cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient Simulations of Three-dimensional Integrated Circuit Interconnect Using a Mixed Surface-Volume approach

It has recently been shown that the boundary-element method can be used to perform accurate cross-talk simulations of three-dimensional integrated circuit interconnect. However, the computational complexity grows as N2, where N is the number of surface unknowns. Straightforward application of the fast-multipole algorithm reduces the computational complexity to order N, but produces magnified errors due to the ill-conditioning of the steady-state problem. We present a mixed surface-volume approach and prove that the formulation results in the exact steady-state solution, independent of the multipole approximations. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of this technique. On a realistic example, the new method runs fifteen times faster than using dense-matrix iterative methods.
Heparin removal from blood using poly(L‐lysine) immobilized hollow fiber

Based on the negative charge density characteristics of heparin, an affinity adsorption technique has been developed for the removal of heparin from blood. Poly(L-lysine) · HBr (PLL · HBr), a polycation, was immobilized with the help of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) onto poly(ethylene-vinyl alcohol) (PEVAL) copolymer coated polyethylene (PE) hollow fibers. Heparin bound rapidly onto PLL · HBr imobilized surface in buffer, plasma, and blood. The heparin binding capacity of PLL immobilized surface increased sevenfold as compared to a non-PLL-treated control. When heparinized blood was recirculated through a PLL immobilized PEVAL hollow fiber cartridge, the anticoagulant activity of heparin decreased by 85% from initial activity in 25 min. Moreover, circulation of blood through PLL immobilized hollow fiber did not show any adverse effects; no hemolysis was observed and no significant loss of plasma proteins was noted during the heparin removal process. These results suggest that PLL immobilized surface may be utilized for rapid and effective removal of heparin from blood. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Metastatic Carcinoid to the Conducting System—Is It a Rare or Merely Unrecognized Manifestation of Carcinoid Cardiopathy?

Abstract We report a unique case of carcinoid cardiopathy. The patient, a 59-year-old white woman with a known carcinoid tumor of the terminal ileum, presented with complete heart block and subsequently died. Because of her clinical presentation, we examined the conducting system at autopsy. The atrioventricular node was heavily infiltrated by metastatic carcinoid. The tumor was also seen in the surrounding atrial myocardium. No other metastatic lesions were seen in the heart. Carcinoid cardiopathy in the form of right-sided endocardial and valvular thickening has been well documented in the literature, and we found these features in our case as well. To our knowledge, carcinoid has never been documented in the cardiac conducting system until now. We found 2 cases of possible involvement of the conducting system reported in the literature. Unfortunately, the conducting system was not examined postmortem in either of these cases. If conducting system involvement is not unique to the present case, patients ...
Computer-based simulations and clinical problem-solving

Although a fundamental characteristic of medical practice is clinical problem-solving, there is little formal attention given to teaching the student the necessary skills of problem-solving: how to integrate and interpret the available clinical data, how to decide what additional information should be collected, how to decide what action to take next, and what the relative cost-benefit implications of further data collection versus choosing among the different management alternatives.
Prospective outcomes of pregnant ED patients with documented fetal cardiac activity on ultrasound

Abstract Background Evaluation of rates of spontaneous abortion (SAB) may aid in counseling pregnant patients seen in the emergency department (ED). A recent chart review reported an SAB rate of 10% among ED patients with a documented intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and cardiac activity on ultrasound. We sought to prospectively evaluate outcomes among pregnant ED patients with documented cardiac activity on ultrasound. Methods We prospectively enrolled a convenience sample of pregnant patients presenting to the University of Utah ED between January 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009. Ultrasound was performed during the ED visit. Patient outcomes were followed up 30 days after the ED visit. Patients were contacted by telephone or the medical record was reviewed for documentation of pregnancy status. Results Seventy-one patients with an IUP and documented fetal cardiac activity were enrolled. We were able to obtain 30-day follow-up information on 61 patients (85.9%). Average patient age was 26.7 years (range, 17-42 years), average reported gravida was 3.3 (range, 1-8), and average gestational age was 10 weeks. Nine patients (14.8%; 95% confidence interval, 8.7%-23.9%) either reported or had a documented SAB during the 30 days after the ED visit. Conclusion In this study, which represents the first prospective evaluation of ED patients with documented IUP with fetal heart tones, the rate of SAB was consistent with that reported previously for this population. These results confirm that ED patients represent a high-risk group, and additional research is needed to better characterize risk factors for SAB.
Reducing power in memory decoders by means of selective precharge schemes

Two novel memory decoder designs for reducing energy consumption and delay are presented in this paper. These two decoding schemes are compared to the conventional NOR decoder. Fewer word lines are charged and discharged by the proposed schemes which leads to less energy dissipation. Energy, delay, and area calculations are provided for all three designs under analysis. The two novel decoder schemes range from dissipating 3.9% to 23.6% of the energy dissipated by the conventional decoder. The delays of these designs are 80.8% of the conventional decoder delay. Simulations of the three decoders are performed using a 90 nm CMOS technology.
Crystal structure of a single-chain trimer of human adiponectin globular domain

