cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ranking Fuzzy Numbers by Similarity Measure Index

Uncertainties included in soft classification exist in classical mathematics. However, in daily life, the extended fuzzy concept has much information and due to the large applications of fuzzy numbers, the ranking of numbers plays a very important role in linguistic decision-making and some other fuzzy application systems. Moreover, several strategies have been proposed for ranking of fuzzy numbers. However, due to the complexity of the problem, a method gives a satisfactory result to all situations is a challenging task. Most of them contained some shortcoming, such as requirement of complicated calculations, inconsistency with human intuition and indiscrimination and some produce different rankings for the same situation and some method cannot rank crisp numbers. In 2011, Hajjari [1, 2] proposed an approach for similarity measure for a triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs), which computed the distance between two fuzzy numbers and used centroid point namely "Index". In previous method, the rejected centroid point is used. However, this method has two main weaknesses including rejected formula and similarity measure for only TFNs. For overcoming the above issues, a new similarity measure index to calculate the degree of similarity of generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs) is proposed. The proposed approach is developed by integrating the concept of center of gravity points and distance of fuzzy numbers. The proposed method gives a better and more robust similarity measure and it is more efficient than previous one and other methods in the literature as well. The method is illustrated by some numerical examples and in particular, the results of ranking by the given method and some common and existing methods for ranking is compared to confirm the advantages of presented approach.
Curriculum-based yoga and acceptance and commitment training intervention for undergraduate students: A mixed-methods investigation

Abstract Behavioral health difficulties are prevalent for college students globally. Curriculum-based workshops are gaining support as one means of supplementing college counseling services. Further, there is little research on the use of yoga for college populations. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of a curriculum-based intervention using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and yoga on psychological flexibility and distress over time (pre- and post-workshop and 4-week follow-up). Another aim was to assess receptivity towards and helpfulness of a curriculum-based ACT workshop. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: ACT plus yoga intervention, ACT-only intervention, and a teaching-as-usual control group. It was hypothesized that college students would demonstrate lower levels of psychological inflexibility and psychological distress over time following the ACT plus yoga workshop compared to the two other groups. Results (N = 237) indicated significant differences between intervention groups with changes in psychological inflexibility from post-workshop to follow-up. Those in the ACT plus yoga group demonstrated higher psychological inflexibility immediately following the workshop, and these scores decreased at follow-up. Additionally, from post-workshop to follow-up, all three groups decreased in psychological inflexibility. There were no significant differences between intervention groups in changes in psychological distress. In analyzing the qualitative data, both intervention groups reported that the most helpful component was mindfulness. In the ACT plus yoga group, the second most helpful component reported was yoga. Implications for using movement-based ACT interventions and curriculum-based interventions are discussed.
Distinct time courses and mechanics of right ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic stiffening in a male rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Using a novel combination of hemodynamic and morphological measurements over 10 wk in a male rat model of PAH and a mathematical model of RV mechanics, we found that compensated systolic function w...
Physiology of the Mesenteric Circulation

The mesenteric circulation is responsible for the blood supply to the small intestine, ascending colon and the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon. Control of blood flow in the mesenteric circulation occurs at the level of the microcirculation consisting of microscopic arteries and arterioles, capillaries and microscopic veins. Autoregulation of blood flow within the mesentery is achieved by a variety of mechanisms. These include direct vasodilator effects on mesenteric blood vessels caused by tissue hypoxia and accumulation of metabolic byproducts. Osmotic factors are also involved with vasodilation. Myogenic pathways, cardiovascular influences, the autonomic system and neurohumoral factors all have significant roles in mesenteric blood flow. A thorough description of the influences of these and standard fluid dynamics of blood flow are included in this chapter.
The effects of self-compassion on daily emotion regulation and performance rebound among college athletes: Comparisons with confidence, grit, and hope

Abstract Self-compassion (SC) facilitates healthy responses to stressful events among athletes. Existing findings are predominantly retrospective, however, and questions remain about the role of SC in college athletes’ daily emotion regulation and sport performance. Sixty-seven college athletes completed daily diaries for 14 consecutive days during their competitive seasons. We tested whether SC predicted 1) emotion regulation strategy use and effectiveness following negative events and 2) sport performance rebound following subjectively poor performances the previous day. We also compared the effects of SC with grit, sport-specific hope, and sport-related self-confidence, each in separate models. Results showed that SC and sport-specific hope predicted greater use of cognitive reappraisal in response to negative events. Interestingly, social support seeking was associated with higher negative emotions on average. However, higher levels of SC, grit, and sport-specific hope (but not sport self-confidence) mitigated this association. When athletes’ subjective performance during practice fell 1 SD below their two-week mean, SC, grit, and sport-specific hope predicted improved subjective performance during the next day’s practice by 7.8–10.9%. Sport confidence had no effect, suggesting that coaches and sport psychology consultants might consider shifting their focus toward cultivating SC instead.
Ensuring Success of Adaptive Control Research Through Project Lifecycle Risk Mitigation

