cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre-analytical variables in miRNA analysis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of cellular processes and have been shown to be differentially expressed in neoplasia and other disease states. This renders miRNAs promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in tissues and body fluids, especially in blood. However, numerous variables can influence the detection of miRNAs in the pre-analytical phase and lead to erroneous results. This is of particular concern when miRNA profiles are used clinically and alter diagnosis and patient treatment. Since miRNAs have been discovered relatively recently, systematic studies examining pre-analytical variables are rare. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge of pre-analytical variables that influence miRNA analysis in general, as well as pre-analytical variables that are specific to the detection of circulating miRNAs and tissue miRNAs.
Notifiable work activities in water supply facilities – execution experience from Bavaria

Abstract Since 2001, the protection against natural radiation is implemented in the German Radiation Protection Ordinance. Water supply facilities are now obliged to estimate the radon exposure of their staff. In 75 water supply facilities in Bavaria, Germany, radon exposures above the action limit of 6 mSv per year were determined. In these facilities the radon exposure has to be continuously monitored. By the proposal of the Bavarian Environment Agency (LfU), this should be done by continuous wearing of personal track-etch detectors, that are changed every three months. The results are sent to the LfU and reported to the central German dose register. Because of measuring periods of three months a high radon exposure that could probably exceed the annual limit of 20 mSv can be recognised at an early stage and immediate protection measures can be taken. In collaboration with the University of Regensburg remedial strategies for the permanent reduction of the radon exposure have been developed. The exposure...
SU-FF-I-03: Investigation of Similarity Measures for Selection of Similar Images for Breast Lesions On Mammograms

Purpose: Similar known images may be helpful for radiologists in the diagnosis of breast lesions on mammograms. However, selected images may not be really similar if a similarity measure is not properly determined. We determined the radiologists' subjective similarity ratings for pairs of lesions and investigated the objective measures that would agree with the radiologists' ratings. Material and Methods: We selected 300 pairs of masses and 300 pairs of clustered microcalcifications for determination of subjective ratings to establish a “gold standard.” These ratings would be useful for determination and evaluation of objective similarity measures. The 300 pairs were randomly grouped into two groups; one group was used as a training set, whereas the other group was used as a test set. This process was repeated for three times. The objective measures based on the distance in the feature space and by use of an artificial neural network (ANN) were compared by a cross validation method. Results: For distance‐based objective measure, the correlations between the subjective ratings and objective measures were 0.50, 0.53, and 0.51 for the mass pairs. When the radiologists' ratings were used as teacher in training of the ANN, the similarity measures were improved, and the correlations were improved to 0.66, 0.70, and 0.67. Conclusion: The results indicate that similar images selected by the ANN‐based similarity measure may be more useful than the images selected by the distance‐based similarity measure in feature space.
A Class of Distribution-Free Two-Sample Tests Based on Placements

Abstract We consider a class of two-sample distribution-free tests that are appropriate for situations where one of the sample sizes is large relative to the other. These procedures are based on the placements of the observations in the smaller sample among the ordered observations in the larger sample, and this class of tests generalizes the Mann-Whitney (1947) procedure in much the same way that the class of linear rank tests generalizes the equivalent Wilcoxon (1945) rank sum form. Optimality criteria for choosing a test from this class are discussed and limiting distributions for the associated class of test statistics are determined for the case where only one of the sample sizes goes to infinity.
Active site chloride binding in liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

Abstract 35 Cl NMR has been used to study the NADH specific Cl − binding site on horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase. Various forms of the enzyme, i.e. native, 2 Zn, 2 Cd, 2 Co, and apo have been examined by this technique. The first four metal-containing forms of the enzyme exhibit similar 35 Cl NMR line broadening and response to coenzyme binding. This leads to the conclusion that the active site zinc is not the Cl − binding site detected by NMR. The apo form of the enzyme exhibits a Cl − line broadening which is not affected by coenzyme binding.
The catalysis of nucleotide polymerization by compounds of divalent lead.

The nonenzymatic, nontemplate catalysis of nucleotide polymerization by Pb(2+) ions, a possible prebiotic catalyst, is reported. Adenosine and uridine phosphoimidazoles were reacted in buffered solutions of lead salts and products were analyzed by means of paper chromatography and electrophoresis. In the presence of Pb(2+) ion at pH 8.0 and 7.0 the reaction is found to progress rapidly with excellent yields of oligomers, with optimal yields observed at pH 8.0. Little temperature dependence in the range 0 to 30 C is observed, however hydrolysis of the reaction products is minimal when the reaction is carried out at 0 C. Results show that the yield of oligomers is insensitive to mixing or the source of lead ions, indicating that naturally occurring minerals or precipitates could be a source of Pb(2+) ions under prebiotic conditions.
Powercross requirements for surge protection used in telecommunication systems

In order to be able to classify surge protective devices (SPDs), uniform internationally applicable testing methods are necessary. These testing methods and the appropriate minimum requirements to the surge protection are described in the IEC 61643-21 and the EN 61643-21. Because upon location of the SPD different demands are made, additionally the application standards IEC 61643-22, ITU-T K.45 and ITU-T K.11 have to be considered. For internationally applicable surge protective devices the attention of these standards is mandatory necessary. Depending upon structure of a telecommunications system not only overvoltages but also disturbances by the power line can influence the telecommunication equipment or even destroy. The highest-energy disturbance can occur, if a direct contact between power supply line and telecommunications line, so called POWERCROSS, arises. For this, in above-mentioned standards requirements for the SPDs are included, which protect telecommunications equipment against these disturbances
Palaeoclimate: Atmospheric carbon footprints?

