cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compassion Training from an Early Buddhist Perspective: The Neurological Concomitants of the Brahmavihāras

Abstract Compassion has been directly trained for over 2500 years alongside loving-kindness, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, which together represent the four brahmavihāras, also known as the divine or immeasurable abodes. The present chapter describes the four brahmavihāras as they are conceptualized in Early Buddhist canonical literature. We explore how the overlapping theoretical components of the brahmavihāras may shed light on conceptual/psychological similarities and differences among them. Next, the brahmavihāras are compared and contrasted with other foundational contemplative practices, such as sustained attention and open monitoring. Following this conceptual exploration of contemplative practices, we explore the extant neuroscience literature on sustained attention and open monitoring to shed light on how these foundational practices influence a variety of neural markers, such as attention, emotion, and self-referential processing. Finally, we review the emerging neuroscience literature that examines how deliberate training of the brahmavihāras may influence the brain. Weaving together Early Buddhist scholarship with modern neuroscience, changes in neural activity that result from the deliberate cultivation of loving-kindness and compassion are identified and differentiated from their contemplative cousins.
Introduction: Tools of the Trade

A concise way to state the scientific method in astrophysics is this: We use theory to make quantitative predictions that can be compared with observations. Sometimes we can solve the relevant equations with pencil and paper in a modest number of steps, but other times we cannot. How do we proceed? Often we can use physical insight and approximate calculations to understand the salient features of a system without sweating the details. Before diving into technical material, it is good to see how physical reasoning and estimation techniques (such as toy models, scaling relations, Taylor series approximations, and dimensional analysis) offer a potent approach to astrophysics.
Agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata): The Inheritors of Guapinol (Hymenaea courbaril: Leguminosae)

Hymenaea courbaril (guapinol) is a large-seeded neotropical tree that owes much of its present widespread distribution to seed dispersal by agoutis. Guapinol fruit and fruiting traits influence the fate of a pod’s seeds by affecting agouti scatterhoarding behavior. Agoutis transport pods of experimental fruit crops 0−200+ m. In Costa Rican lowland dry forest, the distance a pod is carried and the rate pods are removed from a crop are strongly influenced by season and by the condition of a pod’s fruit pulp. In turn, distance strongly affects seed survival: near the parent tree, where guapinol seeds and other foods are concentrated, 99% of seeds and seedlings are killed by peccaries, agoutis and mice. However, where guapinol seeds and other foods are at a low density, mortality of buried seeds and seedlings is about 50%. Likewise, pods left below the parent tree are in danger of being opened by seed-crushing collared peccaries and, until the last few decades, white-lipped peccaries. Agouti scatterhoarding is the only process that moves Santa Rosa guapinol seeds from zones of very high seed-seedling mortality to zones of lower mortality. In the absence of agoutis, guapinol would probably be locally extinct wherever peccaries and guapinol-eating small rodents were common. However, the present interaction between guapinol and its seed predators and dispersers is serendipitous rather than coevolved: guapinol fruit traits probably have changed little since they evolved in the Oligocene among a species-rich fauna of large herbivorous dispersal agents. Since the Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions, guapinol’s survival in much of its range may have been due to the possession of fruit traits that allowed successful seed dispersal by agoutis. Similarly, agoutis now disperse the seeds of other largeseeded or hard-fruited tree species whose fruit and seed traits presumably evolved in part as a consequence of megafaunal seed dispersal. These plant species possess two traits. The seeds must be eaten by agoutis, and must be sufficiently protected to survive the slow process of agouti scatterhoarding. Agoutis (the largest scatterhoarders of seeds) surpass all other extant neotropical mammals in dispersing large seeds and seeds from hard fruits, because the upper size limit to dispersal is set by what scatterhoarders can lift rather than what they can swallow, and because they gnaw rather than crush open fruits. Dispersal patterns, and hence the genetic structure of tree populations, must have changed greatly when territorial scatterhoarding rodents took over the dispersal of guapinol and other trees from seed-swallowing megaherbivores. The two species of peccaries, which are as widespread as are agoutis, overlap with agoutis extensively in diet but kill rather than disperse large seeds. They are parasites of many of the agoutimegafauna-flora interactions.
Patients presenting to a Men's Health clinic are at higher risk for depression, insomnia, and sleep apnea.

