cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An immunomodulatory polysaccharide‐rich substance from the fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia (noni) with antitumour activity

The fruit juice of Morinda citrifolia (noni) contains a polysaccharide-rich substance (noni-ppt) with antitumour activity in the Lewis lung (LLC) peritoneal carcinomatosis model. Therapeutic administration of noni-ppt significantly enhanced the duration of survival of inbred syngeneic LLC tumour bearing mice. It did not exert significant cytotoxic effects in an adapted culture of LLC cells, LLC1, but could activate peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) to impart profound toxicity when co-cultured with the tumour cells. This suggested the possibility that noni-ppt may suppress tumour growth through activation of the host immune system. Concomitant treatment with the immunosuppressive agent, 2-chloroadenosine (C1-Ade) or cyclosporin (cys-A) diminished its activity, thereby substantiating an immunomodulatory mechanism. Noni-ppt was also capable of stimulating the release of several mediators from murine effector cells, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-10, IL-12 p70, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and nitric oxide (NO), but had no effect on IL-2 and suppressed IL-4 release. Improved survival time and curative effects occurred when noni-ppt was combined with sub-optimal doses of the standard chemotherapeutic agents, adriamycin (Adria), cisplatin (CDDP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and vincristine (VCR), suggesting important clinical applications of noni-ppt as a supplemental agent in cancer treatment.
Granites, dynamic magma chamber processes and pluton construction: the Aztec Wash pluton, Eldorado Mountains, Nevada, USA

The mid-Miocene Aztec Wash pluton is divisible into a relatively homogeneous portion entirely comprising granites (the G zone, or GZ), and an extremely heterogeneous zone (HZ) that includes the products of the mingling, mixing and fractional crystallisation of mafic and felsic magmas. Though far less variable than the HZ, the GZ nonetheless records a dynamic history characterised by cyclic deposition of the solidifying products of the felsic portion of a recharging, open-system magma chamber.Tilting has exposed a 5-km section through the GZ and adjacent portions of the HZ. A porphyry is interpreted as a remnant of a chilled roof zone that marks the first stage of felsic GZ intrusion. Subsequent recharging by felsic and mafic magma, reflected by repeated cycles of crystal accumulation and melt segregation in the GZ and emplacement of mafic flows in the HZ, rejuvenated and maintained the chamber. Kilometre-scale lobes of mafic HZ material were deposited as prograding tongues into the GZ during periods of increased mafic input. Thus, they are lateral equivalents of the cumulate GZ granites with which they interfinger. Conglomerate-like units comprising rounded, matrix-supported intermediate clasts in cumulate granite are located immediately above the lobes. These ‘conglomerates’ appear to represent debris flows shed from sloping upper surfaces of the lobes. Thus, the GZ can be viewed as comprising distal facies, remote from the site of mafic recharging in the HZ, and the HZ as comprising proximal facies.Elemental chemistry suggests that the GZ cumulate granites represent a second-stage accumulation from an already evolved melt, and that coarse, more mafic, feldspar+biotite+accessory mineral ± hornblende rocks trapped between mafic sheets in the HZ are the initial cumulates. Fractionated melt accumulated roofward and laterally, and was the direct parent of the ‘evolved’ GZ cumulates. The most highly fractionated, fluid-rich melts accumulated at the roof.
A systematic review of morphea treatments and therapeutic algorithm

Background Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a skin disorder with significant morbidity. No consistent recommendations exist for therapy, impeding patient care. Objective We sought to create an evidence-based therapeutic algorithm. Methods We reviewed English-language literature using search engines and hand searches for therapeutic interventions in morphea. Results were summarized. Results Narrowband ultraviolet B is appropriate for progressive or widespread superficial dermal lesions; broadband ultraviolet A/ultraviolet A-1 is appropriate for widespread or progressive deeper dermal lesions. Systemic treatment with methotrexate, corticosteroids, or both is indicated for deep or function-impairing lesions and rapidly progressive or widespread (severe) disease. Topical treatment with calcipotriene or tacrolimus is supported for limited, superficial, inflammatory lesions. Use of oral calcipotriol, D-penicillamine, interferon gamma, and antimalarials is not supported. Limitations Limitations are publication bias; lack of adequately powered, controlled trials; and no validated outcome measures. Conclusion Phototherapy, methotrexate/systemic corticosteroids, calcipotriene, and topical tacrolimus have the most evidence for efficacy in morphea. Treatment works best in inflammatory disease. Disease activity, severity, progression, and depth should play a role in therapeutic decision making.
Assessment of Courvoisier's law.