According to one controversial idea, increases in atmospheric greenhouse-gas concentrations due to human activities can be detected as early as several thousand years ago. Eight years after the publication of this hypothesis, controversy continues.
MULCOX: a computer program for the Cox regression analysis of multiple failure time variables

MULCOX is a user-friendly FORTRAN program for the analysis of regression effects when individual study subjects may experience multiple events or failures. Each marginal distribution of the multivariate failure time variable is formulated by a Cox proportional hazards model. The maximum partial likelihood estimators of the regression parameters in these marginal models are approximately jointly normal. The MULCOX program estimates the marginal models as well as the joint covariance matrix. In addition, it implements several multivariate inference procedures. The program runs on both mainframe computers and microcomputers. The running time is quite acceptable even for large samples. A simple example is provided to illustrate the features of the program.
Determinants of coronary vascular disease in patients with type ii diabetes mellitus and their therapeutic implications

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are increased 4- to 6-fold in patients with type II diabetes. The high prevalence is multifactorial and reflects in part the adverse influence of covariate, cardiac risk factors such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Type II diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism resulting in hyperglycemia, increased concentrations in blood of very low-density and low-density lipoproteins, and decreased blood high-density lipoproteins. Abnormalities seen predispose to vasculopathy through lipid deposition into vessel walls associated with monocyte infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, arterial mural fibrosis, and thrombosis. Conventional therapy for cardiovascular disease such as angioplasty and bypass surgery are of only limited efficacy. Thus, retardation of progression of atherosclerosis is essential. In addition to focusing on co-existent cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, therapy for patients with type II diabetes should reduce or reverse insulin resistance, improve metabolic control, and, ideally, do so without exacerbating hyperinsulinemia. Diet and exercise are central, and novel orally active hyperglycemic agents such as the biguanides and the thiazolidinediones that sensitize diverse tissues to insulin offer particular promise.
Language and Empiricism.

The connection between language and empiricism is a central issue in technical writing and communication, more so than in other fields. Our field deals with technical and scientific knowledge which is oftentimes very definite and objective, yet there has been increasing recognition over the past few decades that this knowledge is socially constructed and rhetorically negotiated. Debates have ensued over the rhetoricity of technical communication in contrast to its empirical and instrumental aspects. W. V Quine, one of the most influential American philosophers of the twentieth century, however, rejected the distinction between empirical knowledge and knowledge stemming from language and social negotiation. Understanding technical writing and communication through the lens of Quine's theory ameliorates the tension between instrumental and rhetorical/humanistic views of technical discourse by recognizing the validity of both views and integrating the two. This understanding in turn will facilitate our pedagogical interactions with technical and scientific majors.
Excitotoxic swelling occurs in oxygen and glucose deprived human cortical slices.

The experimental evidence linking glutamate to ischemic neuronal injury is derived from in vitro or in vivo animal stroke models. We, therefore, developed an in vitro preparation to determine whether glutamate contributes to early neuronal swelling in oxygen and glucose deprived (OGD) human neocortical slices. In order to monitor neuronal swelling, we measured extracellular tissue resistance in brain slices by passing constant current pulses through two electrodes and recording the voltage drop between them. We verified that NMDA (30 microM) or OGD induced a rise in tissue resistance in rat neocortical slices. We then examined human neocortical slices from 11 patients undergoing resections for intractable epilepsy. Both the rodent and human neocortical slices swelled within 10 min of OGD. In both, the glutamate antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) reduced the swelling. In the rats, MK-801 (5 microM) prolonged the latency to onset of neuronal swelling following OGD from 7.6 +/- 0.6 min (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 16) to 17.4 +/- 2.6 min (n = 6; p < 0.01). Other putative neuroprotective agents were much less effective in this paradigm. In the human slices, MK-801 again prolonged the latency to resistance increase from 8.6 +/- 0.4 min (n = 8) to 17.2 +/- 1.7 min (n = 9, p < 0.01). This is the direct demonstration that glutamate receptor activation leads to neuronal swelling in substrate deficient human brain. These results, which are similar to those obtained in the rodent brain slices, help validate the animal slices as appropriate models for the study of OGD in human brain.
Radiology Image Management Networks