Adiponectin is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. It circulates in plasma as homotrimers and higher-order oliogomers of homotrimers. To facilitate the production of active recombinant adiponectin as a therapeutic tool, we designed a single-chain globular domain adiponectin (sc-gAd) in which three monomer sequences are linked together in tandem to form one contiguous polypeptide. Here, we present the crystal structure of human sc-gAd at 2.0 A resolution. The structure reveals a similar trimeric topology to that of mouse gAd protein. Trimer formation is further rigidified by three calcium ions.
Laser-enhanced patterning using photothermal effects: maskless plating and etching

We review our work on laser-enhanced plating and etching with emphasis on the chemical, electrochemical, and thermal mechanisms giving rise to the experimental observations. The metallurgical properties of the deposits and their applications, particularly in the field of microelectronics, are also discussed. The work on laser-enhanced electroplating and electrodeless plating includes high-speed deposition of copper, gold, and nickel by using the argon-ion laser as the source of localized energy. Deposition rates up to 3 orders of magnitude higher have been observed for laser-irradiated regions compared with nonirradiated ones. Mechanisms responsible for the plating enhancement are (1) enhanced chemical and electrochemical kinetics with increased temperature, (2) shifts in the local rest potential with temperature, and (3) local agitation of the solution as a result of large temperature gradients. Applications of these techniques to circuit design and repair as well as to high-speed plating of precious metals onto electrical contact areas of microelectronic circuits are considered. Experiments on high-speed laser-enhanced etching of several dielectrics are also reviewed. Volume removal rates as high as 106μm3/sec for an alumina/TiC ceramic and 105μm3/sec for 〈111〉 silicon using KOH as the etchant have been obtained.
Genetic and Physical Interactions Between DPB11 and DDC1 in the Yeast DNA Damage Response Pathway

DPB11 is essential for DNA replication and S/M checkpoint control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Dpb11 protein contains four BRCT domains, which have been proposed to be involved in protein-protein interactions. To further investigate the regulation and function of Dpb11, a yeast two-hybrid screen was carried out to identify proteins that physically interact with Dpb11. One positive clone isolated from the screen encoded a carboxyl-terminal fragment of Ddc1 (339-612 aa). Ddc1 is a DNA damage checkpoint protein, which, together with Mec3 and Rad17, has been proposed to form a PCNA-like complex and acts upstream in the DNA damage checkpoint pathways. We further determined that the carboxyl region of Dpb11 is required for its interaction with Ddc1. DDC1 and DPB11 also interact genetically. The Deltaddc1 dpb11-1 double mutant is more UV and MMS sensitive than the Deltaddc1 or the dpb11-1 single mutants. Furthermore, the double mutant is more hydroxyurea sensitive and displayed a lower restrictive temperature than dpb11-1. These results suggest that DPB11 and DDC1 may function in the same or parallel pathways after DNA damage and that DDC1 may play a role in responding to replication defects.
Control-based high-speed direct mask fabrication for lithography via mechanical plowing

Mechanical indentation and plowing is one of the most widely used methods in AFM nanolithography. Compared to other probe-based AFM nanolithography techniques such as the Dip-pen and the milliped, mechanical plowing is not restrictive to conductive materials and/or soft materials. However, like other probe-based nanolithgraphy techniques, the low-throughput has hindered the implementation of this technique in practices. In this paper, a recently-developed iterative learning control technique is utilized to account for the adverse effects encountered in high-speed, large-range mechanical plowing nanolithography, including the hysteresis, the vibrational dynamics, and the cross-axis dynamics-coupling effects. This approach is implemented to directly fabricate patterns on a mask consisting of a nickel layer sandwiched between an aluminum layer on the top and a silicon dioxide substrate on the bottom. The experimental results demonstrated that a relatively large-size pattern of four grooves (20 μm in length) can be fabricated at a high-speed of ~3.8 mm/sec, with the line width and line depth at ~80 nm and 5 nm, respectively.
Sickle cell and silent spleen.