Courvoisier's Law is frequently interpreted as "A palpable gallbladder is a sign of malignancy". In fact, it is the most misquoted signs as he was referring to common duct obstruction by stones and other problems, without specifying malignancy ! In a retrospective study of 86 cases of distended gallbladder between 1987 and 1992, we assessed the validity and the accuracy of this law in the diagnosis of bilio-pancreatic diseases, by matching the finding of a palpable gallbladder by clinical examination (46 cases: 53%), with CT scan (75 cases: 87%), and by operative surgery (82 cases: 95%). In four cases, a palpable gallbladder spontaneously resolved before the surgical act. In 17 cases, repeated palpation of the gallbladder by several medical students or residents in one session, resulted in disappearance of the mass under the fingers of the last examiner. In 13 of these 17, a palpable gallbladder was again present after 3-7 days of its disappearance. With the new imaging technology, we may apply the implications of Courvoisier's Law to any obstruction of the distal common bile duct below the cystic duct, the ampulla of Vater, and the head of pancreas. We found this obstruction may be caused by malignancy in 87% and inflammation and lithiasis in 13%. A tumor or other obstruction above the cystic duct, will not cause distention of the gallbladder.
Genome sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain HD-1

ABSTRACT We report here the complete genome sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki strain HD-1, which serves as the primary U.S. reference standard for all commercial insecticidal formulations of B. thuringiensis manufactured around the world.
Parkinsonism and motor neuron diseases: twenty-seven patients with diverse overlap syndromes

It has long been recognized that signs of motor neuron disease (MND) may accompany clinical evidence of parkinsonism in different neurodegenerative conditions. By using the Columbia University Division of Movement Disorders database, we reviewed data from 5,500 cases of parkinsonism and recorded the presence of upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction, lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction, or both. Among the 27 patients so identified, we counted those with autonomic dysfunction, cerebellar dysfunction, or dementia. Among the 27 cases, seven had UMN signs and LMN signs as well as parkinsonism and were diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-parkinsonism (Brait-Fahn disease). Three of the seven had dementia that was not deemed to be frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Six other patients had no LMN signs but had UMN signs and parkinsonism and were classified as having primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)-parkinsonism. Four patients had both UMN and LMN signs with parkinsonism as well as the characteristic dementia of FTD; they were diagnosed with FTD-parkinsonism-ALS. Seven patients had MND, parkinsonism, and autonomic or cerebellar dysfunction, a combination compatible with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Three patients had syndromes compatible with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). In sum, we found that MND occurs in association with diverse parkinsonian syndromes; some are heritable, others sporadic and causes are uncertain. Having MND may be a risk factor for parkinsonism. A prospective study may elucidate this possibility.
Entomopathogenic nematode (Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) spatial distribution in turfgrass

Understanding the temporal and spatial distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes is essential for determining the role of these insect parasites in soil communities and ultimately for their use in suppression of pest insect populations. We measured the vertical and horizontal distribution of endemic populations of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) in turfgrass. Vertical distribution was determined by taking soil cores every 3 h from 05.00 to 23.00 h, over 4 days, and dividing the cores into 8, 1 cm deep sections. Steinernema carpocapsae was recovered primarily near the soil surface: 50% of positive sections were recovered in the thatch or first 1 cm of soil. S. carpocapsae recovery was lower during the middle of the day and none were recovered in the upper section. H. bacteriophora was recovered uniformly throughout the top 8 cm of soil and its vertical distribution did not change over the course of the day. Horizontal distribution was measured as the number of nematodes recovered from cores taken from 12 randomly selected 0.3 x 0.8 m sections from within four 15.3 x 15.3 m plots. Samples were collected biweekly over a 9-month period. H. bacteriophora had a patchier distribution than S. carpocapsae and both nematode species had more patchy distributions then their potential hosts. Our results support the hypothesis that these two species of nematode utilize different foraging strategies; S. carpocapsae primarily a surface adapted ambusher and H. bacteriophora as a cruise forager.
Cystic Remnants of the Right Müllerian Duct and Egg Production in Two Strains of White Leghorns

Abstract TWO strains of Single Comb White Leghorns developed at Cornell University have been shown to differ in mortality caused by large cystic right oviducts (Williamson, 1963). Mortality from this disorder was 2.5 percent in Strain A versus 0.8 percent in Strain B. Both strains have been maintained as closed flocks for more than 24 years. Cystic remnants of the right Mullerian duct have been reported by numerous investigators (Willier, 1927; Domm, 1940; Blount, 1947; Webster, 1948; van Tienhoven, 1957; Winter, 1958; Sell, 1959). Various cases of complete or partial development of the right oviduct have been reported by other workers (see McBride, 1962). Morgan and Kohlmeyer (1957) reported well-developed right oviducts in an inbred line of Rhode Island Reds. Morgan and Greb (1959) suggested that the cause may be due to hormonal imbalance or specific tissue-regression suppressors. Sell (1959) reported a similar situation in White Plymouth Rock pullets. Van Tienhoven…
Alogliptin A New Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data Sources: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE (1946-August 2013) and Embase (1974-August 2013) for English language articles using key words alogliptin, SYR-332, Nesina, Oseni, and Kazano. References of articles were reviewed to identify any additional sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles with adequate sample sizes, evaluating clinically relevant end points were included. Data Synthesis: Alogliptin is a highly selective and potent competitive inhibitor of DPP-4. The DPP-4 enzyme rapidly inactivates the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. GLP-1, which releases postprandial insulin in response to meals, is thought to be deficient in patients with T2DM. Studies evaluating the role of alogliptin in T2DM have shown significant reductions in...
Multithreading decoupled architectures for complexity-effective general purpose computing