Depression and sleep problems are highly prevalent disorders that are often comorbid with other medical disorders. We evaluated the prevalence and associations of these conditions in patients presenting to a Men’s Health clinic. In this retrospective study, 124 patients presenting to a Men’s Health clinic completed three urological questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5], International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], and Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males [ADAM]); and four non-urological questionnaires (Patient Health Questionnaire for depression [PHQ-9], STOP-BANG Sleep Apnea [OSA STOP-BANG], Insomnia Severity Index [ISI], and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]). Questionnaire results were evaluated in conjunction with patient clinical history and associated laboratory values via univariate and multivariate analysis. The mean age of the study participants was 54.1 years (SD 16). Comorbidities included hypertension (22.5%), vascular disease (15%), and diabetes mellitus (13.3%). Body Mass Index (BMI) was >25 in 77.3%. IIEF-5 scores were moderate-severe in 47.9%, ADAM questionnaire was positive in 79%, and IPSS scores were moderate-severe in 42.9% of patients. PHQ-9 demonstrated mild-severe depression in 38.6%, STOP-BANG showed intermediate-high risk for sleep apnea in 55.2%, ISI indicated moderate-severe insomnia in 18.1%, and ESS revealed mild-severe sleepiness in 16.6% of participants. On univariate analysis, BMI was associated with scores on the PHQ-9 (p = 0.035), STOP-BANG (p < 0.001), and ESS (p < 0.006). On multivariate analysis, positive ADAM questionnaire was associated with STOP-BANG (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.012–10.69), and IPSS with PHQ-9 (OR 4.64, 95% CI: 1.40–15.43) and ISI (OR 3.27, 95% CI: 1.06–10.1). Overall, patients presenting to a Men’s Health Clinic were found to have high prevalence rates for risk of depression, insomnia and sleep apnea. Risks were elevated in older subjects, and those with increased BMI, hypogonadism, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Appropriate screening and referral to appropriate specialists are encouraged.
Music-Defined Networking

For several years researchers have used the term "network orchestration" as a metaphor. In this paper, we make the metaphor reality; we describe a novel approach to network orchestration that leverages sounds to augment or replace various network management operations. We test our Music-Defined Networking approach with both a real and a virtual network testbed, on several mechanisms and applications: from datacenter server fan failure detection to authentication, from load balancing to explicit congestion notification and detection of heavy hitter flows. Our approach can be used with and without a Software-Defined Network controller. Despite its limitations, we believe that sound-based network management has potential to be further explored as an effective and inexpensive out-of-band orchestration technique.
On-Device Detection via Anomalous Environmental Factors

Embedded Systems (ES) underlie society's critical cyberinfrastructure and comprise the vast majority of consumer electronics, making them a prized target for dangerous malware and hardware Trojans. Malicious intrusion into these systems present a threat to national security and economic stability as globalized supply chains and tight network integration make ES more susceptible to attack than ever. High-end ES like the Xilinx Zynq-7020 system on a chip are widely used in the field and provide a representative platform for investigating the methods of cybercriminals. This research suggests a novel anomaly detection framework that could be used to detect potential zero-day exploits, undiscovered rootkits, or even maliciously implanted hardware by leveraging the Zynq architecture and real-time device-level measurements of thermal side-channels. The results of an initial investigation showed different processor workloads produce distinct thermal fingerprints that are detectable by out-of-band, digital logic-based thermal sensors.
Epidemiology of injury patterns for 4- to 10-year-olds in side and oblique impacts.

OBJECTIVES With regard to the pediatric population involved in vehicle side impact collisions, epidemiologic data can be used to identify specific injury-producing conditions and offer possible safety technology effectiveness through population-based estimates. The objective of the current study was to perform a field data analysis to investigate injury patterns and sources of injury to 4- to 10-year-olds in side and oblique impacts to determine the potential effect of updated side impact regulations and airbag safety countermeasures. METHODS The NASS-CDS, years 1991 to 2014, was analyzed in the current study. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 2005-Update 2008 was used to determine specific injuries and injury severities. Injury distributions were examined by body region as specified in the AIS dictionary and the Maximum AIS (MAIS). Children ages 4 to 10 were examined in this study. All occupant seating locations were investigated. Seating positions were designated by row and as either near side, middle, or far side. Side impacts with a principal direction of force (PDOF) between 2:00 and 4:00 as well as between 8:00 and 10:00 were included. Restraint use was documented only as restrained or unrestrained and not whether the restraint was being used properly. Injury distribution by MAIS, body region, and source of injury were documented. Analysis regarding occupant injury severity, body region injured, and injury source was performed by vehicle model year to determine the effect of updated side impact testing regulation and safety countermeasures. Because the aim of the study was to identify the most common injury patterns and sources, only unweighted data were analyzed. RESULTS Main results obtained from the current study with respect to 4- to 10-year-old child occupants in side impact were that a decrease was observed in frequency of MAIS 1-3 injuries; injuries to the head, face, and extremities; as well as injuries caused by child occupant interaction with the vehicle interior and seatback support structures in 1998 model year passenger cars and newer. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study could be useful in design advances of pediatric anthropomorphic test devices, child restraints, as well as vehicles and their safety countermeasure systems.
On space weather prediction