A radiology image management network connects together imaging equipment, display workstations, hardcopy units, electronic archiving systems, and department information management systems. The imaging equipment is connected to the network through image acquisition nodes. Image data is transmitted using a local area network. Images are displayed and manipulated on gray scale display workstations. Image data is stored at archiving nodes. Desired recordings of the image data are generated at hardcopy nodes. Patient data is acquired from the department or hospital information management system using gateways.
Narcolepsy-cataplexy: How Does Recent Understanding Help in Evaluation and Treatment

Narcolepsy is a substantially disabling disease with profound physical, mental, and social effects. The burden on patients is compounded by delayed and missed diagnoses and by the subsequent undertreatment of narcolepsy and associated symptoms such as cataplexy. The recent advances in the elucidation of the genetics of canine narcolepsy and the pathophysiologic role of hypocretin, in animals and humans, enhances current diagnostic capability and will provide better treatment modalities in the future. The varied symptoms of narcolepsy are challenging to manage and may require treatment with a combination of agents. The recent development of a markedly enhanced characterization of sodium oxybate in the treatment of the excessive daytime sleepiness, nocturnal sleep fragmentation, and cataplexy of narcolepsy offers the potential of treating multiple symptoms simultaneously and marks a dramatic advance in the treatment of narcolepsy.
A review of recent developments in robot metrology

Abstract This paper provides a review of various measurement techniques, and testing methods, conditions and specifications (TMCS) for determining performance of a robot. First, the principles of eperation, accuracy and repeatability of measurement systems, and any special features are summarized. Then, the TMCS proposed by the Robotic Industries Association, the International Organization for Standardization, a Japanese standard testing proposal, and several individuals are reviewed, and future research needs are identified.
Thorium-mediated ring-opening of tetrahydrofuran and the development of a new thorium starting material: preparation and chemistry of ThI4(DME)2

The thorium(IV) tetraiodide complex ThI4(DME)2 (3) (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) has been prepared in high yield by reacting the corresponding chloride complex ThCl4(DME)2 with an excess of trimethylsilyl iodide (Me3SiI) in toluene. This new route avoids the use of thorium metal as a reagent. ThI4(DME)2 (3) exhibits excellent thermal stability compared to ThI4(THF)4 (1), which undergoes rapid ring-opening of THF at ambient temperature to yield the iodobutoxide complex ThI3[O(CH2)4I](THF)3 (2). Subsequent ligand-exchange between 2 and DME affords ThI3[O(CH2)4I](DME)2 (11), which can be converted to 3 with Me3SiI. Salt metathesis between 2 and K(LMe) (LMe = (2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)CHC(Me)N(2,6-iPr2C6H3)) cleanly gives (LMe)ThI2[O(CH2)4I](THF) (10), which is a rare example of a thorium β-diketiminate complex. Complexes 2, 10, and 11 represent the first reported examples of THF ring-opening mediated by thorium. The synthetic utility of ThI4(DME)2 (3) is demonstrated by preparation of thorium(IV) alkoxide, amide, and organometallic compounds.
Exploring the Association between Teachers' Perceived Student Misbehaviour and Emotional Exhaustion: The Importance of Teacher Efficacy Beliefs and Emotion Regulation.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between teachers’ perceived student misbehaviour and emotional exhaustion, and the role of teacher efficacy beliefs (related to handling student misbehaviour) and emotion regulation in this relationship. Additionally, we examined teacher turnover intentions in relation to emotional exhaustion. Data were collected from 610 elementary, middle‐ and high‐school teachers using an online survey. Results indicate that despite the significant direct effect between the two emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) on emotional exhaustion, both strategies failed to show a mediating effect between perceived student misbehaviour and emotional exhaustion. However, teacher efficacy in handling student misbehaviour was found to mediate the relationship between perceived student misbehaviour and emotional exhaustion. In turn, a significant relationship was found between emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions. Furthermore, t...
High [K + ] Dialysate (3mEq/l) Improves Survival in Hemodialysis (HD) Patients

Introduction: Excessive K + removal and hypokalemia following HD with standard bath (K + 2 mEq/L) might be responsible for elevated cardiovascular risk in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In support of this contention, we have previously documented that HD using a dialysate [K + ] of 3.0 mEq/L increases urea removal (JASN 9:2124, 1998) and lowers rebound hypertension (AJKD 26:321, 1995) after treatment, while minimizing K + deficiency. Objective: To compare 1) expected death rate with standard bath to study protocol; and 2) mortality rates within our unit when [K + ]d was changed from 2 mEq/L to 3 mEq/L. Methods: 57 patients received HD with standard dialysate [K + ] concentration of 2.0 mEq/L through May, 2000. Starting in June, 2000, standard [K + ] bath was changed to 3.0 mEq/L. Other treatment parameters remained unchanged. Results: As shown in the figure, the actual death rate decreased coincident with the change in [K + ] bath, even though the expected death rate, corrected for patient age, sex, race, and incidence of diabetes, increased slightly. Hyperkalemia did not occur after dialysate [K + ] was increased, with average pre-HD serum [K + ] of 4.76 ± 0.48 mmol/L. Conclusion: Routine use of dialysate [K + ] of 3 mmol/L is associated with improved survival in patients with ESRD.
Solute diffusion in swollen membranes. Part II. Influence of crosslinking on diffusive properties