Decoupled architectures have not traditionally been used in the context of general purpose computing because of their inability to tolerate control-intensive code that exists across a wide range of applications. This work investigates the possibility of using multithreading to overcome the loss of decoupling dependencies that represent the cause of this main limitation in decoupled architectures. A proposal for a multithreaded decoupled control/access/execute architecture is presented as a platform for achieving high performance on general purpose workloads. It is argued that such a decoupled architecture is more complexity-effective and scalable than comparable superscalar processors, which incorporate enormous amounts of complexity for modest performance gains.
LH-Independent Testosterone Secretion Is Mediated by the Interaction Between GNRH2 and Its Receptor Within Porcine Testes

Unlike classic gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1), the second mammalian isoform (GNRH2) is an ineffective stimulant of gonadotropin release. Species that produce GNRH2 may not maintain a functional GNRH2 receptor (GNRHR2) due to coding errors. A full-length GNRHR2 gene has been identified in swine, but its role in reproduction requires further elucidation. Our objective was to examine the role of GNRH2 and GNRHR2 in testicular function of boars. We discovered that GNRH2 levels were higher in the testis than in the anterior pituitary gland or hypothalamus, corresponding to greater GNRHR2 abundance in the testis versus the anterior pituitary gland. Moreover, GNRH2 immunostaining was most prevalent within seminiferous tubules, whereas GNRHR2 was detected in high abundance on Leydig cells. GNRH2 pretreatment of testis explant cultures elicited testosterone secretion similar to that of human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation. Treatment of mature boars with GNRH2 elevated testosterone levels similar to those of GNRH1-treated males, despite minimal GNRH2-induced release of luteinizing hormone (LH). When pretreated with a GNRHR1 antagonist (SB-75), subsequent GNRH2 treatment stimulated low levels of testosterone secretion despite a pattern of LH release similar to that in the previous trial, suggesting that SB-75 inhibited testicular GNRHR2s. Given that pigs lack testicular GNRHR1, these data may indicate that GNRH2 and its receptor are involved in autocrine or paracrine regulation of testosterone secretion. Notably, our data are the first to suggest a biological function of a novel GNRH2-GNRHR2 system in the testes of swine.
Structural basis for the specificity of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases

The release of ubiquitin from attachment to other proteins and adducts is critical for ubiquitin biosynthesis, proteasomal degradation and other cellular processes. De-ubiquitination is accomplished in part by members of the UCH (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase) family of enzymes. We have determined the 2.25 A resolution crystal structure of the yeast UCH, Yuh1, in a complex with the inhibitor ubiquitin aldehyde (Ubal). The structure mimics the tetrahedral intermediate in the reaction pathway and explains the very high enzyme specificity. Comparison with a related, unliganded UCH structure indicates that ubiquitin binding is coupled to rearrangements which block the active-site cleft in the absence of authentic substrate. Remarkably, a 21-residue loop that becomes ordered upon binding Ubal lies directly over the active site. Efficiently processed substrates apparently pass through this loop, and constraints on the loop conformation probably function to control UCH specificity.
Radiative cooling of solar absorbers using a visibly transparent photonic crystal thermal blackbody

A solar absorber, under the sun, is heated up by sunlight. In many applications, including solar cells and outdoor structures, the absorption of sunlight is intrinsic for either operational or aesthetic considerations, but the resulting heating is undesirable. Because a solar absorber by necessity faces the sky, it also naturally has radiative access to the coldness of the universe. Therefore, in these applications it would be very attractive to directly use the sky as a heat sink while preserving solar absorption properties. Here we experimentally demonstrate a visibly transparent thermal blackbody, based on a silica photonic crystal. When placed on a silicon absorber under sunlight, such a blackbody preserves or even slightly enhances sunlight absorption, but reduces the temperature of the underlying silicon absorber by as much as 13 °C due to radiative cooling. Our work shows that the concept of radiative cooling can be used in combination with the utilization of sunlight, enabling new technological capabilities.
Characterization of Limiting Factors in Laminar Flow-Based Membraneless Microfuel Cells

This paper characterizes the performance-limiting factors of a membraneless microfuel cell in which two aqueous streams flow laminarly in parallel in the absence of a physical membrane without turbulent mixing. The all-liquid configuration allows for easy external addition of a reference electrode, enabling the determination of the type of performance limiting factors such as kinetics and mass transfer limitations, including the source ~anode or cathode!, and the cell resistance. In addition, options to address the present dominating mass transfer limitations at the cathode are discussed. © 2005 The Electrochemical Society. @DOI: 10.1149/1.1921131# All rights reserved.
A Reexamination of Objectives in Teaching Spanish