One of the important tasks of space weather prediction is to forecast the arrival of sub– cosmic ray particles and the onset/intensity of geomagnetic storms after solar flares. For these purposes, it is necessary to predict the onset/intensity of solar flares, to track the transit (or propagation) of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in interplanetary space and finally to estimate the power (erg/s or w) produced by the interaction between CMEs and the magnetosphere. I find that a much more integrated and coordinated effort is needed than in the past in advancing the present space weather prediction. A few suggestions are provided for this purpose.
Research Community Collaboration in Observational Implementation Research: Complementary Motivations and Concerns in Engaging in the Study of Implementation as Usual

Implementation research is dominated by studies of investigator-driven implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in community settings. However, systems of care have increasingly driven the scale-up of EBPs through policy and fiscal interventions. Research community partnerships (RCPs) are essential to generating knowledge from these efforts. Interviews were conducted with community stakeholders (system leaders, program managers, therapists) involved in a study of a system-driven implementation of multiple EBPs in children's mental health services. Findings suggest novel considerations in initial engagement phases of an RCP, given the unique set of potentially competing and complementary interests of different stakeholder groups in implementation as usual.
Experimental Comparison of Digital Beamforming Interference Cancellation Algorithms using a Software Defined Radio Array

Digital beamforming (DBF) is the holy grail of antenna array technology. However, very few DBF arrays have been demonstrated due to the high cost of implementation. Here we report on a cost-effective platform for DBF using a software-defined radio array and present experimental results on interference cancellation using the DBF platform. We transmitted digital data modulated with 4-QAM from a single-element transmitter to the 4-element DBF array while a single-element interferer disrupted the transmission. Digital beamforming interference cancellation was then implemented with three different algorithms, namely, least mean squares, sample matrix inversion, and recursive least squares. The bit error rates in each case are compared for several interference power levels. The results indicate that all adaptive methods provide significant improvements over unit weights, with sample matrix inversion outperforming recursive least squares and recursive least squares outperforming least mean squares.
Elucidating the Molecular Basis of pH Activation of an Engineered Mechanosensitive Channel

Mechanosensitive (MS) channels detect and respond to changes in the pressure profile of cellular membranes and transduce the mechanical energy into electrical and/or chemical signals. By re-engineering, however, the activation of some MS channels can be triggered by chemical signals such as pH change. Here, for the first time, we have elucidated, at an atomic level, the activation mechanism of an engineered MscL channel in response to the pH changes of the environment through a combination of equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The key highlights of our proposed activation mechanism are that: (1) periplasmic loops play a key role in activation, (2) loss of various hydrogen bonding and salt bridge interactions in the engineered MscL channel causes the opening of the channel, and (3) the most significant interactions lost during the activation process are those between the transmembrane (TM) helices 1 and 2 (TM1 and TM2). The orientation-based method in this work for generating and optimizing an open model of engineered MscL is a promising method for generating unknown states of proteins and for studying the activation processes in ion channels. This work facilitates the studies aimed at designing pH-triggered drug delivery liposomes (DDL), which embed MscL as a nanovalve.
Leveling the Playing Field: Seeking Solutions

The presentation suggested that, if policies supporting outward FDI should be disciplined, then this should be done for all multinational enterprises and not only multinational enterprises that are SOEs.
Pruebas arqueológicas del cultivo de la yuca: Una nota de advertencia

En los tropicos humedos de las Americas, donde la preservacion de material vegetal reequilibrado es poco probable, la evidencia arqueologica del cultivo de mandioca consiste principalmente en artefactos asociados con el cultivo de mandioca en el registro etnografico y que, por analogia, se usaron de manera similar en el pasado prehistorico. La validez de esta inferencia por analogia se examina en terminos de platos de ceramica y dientes ralladores de piedra, dos de las evidencias mas comunmente citadas para el cultivo de mandioca.
Dynamic fracture behavior of additively manufactured Scalmalloy®: Effects of build orientation, heat-treatment and loading-rate

Abstract Scalmalloy® specimens are fabricated using Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion to investigate the role of build orientation, loading-rate, and heat-treatment on critical energy release rate and crack growth resistance behaviors. Four build orientations - horizontal, vertical, flat, and diagonal - are assessed under dynamic loading conditions. The experiments are carried out in a split-Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus on edge-notched three-point bend geometries. The specimens with the horizontal build are studied also under quasi-static loading conditions to gain some insight into strain-rate sensitivity. The horizontal and flat build specimens are heat-treated for dynamic tests to study the effect of heat-treatment on high strain-rate fracture performance. The in-plane surface displacements near the crack are directly measured using Digital Image Correlation and ultrahigh-speed photography to evaluate the fracture parameters in each of these cases. A hybrid experimental-numerical approach that combines DIC measurements with finite elements is employed to evaluate the fracture behavior. The differences in the critical energy release rates and post-initiation fracture behaviors of Scalmalloy® under different conditions are quantified. The diagonal and horizontal builds outperform the vertical and flat builds in terms of dynamic crack initiation and growth characteristics. The quasi-static crack initiation and growth of the horizontal build specimens show significant strain-rate sensitivity relative to the dynamic counterparts. The heat-treatment of specimens result in marginal improvement of the dynamic fracture performance but does not affect the crack growth resistance behavior. Based on microstructural analyses, the melt-pool boundary orientation relative to crack front extension direction correlates well with the measured dynamic crack initiation and growth performance metrics.
Parity Domination in Product Graphs

