cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanometer surface roughness increases select osteoblast adhesion on carbon nanofiber compacts

Carbon nanofibers have exceptional theoretical mechanical properties (such as low weight-to-strength ratios) that, along with possessing nanoscale fiber dimensions similar to crystalline hydroxyapatite found in bone, suggest strong possibilities for use as an orthopedic/dental implant material. To determine, for the first time, cytocompatibility properties pertinent for bone prosthetic applications, osteoblast (bone-forming cells), fibroblast (cells contributing to callus formation and fibrous encapsulation events that result in implant loosening), chondrocyte (cartilage-forming cells), and smooth muscle cell (for comparison purposes) adhesion were determined on carbon nanofibers in the present in vitro study. Results provided evidence that, compared to conventional carbon fibers, nanometer dimension carbon fibers promoted select osteoblast adhesion. Moreover, adhesion of other cells was not influenced by carbon fiber dimensions. In fact, smooth muscle cell, fibroblast, and chondrocyte adhesion decreased with an increase in either carbon nanofiber surface energy or simultaneous change in carbon nanofiber chemistry. To determine properties that selectively enhanced osteoblast adhesion, similar cell adhesion assays were performed on polymer (specifically, poly-lactic-co-glycolic; PLGA) casts of carbon fiber compacts previously tested. Compared to PLGA casts of conventional carbon fibers, results provided the first evidence of enhanced select osteoblast adhesion on PLGA casts of nanophase carbon fibers. The summation of these results demonstrate that due to a high degree of nanometer surface roughness, carbon fibers with nanometer dimensions may be optimal materials to selectively increase osteoblast adhesion necessary for successful orthopedic/dental implant applications.
The Social Dynamics of Genetic Testing: The Case of Fragile-X

This article considers a program to screen school children for Fragile-X Syndrome as a way to explore several features of the growing practice of genetic testing in American society. These include the common practice of predictive testing in nonclinical settings; the economic, entrepreneurial, and policy interests that are driving the development of genetic screening programs; and the public support for genetic testing even when there are no effective therapeutic interventions. Drawing from research on popular images of genetics, I argue that cultural beliefs and expectations, widely conveyed through popular narratives, are encouraging the search for diagnostic information and enhancing the appeal of genetic explanations for a growing range of conditions.
Towards the cellular functions of tumour suppressors.

Abstract Many of the documented changes in cellular DNA that occur during tumour development involve activation of proto-oncogenes, but newer evidence has shown that oncogenesis can involve loss or inactivation of a different group of genes, called tumour suppressor genes (TSGs). Molecular analysis of TSGs is revealing that their protein products are involved in cell adhesion, signal transduction, transcription, translation and cell cycle control. Suprisingly, most of the TSG products had not been previously identified in studies of normal cells, so their analysis is contributing not only to our understanding of oncogenesis, but also to basic cell biology. The ‘comment' articles in this issue discuss progress towards understanding the cellular functions of TSG products.
Bibliographical essay / the hart‐Devlin debate

(1983). Bibliographical essay / the hart‐Devlin debate. Criminal Justice Ethics: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 59-65.
Application of a genetic fitness model to extensive aquaculture

Abstract Substantial progress has been made in the breeding improvement of a variety of species of fish and shellfish. At the present time the opportunities for genetic improvement of aquaculture broodstock are limited to intensive production systems where the environment remains relatively constant and predictable from one generation to another. This is not the case in extensive aquaculture systems where the environment may be highly variable from one generation to the next. Stocks of fish and shellfish produced in extensive aquaculture systems may experience reduced genetic diversity as a consequence of inbreeding and genetic drift if only a small proportion of the population is used as broodstock. This report describes the application of a genetic fitness model developed for natural resource management to the problem of broodstock management in extensive aquaculture. The model describes the probability distribution of stock fitness in terms of population numbers, age structure, and immigration into the broodstock. The output of the model is the size and structure of the broodstock required to maintain the probability distribution of fitness in subsequent generations.
Longevity and growth rate estimates for a polar dinosaur: a Pachyrhinosaurus (Dinosauria: Neoceratopsia) specimen from the North Slope of Alaska showing a complete developmental record

Our knowledge of growth dynamics in large ceratopsian dinosaurs is very poor, in part, due to the paucity of quantifiable age markers such as growth lines in their bones. We sought marker-based, osteohistological evidence for ceratopsid age structure from high Arctic paleolatitudes based on the observations that: (1) extant mammals from high latitudes better express growth lines in their hard tissues than those from lower latitudes, and (2) the occurrence of accentuated growth banding in teeth from Arctic dinosaurs. We examined the long bones in the specimens of Pachyrhinosaurus sp. from the early Maastrichtian of northern Alaska, and found conspicuous osseous banding. Histological analysis of the spacing, structure, pattern and numbers of these bands in the femur of a very large specimen suggests that they are not a taphonomic artefact, rather they appear to reflect annual growth cycling. Counts and measurements of the growth zones suggest that the animal showed rapid linear growth early in ontogeny, sex...
An assessment of the physical basis for the application of design criteria for dielectric structures

