiles used to train a separate ANN.; Results: Both ANNs were used to predict the degree of roasting of cocoa beans. The electronic nose had a prediction accuracy of 94.4% using signals from sensors TGS 813, 826, 822, 830, 830, 2620, 2602 and 2610. In comparison, the GC/MS predicted the degree of roasting with an accuracy of 95.8%.; Conclusion: The electronic nose system is able to predict the extent of roasting, as well as a more sophisticated approach using GC/MS. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Methods of Multivariate Analysis, 2nd Ed.

(2004). Methods of Multivariate Analysis, 2nd Ed. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 125-126.
Randomized clinical trial of elective resection versus observation in diverticulitis with extraluminal air or abscess initially managed conservatively.

Background The aim of this RCT was to determine whether elective resection following successful non-operative management of a first episode of acute sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by extraluminal air with or without abscess is superior to observation in terms of recurrence rates. Methods This was a single-centre, sequential design RCT. Patients were randomized to elective surgery or observation following non-operative management and colonoscopy. Non-operative management included nil by mouth, intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, CT with intravenous contrast on arrival at hospital, and repeat CT with intravenous and rectal contrast on day 3 in hospital. The primary endpoint was recurrent diverticulitis at 24 months. Patients with a history of sigmoid diverticulitis, immunosuppression or peritonitis were not included. Results Of 137 screened patients, 107 were assigned randomly to elective surgery (26) or observation (81), and underwent the allocated intervention after successful non-operative management. Conservative management failed in 15 patients. Groups were similar in age, sex, BMI, co-morbidities and colorectal POSSUM. Rates of recurrent diverticulitis differed significantly in the elective surgery and observation groups (8 versus 32 per cent; P = 0·019) at a mean(s.d.) follow-up of 37·8(8·6) and 35·2(9·2) months respectively. There was also a significant difference in time to recurrence (median 11 versus 7 months; P = 0·015). A total of 28 patients presented with recurrent diverticulitis complicated by extraluminal air and/or abscess (2 elective surgery, 26 observation), all of whom recovered with repeat non-operative management. Conclusion The majority of patients observed following conservative management of diverticulitis with local extraluminal air do not require elective surgery. Registration number: NCT01986686 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
The Roles of YUCCA Genes in Local Auxin Biosynthesis and Plant Development

Auxin is an essential hormone for almost every aspect of plant growth and development. Much of the progress in understanding the roles of auxin in plant development is derived from findings in auxin signalling and polar auxin transport during the past two decades. However, recent molecular genetics studies in Arabidopsis have begun to reveal the secrets of auxin biosynthesis and its role in plant development. This chapter summarizes the recent progress in identifying YUCCA (YUC) flavin monooxygenases as key enzymes in auxin biosynthesis. Overexpression of YUC genes in Arabidopsis leads to auxin overproduction, and inactivation of YUC genes causes developmental defects that can be rescued by auxin produced in situ. The identification of YUC genes and loss-of-function yuc mutants provides a completely different angle for studying auxin biology because previous auxin studies were centred on understanding how plants respond to excess exogenous auxin. One example is provided on how understanding of auxin biosynthesis has helped to elucidate the mechanisms by which auxin regulates organogenesis in Arabidopsis.
Mechanically robust photodegradable gelatin hydrogels for 3D cell culture and in situ mechanical modification

Recent developments in photodegradable (PD) hydrogels have allowed researchers to study cell behavior in response to spatial and temporal changes to the extracellular environment. To date, most PD hydrogel systems have been composed of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) based macromers that crosslink via end-linking gelation. PEG-based hydrogels, however, are not optimal for three-dimension cell culture, as they neither allow for cellular proliferation nor restructuring of the matrix. Unlike PEG-based hydrogels, gelatin, a naturally derived material, contains enzymatically degradable sites and cell binding domains, making it an attractive biomaterial for three-dimensional cell culture. To this end, researchers have modified gelatin to contain methacrylamide groups (GelMA). This allows the gels to be chemically crosslinked, rendering them stable at physiological temperatures. A few groups have also reported the synthesis of PD gelatin, but the incorporation of photodegradable groups is hampered by poor conjugation efficiency and poor solubility, leading to insufficient mechanical properties. In this work, we develop a PD gelatin hydrogel system that is mechanically robust and can be easily produced in large quantities. Specifically, we chemically modify the gelatin with highly hydrophilic groups which, in turn, adjust the isoelectric point and charge density of the protein. This modification results in a highly soluble PD-gelatin that can be crosslinked into a gel and subsequently degraded with exposure to light. These PD-gelatin gels exhibit mechanical properties similar to GelMA gels, but with the extra ability to be spatially and temporally patterned with light. Photodegradation of the gels can be done either before cell seeding or in the presence of cells. We show that cells respond to both patterned structures and in situ softening of the network in 2D, while in situ softening in 3D does not affect morphology at the compositions and time scales investigated.
Figure-Ground Organization in Natural Scenes: Performance of a Recurrent Neural Model Compared with Neurons of Area V2