iv 1 Preliminaries 1 2 Odd Open Dominating Sets in the Direct Product of Graphs 4 2.1 Odd Open Dominating Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.2 The Direct Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.3 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3 Odd Closed r-Dominating Sets in Strong Products of Graphs 11 3.1 Odd Closed r-Dominating Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.2 The Strong Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 3.3 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4 The Problem of Enumeration 20 Bibliography 24 Vita 26 Abstract PARITY DOMINATION IN PRODUCT GRAPHS By Christopher Alan Whisenant, Master of Science. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011. Director: Dewey T. Taylor, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.PARITY DOMINATION IN PRODUCT GRAPHS By Christopher Alan Whisenant, Master of Science. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011. Director: Dewey T. Taylor, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. An odd open dominating set of a graph is a subset of the graph’s vertices with the property that the open neighborhood of each vertex in the graph contains an odd number of vertices in the subset. An odd closed r-dominating set is a subset of the graph’s vertices with the property that the closed r-ball centered at each vertex in the graph contains an odd number of vertices in the subset. We first prove that the n-fold direct product of simple graphs has an odd open dominating set if and only if each factor has an odd open dominating set. Secondly, we prove that the n-fold strong product of simple graphs has an odd closed r-dominating set if and only if each factor has an odd closed r-dominating set.
Silicon-29 NMR Spectroscopy

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on Silicon-29( 29 Si) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. One nucleus that has become increasingly important from an NMR point of view is 29 Si. Silanes are important to the chemical industry as catalysts or additives in catalyst systems. New and better ways to characterize these compounds are urgently needed. The Silicon-29 ( 29 Si) isotope is a very difficult nucleus to observe because of its low natural abundance (4.7 %) and low NMR sensitivity at constant field (7.84 x 10 -3 ) relative to 1 H. This chapter includes compounds of general structure (R 3 - n SiO n ) x , where n > 0, x > 2, and R = alkyl, aryl, or H. Silicates and extravalent silicon compounds are described. The spectral dispersion for organosilicones may be considerable for certain families of compounds. The first, 29 Si NMR results reported on polydimethylsiloxanes showed that individual resonance lines can be found for each different silicon nucleus up to a ten-unit oligomer, surpassing the structural resolution achieved by I3 C and 1 H NMR on the same materials.
Extraction of Strong Typing Laws from Action Semantics Definitions

We describe a method that automatically extracts a type checking semantics, encoded as a set of type inference rules, from an action semantics definition of a programming language. The type inference rules are guaranteed to enforce strong typing, since they are based on an underlying metasemantics for action semantics, which uses typing functions and natural transformations to give meaning. Next, we use the type checking semantics to extract a dynamic semantics definition from the original action semantics definition. We present an example.
FEVER AND BIOCHEMICAL THERMOGENESIS

Serum free fatty acid versus glycerol ratios were decreased in human newborn infants during pyrexia or cold injury, but remained practically unchanged in older infants and children. Decreased ratios in the newborn resulted exclusively from an increase in serum glycerol. In children a parallel increase in both serum glycerol and free fatty acids was observed in pyrexia. The results suggest that in pyrexia both newborn infants and older children behave as if they were cold, mobilizing the mechanisms of nonshivering and shivering thermogenesis respectively to adjust the temperature of their body at a relatively higher reference level.
Interrelationships: International Economic Law and Developing Countries