In this issue of a Blood , in a first-rate example of collaboration between academia (University of California) and industry (Sangamo), [Hoban et al][1] show in situ gene correction of sickle cell anemia (SCA), a prototypical hemoglobinopathy.[1][2] ![Figure][3] The peak of healthy
Sequence variation between the mouse and human glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit gene promoters results in differential activation by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α

The glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6PC) plays a key role in hepatic glucose production by catalysing the final step in gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) stimulates mouse G6pc–luciferase fusion gene expression through hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α), which binds an element located between −76 and −64 in the promoter. The aim of this study was to compare the regulation of mouse G6pc and human G6PC gene expression by PGC-1α. PGC-1α action was analysed by transient transfection and gel retardation assays. In H4IIE cells, PGC-1α alone failed to stimulate human G6PC–luciferase fusion gene expression even though the sequence of the −76 to −64 HNF-4α binding site is perfectly conserved in the human promoter. This difference could be explained, in part, by a 3 bp sequence variation between the mouse and human promoters. Introducing the human sequence into the mouse G6pc promoter reduced PGC-1α-stimulated fusion gene expression, whereas the inverse experiment, in which the mouse sequence was introduced into the human G6PC promoter, resulted in the generation of a G6PC–luciferase fusion gene that was now induced by PGC-1α. This critical 3 bp region is located immediately adjacent to a consensus nuclear hormone receptor half-site that is perfectly conserved between the mouse G6pc and human G6PC promoters. Gel retardation experiments revealed that this 3 bp region influences the affinity of HNF-4α binding to the half-site. These observations suggest that PGC-1α may be more important in the control of mouse G6pc than human G6PC gene expression.
The illumination-invariant recognition of 3D objects using local color invariants

Traditional approaches to three dimensional object recognition exploit the relationship between three dimensional object geometry and two dimensional image geometry. The capability of object recognition systems can be improved by also incorporating information about the color of object surfaces. Using physical models for image formation, the authors derive invariants of local color pixel distributions that are independent of viewpoint and the configuration, intensity, and spectral content of the scene illumination. These invariants capture information about the distribution of spectral reflectance which is intrinsic to a surface and thereby provide substantial discriminatory power for identifying a wide range of surfaces including many textured surfaces. These invariants can be computed efficiently from color image regions without requiring any form of segmentation. The authors have implemented an object recognition system that indexes into a database of models using the invariants and that uses associated geometric information for hypothesis verification and pose estimation. The approach to recognition is based on the computation of local invariants and is therefore relatively insensitive to occlusion. The authors present several examples demonstrating the system's ability to recognize model objects in cluttered scenes independent of object configuration and scene illumination. The discriminatory power of the invariants has been demonstrated by the system's ability to process a large set of regions over complex scenes without generating false hypotheses.
Priestly Despotism: The Problem of Unruly Clerics in Marsilius of Padua's Defensor Pacis1

This article explores how Marsilius's theory of “priestly despotism” underpins his understanding of the civic body's secular authority and autonomy. Marsilius defends this autonomy not only with respect to truly secular matters but also with respect to the citizens' future in the afterlife; consequently, it affects the outlook of the entire commonwealth. In Marsilius's view, though he never doubts the need for the priesthood in the commonwealth, priests represent a fundamental threat to the stability and well-being of the community. Marsilius redefines the position of priesthood to ensure the political stability of the commonwealth by minimizing the danger of internal turmoil. The topic of “priestly despotism” also reveals the internal consistency and logic of Defensor Pacis's first and second discourse by demonstrating how arguments introduced and developed in the first discourse are consistently applied in the second discourse.
Unbiased characterization of three-phase microstructure of porous lanthanum doped strontium manganite/yttria-stabilized zirconia composite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells using atomic force microscopy and stereology

Microstructural characteristics of porous LSM/YSZ composite cathodes greatly influence the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. The triple phase boundaries, for example, account for a significant portion of the electrochemically active sites in these porous composite cathodes. Nonetheless, experimental characterization of the relevant microstructural attributes has been problematic due to lack of suitable microscopy techniques for simultaneous observations of all three phases (i.e., LSM, YSZ, and porosity) needed for identification and unbiased characterization of the triple phase boundaries. In this contribution it is shown that a combination of chemical etching and atomic force microscopy clearly reveals all three phases and the triple phase junctions in the microstructural sections. Further, stereological techniques based on the geometric probabilities of stochastic geometry enable unbiased statistical estimation of total triple phase boundary length per unit volume and other microstructural attributes from simple counting measurements performed on representative microstructural sections.
Environmental Circadian Disruption Elevates the IL-6 Response to Lipopolysaccharide in Blood

The immune system is regulated by circadian clocks within the brain and immune cells. Environmental circadian disruption (ECD), consisting of a 6-h phase advance of the light:dark cycle once a week for 4 weeks, elevates the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) both in vivo and in vitro. This indicates that circadian disruption adversely affects immune function; however, it remains unclear how the circadian system regulates this response under ECD conditions. Here, we develop an assay using ex vivo whole-blood LPS challenge to investigate the circadian regulation of immune responses in mice and to determine the effects of ECD on these rhythms. LPS-induced IL-6 release in whole blood was regulated in a circadian manner, peaking during subjective day under both entrained and free-running conditions. This LPS-induced IL-6 release rhythm was associated with daily variation in both white blood cell counts and immune cell responsiveness. ECD increased the overall level of LPS-induced IL-6 release by increasing immune cell responsiveness and not by affecting immune cell number or the circadian regulation of this rhythm. This indicates that ECD produces pathological immune responses by increasing the proinflammatory responses of immune cells. Also, this newly developed whole blood assay can provide a noninvasive longitudinal method to quantify potential health consequences of circadian disruption in humans.
Ridges and Basins of the Tonga‐Kermadec Island Arc System