Abstract A crucial step in understanding visual input is its organization into meaningful components, in particular object contours and partially occluded background structures. This requires that all contours are assigned to either the foreground or the background (border ownership assignment). While earlier studies showed that neurons in primate extrastriate cortex signal border ownership for simple geometric shapes, recent studies show consistent border ownership coding also for complex natural scenes. In order to understand how the brain performs this task, we developed a biologically plausible recurrent neural network that is fully image computable. Our model uses local edge detector ( B ) cells and grouping ( G ) cells whose activity represents proto-objects based on the integration of local feature information. G cells send modulatory feedback connections to those B cells that caused their activation, making the B cells border ownership selective. We found close agreement between our model and neurophysiological results in terms of the timing of border ownership signals (BOSs) as well as the consistency of BOSs across scenes. We also benchmarked our model on the Berkeley Segmentation Dataset and achieved performance comparable to recent state-of-the-art computer vision approaches. Our proposed model provides insight into the cortical mechanisms of figure-ground organization.
GRAPHOANALYTIC DETERMINATION OF PARAMETERS RELAXATION DEFORMATION OF ROCKS BY DATA OF DEVELOPMENT OF DEPOSITS

As a rule, to determine the deformation parameters of rocks, the results of the interpretation of the actual data of hydro-gas-dynamic studies of wells are used in the non-static mode. In the article, a technique different from this approach for determining the parameters of the relaxation deformation of rocks according to the data of the development of gas deposits is given. The proposed technique is characterized by its versatility due to the fact that, in contrast to the methods based on specially conducted hydro-gas-dynamic studies of wells, the field development data is used, and also changes in the real properties of the reservoir system, as saturation and super-compressibility factors of the gas.
An examination of monolingual preservice teachers’ set-up of cognitively demanding mathematics tasks with emergent multilingual students

Implementing challenging mathematics tasks with multilingual students who are not yet fluent in the instructional language is difficult for monolingual teachers because of the linguistic and cultur...
A Case of Multifactorial Diabetic Ketoacidosis Acquired in the Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially fatal endocrine emergency resulting from uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM). The development of DKA has been linked to a number of precipitating factors such as infectious process, ischemia, medications, and other medical-surgical illnesses. These factors have been found to aggravate or unmask pre-existing glucose dysregulation secondary to absolute or relative insulin deficiency and increased levels of counter-regulatory hormones. We describe the case of a 61-year-old male with a history of insulin dependent DM who develops DKA postoperatively after a three-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery and mitral valve repair while in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient’s postoperative course was complicated by presumed pneumonia and hyperactive delirium. On postoperative day (POD) five, the patient’s insulin infusion was held due to non-symptomatic hypoglycemia. Eleven hours later, the insulin infusion was resumed to treat DKA after laboratory findings revealed hyperglycemia, an elevated β-hydroxybutyrate, and anion gap metabolic acidosis. Multiple contributing factors for the development of DKA are suspected and discussed. It is paramount that clinicians are knowledgeable of the multiple factors that can contribute to the development of DKA in the ICU.
The Meaning of Leisure for Women: An Integrative Review of the Research

Researchers are beginning to correct the distortion and invisibility of information about women's leisure. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize the recent literature concerning w...
Penetration Loss at 60 GHz for Indoor-to-Indoor and Outdoor-to-Indoor Mobile Scenarios *