This Article is an introduction to six articles that were presented at a symposium entitled "Interrelationships: International Economic Law and Developing Countries," held in Washington, D.C. in October 2002 by the American Society for International Law's International Economic Law Group. What should be done to further development? All nations,1 international economic organizations,2 and most major non-governmental * Professor of Law, South Texas College of Law; Chair of the International Economic Law Group of the American Society of International Law (2001-2003). Professor Taylor was also the Chair of the 2002 Conference. 1 Every country devotes itself to development simply by seeking to improve the standard ofliving of its population. In the international arena, for example, each country seeks to not only manage its own economy but also to attract investors from outside. See generally VNCTAD, WoRLD INVESTMENT REPORT 2003: FDI PoLICIES FOR DEVELOPMENT: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES (2003), available at http:/ /www.unctad.org/en/docs/ /wir 2003_en.pdf. This report addresses the need governments feel to seek out international investment agreements (such as bilateral investment agreements), even though they appear to curtail their ability to control their own policy choices. The report focuses on how such agreements should be written, structured, and implemented in order to focus on countries' development objectives. Countries also seek to improve their economic situation by entering into regional trading arrangements. According to the World Trade Organization (VITO), by 2005, there may be 300 regional trade agreements (assuming that those planned and being negotiated come into being). See WTO, Regional Trade Agreements, at http:/ /www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/region_e/region_e.htm (last visited Apr. 29, 2004). 2 The most obvious examples are the WTO and the World Bank. The WTO is currently in the midst of the Doha Round of negotiations. The Doha Declaration established development as the theme of this set of negotiations. Ministerial Conference, 4th Sess., Ministerial Declaration, WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1 (Nov. 20, 2001), para. 2 ("International trade can play a major role in the promotion of economic development and the alleviation of poverty. We recognize the need for all our peoples to benefit from the increased opportunities and welfare gains that the multilateral trading system generates. The majority of WTO Members are developing countries. We seek to place their needs and interests at the heart ofthe Work Programme adopted in this Declaration."). WTO Members are currently struggling to restart the Doha negotiations after the inconclusive end to the Canc(m meeting in late 2003. According to WTO Director General Supachai Panitchpakdi:
Role of Acyl-Coenzyme A:Cholesterol Acyltransferase-1 in the Control of Hepatic Very Low Density Lipoprotein Secretion and Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Expression in the Mouse and Hamster

Cholesteryl esters present in nascent very low density lipoproteins are generated in a reaction catalyzed by acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). To examine the effect of cholesteryl esters on the secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins, we transiently overexpressed human (h) ACAT-1 in the livers of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor(-/-) mice using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. Overexpression of hACAT-1 increased hepatic total and esterified cholesterol but did not reduce hepatic free cholesterol due to a compensatory increase in the rate of de novo cholesterol synthesis. Overexpression of hACAT-1 markedly increased the plasma concentration and hepatic secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins but had no effect on the clearance of very low density lipoprotein-apoB from plasma indicating that cholesteryl esters play an important role in regulating the assembly and secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins. ACAT activity has been implicated in the regulation of the LDL receptor pathway by dietary fatty acids. It has been hypothesized that unsaturated fatty acids, by enhancing ACAT activity, reduce the amount of free cholesterol in a putative regulatory pool that feeds back on LDL receptor expression. We directly tested this hypothesis in hamsters by transiently overexpressing hACAT-1 in the liver. Enhanced cholesterol esterification in the liver resulted in a compensatory increase in de novo cholesterol synthesis but no induction of LDL receptor expression suggesting that fatty acids regulate LDL receptor expression via a mechanism independent of ACAT.
Loucura e sanidade psíquica, duas faces do desenvolvimento humano – alguns aspectos historiográficos (Brasil, 1808-2008)

This paper aims to present and discuss some aspects of the historiography on the madness in Brazil, the creation of asylums, since the mid-nineteenth century to the dawn of the present century, when the neurosciences prevail and hardly let us glimpse ways more humane of treatment of the insane. As counterpoint to this, we briefly present some theoretical aspects in the practice of the Analytical Psychology, psychological field that emphasizes the mental health of the individual and not of the illness, and points out the 'individuation process' as the driving force of healthy human development.
Computational analysis of convection heat transfer to non-spherical particles

Steady laminar axisymmetric thermal flow past solitary oblate spheroids and non-spherical droplets at constant temperature has been numerically analysed. Mean Nusselt number correlations as a function of Reynolds number (i.e. 40 ≤Re ≤ 120), aspect ratio (i.e. 0.2 ≤ E ≤ 1.0) and Prandtl number (i.e. Pr = 0.7 and 7.0) are presented for rigid spheroids. Non-sphericity effects of water and n-hexane fuel droplets on heat transfer mechanisms are also discussed. Thus, the analysis may form a base case for studying spheroidal particle effects in convection heat transfer systems.
Studies on the fine structure of the red alga Porphyridium cruentum

In a comparative study of the suitability of OsO4, KMnO4, and acrolein as fixatives for an electron microscopical examination of the fine structure of the unicellular red alga Porphyridium cruentum, it was found that the use of 10% acrolein in artificial sea water with postfixation in 1% OsO4 produced the best overall results. In such preparations the presence of mitochondria, dictyosomes, double nuclear membrane with pores, endoplasmic reticulum, and a chloroplast with finger-like lobes composed of parallel lamellae of single disks were clearly evident.
Long-term pericardial catheterization is associated with minimum foreign-body response.