This work presents important new evidence that the crosslinked structure of swollen polymers acts as a molecular screen for diffusion of large solutes. Diffusion experiments of bovine serum albumin diffusion through well-characterized, water-swollen poly(vinyl alcohol) networks were conducted using a modification of the Colton and Kaufmann/Leonard diffusion cells. The networks were prepared by chemical crosslinking of dilute aqueous polymer solutions, and their molecular characteristics were analyzed by equilibrium swelling experiments. Networks with number average molecular weight between crosslinks, Mc, of between 2,000 and 11,150 were prepared and used for the diffusion studies. The results of BSA diffusion showed that the normalized diffusion coefficient depends on the value of Mc and it decreases significantly as the crosslinking density increases. A previously proposed theoretical analysis of solute diffusion through highly swollen networks is examined as to its ability to predict the experimental data. It is concluded that the previously assumed linear dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the mesh size is not correct even for highly swollen membranes.
Relationship of Fibrillatory Waves and P Waves in the Electrocardiogram

The amplitude of the fibrillatory waves and the P terminal force were compared in 100 consecutive patients. These electrocardiographic measures of atrial activity were made first in atrial fibrillation and then after electrical conversion to sinus rhythm. When the same patient was studied, the occurrence of a coarse fibrillatory wave and an abnormal P terminal force, or a fine fibrillatory wave and a normal P terminal force, was found to be a highly significant relationship. This relationship suggests that the factors responsible for the characteristic of the terminal portion of the P wave recorded in sinus rhythm probably determine the magnitude of the fibrillatory wave that occurs when atrial fibrillation is present. The finding of a coarse fibrillatory wave or an abnormal P terminal force should suggest the electrocardiographic diagnosis of left atrial hypertrophy or "strain."
Effect of toxaphene exposure on immune responses in mice.

Toxaphene was fed to female weanling Swiss‐Webster mice at dosages of 10, 100, and 200 ppm for 8 wk. Immunologic assays revealed depressed IgG antibody formation in those animals receiving 100 and 200 ppm toxaphene, as compared to controls. Cell‐mediated immune responses were not affected in the toxaphene‐exposed mice. In another experiment, mature female mice fed the same amounts of toxaphene were mated 3 wk after feeding began and were maintained on the diets until 3 wk after parturition, at which time the pups were weaned onto the control ration. Assays performed on the offspring 8 wk after their birth revealed suppressed antibody formation in the 100‐ppm‐toxaphene group and enhanced antibody formation in the 200‐ppm group. The cell‐mediated immune response was suppressed in the offspring from the 100‐ppm group, while no change from the controls occurred in the other groups. Phagocytic ability of macrophages was significantly reduced in all toxaphene‐treated groups, but to a greater extent in the offsp...
A penalized linear mixed model for genomic prediction using pedigree structures

Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 provided a platform for evaluating genomic prediction power based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms from single-nucleotide polymorphism array data and sequencing data. Also, Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 provided a diverse pedigree structure to be explored in prediction. In this study, we attempted to combine pedigree information with single-nucleotide polymorphism data to predict systolic blood pressure. Our results suggested that the prediction power based on pedigree information only could be unsatisfactory. Using additional information such as single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes would improve prediction accuracy. In particular, the improvement can be significant when there exist a few single-nucleotide polymorphisms with relatively larger effect sizes. We also compared the prediction performance based on genome-wide association study data (ie, common variants) and sequencing data (ie, common variants plus low-frequency variants). The experimental result showed that inclusion of low frequency variants could not lead to improvement of prediction accuracy.
Troubled homes: Pastoral responses to violent and abusive families

This article seeks to address five areas of concern for pastoral ministry with families which are violent or abusive. The topics covered are legal responsibilities, recognition of conditions which promote violence or abuse within homes, the role of cultural differences in assessing family violence and abuse, the potential for disruption in cases of reported abuse and neglect, and dealing with issues of blame and responsibility. Five “strategies” or suggestions for ministering to these families within a congregation are offered at the end of the article.
Dynamic inversion fuzzy integration control in high angle-of-attack flight

A method for design of flight controllers that provides desired handling qualities over a wide range of flight conditions is presented. The aircraft considered in this paper is capable of flight at very high angles of attack and has thrust vectoring as well as conventional aerodynamic control surfaces. This paper only considers the longitudinal control. The control design method is to use an inner-loop, dynamic inversion controller and an outer-loop, the main-auxiliary fuzzy controller without quantification. The dynamic inversion controller lienarizes the ptich rate dynamcis ofthe aircraft. However, since model uncertainties prevent exact linearization, there will always be errors associated with this controller. The outer-loop fuzzy controller provides robustness to errors due to the lack of exact cancellation of the pitch rate dynamics by the dynamic inversion controller. In addition, its simulation results are also provided.
Effects of Intravitreal Administration of Steroids on Experimental Subretinal Neovascularization in the Subhuman Primate