Author's Summary— The recent trend toward more Spanish, especially spoken, fails to reckon cost or value. Basic error is failure to recognize complexity of the problem. Courses should reflect interests and abilities of students, geographical location of school. Emphasis on reading and civilization with some spoken and written work offers highest yield for modest investment, best integrates into a general cultural program.
Male Northern Goshawk Home Ranges in the Great Basin of South-central Idaho

RANGO DE HOGAR DE MACHOS DEL HALCON ACCIPITER GENTILIS EN LA GRAN DEPRESION DEL CENTRO-SUR DE IDAHO Para medir el tamano y las caracteristicas de los rangos de hogar de Accipiter gentilis en bosques naturalmente fragmentados del centro-sur de Idaho, seguimos a seis machos utilizando radio-telemetria durante sus periodos reproductivos en los anos 2001 y 2002. Los machos fueron seguidos desde el momento que sus polluelos tenian 5–10 dias de edad hasta 20 dias despues de abandonar el nido. Colectamos 485 localizaciones temporalmente independientes con un promedio de 54 ± 3.3 (±EE) localizaciones por ave. El error lineal promedio asociado con las localizaciones trianguladas fue de 130 ± 15 m. La mediana del rango de hogar estimado con el metodo del poligono convexo minimo fue de 565 ha. La mediana del tamano del area nucleo central del 85% fue de 69 ha. Estos rangos de hogar fueron menores que cualquiera de los reportados anteriormente para esta especie en Norteamerica; su tamano puede haber estado influencia...
Value as Ontological Difference

That “value” was central to classical phenomenology, is indicated by the following passage from Edmund Husserl’s Ideas: this world is there for me not merely as a world of mere things, but also with the same immediacy as a world of objects with values, a world of goods, a practical world. I simply find the physical things in front of me furnished not only with merely material determinations but also with value-characteristics, as beautiful or ugly, pleasant and unpleasant, agreeable and disagreeable, and the like. Immediately, physical things stand there as Objects of use, the “table” with its “books,” the “drinking glass,” the “vase,” the “piano,” etc. These value characteristics and practical characteristics also belong constitutively to the Objects “on hand” as Objects, regardless of whether or not I turn to such characteristics and the Objects. Naturally this applies not only in the case of the “mere physical things,” but also in the case of humans and brute animals belonging to my surroundings. They are my “friends” or “enemies,” my “servants” or “superiors,” “strangers” or “relatives,” etc.1
Stochastic-Based Spin-Programmable Gate Array with Emerging MTJ Device Technology (Abstract Only)

This paper describes the stochastic-based Spin-Programmable Gate Array (SPGA), an innovative architecture attempting to exploit the stochastic switching behavior newly found in emerging spintronic devices for reconfigurable computing. While many recently studies have investigated using Spin Transfer Torque Memory (STTM) devices to replace configuration memory in FPGAs, our study, for the first time, attempts to use the quantum-induced stochastic property exhibited by spintronic devices directly for reconfiguration and logic computation. Specifically, the SPGA was designed from scratch for high performance, routability, and ease-of-use. It supports variable granularity multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) logic blocks and variable-length bypassing interconnects with a symmetrical structure. Due to its unconventional architectural features, the SPGA requires several major modifications to be made in the standard VPR placement/routing CAD flow, which include a new technology mapping algorithm based on computing (k, l)-cut, a new placement algorithm, and a modified delay-based routing procedure. Our mixed mode simulation results have shown that, with FPGA architecture innovations, on average, a SPGA can further achieve more than 10x improvement in logic density, about 5x improvement in average net delay, and about 5x improvement in the critical path delay for the largest 12 MCNC benchmark circuits over an island-style baseline FPGA with spintronic configuration bits.
Modeling Programming Learning in Online Discussion Forums

In this paper, we modelled constructive engagement activities in an online programming discussion. We built a logistic regression model based on the underlined cognitive processes in constructive learning activities. The findings supported that there is passive-proactive behaviour and suggested that detecting constructive content can be a helpful classifier in discerning relevant information to the users and in turn creating opportunities to optimize learning. The results also confirmed the value of discussion forum content, disregarding the crowd approves or not.
‘Three Women and a Goose make a Market’: Representations of Market Women in Seventeenth-Century Popular Literature

(2010). ‘Three Women and a Goose make a Market’: Representations of Market Women in Seventeenth-Century Popular Literature. The Seventeenth Century: Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 27-48.
Interactions among Antioxidants in Health and Disease: Vitamin E and Its Redox Cycle