Lessons Learne: 1. Design-out unnecessary risk to prevent excessive mitigation management during flight. 2. Consider iterative checkouts to confirm or improve human factor characteristics. 3. Consider the total flight test profile to uncover unanticipated human-algorithm interactions. 4. Consider test card cadence as a metric to assess test readiness. 5. Full-scale flight test is critical to development, maturation, and acceptance of adaptive control laws for operational use.
Genetic Variation and Gene Discovery

There has been remarkable progress in understanding genetic variation and its impact on human health. This chapter describes the variety of genomic technologies now available to advance our understanding of heritable diseases that afflict children. Sequencing of the whole genome or exome (targeted exome capture) by Next-Gen sequencing technology is becoming the standard in translational research to identify novel genetic variants that underlie risk of developing a disease. The process of analysis of raw data from Next-Gen sequencing is complex, computationally intensive, and uses many different software applications. Integrated sets of tools (software applications) are available to compare the DNA sequences of genes in an affected patient with the reference sequence of a normal control and with sequences of other patients with the same disease. Sites in the DNA are identified where there is statistical evidence for a rare or novel variant in the patient, including single or multi-nucleotide substitutions, insertions and deletions (indels), sequence rearrangements, and copy number variations. There can be considerable phenotypic variation among patients with defects in the same gene and conversely patients with similar phenotypes may or may not share variants in the same gene. There is also variation in types of changes in DNA sequences that can cause loss of function. Stratification of sequencing data at both the phenotypic and genotypic level is critical for effective discovery of sequence variants that cause disease. This chapter includes several illustrations of use of Next-Gen sequencing technology in genetics research.
Differential Object Marking: Iconicity vs. Economy

A formal approach to the typology of differential object marking (DOM) is developed within the framework of Optimality Theory. The functional/typological literature has established that variation in DOM is structured by the dimensions of animacy and definiteness, with degree of prominence on these dimensions directly correlated with the likelihood of overt case-marking. In the present analysis, the degree to which DOM penetrates the class of objects reflects the tension between two types of principles. One involves iconicity: the more marked a direct object qua object, the more likely it is to be overtly case-marked. The other is a principle of economy: avoid case-marking. The tension between the two principles is resolved differently in different languages, as determined by language-particular ranking of the corresponding constraints. Constraints expressing object markedness are derived throughharmonic alignment of prominence scales. Harmonic alignment predicts a corresponding phenomenon ofdifferential subject marking. This too exists, though in a less articulated form.
CFTR ANTISENSE PHOSPHOROTHIOATE OLIGODEOXYNUCLEOTIDES (S-ODNS) INDUCE TRACHEO-BRONCHIAL MUCIN (TBM) MRNA EXPRESSION IN HUMAN AIRWAY MUCOSA

Mucus hypersecretion is a critical component of cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogenesis. The effects of dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) on mucin expression were examined using the tracheo-bronchial mucin (TBM) gene as an indicator. TBM mRNA expression was assessed in a human bronchial epithelial cell line (HBE1) and human nasal mucosal explants in vitro. Antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODN) to TBM suppressed baseline expression of TBM mRNA in both systems, but had no effect on glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA (GAPDH) expression. Sense and missense (multiple scrambled control oligonucleotides) S-ODNs had no effect. 8Br-cAMP and PGE1 significantly elevated TBM mRNA expression. These increases were also specifically inhibited by the antisense S-ODNs. In order to induce a CF-like state, S-ODN to CFTR were added to explants. Antisense CFTR S-ODNs were anticipated to reduce the expression of cellular CFTR protein, and the level of CFTR function. Antisense, but not sense or missense, CFTR S-ODN significantly increased TBM mRNA expression. These data suggest that mucin hypersecretion in CF may be a direct consequence of CFTR dysfunction; the specific mechanism through which this effect is mediated is not known.
Coronal Hole Boundaries and their Interactions with Adjacent Regions

Coronal hole boundaries are the interfaces between regions where the coronal magnetic field contains a significant component which is open into the heliosphere and regions where the field is primarily closed. It is pointed out that there are constraints on the magnetic field which opens into the heliosphere that must be satisfied in the corona: it must come into pressure equilibrium in the high corona, and the component of the field which connects to the polar regions of the Sun must differentially rotate. A model is presented in which satisfying these constraints determines which field lines are open and which are closed, and thus where the polar coronal hole boundaries occur. Some of the consequences of this model are discussed.
Targeted testing for reliability validation