West of the Tonga-Kermadec trench is a series of ridges and basins including, from east to west, the Tonga-Kermadec ridge (frontal arc), the Lau-Havre trough (interarc basin) and the Lau-Colville ridge (third arc). The frontal and third arcs have asymmetric cross sections with scarps on the flanks facing the interarc basin and substantial accumulations of sediment on the outer ridge flanks. Geology of exposed islands indicates that the Tonga-Kermadec ridge has been a frontal arc since the early Tertiary; the third arc is probably at least as old. A thin cover of rapidly deposited sediment suggests that the morphology of the interarc basin, which consists of linear ridges and troughs with approximate relief of 1000 meters, is no older than latest Tertiary. The interarc basin is underlain by a crust of oceanic character and is the locus of high heat flow. The regional morphology and distribution of sediment must be ascribed to tectonic activity, involving either creation of new oceanic crust or modification of older oceanic crust. An origin of the interarc basin by extensional rifting within an older frontal arc best satisfies the available data and suggests that the extension is related to intensification of island arc tectonism at the close of the Tertiary. Additional studies indicate that the South Fiji basin and at least several other marginal basins on the concave sides of western Pacific trenches have had a similar mode of origin at an earlier time. The result of such activity would be the migration of the trench-frontal arc complexes away from the Asian continent, with creation of new basins with oceanic crust on the convex sides of the frontal arcs.
Rethinking Environmentalism: Beyond Doom and Gloom

Readers of this journal are familiar enough with the environmental facts: human demand for resources and production of wastes exceeds the planet’s sustainable capacity, which portends future scarcity and potential calamity as resource stocks are depleted and pollution accumulates beyond dangerous thresholds. Deforestation decimates species habitats, industrialization intensiaes patterns of resource depletion and pollution, sprawl pushes the urbanwildland interface ever deeper into remaining undeveloped areas, and climate change threatens to exacerbate all these problems and more. Readers are also familiar with social scientiac analyses of the causes of such degradation and obstacles to its reform: the limited time horizons and regulatory incapacity of existing political institutions, social norms that encourage unsustainable consumption, collective action logic that undermines environmental responsibility, and the lack of reliable information concerning the environmental impacts of everyday choices all frustrate individual and collective efforts to live more sustainably. From such dismal projections, environmental politics is often caught between the pessimistic defeatism of those recommending unpalatable and unheeded solutions as the only means for averting ecological collapse, the futile jeremiads of those warding off apocalypse with compact ouorescent bulbs, and the naive optimism of the eco-pollyanna. Readers cycle between hoping against reason that the latter are somehow right and fearing against better regard for humanity that the former might be. A middle way is desperately needed, wherein hard-nosed realism about current threats and obstacles to meaningful change
MARTENSITIC TRANSFORMATION IN BINARY TITANIUM ALLOYS

Both the habit plane of martensite and the orientation relationship between the matrix and martensite platelets of different habit planes have been investigated in binary titanium alloys with molybdenum, chromium, and iron. The effect of the mode of deformation on the martensite habit plane was studied. A micrograph of an exposed martensite platelet is presented.
Prosocial Tendencies among Chinese American Children in Immigrant Families: Links to Cultural and Socio-demographic Factors and Psychological Adjustment

Author(s): Main, A; Zhou, Q; Liew, J; Lee, C | Abstract: The present study examined relations between prosocial tendencies (dispositional sympathy and prosocial behavior) and psychological adjustment using a multi-method and multi-informant approach in a socioeconomically diverse sample of first- and second-generation Chinese American children from immigrant families (N = 238, M age = 9.2 years). We tested the concurrent associations between: (a) children's dispositional sympathy (rated by parents, teachers, and children, and observed prosocial behavior), (b) psychological adjustment (parent- and teacher-reported externalizing problems and social competence); and (c) cultural and socio-demographic factors (children's Chinese and American orientations, family Socioeconomic Status (SES), only child status, and children's age, sex, and social desirability). Results from correlations and structural equation modeling suggested that different measures of prosocial tendencies related differently to children's psychological adjustment. Parent- and teacher-rated sympathy were associated with higher child social competence and lower externalizing problems within, but not across, reporter. By contrast, child-rated sympathy was associated with higher teacher-rated social competence, and observed prize donation was associated with lower teacher-rated externalizing problems. Different measures of prosocial tendencies also showed different relations to cultural and socio-demographic factors. These findings suggest that prosocial tendencies are not a unitary construct in Chinese American immigrant children: the manifestations of prosocial tendencies and their adjustment implications might depend on the context and/or targets of these tendencies.
Ethics and the Arkansas Pro Bono Lawyer