AbstractProbably most diseases at some point during their course involve free radical reactions in tissue injury. In some cases, free radical reactions may be involved in multiple sites and at different stages of a chronic disease. So, both acute and degenerative diseases are thought to involve free radical reactions in tissue injury. An overview will be given of the evidence for the occurrence of free radicals and the importance of antioxidant interventions, with particular reference to the lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols).
Seasonal Arsenic Accumulation in Stream Sediments at a Groundwater Discharge Zone

Seasonal changes in arsenic and iron accumulation rates were examined in the sediments of a brook that receives groundwater discharges of arsenic and reduced iron. Clean glass bead columns were deployed in sediments for known periods over the annual hydrologic cycle to monitor changes in arsenic and iron concentrations in bead coatings. The highest accumulation rates occurred during the dry summer period (July–October) when groundwater discharges were likely greatest at the sample locations. The intermediate flow period (October–March), with higher surface water levels, was associated with losses of arsenic and iron from bead column coatings at depths below 2–6 cm. Batch incubations indicated iron releases from solids to be induced by biological reduction of iron (oxy)hydroxide solids. Congruent arsenic releases during incubation were limited by the high arsenic sorption capacity (0.536 mgAs/mgFe) of unreacted iron oxide solids. The flooded spring (March–June) with high surface water flows showed the lowe...
Using a Buckwheat Cover Crop for Maximum Weed Suppression after Early Vegetables

Establishment of a weed-suppressive cover crop after vegetables harvested early in the season is important in the northeastern United States because of the short growing season. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is an effective cover crop in vegetable production because of its short growing season, ability to outcompete many weeds, resistance to damage by insects and disease, and requirement for only moderate soil fertility. In two separate 3-year field experiments, we determined the best tillage techniques and the optimal timing for use of buckwheat as a cover crop after early vegetables in the northeastern United States. Incorporating crop residue with a disk was necessary and provided sufficient tillage to obtain a weedsuppressive buckwheat stand. Buckwheat growth was stunted when direct seeded with a no-till drill immediately after pea (Pisum sativum) harvest because of poor soil penetration by buckwheat roots. Planting buckwheat after incorporating the pea crop was successful; waiting 1 week to plant was optimal, whereas a 2-week wait produced a weaker stand. We determined that optimal timing for sowing buckwheat in central New York was late June to early August. Generalizing to other geographical regions in the United States, we calculated that a minimum accumulation of 700 growing degree days is necessary to reach 1 to 1.5 tons/acre of buckwheat dry matter at the appropriate growth stage for incorporation (6 weeks after sowing).
Coordinating Product Distribution and Empty Equipment Allocation Decisions In Large Networks

AbstractGeneral Motors uses large equipment fleets (railcars and trucks) for shipping vehicles from assembly plants to dealers. Mode and routing decisions for product distribution (loaded movement decisions) affect where equipment is needed and where it will become available. This, in turn, affects decisions on allocating empty equipment to reloading points (empty movement decisions). Hence, loaded and empty movement decisions are interrelated. The benefits of coordinating empty equipment allocation decisions over a network are well known. Typically, however, loaded and empty movement decisions are made separately. This research studies the savings potential from coordinating loaded and empty movements in large networks.A tactical planning model is developed to minimize total transportation cost by making loaded and empty movement decisions simultaneously. Tests using actual GM vehicle delivery data compare total costs achieved through coordinating loaded and empty movements to total costs when these deci...
Nonunion Tibia Shaft Treated with IMN/Bone Grafting

A 50-year-old gentleman presented with pain in his left tibia-fibula. He had sustained a closed segmental tibia-fibula fracture (Fig. 20.1a, b) following a motor vehicular accident one and a half years ago and had undergone open reduction and internal fixation with a reamed statically locked intramedullary nail for the tibia and plate osteosynthesis for the fibula. On presentation, he complained of 8/10 pain in the lower third tibia and anteriorly at the site of the distal interlocks that was aggravated with weight bearing. He also complained of frequent cramps in his left calf. He denied fever, chills or drainage from left lower extremity. He was nondiabetic, nonsmoker, and denied any other significant past medical or surgical illnesses. A focused clinical examination of the left lower extremity documented 10° diminished knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. He had multiple surgical scars that had healed with primary intention with no draining sinus or soft tissue compromise. The overlying skin seemed supple without any adhesions to the underneath structures. He had tenderness anteriorly over the fracture site and over the distal interlocking screws. He had normal capillary refill bilaterally with no motor or sensory deficits in his left lower extremity.
Use of Logotherapy's Mountain Range Exercise with Male Adolescents with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities and Sexual Behavior Problems

This article discusses the use of logotherapy's Mountain Range Exercise (MRE) with adolescent males with mild to moderate mental retardation/developmental disabilities and sexual behavior problems in a high-management group home setting. The activity was used in group therapy with nine patients to build rapport, clarify values, enhance attention and focus, and facilitate patient disclosure of sexual offense histories in subsequent sessions. The literature on youths with sexually aggressive behavior problems is reviewed, followed by the rationale for using the technique with this population. Future directions for research are offered.
“I Definitely Want Kids, But I Think the Risks Are Pretty High”: Fertility Desires and Perinatal HIV Transmission Knowledge Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Perinatally-Acquired HIV