Methods for designing targeted tests for reliability validation of structures obtained from reliability-based design are presented. These methods optimize the test parameters to minimize the variance in the estimated reliability (or equivalently the failure probability) estimated from the tests. The tests are designed using information from analytical models used to design the structure. Both analytical tests, in which very detailed models are used as reference, or physical tests can be designed using the methods presented. The methods are demonstrated on examples and their robustness to errors in the analytical models used to design the tests is assessed.
ELMO1 signaling in apoptotic germ cell clearance and spermatogenesis

Apoptosis and the subsequent removal of dying cells are crucial processes for tissue development and maintenance. Although we are beginning to understand the signaling pathways that control the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, the physiological relevance of these pathways is lacking. During spermatogenesis, over half of the developing germ cells eventually die by apoptosis, yet the signaling pathways that regulate the phagocytic clearance of these dying cells or the impact of this clearance on development and maintenance of the germ cell population is not well understood. The ELMO1/Dock180 proteins form an evolutionarily conserved signaling module that functions as a bipartite guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rac. The subsequent Rac-dependent cytoskeletal changes play an important role in the physical engulfment of apoptotic cells. Recent findings demonstrate an in vivo role for ELMO1-dependent clearance in the testes, with implications for spermatogenesis. Here we will discuss the role of apoptotic cell clearance during spermatogenesis, with a particular emphasis on ELMO1/Dock180 signaling.
Comment on ``Anomalously large gap anisotropy in the a-b plane of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ ''

A Comment on the Letter by Z.-X. Shen [ital et] [ital al]., Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 1553 (1993).
Hypermetabolism and symptom burden in advanced cancer patients evaluated in a cachexia clinic

Background Elevated resting energy expenditure (REE) may contribute to weight loss and symptom burden in cancer patients. Aims The aim of this study was to compare the velocity of weight loss, symptom burden (fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and anorexia—combined score as measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Score), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and survival among cancer patients referred to a cachexia clinic with hypermetabolism, elevated REE > 110% of predicted, with normal REE. Methods A retrospective analysis of 60 advanced cancer patients evaluated in a cachexia clinic for either >5% weight loss or anorexia who underwent indirect calorimetry to measure REE. Patients were dichotomized to either elevated or normal REE. Descriptive statistics were generated, and a two-sample Student's t-tests were used to compare the outcomes between the groups. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methodology were used to examine the survival times between groups. Results Thirty-seven patients (62%) were men, 41 (68%) were White, 59 (98%) solid tumours, predominantly 23 gastrointestinal cancers (38%), with a median age of 60 (95% confidence interval 57.0–62.9). Thirty-five patients (58%) were hypermetabolic. Non-Caucasian patients were more likely to have high REE [odds ratio = 6.17 (1.56, 24.8), P = 0.01]. No statistical difference regarding age, cancer type, gender, active treatment with chemotherapy, and/or radiation between hypermetabolic and normal REE was noted. The velocity of weight loss over a 3 month period (−8.5 kg vs. −7.2 kg, P = 0.68), C-reactive protein (37.3 vs. 55.6 mg/L, P = 0.70), symptom burden (4.2 vs. 4.5, P = 0.54), and survival (288 vs. 276 days, P = 0.68) was not significantly different between high vs. normal REE, respectively. Conclusion Hypermetabolism is common in cancer patients with weight loss and noted to be more frequent in non-Caucasian patients. No association among velocity of weight loss, symptom burden, C-reactive protein, and survival was noted in advanced cancer patients with elevated REE.
Performance implications of different adaptation mechanisms for network content delivery

Because of heterogeneous and dynamic changing network environments, content delivery across the network requires system support for coping with different network conditions in order to provide satisfactory user experiences. Despite the existence of many adaptation frameworks, the question of which adaptation approach performs the best under what network configurations still remains unanswered. The performance implication of different adaptation approaches (end-point, proxy-based and path-based approaches) has not been studied yet. This paper aims to address this shortcoming by conducting a series simulation-based experiments to compare performance among these adaptation approaches under different network configurations. The experiment results show that there are well-defined network environments under which each of these approaches delivers its best performance, and among them, the path-based approach, which uses the entire communication path to do adaptation, provides the best and the most robust performance under different network configurations, and for different types of servers and clients.
Building competitive advantage through technology alliances