Arkansas faces a critical need for the provision of legal services to people with limited financial means. Statistics from the 2000 Census indicate that 21% of the population of Arkansas qualifies for legal aid services. There are two legal aid programs in Arkansas, Legal Aid of Arkansas, serving 31 counties in northern and eastern Arkansas, and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, covering the remaining 44 counties in central and southern Arkansas. Each year these programs receive approximately 25,000 calls from Arkansans qualified to receive assistance. Between 30% and 45% of these calls are turned away. The primary reason for almost a third of the need going unmet: a lack of resources.A Legal Services Corporation (“LSC”) study concluded that the “minimum standard of access” required for the adequate delivery of legal assistance to those with limited financial means is one legal aid attorney for every 5,000 low-income residents. Currently in Arkansas, the ratio is one legal aid attorney to every 12,250 low-income residents. To achieve the LSC’s minimum standard of services, Arkansas would need to hire at least 67 attorneys, plus additional support and administrative staff, at a cost of over $6.4 million dollars annually. While it is unlikely that this $6.4 million dollar financial need will be met anytime soon, licensed attorneys volunteering their services on pro bono cases can bridge the legal services gap and get Arkansas closer to meeting the national minimum standard of access.This article aims to provide the attorney who wishes to help bridge this gap by meeting their pro bono obligations under Rule 6/1 with an overview of the ethical considerations most related to pro bono work.
Abstract 2160: Regulation of DHX33 during oncogenic stress and its crucial role in Ras-initiated tumor formation

Previously we found that DHX33 is pivotal for RNA polymerase I transcription, changes in DHX33 levels have a dramatic impact on RNA polymerase I activity. In this report, we explore the regulation of DHX33 protein levels by ARF/p53 pathway and Ras signaling. In wild type primary fibroblasts, Ras V12 infection induced a transient increase in DHX33 protein level as well as rRNA transcriptional rate which was eventually overcome by suppression from ARF/p53 pathway. ARF/p53 dependent reduction of DHX33 occurred at the translational level, while Ras activation induced DHX33 levels both at the level of transcription and translation. The induction of DHX33 by Ras activation is sensitive to inhibitors of PI3K, mTOR as well as MAPK. Induction of DHX33 by Ras V12 is pivotal for enhanced rDNA transcription, enhanced protein translation, and thus, the oncogenecity of Ras V12, as DHX33 knockdown abolished the increase in rRNA transcription and protein translation, and completely inhibited the tumorigenecity of Ras V12 both in semisolid agar and xenografts. Our results implicate that DHX33 level could be an important factor to adjust rDNA transcriptional rate in response to ARF induction and Ras activation. Most importantly, we identified DHX33 as a novel downstream target of Ras signaling to regulate rRNA transcription and pointed toward its pivotal role in Ras-initiated tumor formation and therapeutic value to treat Ras mutated cancer patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2160. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2160
Temperature effects on botulinum A toxin.

Summary1) Thermal inactivation of botulinum A toxin was studied. The LD50 was found for samples heated for various times at 40°, 50° and 60° by assaying samples in goldfish. Inactivation curves were plotted by plotting the difference between the LD50 at zero time, and the LD50 at time of treatment, t, against time of heating. At 40°, no inactivation occurred after heating one hour. At 50° and 60°, the inactivation curves were characteristic of a system which contained a minimum of 2 components which inactivated at different rates. Hemagglutinin was not one of these components and gelatin in the buffer did not affect the shape of the inactivation curve. 2) Sedimentation diagrams taken before and after heating at inactivation temperatures suggested that the toxin might be dissociating to form 2 particles having different properties. The data can be explained on the basis of this hypothesis.
PREVALENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF INCIDENTAL FINDINGS IN CARDIAC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY PRIOR TO ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION

Incidental findings (IF) are commonly seen in pre-procedural cardiac CT scan obtained prior to Atrial Fibrillation (AF) ablation. We intended to evaluate the prevalence and significance of these IF in otherwise healthy patient undergoing AF ablation. We performed a retrospective observational study
On a Class of Azumaya Galois Extensions

Let B be a ring with 1, G a nite automorphism group of B, C the center of B, K = fg 2 G j g(c) = c for all c 2 Cg, and Jg = fb 2 B j bx = g(x)b for all x 2 Bg for each g 2 G. Then, B is an Azumaya Galois extension with Galois group G and Jg = f0g for each g 62 K if and only if B is a commutator Galois extension of B with Galois group K and B is a DeMeyer-Kanzaki Galois extension of B with Galois group G=K. More equivalent conditions are also given in terms of Azumaya skew group rings. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classi cation: 16S35, 16W20
Modulation of K+ currents in monocytes by VCAM-1 and E-selectin on activated human endothelium.