• To elucidate the role of inflammation in the occurrence of experimental subretinal neovascularization caused by highintensity laser photocoagulation, we investigated the effects of vitreal infusion of steroids on laser lesions in a primate model. Dexamethasone, with or without triamcinolone, was infused continuously for two weeks through an indwelling cannula system. The animals were followed up clinically for up to eight weeks. The frequency of subretinal neovascularization in the steroid-treated animals was significantly lower than that in a control group of untreated animals. Although steroids have multiple effects, these results suggest that the inflammatory response, possibly macrophage infiltration, may plan an important role in the occurrence of subretinal neovascularization in our experimental model.
Intraventricular Hematoma Secondary to a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

A rare and serious complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt is reported. A huge intraventricular hematoma was confirmed by computed tomography scanning and autopsy. This is the first report of such a complication in a newborn with hydrocephalus.
The effect of loading rate on the fracture toughness of fiber reinforced polymer composites

This article is a detailed review of the strain rate dependence of fracture toughness properties in polymer composite materials. An attempt is made to draw together all the strain rate studies done in the past and to elucidate the reasons given by the authors of the reviewed papers for the trends resulting from their studies to better understand the strain rate effects on the fracture toughness of fiber reinforced polymer composite materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 899–904, 2005
Deletion mutagenesis during polymerase chain reaction: dependence on DNA polymerase

Abstract Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with two polymerases, Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase (Taq), and modified T7 DNA polymerase (Sequenasetm). Both polymerases were used to amplify the same portion of the human 18SrRNA gene. We report a PCR artifact, namely a deletion of 54 bp, when Taq polymerase was used to amplify a portion of the human 18S rRNA gene. PCR performed with Sequenasetm did not produce this artifact. The deletion eliminated a potentially stable hairpin loop. Our data are consistent with the following model for generation of the deletion: (i) the formation of an intrastrand hairpin, and (ii) polymerization across the base of the hairpin, thus deleting the nucleotide sequence in the hairpin. Furthermore, we show that the deletion occurs mainly during synthesis of the (−)DNA strand. Our observations suggest that similar artifacts may occur in other sequences containing stable secondary structures. Recombinant DNA; hairpin; ribosomal RNA
(De)‐Orientalising the female self: Selected feminine characterizations in Wole Soyinka's The interpreters, season of anomy and madmen and specialists

(1997). (De)‐Orientalising the female self: Selected feminine characterizations in Wole Soyinka's The interpreters, season of anomy and madmen and specialists. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 56-76.
Reliability and validity of the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire and validation of a craving-induction procedure using multiple measures of craving and mood.

Aims To determine the reliability and validity of the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire (TCQ) and the validity of imagery scripts to elicit self-reported tobacco craving. Design Active imagery of three auditory scripts that described no-, low- and high-intensity of smoking urge. Participants Current cigarette smokers (24 men, 24 women) not attempting to quit or reduce smoking. Measurements After each imagery condition, participants completed the 47-item TCQ, a Mood Form and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questions. Findings Reliability of measures was demonstrated by internal consistency and unidimensionality of the four TCQ factors across imagery conditions. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by an orderly increase in scores on the TCQ and VAS craving measures as a function of craving intensity of the imagery scripts. Increases in effect size parameters and parallel decreases in the stability of test–retest reliability for all craving measures indicated the validity of the imagery procedure. Convergent and discriminant validity were established by the craving scripts increasing self-reported craving, the no-craving (positive-affect) script increasing positive mood, the no-craving script not affecting craving and the craving scripts not affecting positive mood. Conclusions Findings further demonstrated the reliability and validity of the TCQ as a multi-factorial instrument to assess the construct of tobacco craving and suggested that the lability of craving, rather than inconsistency and instability in its measurement, was responsible for observed effects.
Total Synthesis of (−)-Sarain A

This article describes the details of our synthetic studies toward the complex marine alkaloid sarain A. Various strategies were conceived, setbacks encountered, and solutions developed, ultimately leading to a successful enantioselective total synthesis. Our route to (+)-sarain A features a number of key steps, including an asymmetric Michael addition to install the C4'-C3'-C7' stereotriad, an enoxysilane-N-sulfonyliminium ion cyclization to set the C3 quaternary carbon stereocenter, and assemble the diazatricycloundecane core, a ring-closing metathesis to construct the 13-membered ring, an intramolecular Stille coupling to fashion the unsaturated 14-membered macrocycle, and a late-stage installation of the tertiary amine-aldehyde proximity interaction.
When projects of ‘empowerment’ don’t liberate: Locating agency in a ‘postcolonial’ peace education

By juxtaposing male secondary student and teacher classroom practices with a postcolonial analysis of the structural and discursive forces that characterize education reform in Jordan, this study draws attention to the ways that authoritarian regimes may coopt peace education language and concepts, such as ‘dialogue’ and ‘empowerment’, to create a democratic veneer for neoliberal educational projects. Jordanian (along with other Arab and Muslim) male youth are often discursively positioned in transnational accounts as objects of educational intervention requiring assistance to become democratic and empowered citizens rather than subjects of self-empowerment. Employing a postcolonial framework of centering ‘marginalized’ voices, then, challenges prevalent cultural representations of Jordanian youth as ‘vulnerable’ and allows scholars and practitioners to see how students enact agency and contest sociopolitical norms in everyday practices of schooling. Using ethnographic data collected in two government sec...
Transient electric birefringence studies of T2 bacteriophage and T2 ghost.