Objectives: The goals of this study were to assess the feasibility and to characterize the foreign-body response of a long-term catheter in the pericardium. Background: Long-term access to the normal pericardial space provides opportunities for diagnostic sampling and therapeutic intervention. Methods: After thoracotomy, in 7 anesthetized canines, the pericardium was opened and a 5 French silicone vascular access catheter was advanced 10 cm into the pericardial sac toward the apex of the heart. A hydraulic coronary balloon occluder was implanted (N = 6). Pericardium was sealed with Prolene suture. Catheters were tunneled to the nape of the neck, attached to a subcutaneous vascular access port, and buried in the fascia. Animals underwent multiple experimental coronary artery occlusions across months. At sacrifice, we assessed the histopathological response of pericardium and epicardium to chronically indwelling silicone catheters. Results: Post-mortem examinations were performed at 213 days post-operatively (mean, range = 96–413, N = 6), with one animal maintained for longer-term study. At sacrifice, all catheters were bidirectionally patent and completely mobile in the pericardium without evidence of tissue overgrowth around the intrapericardial segment. Adhesion tissue was found only at the site of catheter entry through the pericardium. Microscopic histopathological examination at catheter entry site, surrounding pericardium, and myocardium revealed minimum chronic inflammation. Conclusions: This subcutaneous system provides dependable, chronic access to the normal pericardial space for drug delivery and sampling. The presence of a chronic silicone catheter in the pericardium does not precipitate clinically significant pathologic changes even after repeated ischemic events. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Generation of 150 W average and 1 MW peak power picosecond pulses from a rod-type fiber master oscillator power amplifier

We report on the direct amplification of picosecond pulses to megawatt peak power and 150 W average power using a Yb-doped rod-type fiber master oscillator power amplifier. 3 ps pulses at 50 MHz repetition rate are amplified in a 55 cm rod-type fiber amplifier to produce linearly polarized pulses with 3 μJ pulse energy and 1 MW peak power. These results extend megawatt picosecond fiber amplifiers to the 100 W average power regime for the first time. Frequency doubling of the pulses yields 70 W green average power, 1.4 μJ pulse energy, and 500 kW peak power.
Automatic generation of test cases

The machine production of programs for testing certain aspects of programming products has been achieved. The system has been successfully used on a number of products to establish their reliability in accepting new test cases without error. The input to the system is a syntax definition in a formal notation. The construction of such a definition for a high-level language is an exacting task. It yields important bonuses by deepening knowledge of the structure of the language and showing up obscurities or ambiguities in the existing documentation, Definitions exist for ECMA Algol, FORTRAN IV, and a major subset of PL/I. The future effort required to adapt the definitions to particular versions of these languages should be small.
Wind effects on fires

Abstract Urban mass fires are relatively infrequent events which have historically resulted in immense losses of life and property. Mass fires often have occurred as the result of natural disasters or warfare. The development of nuclear weapons has increased the likelihood of urban mass fires due to the high level of thermal radiation generated by a nuclear detonation. There are a large number of wind-fire interactions which are important in the initiation, development, and spread of these large fires. Dramatic examples include the extremely high winds and fire whirls which are often generated by such fires. Other effects such as wind-aided fire spread, fire brand spotting, and the effects of the atmospheric turbulent boundary layer can contribute significantly to the growth and behavior of mass fires. In this review characteristics of the two types of mass fire—fire storm and conflagration—are discussed. Brief histories of urban mass fire and research efforts on this topic are given. Models which have been developed to predict the initiation, development, spread, and behavior of mass fires following the detonation of a nuclear device in an urban environment are summarized. The current understanding of the fire processes which are believed to control mass fire behavior are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the wind-fire interactions mentioned in the last paragraph. This discussion forms the basis for an analysis of the effectiveness of existing models for mass fire growth and behavior. It is concluded that the understanding of the important physical processes is incomplete and that models for mass fire development and behavior are likely to be subject to large and uncharacterized errors. The possibility of improving our understanding of the underlying physical and chemical processes utilizing reduced-scale experiments is assessed.
The Extracellular Matrix in Diabetic Nephropathy