Summary form only given. The high growth of strategic alliances and technology partnerships is fueled primarily by forces outside the control of corporate stewards: globalization, technological growth and socio-political factors. Continuous technological advancement is the objective and landmark of successful corporations. Limited corporate resources, escalating R&D costs and today's much larger pool of innovation sources make technology alliances a practical tool for attaining this objective. Relative to the past, more companies now look outside their R&D confines for their next technological breakthrough. Universities have been a party to a large extend in this development. Although university partnerships fall short of two important criteria for optimizing partnering success compatibility with business missions and long-term commitment-they are an important partner in helping industry to attain competitive advantage. The author proposes an alliance development model which has withstood the test of numerous such partnerships and alliances. Starting with the design of the right logic for a technology alliance to establishing partner selection criteria, this process follows a path thought to improve chances for success in this field, where failures exceed successes all too frequently. Guidelines for managing technology alliances-Golden Rules-are offered. The paper concludes with an optimistic outlook for technology alliances and similar partnerships between all types of enterprises.
On the uniqueness of solutions to the displacement problem in linear elastodynamics

In recent separate investigations, Kirchhoff's classical uniqueness theorem of elastodynamics has been extended in two ways. Gurtin and Toupin generalized the theorem to encompass bodies possessing an elasticity tensor that obeys the semi-strong ellipticity condition, whereas the author has extended the theorem to unbounded regions. These two results are brought together in the present paper.
Preservation of Motor Function After Spinal Cord Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury Through Microglial Inhibition

Background Paraplegia remains a devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic procedures resulting from spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury (SCIR). Pharmacologic interventions have not proven efficacious in attenuating this injury, with poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The resident macrophages, or microglia in the spinal cord, may play a significant role in SCIR. The macrolide antibiotic, minocycline, has been shown in stroke models to inhibit microglial activation. This study hypothesized that microglial inhibition by minocycline after SCIR will attenuate injury with preservation of motor function. Methods Mature male C57Bl/6 mice underwent 4 minutes of thoracic aortic occlusion with reperfusion. Mice receiving minocycline 30 minutes before ischemia and daily thereafter (90 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg, respectively) were compared with mice receiving vehicle controls. Hind-limb motor function was measured at 12-hour intervals, with spinal cord harvest for histologic and immunologic comparison at 60 hours. Results Minocycline treatment significantly preserved hind limb motor function in all mice (n = 7) compared with complete paralysis in all untreated mice (n = 8), reaching significance from 24 hours of reperfusion through 60 hours. Immunofluorescent staining for Iba-1 revealed significant inhibition of microglial activation by minocycline treatment. Vehicle control sections demonstrated a greater degree of apoptosis compared with minocycline-treated spinal cord sections. Conclusions Minocycline limits microglial activation, paralleling functional preservation after aortic cross-clamping. These data suggest functional microglia contribute to reperfusion injury after spinal cord ischemia. The effects of minocycline demonstrate a potential pharmacological therapy as well as demonstrating a potential cellular target in preventing paraplegia after aortic intervention.
Nerve conduction velocity measurement of dorsal nerve of penis in normal and impotent males

Abstract Erection is dependent on peripheral and central neural influences. Both systems are open to electrophysiologic assessment in impotent males. Peripheral function can be assessed by measuring the conduction velocity in the dorsal nerve of the penis, and central pathways by measuring the cortical pudendal evoked response. These tests can be further supplemented by recording of nocturnal penile rigidity and by Doppler recording of penile blood flow to provide accurate causal delineation.
Arnold Diffusion. I: Announcement of Results

We announce a proof of the existence of Arnold diffusion for a large class of small perturbations of integrable Hamiltonian systems with positive normal torsion in the case of time-periodic systems in two degrees of freedom and in the case of autonomous systems in three degrees of freedom.
Design, simulation, and evaluation of imaging oximeters

Computer simulations have played an important role in the design and evaluation of imaging sensors with applications in remote sensing and consumer photography. In this paper, we provide an example of computer simulations used to guide the design of imaging sensors for a biomedical application: We consider how sensor design, illumination, measurement geometry, and skin type influence the ability to detect blood oxygen saturation from non-invasive measurements of skin reflectance. The methodology we describe in this paper can be used to design, simulate and evaluate the design of other biomedical imaging systems.
Effects of format complexity on user performance and facial electromyographic activity: I

Abstract Twenty males and females reporting experience with either a word processing or editing package were paid as volunteers to evaluate a 16-row database record that was presented 256 times successively on a video display terminal (VDT) screen. Each evaluation required a decision about whether the datum adjacent to a designated label field was identical to or different from a separately displayed “target” data item. The database record had four configurations (i.e., formats), which differed in terms of bit-level complexity, Decision times (i.e., latencies) were assessed in a repeated-measures experimental design, and concurrently, electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded for the masseter (jaw) and corrugator supercilii (eyebrow) muscles. The results showed that decision times differed among the four formats, but bit-level complexity was found to be unrelated to decision times. Local density of information, however, was highest for the format showing the slowest decision time. Masseter EMG activity did not change reliably over a resting baseline, and it was not differentially affected by format complexity. Corrugator supercilii EMG activity was reliably greater during task performance than during a resting baseline, but it was not differentially affected by format complexity. Although different configurations of information have been known to affect user response time and task performance can evoke facial EMG activity, the available data do not support the conclusion that bit-level complexity of a database record displayed on a VDT screen is related to user performance or facial EMG activity.
Status of unchosen objects in discrimination learning by monkeys