The transient electric birefringence behavior of bacteriophage T2 and the T2 ghost or protein coal was studied. The field free relaxation measurements show both the intact virus and its ghost to have two rotary diffusion coefficients. These coefficients have values of 555 ± 54 and 111 ± 22 sec.−1 for the intact virus and 688 ± 89 and 161 ± 29 sec.−l for the ghost. The equivalent ellipsoids for the fast and slow relaxation coefficients were obtained by use of Perrin's equation and were related to the bacteriophage structure in terms of a possible extension of the tail fibers or an enlargement of the head structure. The saturation of the specific birefringence of the phage and the ghost when compared with the specific birefringence of the free nucleic acid gave an average optical orientation of 10 to 18% of the nucleic acid parallel to the main axis of the phage. The analysis of the birefringence versus applied field strength in the Kerr region gave the following values for the anisotropy of the polarixability. αe,33 – αe,11 and intrinsic dipole, μ, of both phage and ghost : for T2 phage αe,33 – αe,11 = 5.0 × 10−14 cm.3 and μ = 64,400 Debyes; for T2 ghost αe,33 – αe,11 = 7.9 × 10−14cm.3 and μ = 57,200 Debyes. The high intrinsic dipole for phage and ghost is interpreted as to be associated with the mechanisms of the virus for attachment, to the host cell wall.
Surgical excision of miniature sialoliths in Wharton's duct.

Abstract A simplified rational approach to the successful removal of small salivary stones is proposed and described. The basis of the procedure lies in the accurate localization and dissection of Wharton's duct.
Location-aided routing with uncertainty in mobile ad hoc networks: A stochastic semidefinite programming approach

We study location-aided routing under mobility in wireless ad hoc networks. Due to node mobility, the network topology changes continuously, and clearly there exists an intricate tradeoff between the message passing overhead and the latency in the route discovery process. Aiming to obtain a clear understanding of this tradeoff, we use stochastic semidefinite programming (SSDP), a newly developed optimization model, to deal with the location uncertainty associated with node mobility. In particular, we model both the speed and the direction of node movement by random variables and construct random ellipses accordingly to better capture the location uncertainty and the heterogeneity across different nodes. Based on SSDP, we propose a stochastic location-aided routing (SLAR) strategy to optimize the tradeoff between the message passing overhead and the latency. Our results reveal that in general SLAR can significantly reduce the overall overhead than existing deterministic algorithms, simply because the location uncertainty in the routing problem is better captured by the SSDP model.
the influence of the cerebellum in cat penicillin epilepsy.

SUMMARY Discrete, gross, and deep cerebellar stimulation tended to inhibit a cortical penicillin-induced focal epilepsy in the cat. The cerebellar cortical areas which, when stimulated electrically, most frequently expressed inhibition were the right paramedian lobes and the pyramis. When these same areas were ablated, focal seizures were facilitated. The data support the beliefs of previous workers that the cerebellum may play an active role in seizure suppression. Resume La stimulation cerebelleuse legere, intense et profonde chez le chat tendait a inhiber une epilepsie focale corticale causee par la penicilline. Les zones cerebelleuses corticales qui, lorsqu'elles etaient stimulees electriquement, revelaient la plupart du temps une inhibition, etaient le lobe droit paramedian et le pyramis. Lorsque ces memes zones etaient enlevees, la crise focale se trouvait facilitee. On en a deduit qu'il est tres possible que le cervelet joue un role actif dans la suppression des crises.
Design of a modular bioreactor to incorporate both perfusion flow and hydrostatic compression for tissue engineering applications.

Physiological models have demonstrated that cells undergo a cyclic regimen of hydrostatic compression and fluid shear stress within the lacunar-canalicular porosity of bone. A new modular bioreactor was designed to incorporate both perfusion fluid flow and hydrostatic compression in an effort to more accurately simulate the mechanical loading and stress found in natural bone in vivo. The bioreactor design incorporated custom and off-the-shelf components to produce levels of mechanical stimuli relevant to the physiologic range, including hydrostatic compression exceeding 300 kPa and perfusion shear stress of 0.7 dyne/cm2. Preliminary findings indicated that the novel system facilitated the viable growth of cells on discrete tissue engineering scaffolds. The bioreactor has established an experimental platform for ongoing investigation of the interactive effect of perfusion fluid flow and hydrostatic compression on multiple cell types.
Rehabilitation following hand transplantation.

Background Hand allotransplantation can restore motor, sensory and cosmetic functions to upper extremity amputees. Over 70 hand transplant operations have been performed worldwide, but there is little published regarding post-hand transplant rehabilitation.
Facilitation of Pavlovian conditioned cardiodecelerations following preshock in immobilized rats.