Resting membrane potential (RMP) and whole cell currents were recorded in human THP-1 monocytes adherent to polystyrene, unstimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), lipopolysaccha...
On a Diplomatic Mission of Li Jue

According to Chinese and Vietnamese history books,Li Jue accompanied Li Ruozhuo on a diplomatic mission of Vietnam in 986.DC.One year later,Li Jue was sent to Vietnam for the second time.He wrote poem with Du Fashun together,and gave another poem as a present to the monk.This event only recorded in history book of Great Vietnam.The relationship of the two countries was not good at that time,because they carried on a war several years ago.So it's impossible to have a good literature story as peaceful times.The second diplomatic event of Li Jue was other people forged and borrowed the name of the special envoy.
Understanding the risks of medical interventions.

The article will explore how to assess the benefits and risks of particular interventions, using relative risk reduction (RRR), absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number needed to treat (NNT).
Laboratory analysis of flower constancy in foraging bumblebees: Bombus ternarius and B. terricola

1. We established apparently normal foraging behavior in captive bumblebees utilizing artificial flowers. Syrup rewards of flowers visited were experimentally manipulated to correspond to nectar volumes found in flowers utilized in the field. 2. Bees became >90% flower-constant to either of two flower types (distinguished by color) when rewarded with 1.0 μl 50% sucrose at each visit to flowers of one color, while the others remained unrewarded. 3. Flower-constancy to ‘blue’ was achieved within 50 flower visits, but equal flower constancy to ‘white’ was achieved only after 250 flower visits. 4. While being trained to white flowers the bees increased their percent correct (rewarding) flower choice over consecutive foraging trips during the day, but decreased their performance overnight. 5. Bees trained to blue did not switch to white flowers even when the white were subsequently rewarded with more food than the blue. However, bees trained to white utilized blue flowers. 6. Most bees simultaneously presented with white flowers having six times greater syrup rewards than blue visited both in approximately equal proportions independent of flower density, while some individuals visited primarily blue flowers. 7. The laboratory experiments suggest that bumblebees, once conditioned, are relatively ‘constant’ foragers despite changes in resource availability.
Modes of Action in Manipulating Rumen Function

The ionophore monensin is used as a model to examine the nodes of action that are important in manipulating rumen function. It appears likely that several system modes of action come into play and that they result from the basic mole of action of the ionophore which involves the modification of the movement of ions across the biological membranes of rumen microbes. While there are a number of biological claims reported in the literature for monensin, they can be consolidated to seven categories or system modes of action. The modification of acid production is one well recognized category of great importance. Modified feed intake should also be considered to be important. The third system mode of action, change in gas production, probably only contributes a limited savings in energy. Modified digestibilities are probably quite variable as a mode of action, but would appear to be a significant factor. The change in protein utilization appears to result from several factors that are probably occuring simultaneously. Modification of rumen fill and rate of passage may play an important role in causing some of the previously mentioned system modes of action to occur, but this is not presently clear. A seventh category inclusive of several nonensin responses that are more indirect to the rumen or sporadic in nature is included. It appears that monensin responses occur as a result of these several system modes of action which probably act in concert. It is impossible to accurately assess a quantitative contribution of each of these categories at the present time.
Entrée: The Rocky Origins of Visa’s Debit Card

This chapter recounts the origins of Visa’s debit card, and analyzes why it took more than 20 years to become widely adopted by the member banks. Dee Hock, the founder of Visa, began talking about an “asset card” in the early 1970s, noting that it could easily replace paper checks and perhaps even cash. Visa launched their first debit card product in 1975, known as Entree, but it was issued by only a handful of member banks. After briefly describing what Visa is and how it is structured, the chapter explains why most banks chose not to issue the Entree card at the time, and why they eventually changed course in the early 1990s. Shortly after the card was widely issued, the Visa system began processing more debit than credit transactions, bringing it closer to Hock’s vision of a comprehensive Electronic Value Exchange system.
The learning and teaching of linear algebra: Observations and generalizations