Monkeys were given a mixture of discrimination training and choice trials. The choice involved a previously unchosen object selected from a trial where the chosen object had been rewarded vs. a previously unchosen object selected from a trial where the chosen object had not been rewarded. On these nondifferentially rewarded choice trials, monkeys exhibited a small but consistent preference for the previously unchosen object that had been associated with a rewarded outcome. The results showed that the outcome of a discrimination trial is associated to varying degrees with both the chosen and unchosen objects, but the mechanism by which unchosen objects are associated with trial outcomes remains uncertain.
Development of acetylcholine receptors in cultured outer hair cells

Abstract Efferents, originating in the superior olivary complex, preferentially synapse with cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs), with acetylcholine (ACh) as their primary neurotransmitter. The OHC ACh receptors (AChRs), which have unusual pharmacology, have been cloned and identified as a new subunit (α9) of the nicotinic AChR family. The expression of α9 AChRs is first detected before birth and peaks between 6 and 10 days after birth (DAB) in developing mice and rats, while functional maturation of the receptor, as determined by measuring the ACh-induced currents, takes place between 6 and 12 DAB. In this study we attempted to examine the development of AChRs in OHCs grown in explanted cultures, deprived of efferent innervation. ACh-induced currents were used as an assay. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis was also performed to detect the expression of α9 subunit from cultured OHCs. PCR study indicates that mRNA of the α9 subunit was expressed in primary cochlear cultures, similar to that seen in the cochleae of developing animals. Measurement of whole-cell currents showed that ACh-induced outward current was first detected around 5 days in a fraction of cultured OHCs. The number of responsive cells increased between 5 and 12 days in culture. The size of ACh-induced currents also increased during this period. These results suggest that the development of AChRs in cultured OHCs is not affected by removal of efferent innervation.
Arteriovenous malformations that rupture during pregnancy: a management dilemma.

Intracranial haemorrhage due to rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) during pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that warrants prompt recognition. Once the diagnosis is made, the management is primarily based on neurosurgical rather than obstetric considerations. Due to its rarity, no definitive guidelines exist, and the best time to perform elective surgery (i.e., at presentation or at completion of the pregnancy) is ill-defined. This report describes three patients recently treated at our institution who had AVMs that ruptured during pregnancy. These cases well summarize the difficulties encountered in treating such patients. The diagnostic as well as the therapeutic implications of this condition are discussed.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein K and the UL20 Protein Are Interdependent for Intracellular Trafficking and trans-Golgi Network Localization

Final envelopment of the cytoplasmic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) nucleocapsid is thought to occur by budding into trans-Golgi network (TGN)-derived membranes. The highly membrane-associated proteins UL20p and glycoprotein K (gK) are required for cytoplasmic envelopment at the TGN and virion transport from the TGN to extracellular spaces. Furthermore, the UL20 protein is required for intracellular transport and cell surface expression of gK. Independently expressed gK or UL20p via transient expression in Vero cells failed to be transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Similarly, infection of Vero cells with either gK-null or UL20-null viruses resulted in ER entrapment of UL20p or gK, respectively. In HSV-1 wild-type virus infections and to a lesser extent in transient gK and UL20p coexpression experiments, both gK and UL20p localized to the Golgi apparatus. In wild-type, but not UL20-null, viral infections, gK was readily detected on cell surfaces. In contrast, transiently coexpressed gK and UL20p predominantly localized to the TGN and were not readily detected on cell surfaces. However, TGN-localized gK and UL20p originated from endocytosed gK and UL20p expressed at cell surfaces. Retention of UL20p to the ER through the addition of an ER retention motif forced total ER retention of gK, indicating that transport of gK is absolutely dependent on UL20p transport. In all experiments, gK and UL20p colocalized at intracellular sites, including the ER, Golgi, and TGN. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that gK and UL20p directly interact and that this interaction facilitates their TGN localization, an important prerequisite for cytoplasmic virion envelopment and egress.
Balancing analgesic efficacy with safety concerns in the older patient