In the subgroup of diabetic patients who are destined to develop the full spectrum of the clinical syndrome of diabetic nephropathy, the kidney is afflicted with a series of distinct structural lesions principally involving the extracellular matrices. Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by hypertrophy of both glomerular and tubular elements, progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in the glomerular mesangium, and thickening of the glomerular and tubular basement membranes. Albeit less well recognized, progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis is also a feature of the syndrome. Irrespective of pathogenetic mechanisms (be they metabolic, hemodynamic, or genetic), the structural changes involving the renal extracellular matrix compartments are believed to be the 'basis for the appearance of overt dysfunction, namely, proteinuria, hypertension, and renal failure. Therefore, a full understanding of the mechanisms that culminate in irreversible kidney failure requires a closer inspection of the status of the extracellular matrix in diabetes. This review outlines the different structural changes that typically occur during the course of the disease. Both glomerular and tubulointerstitial changes are reviewed. Valuable structural-functional correlations have been derived from examining kidney specimens obtained from patients with a wide spectrum of disease stages. Experimental animal models, supplanted with recent investigations in tissue culture on the effect of high ambient glucose levels, have increased our understanding of the cellular mechanisms that underlie the disordered matrix composition. Alterations in the metabolism of the collagens, proteoglycans, and other matrix constituents are reviewed. A large body of studies has provided supportive evidence that the changes in the metabolic environment and in the local humoral balance are critical in the genesis of cellular dysfunction and abnormalities in matrix metabolism. In general, the effects of high glucose concentration have been attributed to several metabolic alterations related to nonenzymatic glycation, polyol pathway activation, and disordered myo-inositol metabolism, as well as to changes in humoral responsiveness. Our previous work has demonstrated the similarities between the actions of transforming growth factor-β and those of elevated ambient glucose on cellular growth and extracellular matrix production in cultured renal cells, and we have gathered supportive evidence that transforming growth factor-β may be an important cytokine in mediating diabetic nephropathy. Advances in our knowledge of the cellular mediators of altered growth and extracellular matrix production may provide new insights into more effective and safer therapy to prevent diabetic nephropathy or to intercept its progression.
Spatial averaging in the beam of a piston transducer.

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the spatially averaged free-field responses of phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive receivers centered in the beam of a harmonically excited piston transmitter. The responses of unfocused circular plane piston receivers are analyzed, and both unfocused and spherically focused piston transmitters are considered. A set of closed-form expressions figures prominently in the analysis. The expressions are based on the Lommel diffraction formulation which is, in turn, based on the Fresnel approximation. Although approximate, the expressions allow for quick and easy estimation of phase-sensitive or phase-insensitive unfocused piston receiver responses. It is shown that the spatial averaging effects associated with phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive receivers are virtually identical when γ ≤ 0.1, where γ = b/a is the ratio of receiver radius b to transmitter radius a. In addition, numerical results obtained from the closed-form expressions are compared with previously reported results. The comparisons indicate that the approximate results are valid from the m = 3 maxima forward under the assumption of linear propagation when ka > 58, where k is the circular wave number. Finally, it is pointed out that the closed-form expressions may prove useful in the estimation of the potential for bioeffects associated with diagnostic ultrasound. (E-mail: narpci@rit.edu)
Identifying the course of a coronary-bronchial artery fistula using contrast-enhanced multi-detector row computed tomography.

Abstract Although coronary artery fistula is common, sometimes, it is difficult to identify its course, the relationship to surrounding structures and site of drainage by coronary angiography resulting in misinterpretation. We reported a rare case who had a coronary–bronchial artery fistula with bronchiectasis confirmed by contrast-enhanced MDCT.
Effective and ineffective antilymphocyte sera correlation of in vitro tests with potency of early antisera.

SummaryThe thymocyte-agglutination titer of ALS raised in rabbits against mouse lymphoid cells correlated with immunosuppressive potency of antisera harvested after one or two immunizing injections. However, when ALS preparations were harvested from rabbits given multiple booster injections of lymphocytes the thymocyte-agglutination titer remained elevated whereas immunosuppressive potency progressively declined. The capacity of ALS preparations to stimulate mouse lymphocytes in vitro did not correlate with the immunosuppressive potency of these antisera.The technical assistance of J. Parker and M. Langley is gratefully acknowledged.
Observation of saturn-ring defects around solid microspheres in nematic liquid crystals

We report an experimental system based on rigid, monodisperse, microparticles with tunable surface properties for the study of topological defects that form about dispersed solid phases in anisotropic media. We clearly observe equatorial Saturn-ring defects to form a distance $(0.09\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01)R$ from the surface of isolated microspheres (with strong homeotropic anchoring) dispersed in nematic phases. These defects, some of which are observed to be stable for up to a month, are similar in size to past theoretical predictions (with strong homeotropic anchoring) and can be reversibly expanded in an electric field.
The relationship between social dominance, subcutaneous fat, and annual survival in wintering white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)

We used multivariate analysis to identify factors correlated with level of subcutaneous fat (a form of stored energy) in a migratory, wintering population of white-throated sparrows. Dominant birds, residents from previous years, and birds residing in certain regions of the study area tended to have high mean fat levels during January and February. On the basis of differences in levels of fat, dominant prior residents could probably survive 50% longer without food than subordinate newcomers. An additional analysis revealed that dominant sparrows returned more frequently to the study area than subordinates, a result that might indicate higher survival.
The Role of Active Site Residues in ATP Binding and Catalysis in the Methanosarcina thermophila Acetate Kinase