Today youth with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) are living into young adulthood. Relatively little is known about their reproductive intentions or knowledge of ways to prevent perinatal HIV transmission (PHT). Interviews were conducted with 35 adolescents and young adults (AYA) (mean age 20.7 years) with PHIV recruited from two pediatric infectious disease clinics in the southeast U.S. The majority of participants were African American (n = 27, 77.1 %) and female (n = 23, 65.7 %). This cross-sectional study examined fertility desires and intentions of the maturing population of individuals with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) and their knowledge of PHT. Twenty-three percent (n = 8) of participants had ever experienced a pregnancy and 14.3 % (n = 5) were current parents or pregnant. Among participants, 88.6 % (n = 31) expressed a desire to have a child in the future among whom 93.5 % (n = 29) intend to have a child. Only eight participants accurately reported the risk of PHT. The mean reported risk of PHT was 32.5 %. Age and history of pregnancy were not related to knowledge. Despite errors in estimating risk, many participants knew important information about factors that could reduce the risk of PHT including “take medicine”, “be healthy”, have a C-section, avoid breastfeeding, and maintain a low viral load. Case studies highlight the complex factors that may explain high levels of fertility desires and intentions yet low levels of PHT prevention, while also providing insight into areas for intervention. Reproductive and sexual health education must include discussion of fertility desires and intentions rather than simply focusing on pregnancy and transmission prevention as a means to heighten the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies and support the health functioning of the maturing population of youth with PHIV as they enter adulthood.
Demonstrating inefficiency in overlapping generations models

Abstract We find for overlapping generations models competitive equilibria that are not only Pareto inefficient, but for which every allocation that agrees with the equilibrium in the first period is also Pareto inefficient. That novel additional condition implies that a policy restoring Pareto efficiency is urgent (must start in the first period), and observing just the first period of the equilibrium allocation demonstrates the Pareto inefficiency of the entire allocation.
A comparison of visual scene and grid displays for people with chronic aphasia: a pilot study to improve communication using AAC

ABSTRACTBackground: People with aphasia are using technology-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to support their communication. Typically, messages in AAC devices are organised using the following two interfaces: (a) grid displays that organise symbols into semantic categories (e.g., food) and (b) scene displays that organise photographs contextually. However, there is no published research comparing the influence of these displays across communicative outcome variables.Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of a grid display and a scene display across several communicative variables (e.g., conversational turns) during conversational interactions with a communication partner (CP). Additionally, we investigated generalisation to an untrained second conversation in one of the two participants.Methods & Procedures: Two experiments were conducted, and each included a different participant with chronic Broca’s aphasia. In Experiment 1, the participant watched an I...
Une rhétorique de réconciliation : Empreinte stylistique de Vatican II dans l’Ordo Paenitentiae

Suite a la demande de la reforme faite par Vatican II, un nouveau Rituel intitule « Ordo Paenitentiae » fut publie en 1974. Bien qu’il ait reouvert une fenetre sur une pratique de l’Eglise antique, longue de huit siecles, en mettant en oeuvre la celebration communautaire du sacrement de reconciliation avec confession et absolution collectives, ce Rituel romain se tenait encore entre deux theologies, a savoir la theologie de la reconciliation et celle de la penitence. Plusieurs pays n’ont fait que le traduire, mais les pays francophones ont voulu adapter ce texte en ajoutant certains elements propres. Dans notre article, en suivant le cadre theorique que propose J.W. O’Malley, nous examinons les notes doctrinales et pastorales de ce Rituel en sa version francaise, que nous comparons avec la version latine pour reperer les changements au niveau de la forme litteraire, par rapport, par exemple, au concile de Trente. Nous considerons que le Rituel francophone, en se situant dans le mouvement innove par Vatican II, a privilegie la theologie de la reconciliation qui insiste sur la demarche communautaire de ceux qui desirent recevoir le sacrement du pardon.
Twitter in the classroom: Modeling online communication attitudes and student motivations to connect

Abstract As instructors continue to incorporate technology into the college classroom and use social media as a site of connection, it is important to consider the ways student attitudes impact their use of technology and how that impacts social connection. In this study, we examine the relationship between the online communication attitudes of students and their motivations to communicate, specifically as they relate to student engagement via Twitter. Informed by media choice and polymediation theories and using the Online Communication Attitudes Measure (Ledbetter, 2009) and a scale that measures student motivation to communicate (Myers, Martin, & Mottet, 2002), we develop a model that indicates the ways students choose to interact with teachers in and around the college classroom via Twitter. Implications and future research are discussed, especially in consideration of how students might use other interpersonal communication technologies to connect in classroom settings.
The Plasmonic Response of Archimedean Spirals

As discussed in previous chapters, FIB and lithography based synthesis techniques have been utilized to assemble complex plasmonic nanostructures, with exceptional control of the nanoscale optical. In this chapter, we examine the various fascinating properties of the plasmonic response of a metallic Archimedean nanospiral.
Phase reorganization leads to transient β-LFP spatial wave patterns in motor cortex during steady-state movement preparation.