The rapidly expanding number of aged Americans and the increasing prevalence of persistent pain in older adults create an urgent need to unravel the complexities of chronic pain management in this population. This requires health professionals to understand both normal and pathologic changes that occur within the aging body and mind, as well as how those factors affect responses to pain and pain-relieving treatments. The medical management of pharmacologic treatment for pain in older adults is often suboptimal, ranging from failing to use analgesics for patients with considerable pain to exposing older adults to potentially life-threatening toxicities, overdoses, or drug interactions. Models for safe and effective approaches to treating pain in older adults exist, but treatments must still be tailored for each individual's needs. A growing array of targeted therapies are available for managing pain, yet two or three trials of different agents within the same drug class are often needed to optimize treatment because of the considerable variability in responses to the effects of particular medications. Older adults tend to be more vulnerable to side effects and drug interactions than their younger counterparts, owing to differences in drug distribution, metabolism, and elimination. This review delineates these vulnerabilities and informs clinicians of the strategies needed to promote safe and effective use of medications to treat pain in older adults. The goal of this paper was to review specific considerations for balancing efficacy and safety in the pharmacologic treatment of persistent pain in older adults.
Statistical mechanics of partially-mobile adsorption of gases on homogeneous solid surfaces

Abstract A statistical-mechanical model is described for correlating submonolayer, partially mobile, adsorption equilibria and surface transport of gases on homogeneous surfaces. Admolecule interactions are described by a two-parameter van der Waalstype potential while the surface interactions are modeled with a two-parameter modified “square-well” potential where molecules with low kinetic energy may be “localized” on surface sites. Standard statistical mechanical analyses have been used to develop formulas for isotherms and pressure-flow and tracer diffusion coefficients. Comparisons with experiment show that a single set of parameters may provide an adequate description of both the temperature and coverage dependence of all the thermodynamic and transport properties in a homogeneous system.
The development of emotional complications in the patient with cancer

Abstract The problem of the development of emotional complications in the patient with cancer has been discussed in terms of certain fundamental reactions or responses of man to disease, namely, fear, the feeling of damage, dependency, guilt, anger, and loss of gratification. The intensity and duration of these responses will determine to a great extent how much the patient's illness interferes with his total life performance. The extent to which the physician understands and appreciates the significance of these reactions of the patient to his desire will influence greatly the nature of the patient-physician interaction, a most significant factor in the development of emotional complications.
Impact of 1996 Residency Review Committee Obstetrics-Gynecology primary care requirements on residency training and surgical procedures.

Objective This study evaluated the impact of required primary care rotations in obstetrics-gynecology residency training after 1996. Study design A questionnaire was sent to the 1994 to 2003 graduates from 1 residency program, and records of surgical procedures completed during residency were analyzed. Results Thirty-nine of 46 graduates participated in the study (response rate 85%). Required primary care training was associated with increased confidence in providing primary care (81.5% versus 54.5%, P = .12) but less agreement that obstetrics-gynecology is a primary care specialty (21.4% versus 45.5%, P = .23). Abdominal hysterectomies and vaginal hysterectomies per resident did not decrease (127 versus 113, P = 0.149, and 55 versus 48, P = .06, respectively). Adjusted for temporal trends, cesarean sections per resident decreased (366 versus 321, P = .009). Conclusion Residents maintained adequate rates of major inpatient surgical procedures after implementation of required primary care training. There was a tendency for residents who graduated after 1996 to have less favorable attitudes about primary care.
A spectroscopic and gravimetric study of the soot-NO2N2O4 reaction at various temperatures

Abstract A study of the hexane soot- NO 2 N 2 O 4 reaction, with and without water vapor, over a range of concentrations and temperatures has been conducted. Two types of reaction are evident: activated chemisorption and redox. In the case of activated chemisorption, nitrogen-containing species are formed on the soot resulting in an increase in its mass. The other reaction in which 82–95% of the soot is converted into CO2 and CO is the major redox reaction, during which NO and N2O also are formed. This redox reaction commences at temperatures near 60°C. The major redox and activated chemisorption reactions are competitive in the sense that, if activated chemisorption is initiated, it precludes the major redox reaction. The presence of water vapor and dilution of NO 2 N 2 O 4 by N2or air inhibit the major redox reaction and the irreversible activated chemisorption reaction dominates. In addition, a third reaction termed the minor redox reaction occurs under all conditions with the evolution of CO and CO2. The quantities of effluent gases from this reaction are significantly lower than those evolved during the major redox reaction. The rate equations for the formation of CO2from the major redox reaction, and CO2 and CO from the minor redox reaction, have been determined. A mechanism for the major redox reaction is presented. A determining role of NO2 monomer in redox reactions of soot and NO 2 N 2 O 4 is indicated.
Uniform stability analysis of Austin, Manteuffel and McCormick finite elements and fast and robust iterative methods for the Stokes‐like equations