Acetate kinase (ACK), which catalyzes the reversible phosphorylation of acetate by ATP, is a member of the acetate and sugar kinase/heat shock cognate/actin (ASKHA) superfamily. ASKHA family members share a common core fold that includes an ATPase domain with five structural motifs. The PHOSPHATE1 motif has previously been shown to be important for catalysis. We have investigated the role of two of these motifs in the Methanosarcina thermophila ACK (MtACK) and have shown that residues projecting into the ACK active site from the PHOSPHATE2 and ADENOSINE loops and a third highly conserved loop designated here as LOOP3 play key roles in nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) selection and utilization. Alteration of Asn211 of PHOSPHATE2, Gly239 of LOOP3, and Gly331 of ADENOSINE greatly reduced catalysis. In particular, Gly331, which is highly conserved throughout the ASKHA superfamily, has the greatest effect on substrate selection. Alteration at this site strongly skewed MtACK toward utilization of purines over pyrimidines, unlike the wild type enzyme that shows broad NTP utilization. Further investigation into differences between the ATPase domain in MtACK and other acetate kinases that show different substrate preferences will provide us with a better understanding of the diversity of phosphoryl donor selection in this enzyme family.
Electron paramagnetic resonance resolves effects of oxidative stress on muscle proteins

We have used site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to explore the effects of oxidation on muscle function, with particular focus on the actin-myosin interaction. EPR measurements show that aging or oxidative modification causes a decrease in the fraction of myosins in the strong-binding state, which can be traced to the actin-binding cleft of the myosin catalytic domain.
Modeling the relationship between occupational stressors, psychosocial/physical symptoms and injuries in the construction industry

Abstract Injury statistics place the construction industry as a high-risk industry, making it necessary to investigate factors that influence accidents to be able to protect workers. Research was carried out to investigate the relationship existing among occupational stressors, psychological/physical symptoms and accident/injury and work days lost outcomes as experienced by manual workers engaged in a range of industrial construction occupations. Some of the occupational stressors significantly associated with self-reported and OSHA logged injuries were training, job certainty and safety climate of the company. The OSHA logged injuries were associated with the occurrence of headaches and feelings of tenseness on the job. These results imply that non-physical stressors should be included as a potential input associated with injuries in injury risk models for construction workers. Relevance to industry Traditional approaches to workers’ safety in the construction industry have focused on the physical and biomechanical aspects of work by improving tools, equipment and task completion methods. The impact of psychosocial factors, specifically stress as experienced by construction workers, is an area of growing research, which is yielding results that suggest overall work safety on the construction site should take into account psychosocial aspects of work.
Rht1 and Rht2 Semidwarf Genes Effect on Hybrid Vigor and Agronomic Traits of Wheat

Mean grain yield of all genotypes declined significantly as a linear function of the number of Rht genes. Negative effects on Rht were a consequene of significantly reduced kernel weights that were not offset by other yield components. Midparent heterosis for one measure of yield was greatest for tall hybrids (14%), followed by semidwarfs (10%), and double-dwarfs (2%). The Norin 10 Rht alleles appear to limit the expression of hybrid vigor
The ecological effects of universal and selective violence prevention programs for middle school students: A randomized trial.

This study reports the findings of a multisite randomized trial evaluating the separate and combined effects of 2 school-based approaches to reduce violence among early adolescents. A total of 37 schools at 4 sites were randomized to 4 conditions: (1) a universal intervention that involved implementing a student curriculum and teacher training with 6th-grade students and teachers, (2) a selective intervention in which a family intervention was implemented with a subset of 6th-grade students exhibiting high levels of aggression and social influence, (3) a combined intervention condition, and (4) a no-intervention control condition. Analyses of multiple waves of data from 2 cohorts of students at each school (N = 5,581) within the grade targeted by the interventions revealed a complex pattern. There was some evidence to suggest that the universal intervention was associated with increases in aggression and reductions in victimization; however, these effects were moderated by preintervention risk. In contrast, the selective intervention was associated with decreases in aggression but no changes in victimization. These findings have important implications for efforts to develop effective violence prevention programs.
ABSORPTION OF ANIMAL TISSUE BREAKDOWN PRODUCTS INTO A PLANT STEM-THE FEEDING OF A PLANT BY ANTS

Cohabiting ants place animal remains in stem cavities of Hydnophytulm formicarurn Jack (Rubiaceae). Insect larvae were made radioactive, introduced into the plant, and pieces of stem tissue were subsequently analyzed for radioactivity. Breakdown products of the insects had moved into the stem tissue and were also translocated up the stem. The conclusion is that the ants "feed" the plant a portion of their catch, thereby maintaining the fecundity of the host plant, and ultimately insuring a supply of homesites.