This paper investigates the penetration loss of an office building in indoor-to-indoor (I2I) and outdoor-to-indoor (O2I) mobile scenarios. The measurements were collected using our 60 GHz double-directional switched-antenna channel sounder. During measurements, the transmitter, mounted on a tripod, was placed in an office and outside of the building, while the receiver, mounted on a mobile robot, moved along an interior hallway. The penetration loss for a variety of building materials was predicted versus incident angle by electromagnetic propagation theory using the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Recommendation P.2040 model parameters and compared with the measurement results. The wooden door, plasterboard wall, and interior glass were observed to have penetration losses ranging from 25.5 dB to 40.5 dB, 11.8 dB to 31.6 dB, and 7.5 dB to 18.1 dB, respectively, while the exterior building materials exhibited even larger penetration losses, ranging from 31.1 dB to 66.5 dB.
Using a process improvement approach to identifying barriers to research in a CTSA hub environment.

For the past 4 years, as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) grant award number UL1TR001436, the Clinical Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin (CTSI) has used process engineering approaches to identify and understand barriers that local researchers and other stakeholders face when engaging in clinical and translational science. We describe these approaches and present preliminary results. We identified barriers from published and unpublished work at other CTSA hubs, supplemented by surveys and semi-structured interviews of CTSI faculty. We then used a multifaceted approach to organize, visualize, and analyze the barriers. We have identified 27 barriers to date. We ranked their priority for CTSI to address based on the barrier’s impact, the feasibility of intervention, and whether addressing the barrier aligned with CTSI’s institutional role. This approach provides a systematic framework to scope and address the “barriers to research problem” at CTSI institutions.
Beyond Institutions: Patronage and Informal Participation in Bangladesh’s Hybrid Regime

Why do ordinary citizens embrace informal participation in hybrid regimes? Existing literature suggests that informal politics emerges in the absence of formal participatory avenues. But in many hy...
Planning, calibration and collision-avoidance for image-guided radiosurgery

In radiosurgery a moving beam of radiation is used as an ablative surgical instrument to destroy brain tumors. A new camera-guided system capable of tracking patient motion during treatment has been built. The radiation source is moved by a six degree-of-freedom robotic arm. In addition to offering a more cost effective, less invasive, and less painful treatment, the robotic gantry allows for arbitrary spatial motion of the radiation source. Based on this feature we can treat non-spherical lesions with accuracies unachievable with classical radiosurgical systems. The system introduces a new class of radiosurgical procedures, called non-stereotactic, or image-guided radiosurgery. At the heart of these procedures are algorithms for planning both a treatment and the corresponding beam motion, given the geometric description of the tumor shape and relative locations in the particular case. >
On the Role of S-Adenosyl-l-methionine in the Biosynthesis of Spermidine by Rat Prostate

Abstract The isolation from the rat ventral prostate of a soluble enzyme preparation producing spermidine, CO2, and methylthioadenosine from putrescine and S-adenosyl-l-methionine is described. This preparation catalyzes limited decarboxylation of S-adenosylmethionine in the absence of any additional reactants but maximal rates of CO2 release from S-adenosylmethionine require the presence of putrescine. When putrescine is present, spermidine and methylthioadenosine are produced in amounts stoichiometric with the CO2 released. The decarboxylation of S-adenosylmethionine in the presence of putrescine is inhibited by isonicotinic acid hydrazide and by 4-bromo-3-hydroxybenzyloxyamine. This finding suggests that pyridoxal phosphate is a cofactor of the reaction. The prostatic enzyme preparation also catalyzes the formation of spermidine from putrescine and exogenous decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine (prepared by the action of Escherichia coli S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase). The affinities for S-adenosylmethionine, decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine, and putrescine were measured. The prostatic preparation could not be separated into two enzymic fractions, one catalyzing the decarboxylation of S-adenosylmethionine, and the other catalyzing spermidine synthesis, as is the case with the spermidine-synthesizing system of E. coli. The differences between the prostatic and the bacterial spermidine-synthesizing systems are discussed. Spermine is synthesized by the preparation from the rat ventral prostate in the presence of S-adenosylmethionine and spermidine, but at a considerably slower rate than spermidine synthesis from putrescine and S-adenosylmethionine.
Complex formation between bovine neurophysin-I and oxytocin, vasopressin, and tripeptide analogs of their NH2-terminal region. Absorbance and circular dichroism difference spectroscopic studies.