Abstract Two experiments are reported that examine the effects of unsignalled, inescapable prior shock exposure (PSE) on shock-motivated Pavlovian conditioned heart rate (HR) decelerations in rats. Both studies involved 2 CS-US contingencies (paired and unpaired) and 2 preshock treatments (preshock and no preshock). The 2 designs differed in the type of immobilization procedures to which the rats were submitted and the number of conditioning sessions. In Experiment 1 rats were conditioned for 2 consecutive 35 trial sessions while physically restrained, whereas only one conditioning session was used in Experiment 2 on animals that were paralyzed with d-tubocurarine chloride (dTC). The results demonstrated that PSE augmented the magnitude of the HR conditioned response (CR) in both the physically restrained and paralyzed preparations. In addition, PSE improved the rate of acquisition of the conditioned cardiodeceleration in physically restrained rats and tended to facilitate reinstatement of the HR CR during the second conditioning session. These data support the notion that certain nonspecific stress processes that are relatively independent of the CS-US contingency but related to the occurrence of response suppression are intimately involved in Pavlovian HR conditioning.
A Toolbox for Designing and Analyzing Phase-Shifting Interferometry Algorithms with Characteristic Polynomials

Many recent advances in understanding of phase-shifting algorithms have yet to be incorporated into commercial phase-shifting interferometry software. A toolbox, for the open-source computer algebra system Maxima, simplifies analysis and design of arbitrary phase-shifting algorithms.
Pharmacokinetics of Tiqueside (β‐Tigogenin Cellobioside) in Dogs, Rats, Rabbits, and Monkeys†

Abstract Tiqueside (CP‐88, 818, β ‐tigogenin cellobioside) is an effective cholesterol absorption inhibitor that may be useful in the treatment of hypercholesteremia. We have investigated the pharmacokinetics of tiqueside in dogs, rats, rabbits, and monkeys. In dogs, the volume of distribution (Vd ss ) was 2.11 L/kg, clearance was 0.58 mL/min·kg, and half‐life was 45 h following a 1.4 mg/kg intravenous dose. Absolute bioavailability in fed dogs decreased from 6.7% for a 30 mg/kg dose to 1.7% for a 375 mg/kg dose. The oral bioavailability at a dose of 375 mg/kg was approximately 4‐fold lower in fasted dogs than fed dogs. AUC‐(0–24) for doses up to 2000 mg/kg were only slightly greater than AUC‐(0–24) for a 375 mg/kg dose. In rats dosed intravenously at 8.0 mg/kg, Vd ss was 3.52 L/kg, clearance was 14.6 mL/min·kg, and half‐life was 3.6 h. Estimated bioavailability for rats dosed in feed at 250–2000 mg/kg/day was less than 0.5%. In rabbits dosed at 4.0 mg/kg iv, Vd ss was 2.95 L/kg, clearance was 0.59 mL/min·kg, and half‐life was 61 h. Bioavailability for rabbits dosed in feed at 62.5 or 125 mg/kg/day was approximately 7%. Systemic exposure in rhesus monkeys after oral dosing was lower than that for dogs and rabbits. Thus, low systemic exposure to tiqueside following oral administration has been demonstrated in several animal species.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN THE GENUS PLEUROPOMPHA LECONTE: A NEW MATING DISPLAY IN BLISTER BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: MELOIDAE)

Distinguishing features of male courtship behavior in Pleuropompha include the performance of all acts including genital presentation from a position completely off and behind the female (posterior position), and the occurrence of a unique non-tactual display termed antennal fanning. Non-receptive females frequently react to antennal fanning with an equally distinct rejection response. The communicant manifested through male display is unknown. Preliminary observations suggest that fanning is perceived by the female’s antennae. Vision does not appear to play a significant role.Male courtship in Pleuropompha differs from that of any other genus of Meloidae studied. It corresponds most closely to the behavior of certain species of the nominate subgenus of Epicauta, E. puncticollis in particular. In this species a persistent posterior position also occurs and the antennae of the male are also employed in display, although in this case display is overtly tactual.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide in afferents to the cat's cerebellar cortex: distribution and origin.

In the present study, the distribution and origin of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were analyzed in the cat's cerebellum. Following incubation in an antibody generated against rat CGRP and processing with the peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) technique, CGRP immunoreactivity (IR) is found in profiles that have morphological characteristics of both simple and complex mossy fibers. However, all mossy fibers are not CGRP-positive. Further, CGRP-IR mossy fibers have a heterogeneous distribution in the cerebellum. In the vermis, the majority of immunoreactive profiles are in lobules VII, VIII, and the dorsal folia of IX. In anterior vermal lobules, only scattered terminals, located primarily at the apex and along the shoulder of the folia, are present. Laterally, CGRP-IR mossy fibers are located in the paramedian lobule, paraflocculus, and crus II. No CGRP fibers or varicosities are observed in any of the cerebellar nuclei. However, CGRP-positive cell bodies are scattered throughout the nuclear neuropil. A double label technique revealed that CGRP-IR mossy fibers arise from neurons located in the lateral reticular nucleus, external cuneate nucleus, inferior vestibular nucleus, and basilar pons. The present findings, taken together with previous data, indicate that cerebellar afferents are chemically heterogeneous. The findings of the present study suggest that precerebellar nuclei that give rise to the mossy fibers that contain CGRP have the potential for playing a complex role in modulating circuitry in the cerebellar cortex of the cat. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inclusion of albuminuria in hypertension and heart guidelines.