Abstract This paper is about a teaching experiment (TE) with inservice secondary teachers (hereafter “participants”) in the theory of systems of linear equations. The TE was oriented within particular social and intellectual climates, and its design and implementation took into consideration a series of findings concerning the difficulties students have in linear algebra. The questions we set for this study were: (1) Did the participants in the particular TE climates construct viable knowledge in the theory of systems of linear equations? Our criteria for viable knowledge consist in evidence for the ability to (a) generate non-trivial conjectures, judged so subjectively by a mathematician, (b) prove such conjecture, and (c) move upward along the APOS conception levels. (2) What difficulties and insights did the participants experience as they constructed such knowledge? The potential contributions of our investigation into these questions to researchers and practitioners include (a) a detailed depiction of the participants’ achievements and challenges in dealing with theoretical questions concerning linear systems in an authentic learning environment and under a tutelage oriented in a particular constructivist perspective; and (b) a field-based hypothesis about the consequences of a particular learning environment vis-a-vis construction of knowledge in linear algebra. All of the participants had taken a linear algebra course as part of their undergraduate studies, on average 17 years prior to the TE, with an average grade of about 80%. Thus, a third question set for this study concerns retention. (3) What did the participants retain from their linear algebra courses vis-a-vis concepts, ideas, and problem solving pertaining to the theory of systems of linear equations, assuming they had constructed such knowledge during these courses?
Kinetic characteristics of beta-carotene uptake after an injection of beta-carotene in pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to study the uptake of beta-carotene in plasma, lipoproteins, and blood cells in pigs (50 to 55 kg; n = 40) after an i.m. injection of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg of beta-carotene. Blood was sampled at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postinjection. beta-Carotene was not detectable in plasma, lipoproteins, or blood cells of control pigs. However, concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma and lipoproteins increased in a dose-related manner in injected animals. Distribution of beta-carotene in the lipoproteins changed with time postinjection. The beta-carotene associated with very low density lipoproteins increased and that in low density lipoproteins decreased with time in treated pigs. Concentrations of beta-carotene in lymphocytes of treated pigs also increased within 3 h postinjection. The profile of beta-carotene in lymphocytes was different from that observed in plasma and lipoproteins. Carotene was not detectable in neutrophils and erythrocytes. Treatment did not alter concentrations of retinol or alpha-tocopherol in plasma, lipoproteins, or blood cells. Therefore, lymphocytes specifically take up beta-carotene, thereby suggesting a possible role of beta-carotene in this immune cell.
Effects of circuit nonlinearities on dynamic dead time optimization for a three-phase microinverter

This paper investigates the effect of circuit component nonlinearities on dead time optimization for a three-phase microinverter with a peak current mode zero voltage switching (ZVS) output stage. The primary nonlinearities are those associated with MOSFET and other switching devices parasitic capacitance which may vary significantly as a function of the device operating voltage. In addition, filter inductor values vary as a function of operating current. The effect of the dynamic nature of these circuit components on inverter efficiency and dead time optimization is analyzed. Both calculated and experimental results are obtained using a 400-W three-phase half-bridge microinverter prototype.
Research on optimal configuration strategy of energy storage capacity in grid-connected microgrid

The optimal configuration of battery energy storage system is key to the designing of a microgrid. In this paper, a optimal configuration method of energy storage in grid-connected microgrid is proposed. Firstly, the two-layer decision model to allocate the capacity of storage is established. The decision variables in outer programming model are the capacity and power of the storage system. The objective is the least investment on the battery energy storage system. The decision variable in inner programming model is the charging and discharging power of battery. The objective is the lowest power fluctuation on the connection line. Then a case containing a grid-connected microgrid with wind power, photovoltaic, battery energy storage and load is studied, and the multi-scenario probabilistic method is used. The last result of energy storage configuration is calculated through the probability of each scene.
Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures: A Single Institution Experience

Background Use of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has increased. Despite compelling small studies, many centers still struggle with determining criteria for intervention. We investigated the benefit of SSRF in our patients compared with nonoperative (NonOp) National Trauma Databank (NTDB) controls, specifically in the older population. Study Design We performed a retrospective comparison of trauma patients with ≥3 and >5 rib fractures, who underwent SSRF at a tertiary care level I trauma center, with nonoperatively managed NTDB controls from equivalent level I centers between 2007 and 2014. The main outcomes measures included mortality, pneumonia, length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, ventilator use, and tracheostomy rates. Results Overall, SSRF patients were older, had a higher percentage of respiratory disease, and higher Injury Severity Scores (ISS). Despite more respiratory disease in SSRF patients vs NonOp (p Conclusions Patients who underwent SSRF at our institution had improved outcomes despite a higher percentage of respiratory disease, compared with patients who were managed nonoperatively nationwide. Mortality rates improved for patients aged 65 and older, suggesting that this patient population may benefit more from SSRF.
Line-Enhanced Deformable Registration of Pulmonary Computed Tomography Images Before and After Radiation Therapy With Radiation-Induced Fibrosis.