Abstract Complex formation between bovine neurophysin-I and oxytocin, (8-lysine)vasopressin, or tripeptide analogs of the NH2-terminal region of these hormones, Cys(Me)-Phe-Ile-NH2 and Cys(Me)-Tyr-Phe-NH2, has been studied using ultraviolet absorption and circular dichroism difference spectroscopy between 250 nm and 350 nm. The results suggest that upon complex formation residues 2 and 3 of the hormone molecule are bound in a hydrophobic region of neurophysin, while tyrosine-49 of the neurophysin molecule moves from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic environment. Tyrosyl circular dichroism spectral changes due to complex formation have been compared to the corresponding tyrosyl absorption spectral changes. This comparison shows that the vibronic fine structure in tyrosyl circular dichroism difference spectra may be used to characterize the microenvironment of tyrosyl residues in proteins.
Echocardiographic hemodynamic and morphometric predictors of survival after two-ventricle repair in infants with critical aortic stenosis.

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify echocardiographic hemodynamic and morphometric factors that would predict which infants with critical aortic stenosis could undergo relief of left ventricular outflow obstruction as opposed to the Norwood procedure. Background. Echocardiographic predictors of survival in infants with critical aortic stenosis after two-ventricle repair have been mainly limited to morphometric factors, which have limitations. Echocardiographic hemodynamic predictors of survival in these patients have not previously been studied. Methods. Doppler color flow mapping and pulsed Doppler techniques were used to obtain hemodynamic measurements of flow in the ascending, transverse and descending aorta, the ductus arteriosus, and across the aortic and mitral valves in infants with critical aortic stenosis. Morphometric measurements of the left heart structures were obtained, and comparisons were made between survivors and nonsurvivors for the hemodynamic and morphometric factors. Results. Twenty-eight infants (mean age 1 ± .6 days, mean weight 3.6 ± .6 kg) with critical aortic stenosis were evaluated. Nineteen had a two-ventricle repair initially attempted, and nine had a Norwood operation. Among the patients with a two-ventricle repair, the hemodynamic factors associated with survival after two-ventricle repair included predominant or total antegrade flow in the ascending (p Conclusions. In infants with critical aortic stenosis, predominant or total antegrade flow in the ascending and transverse aorta was associated with survival after two-ventricle repair. Determination of a one- versus two-ventricle repair remains a complex issue in infants with critical aortic stenosis. In addition to established morphometric predictors, hemodynamic information on the direction of flow in the aorta may help to define candidates for the Norwood operation.
Methionine hydroxy analog supplementation of low protein calf rations.

Abstract Thirty-six Holstein calves were randomly assigned at 3 days of age to one of three complete calf rations: ration A, B, or C containing 0, .25, or .50% methionine hydroxy analog. All three rations were isonitrogenous at 13.5% crude protein (dry basis) and were offered adlibitum until calves were 12 wk of age. Calves were fed 3.64 kg whole milk once daily for 4 wk. Average daily gains (kg) and dry matter intakes (kg) from 4 to 12 wk were .88, 2.49; .77, 2.50; and .56, 1.98 for calves fed A, B, and C. Weight gains differed between all rations while intake was higher for A and B than for C. Dry matter intakes (kg per kg gain) from 4 to 12 wk were 2.85, 3.32, and 3.54. Serum amino acids for five calves on each treatment were similar for A and B. Calves fed C had lower serum values for all individual essential amino acids compared to A and B and 28% lower circulating total essential amino acids. Serum cysteine increased as dietary methionine hydroxy analog increased. An amino acid imbalance or toxicity may have been produced which severely reduced gain, intake, and serum amino acids on ration C but only reduced gain on ration B.
Measures of body composition in blacks and whites: a comparative review