We show that a rich variety of transient β-local field potential (β-LFP) wave patterns emerge in motor cortex during preparatory steady states, despite stable neuronal firing rates. Furthermore, un...
Brightness Limits in Linear Ion Accelerators

Radio-frequency linear ion accelerators are attractive for high beam-current applications over a large energy range (Jameson, 1986). High peak currents are possible because relatively strong focusing can be provided, and the half-integer and integer resonances that severely limit the beam intensity in circular machines are not present in linacs. Furthermore, because there are no fundamental restrictions that limit the duty factor in linear accelerators, high average beam currents also can be delivered. Nevertheless, limits to the beam current do exist and undesired effects of the space-charge forces, which we are only beginning to understand, can cause serious degradation of the brightness. These effects usually occur at the low-velocity end of the linac, where beam density is highest, focusing is weakest, and bunches are formed from the injected dc beam.
Mechanical design consideration of an Underwater Inflatable Co-prime Sonar Array (UICSA)

Inflatable structures offer advantages such as lightweight, compact, and cost-efficient. As such, underwater inflatable structures (UISs) can be advantageous in many marine applications. The UISs are initially folded into a compact package which is dropped from the surface of the ocean to reach an underwater destination and morph into its inflated form. Relying on UISs, we've designed an Underwater Inflatable Co-prime Sonar Array (UICSA) prototype. In this paper, we investigate the physical design of the UISs to support the UICSA. A UICSA prototype is constructed to evaluate the morphing performance and deployment procedures. The experiments results and the design considerations are presented.
Assembly of Human Stem Cell-Derived Cortical Spheroids and Vascular Spheroids to Model 3-D Brain-like Tissues

Human cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide novel tools for recapitulating the cytoarchitecture of human brain and for studying biological mechanisms of neurological disorders. However, the heterotypic interactions of neurovascular units, composed of neurons, pericytes, astrocytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells, in brain-like tissues are less investigated. The objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of neural spheroids and vascular spheroids interactions on the regional brain-like tissue patterning in cortical spheroids derived from human iPSCs. Hybrid neurovascular spheroids were constructed by fusion of human iPSC-derived cortical neural progenitor cell (iNPC) spheroids, endothelial cell (iEC) spheroids, and the supporting human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Single hybrid spheroids were constructed at different iNPC: iEC: MSC ratios of 4:2:0, 3:2:1 2:2:2, and 1:2:3 in low-attachment 96-well plates. The incorporation of MSCs upregulated the secretion levels of cytokines VEGF-A, PGE2, and TGF-β1 in hybrid spheroid system. In addition, tri-cultured spheroids had high levels of TBR1 (deep cortical layer VI) and Nkx2.1 (ventral cells), and matrix remodeling genes, MMP2 and MMP3, as well as Notch-1, indicating the crucial role of matrix remodeling and cell-cell communications on cortical spheroid and organoid patterning. Moreover, tri-culture system elevated blood-brain barrier gene expression (e.g., GLUT-1), CD31, and tight junction protein ZO1 expression. Treatment with AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, showed the immobilization of MSCs during spheroid fusion, indicating a CXCR4-dependent manner of hMSC migration and homing. This forebrain-like model has potential applications in understanding heterotypic cell-cell interactions and novel drug screening in diseased human brain.
Assembly and analysis of complex plant genomes

Concurrent advances in high-throughput sequencing and assembly have led to the completion of many complex genomes. Even so, these assemblies require substantial computational resources. In this dissertation, we present a massively parallel approach that scales to thousands of processors without duplicating the biological expertise present in conventional assembly software. Additional bioinformatics techniques were required to accurately assemble the maize genome including novel repeat detection, and the resulting framework has been strongly supported by maize experimental data. More recently, this framework has been generalized for fruit fly, sorghum, soybean and environmental sequence assemblies. Questions in plant genome analysis were also addressed. For example, we have discovered an estimated 350 "orphan" maize genes and have shown that approximately 1% of all maize genes were recently duplicated, many of which into at least two functional copies. LCM-454 sequencing is introduced and analyses that indicate this approach can discover rare, potentially tissue-specific transcripts and thousands of SNPs will be presented. This dissertation combines high performance computing, computational biology and high-throughput sequencing for our ongoing work on the maize genome project. We conclude by describing how these contributions can be useful for any species, including non-model organisms that are unlikely to be fully sequenced.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Cancer and Transplant Patients