Purpose:The deformable registration of pulmonary computed tomography images before and after radiation therapy is challenging due to anatomic changes from radiation fibrosis. We hypothesize that a line-enhanced registration algorithm can reduce landmark error over the entire lung, including the irradiated regions, when compared to an intensity-based deformable registration algorithm.Materials:Two intensity-based B-spline deformable registration algorithms of pre-radiation therapy and post-radiation therapy images were compared. The first was a control intensity–based algorithm that utilized computed tomography images without modification. The second was a line enhancement algorithm that incorporated a Hessian-based line enhancement filter prior to deformable image registration. Registrations were evaluated based on the landmark error between user-identified landmark pairs and the overlap ratio.Results:Twenty-one patients with pre-radiation therapy and post-radiation therapy scans were included. The median...
Simple random matrix model for the vibrational spectrum of structural glasses

To better understand the surprising low-frequency vibrational modes in structural glasses, where the density of states $D(\ensuremath{\omega})$ deviates from mean field predictions, we study the spectra of a large ensemble of sparse random matrices where disorder is controlled by the distribution of bond weights and network coordination. We find $D(\ensuremath{\omega})$ has three regimes: a very low-frequency regime that can be predicted analytically using extremal statistics, an intermediate regime with quasilocalized modes, and a plateau in $D(\ensuremath{\omega})$. When there is a finite probability of bond weights approaching zero strength, the intermediate regime displays a scaling consistent with $D(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{4}$, independent of network coordination and system size, just as in simulated structural glasses.
Correction to: Safety in Sosa

Shortly after the publication of this paper, I had the opportunity to discuss related issues with Thomas Grundmann, who convinced me that the final section contains a demonstrable mistake.
Alternating Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor: A Trial to Reduce Habituation

Background DBS in the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus has been a revolutionary treatment for patients with essential tremor (ET) by reducing tremor. Unfortunately, some patients develop habituation to DBS and thus experience reduced efficacy and loss of tremor control. There are no standardized methods of addressing habituation to DBS. We propose alternating stimulation patterns as a way to reduce habituation. Methods This was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial for patients with VIM DBS for ET. Patients were randomized to either experimental treatment arm of alternating stimulation patterns on a weekly basis or standard care arm of continuous stimulation settings for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was change in the performance subscale of The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS), which was performed at initial visit and 12-week follow-up. Secondary outcome included change in the activities of daily living subscale of TETRAS. Results Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the trial, and 16 were analyzed at follow-up. Experimental treatment subjects displayed sustained tremor control compared to standard care, as measured by the change in TETRAS performance subscale (-0.6 vs. 6.7 point change, respectively) with a 7.3 difference between the arms (P = 0.006). Conclusion Alternating stimulation patterns on a weekly basis for ET patients with VIM DBS reduced habituation in this pilot study. This study suggests that exposure to different stimulation groups may maintain better tremor control compared to constant stimulation parameters.
Assistant Principals’ Perceptions of Value Added to School Success:

With the quantitative and G-theory methodologies, this study investigated the perceptions of assistant principals in the states of Pennsylvania and Texas about their evolving roles and responsibili...
Iterative reconstruction for low dose CT using Plug-and-Play alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) framework

Concerns over the risks of radiation dose from diagnostic CT motivated the utilization of low dose CT (LdCT). However, due to the extremely low X-ray photon statistics in LdCT, the reconstruction problem is ill-posed and noisecontaminated. Conventional Compressed Sensing (CS) methods have been investigated to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of LdCT at the cost of image resolution and low contrast object visibility. In this work, we adapted a flexible, iterative reconstruction framework, termed Plug-and-Play (PnP) alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), that incorporated state-of-the-art denoising algorithms into model-based image reconstruction. The PnP ADMM framework is achieved by combining a least square data fidelity term with a regularization term for image smoothness and was solved through the ADMM. An off-the-shelf image denoiser, the Block-Matching 3D-transform shrinkage (BM3D) filter, is plugged in to substitute an ADMM module. The PnP ADMM was evaluated on low dose scans of ACR 464 phantom and two lung screening data sets and is compared with the Filtered Back Projection (FBP), the Total Variation (TV), the BM3D post-processing method, and the BM3D regularization method. The proposed framework distinguished the line pairs at 9 lp/cm resolution on the ACR phantom and the fissure line in the left lung, resolving the same or better image details than FBP reconstruction of higher dose scans with up to 18 times less dose. Compared with conventional iterative reconstruction methods resulting in comparable image noise, the proposed method is significantly better at recovering image details and improving low contrast conspicuity.
Severe therapy‐related toxicities after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma due to a pathogenic TERT variant and shortened telomeres

Telomere biology disorders predispose affected individuals to specific malignancies and organ fibrosis in tissues sensitive to telomere length (TL) shortening, especially after exposure to chemotherapy and radiation. We report a case of a 17 year-old female with Hodgkin lymphoma who developed severe chemotherapy-related toxicities. She was subsequently found to have peripheral blood lymphocyte TL < 1st percentile and a pathogenic variant in TERT inherited from her father. This case demonstrates that early genetic evaluation of patients who experience greater than expected therapy-related toxicities may be warranted to help guide further decisions regarding therapy, imaging modalities, and lifelong cancer prevention surveillance.