Inclusion of albuminuria in hypertension and heart guidelines. The current recommendations by all United States guideline committees, including the American Diabetes Association and the JNC 7, include screening for microalbuminuria in those with diabetes or evidence of kidney disease, but not the general population. Internationally, both the Canadian and European Guidelines have concurred with this approach. This recommendation is due in part to the findings from long-term outcome studies that measurement of microalbuminuria, while a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, fails to shows change in CV events if reduced. Unfortunately, this conclusion may be wrong because no randomized trial has examined the question of whether a reduction in microalbuminuria does correlate with a reduction in CV events. Thus, we don't know the answer to this question. Additionally, a recent cost-effective analysis was just published, suggesting it is not worth measuring urinary albumin because it is too expensive for the information obtained. Unfortunately, these conclusions were based on the same faulty logic that relates changes in microalbuminuria to cardiovascular events. It is clear that microalbuminuria is a cardiovascular risk factor, acknowledged by both the JNC 7 and the European Guidelines. Moreover, presence of microalbuminuria correlates strongly with elevated levels of C-reactive protein and abnormal vascular responsiveness to vasodilating stimuli. Thus, its presence indicates abnormal responses by vascular tissue, perhaps due to underlying inflammatory responses. Every clinical trial that has assessed changes in albuminuria as a secondary end point with clinical outcomes has shown a strongly positive correlation between reduction in albuminuria and greater protection of a given end organ; this effect is, in part, independent of blood pressure reduction. Thus, what is needed is a clinical trial in people at high cardiovascular risk, such as those in the INVEST or ALLHAT trials where the primary end point is change in albuminuria and its relationship to cardiovascular outcomes. Likewise, a cardiovascular primary end point could relate to the secondary end point of changes in microalbuminuria, and the latter powered appropriately to make stronger statements about albuminuria and cardiovascular outcomes. With this data, guidelines can then make much strong statements about intervention on this marker of risk.
Perceived safety and benefit of community water fluoridation: 2009 HealthStyles survey

Objectives To describe perceived benefits and safety of community water fluoridation (CWF) and investigate factors associated with those perceptions of CWF among respondents to a proprietary survey in the United States.
Using background knowledge to improve inductive learning of DNA sequences

Successful inductive learning requires that training data be expressed in a form where underlying regularities can be recognized by the learning system. Unfortunately, many applications of inductive learning/spl minus/especially in the domain of molecular biology/spl minus/have assumed that data are provided in a form already suitable for learning, whether or not such an assumption is actually justified. This paper describes the use of background knowledge of molecular biology to re-express data into a form more appropriate for learning. Our results show dramatic improvements in classification accuracy for two very different classes of DNA sequences using traditional "off-the-sheIf" decision-tree and neural-network inductive-learning methods. >
The influence of prolactin secretion on human lactation

The elevation of endogenous prolactin secretion using thyrotopin releasing hormone was associated with significant increases in mammary milk production in postpartum women. More-over, a specific effect was seen on the percent fat composition which has been shown to rise as much as 228% over pretest conditions. As in the bovine, administration of high doses of estrogen is associated with mammary breast development and the sudden removal of this stimulus if accompanied by nipple stimulation is associated with non-puerperal lactation. The inhibitory effects of estrogen on the mammary cellular response to circulating prolactin has been deduced from studies in pregnant and parturient women by measuing the TRH-induced prolactin response. These studies support a relationship between prolactin and sex steroids on the initiation and maintenance of human lactation.
The extended net fractional depth dose: Correction for inhomogeneities, including effects of electron transport in photon beam dose calculation

The extended net fractional depth dose (ENFD) is developed from the net fractional depth dose (NFD) previously described for unit‐density media, basically by scaling the two geometric parameters, the side of the equivalent square field, and the depth along the ray by the relative electron density. Specifically, in the analytical description for the NFD, the geometric depth is replaced by the radiologic depth and, along the ray path, the geometric field side is scaled by the relative electron density. Interface effects on the electron and scattered‐photon fluences are accounted for. In addition, a simple function is developed to correct for the effect of lateral as well as longitudinal electron transport at the central ray. In the present work the inhomogeneities are assumed to be of planar parallel shape and to extend across the entire beam. The treatment of smaller inhomogeneities is outlined but will be treated in detail separately. Calculated results are compared to measured and calculated data from the literature for 6 0Co and 10‐MV x rays, and to 15‐MV data measured at the NCI.