Modern advances in oncologic and end-organ therapies have led to an increase in immunocompromised patients and a corresponding rise in acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS). Here, we present a comprehensive medical and surgical approach to the diagnosis and management of immunocompromised cancer and transplant patients with AIFS. Aspergillus and Mucorales are the most common fungi to cause AIFS, though atypical fungal pathogens have been implicated particularly among patients on azole prophylaxis. Symptoms present in the majority of AIFS cases include fever, nasal congestion, and facial swelling. Nasal endoscopy and radiology are adjuncts to clinical exam with the gold standard diagnostic test still being histopathology, though molecular testing such as panfungal PCR is playing a larger role. The treatment of AIFS requires surgery, antifungal therapy, and reversal of immunosuppression. We recommend initiation of liposomal amphotericin B as an empiric therapy for AIFS, transitioned to targeted therapy when/if a fungal pathogen is identified. Goals of surgery include diagnostic sampling and debridement of necrotic tissue. Equally, if not more important, is reversal of underlying immune suppression. Immune-stimulating therapies hold promise for reducing mortality, but require additional study. Despite improvements in medical and surgical management of AIFS, mortality continues to approach 50%. Early diagnosis of this disease entity followed by aggressive surgical and medical management are important, including reversal of the underlying immunosuppression.
A generalized poroelastic model using FEniCS with insights into the Noordbergum effect

Abstract Understanding the coupled behavior of fluid flow and solid deformation in porous media is often a critical aspect of geoscientific investigations, including studies of injection-induced seismicity, geological carbon sequestration, or surface deformation from pumping operations. In 1941, Biot first outlined the standard poroelastic formulation that accounted for this coupling within an isotropic and elastic porous medium. This fully coupled system of partial differential equations typically requires the use of numerical modeling for any practical purposes, necessitating either lengthy code development or the use of a complex, prebuilt model that often lacks flexibility. However, due to recent advances in automated approaches to solving systems of differential equations, problems of poroelasticity can now be easily handled in a streamlined yet flexible manner. Here, we present a poroelastic model built within the framework of FEniCS – an open source, general purpose finite element method software – which solves the system monolithically and can produce a continuous and mass-conserving solution for specific discharge. We present both a linear model and a generalized, nonlinear model. The nonlinear model allows for variable fluid density and employs a fluid pressure and volumetric strain dependent porosity relationship. The behavior of the linear model is verified with common benchmark problems, whereas results from the nonlinear model are compared to assess the impact of including its generalizations. Finally, the model is applied to a two-dimensional problem of fluid extraction meant to replicate the well-known Noordbergum effect (in which the fluid pressure in layers adjacent to the pumped layer temporarily increases during pumping). This is often referred to as ”reverse water fluctuation”. This showcases not only the flexibility of the model but also its ability to simulate numerically challenging scenarios. The results from this simulation suggest a novel explanation of the physical mechanism generating the Noordbergum effect: strain gradients.
Nonlinear dynamics and dissipation of a curvilinear vortex driven by a strong time-dependent Meissner current

We report numerical simulations of large-amplitude oscillations of a trapped vortex line under a strong ac magnetic field $H(t)=H\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}sin\ensuremath{\omega}t$ parallel to the surface. The power dissipated by an oscillating vortex segment driven by the surface ac Meissner currents was calculated by taking into account the nonlinear vortex line tension, vortex mass, and a nonlinear Larkin-Ovchinnikov (LO) viscous drag coefficient $\ensuremath{\eta}(v)$. We show that the LO decrease of $\ensuremath{\eta}(v)$ with the vortex velocity $v$ can radically change the field dependence of the surface resistance ${R}_{i}(H)$ caused by trapped vortices. At low frequencies, ${R}_{i}(H)$ exhibits a conventional increase with $H$, but as $\ensuremath{\omega}$ increases, the surface resistance becomes a nonmonotonic function of $H$ which decreases with $H$ at higher fields. The effects of frequency, pin spacing, and the mean-free path ${l}_{i}$ on the field dependence of ${R}_{i}(H)$ were calculated. It is shown that, as the surface gets dirtier and ${l}_{i}$ decreases, the anomalous drop of ${R}_{i}(H)$ with $H$ shifts to lower fields which can be much smaller than the lower critical magnetic field. Our numerical simulations also show that the LO decrease of $\ensuremath{\eta}(v)$ with $v$ can cause a vortex bending instability at high field amplitudes and frequencies, giving rise to the formation of dynamic kinks along the vortex. Measurements of ${R}_{i}(H)$ caused by sparse vortices trapped perpendicular to the surface can offer opportunities to investigate an extreme nonlinear dynamics of vortices driven by strong current densities up to the depairing limit at low temperatures. The behavior of ${R}_{i}(H)$, which can be tuned by varying the rf frequency or concentration of nonmagnetic impurities, is not masked by strong heating effects characteristic of dc or pulse transport measurements.