In this paper, we discuss uniformly stable discretizations and fast solvers for the steady and semi-discrete time-dependent Stokes equations, which will be called the Stokes-like equations. We study two pairs of conforming finite elements that are uniformly accurate with respect to all relevant parameters in the equations, one of which is the Scott–Vogelius (RAIRO Model. Math. Anal. Numer. 1985; 19:111–143) element and the other of which is the finite element pair by Austin et al. (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2004; 11:115–140). We prove that the finite element pair by Austin, Manteuffel and McCormick is uniformly accurate and we design and analyze the fast and robust solution techniques for the linear algebraic systems arising from the discretizations of the Stokes-like equations as well. Our method is based on the augmented Lagrangian Uzawa iterative methods (Augmented Lagrangian Methods. North-Holland: Amsterdam, 1983) and the multigrid methods designed by Austin et al. (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2004; 11:115–140) for the linear algebraic equations from the discretizations of the differential operator ρ2I−κ2Δ−µ2∇div. We prove our methods are robust with respect to all relevant parameters that appear in the equations and also the mesh size, thereby, achieve the fast and robust methods for the solutions to the Stokes-like equations. In particular, the convergence analysis for the multigrid methods designed by Austin et al., has been posed as an open question (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2004; 11:115–140), which is resolved in this paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term management issues in restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic movement and sleep disorder with lifelong symptoms causing considerable morbidity. Several short-term and some long-term open-label and double-blind clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of dopaminergic treatment in restless legs syndrome. Long-term treatment, however, is associated with the emergence of vexing long-term side effects that pose a challenge for physicians. These long-term complications can be broadly categorized as disease-related (impact on sleep and acute exacerbation of restless legs syndrome symptoms), and medication issues (augmentation, sleep attacks, impulse control disorders, addiction and dependence, site reaction, occasionally sleep apnea, fibrotic complications, and weight gain). © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Corpus callosum lesions increase cholecystokinin concentrations in cortical areas with homeotopic connections.

Abstract Lesion of the fibers of the corpus callosum in the midline causes a bilateral increase in the concentration of cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity in some cortical areas in rat brain, i.e. areas frontopolaris and postcentralis caudalis. Both these areas are homeotopically connected by callosal fibers.
Beyond the standard curriculum: a review of available opportunities for medical students to prepare for a career in radiation oncology.

Purpose To review currently available opportunities for medical students to supplement their standard medical education to prepare for a career in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials Google and PubMed were used to identify existing clinical, health policy, and research programs for medical students in radiation oncology. In addition, results publicly available by the National Resident Matching Program were used to explore opportunities that successful radiation oncology applicants pursued during their medical education, including obtaining additional graduate degrees. Results Medical students can pursue a wide variety of opportunities before entering radiation oncology. Several national specialty societies, such as the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the Radiological Society of North America, offer summer internships for medical students interested in radiation oncology. In 2011, 30% of allopathic senior medical students in the United States who matched into radiation oncology had an additional graduate degree, including PhD, MPH, MBA, and MA degrees. Some medical schools are beginning to further integrate dedicated education in radiation oncology into the standard 4-year medical curriculum. Conclusions To the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of available opportunities for medical students interested in radiation oncology. Early exposure to radiation oncology and additional educational training beyond the standard medical curriculum have the potential to create more successful radiation oncology applicants and practicing radiation oncologists while also promoting the growth of the field. We hope this review can serve as guide to radiation oncology applicants and mentors as well as encourage discussion regarding initiatives in radiation oncology opportunities for medical students.
Recent Activity of the Wasatch Fault, Northwestern Utah, U.S.A.

Abstract The Wasatch fault trends north—south for a total length of 370 km, between Gunnison, Utah and Malad City, Idaho. The fault is in the eastern Basin-and-Range Province, adjacent to the Middle Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. The most recent fault displacements indicate normal slip, with the western block faulted down relative to the Wasatch Mountains. The Wasatch fault is within the Intermountain Seismic Belt of the western U.S.A.; however, it has been associated with only minor seismicity within historic time (140 yrs). There is no conclusive evidence of significant historic surface faulting along the Wasatch, although there is a concentrated 50–100-m-wide zone of damaged streets, curbs, houses, and buildings where the fault trends through Salt Lake City. This damage may be interpreted as evidence of tectonic creep; however, other possible interpretations include fault-controlled damage related to slope instability along the steep scarp or fault-controlled damage related to groundwater. Precise geodetic leveling across the Salt Lake City segments suggests that tectonic creep may be occurring, although the time span (7 yrs) has not been long enough to establish a consistent trend. Geomorphic evidence and tree-ring dating suggest that the most recent events of appreciable surface faulting are no older than a few hundred years. Fresh scarps in geologically young glacial and post-glacial deposits are 13–20 m high. Surface manifestations of active faulting along the Wasatch include multiple-fault scarplets in geologically young materials, graben on the downthrown block, backward tilting of the downthrown block near the fault, triangular facets along the fault scarp, lines of springs, and slickensided fault surfaces. In addition to the geologic evidence of active faulting, there are numerous landslides and large debris flows that have been faulted subsequent to their deposition, as linear scarps and other geomorphic features indicative of surface faulting cross them. Our current geologic research on the activity of the Wasatch fault is directed toward determining the recent history of surface displacements and the relationship of the fault with large-magnitude earthquakes, which is based upon the faulted sequence of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville beds and glacial deposits along the Wasatch Front.
The effects of clofibrate ingestion on alveolar macrophage peroxisome content and oxygen metabolism.