Biological differences exist in the body composition of blacks and whites. We reviewed literature on the differences and similarities between the 2 races relative to fat-free body mass (water, mineral, and protein), fat patterning, and body dimensions and proportions. In general, blacks have a greater bone mineral density and body protein content than do whites, resulting in a greater fat-free body density. Additionally, there are racial differences in the distribution of subcutaneous fat and the length of the limbs relative to the trunk. The possibility that these differences are a result of ethnicity rather than of race is also examined. Because most equations that predict relative body fat were derived from predominantly white samples, biological variation between the races in these body-composition indexes has practical significance. Systematic error can result in the inaccurate estimation of the relative body fat of blacks, and therefore of definitions of obesity, if these inherent differences are ignored.
Institutions and the Economy

Sociology, political science, and economics have undergone parallel revolutions since the late 1970s, following on the heels of the behavioral revolution of the 1950s and 1960s. Four distinct institutional paradigms have emerged: sociological institutionalism, rational choice institutionalism in political science, historical institutionalism in the same discipline, and new institutional economics. Sociologists argue that economic institutions—which encompass paradigms, conventions, rules, and regulations—shape modern behavior. National institutional differences produce stable patterns of economic behavior within countries, but institutions themselves change over time. Four recent trends in sociology are reviewed: studies of the global spread of regulatory institutions; studies of the use of economic theories to support policy design and economic conventions; studies of market actors as social movements promoting economic change; and studies of the moral and cultural underpinnings of the economy. Keywords: institutions; institutional theory; social construction; economic sociology; comparative research; economic institutions
Baseline Resistance to Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Fails to Predict Virologic Response to Combination Therapy in Children (PACTG 338)

The association between baseline drug resistance mutations and subsequent increase in viral failure has not been established for HIV-infected children. We evaluated drug resistance mutations at 39 codon sites (21 protease inhibitor (PI) resistant codons and 18 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistant codons) for 92 clinically stable NRTI-experienced, PI-naive HIV-infected children 2 to 17 years of age who were initiating new therapy with ritonavir plus zidovudine (ZDV) and lamivudine or plus stavudine. The association between baseline drug resistance mutations and subsequent viral failure after 12 and 24 weeks of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was studied. There were few primary PI associated mutations in this PI-naive population, but 84% had NRTI mutations – codons 215 (66%), 41 (42%), 67 (37%), 210 (33%) and 70 (32%). None of the specific baseline drug resistance mutations were associated with a higher rate of virologic failure after 12 or 24 weeks of HAART. Median week 12 viral load decreased as the total number of NRTI mutations at baseline increased (P = 0.006). Specifically, a higher level of baseline ZDV resistance mutation was associated with a decrease in viral failure after 12 weeks on a ZDV-containing HAART regimen (P = 0.017). No increase was seen in the rate of viral failure after HAART associated with the presence of resistance mutations at baseline. This paradoxical result may be due to adherence, replicative capacity, or ZDV hypersusceptibility to the new regimen.
ELASTIC DISPLACEMENT OF PRIMARY WAVES FROM EXPLOSIVE SOURCES

Abstract Equations derived from Blake9s (1952) model of diverging waves from a point source were programmed for computer analysis. Variations of the displacement resulting from changes in the pressure function, propagational velocity, range, and cavity size were investigated. Results of the research indicate that: (1) a step pressure function used with this model gives displacements that closely approximate the displacements measured at 0.4 km from the Gnome nuclear explosion; (2) near the source, long-period displacements are inherent with this model; (3) the periods of the maximum Fourier transform amplitude of the radiation field is proportional to the equivalent cavity radius; (4) the peak displacements scale to the two-thirds power of charge size for values of a between 80 (0.5 kt) and 600 m (275 kt); and (5) between 0.1 and 3.0 cps, the amplitudes of given frequencies scale to the first power of charge size for values of a between 145 (3 kt) and 305 m (28 kt). In general, Fourier amplitudes at frequencies below the natural frequency of the cavity scale to the first power of charge size, and Fourier amplitudes at frequencies above the natural frequency of the cavity scale to a fractional power of charge size. It is suggested that this may be a good model with which to compare near-source observations of seismic phenomena.
Earthly Paradise: Myths and Philosophies, by Milad Doueihi, Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA, 2009, xiii + 171 pp. ISBN 978 0 674 03285 9, US$39.95 (cloth)

Earthly Paradise: Myths and Philosophies , by Milad Doueihi, Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA, 2009, xiii + 171 pp. ISBN 978 0 674 03285 9, US$39.95 (cloth) Many readers will be familiar wit...