Respiratory burst activity in alveolar macrophages in response to particulate and soluble challenges, such as zymosan particles and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), is not nearly as dependent upon membrane stimulation as in neutrophils. Microperoxisomes are subcellular organelles containing catalase and are present in lung macrophages and cells of other organs. Evidence from liver cells indicates that peroxisomes are intimately involved with hydrogen peroxide and lipid metabolism. Clofibrate (2-(p-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropionic acid ethyl ester, Atromid-S-®), a hypolipidemic drug known to cause peroxisomal proliferation in liver cells, was studied with respect to its ability to cause increases in the microperoxisome content and to alter the cellular metabolism of alveolar macrophages. Liver weight increased over a 2-week drug treatment period while lung weight remained unchanged. Plasma triglyceride levels were decreased by the treatment, indicating the effectiveness of the drug. Unlike the effect on liver cells, however, clofibrate did not cause a proliferation of microperoxisomes, as determined by morphometric analysis. Oxygen concumption and hydrogen peroxide generation by alveolar macrophages in response to either stimulant (zymosan or PMA) was no greater in clofibrate-treated rats than in controls. Superoxide release, when expressed as the change in response to PMA, appeared elevated in the drug group; statistical significance, however, was not demonstrated. The hexose monophosphate shunt (HMP), which produces reducing equivalents for lipid biosynthesis, was elevated in macrophages from clofibrate-treated rats when expressed similarly. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to the known effects of the drug on liver cells.
Genomic evolution of the placenta using co-option and duplication and divergence

The invention of the placenta facilitated the evolution of mammals. How the placenta evolved from the simple structure observed in birds and reptiles into the complex organ that sustains human life is one of the great mysteries of evolution. By using a timecourse microarray analysis including the entire lifetime of the placenta, we uncover molecular and genomic changes that underlie placentation and find that two distinct evolutionary mechanisms were utilized during placental evolution in mice and human. Ancient genes involved in growth and metabolism were co-opted for use during early embryogenesis, likely enabling the accelerated development of extraembryonic tissues. Recently duplicated genes are utilized at later stages of placentation to meet the metabolic needs of a diverse range of pregnancy physiologies. Together, these mechanisms served to develop the specialized placenta, a novel structure that led to expansion of the eutherian mammal, including humankind.
Predicting the Proton Affinities of H2O and NH3

High-level ab initio molecular orbital theory has been used to predict the proton affinities of H2O and NH3 at the CCSD(T) level with correlation-consistent basis sets through augmented quintuple-ζ...
Fission-suppressed blankets for fissile fuel breeding fusion reactors

Two blanket concepts for deuterium-tritium (DT) fusion reactors are presented which maximize fissile fuel production while at the same time suppress fission reactions. By suppressing fission reactions, the reactor will be less hazardous, and therefore easier to design, develop, and license. A fusion breeder operating a given nuclear power level can produce much more fissile fuel by suppressing fission reactions. The two blankets described use beryllium for neutron multiplication. One blanket uses two separate circulating molten salts: one salt for tritium breeding and the other salt for U-233 breeding. The other uses separate solid forms of lithium and thorium for breeding and helium for cooling.
Adrenal insufficiency secondary to glucocorticoid withdrawal in patients with brain tumor.

Abstract Background Glucocorticoids are the main drug used to control vasogenic edema in patients with brain tumor. Rapid GC tapering may not only decompensate intracranial pressure, but also unmask SAI, and some symptoms of SAI can be mistakenly attributable to increased intracranial pressure or side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Methods The University of Virginia Neuro-Oncology Database was reviewed from February 2002 to January 2006, and 5 neuro-oncology patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of SAI were identified. Results In our experience, 1% of neuro-oncology patients treated with GC developed SAI. Symptoms resembled increased intracranial pressure or side effects of antineoplastic treatment. Conclusion A healthy index of suspicion for this complication and use of pharmacologic testing will help avert misattribution of symptoms of SAI and its deleterious consequences.