The use of design criteria for assessing the stresses to which composite dielectric structures are subjected implies careful and informed application. The convention required in the application of these criteria is examined in the light of the physical processes expected in an oil/cellulose transformer structure and related to an equivalent stressed-oil-volume theory of breakdown. The magnitude of the stresses implied by such criteria has been gauged from an examination of a number of case studies in which finite-element analysis has been used to determine the cumulative stress characteristic. >
Tumor formation in the region of parotid glands by DMBA

Die Injektion von 7, 12-Dimethylbenz(a) Anthrazol in die Schwanzvene von Ratten fuhrte zu Bildung von Brusttumoren und in einigen Fallen zu Leukamie, dabei wurde auch, mit grosserer Haufigkeit bei mannlichen Ratten, ein neuer Tumortypus im Gebiet der Ohrspeicheldruse festgestellt.
Acute effects of dichloroacetate in the depancreatized dog: glucose synthesis and turnover.

Blood glucose turnover (entry and removal rates) and the rate of recycling of radiolabelled glucose carbon into newly synthesized blood glucose have been evaluated before and acutely after the administration of dichloroacetate to depancreatized dogs. Blood glucose concentration began to decline immediately after dichloracetate administration and fell to new steady state levels within 1.5–3 h. Analysis of blood glucose kinetics during the decline demonstrated a 52% (average) reduction in the rate of hepatic glucose supply. Glucose supply remained reduced over the duration of these studies (3–4.5 h). Glucose turnover in the steady state following dichloroacetate administration averaged 62% of pretreatment values. Cori cycle activity was depressed by 63% after dichloroacetate administration. The results of these studies are consistent with the hypothesis that a major mechanism underlying the hypoglycaemic action of this drug is the inhibition of glucose synthesis.
Child Care and Culture: Lessons from Africa

Child Care and Culture: Lessons from Africa. Robert A. Levine. Suzanne Dixon. Sarah Levine. Amy Richman. P. Herbert Leiderman. Constance H. Keefer. and T. Berry Brazelton. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1994. xxx. 346 pp., tables, figures, appendixes, notes, references, Index.
Safety and efficacy of StarClose SE Vascular Closure System in high-risk liver interventional oncology patients.

PurposeTo assess the safety and efficacy of the StarClose SE Vascular Closure System (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park IL, USA) in high-risk thrombocytopenic and coagulopathic interventional oncology (...
Periodical Indexing Ondisc: A Comparative Analysis of InfoTrac Use in Three Illinois Libraries

Optical discs are having a significant impact on information retrieval in libraries. They provide access to bibliographic and numeric data in an efficient manner, retrieving information in seconds that would take a patron using a printed source much longer to find. InfoTrac, a periodical database produced by Information Access Company, is an example of an application of this technology. The forerunner of the company's General Periodicals Index, InfoTrac consists of a database stored on a laser‐optical videodisc and a microcomputer work‐station for accessing, displaying, and printing the contents of the database.
Mutational survey of the PHEX gene in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by renal phosphate wasting, aberrant vitamin D metabolism, and abnormal bone mineralization. XLH is caused by inactivating mutations in PHEX (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). In this study, we sequenced the PHEX gene in subjects from 26 kindreds who were clinically diagnosed with XLH. Sequencing revealed 18 different mutations, of which thirteen have not been reported previously. In addition to deletions, splice site mutations, and missense and nonsense mutations, a rare point mutation in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) was identified as a novel cause of XLH. In summary, we identified a wide spectrum of mutations in the PHEX gene. Our data, in accord with those of others, indicate that there is no single predominant PHEX mutation responsible for XLH.
Business goals as architectural knowledge

In this paper we argue that business goals constitute an important type of architectural knowledge. Quality attributes are often the primary drivers (shaping forces) behind an architecture, but quality attributes derive from an organization's business goals, whether the organization is the one developing or acquiring the software system. We introduce a seven-part scenario format for capturing and articulating business goals, and a set of "standard" business goal categories. Finally, we introduce a method to help an architect elicit business goals and tie them to quality attribute requirements, adding to the architect's store of architectural knowledge.
New C2 synchondrosal fracture classification system

Excessive cervical flexion-extension accompanying mild to severe impact injuries can lead to C2 synchondrosal fractures in young children. To characterize and classify C2 synchondrosal fracture patterns. We retrospectively reviewed imaging and medical records of children who were treated for cervical spine fractures at our institution between 1995 and 2014. We reviewed all fractures involving the five central C2 synchondroses with regard to patient demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, associated fractures and other injuries, treatment plans and outcome. Fourteen children had fractures involving the central C2 synchondroses. There were nine boys and five girls, all younger than 6 years. We found four distinct fracture patterns. Eleven complete fractures were further divided into four subtypes (a, b, c and d) based on degree of anterior displacement of the odontoid segment and presence of distraction. Nine of these 11 children had fractures through both odontoneural synchondroses and the odontocentral synchondrosis; one had fractures involving both neurocentral synchondroses and the odontoneural synchondrosis; one had fractures through bilateral odontoneural and bilateral neurocentral synchondroses. Three children had incomplete fractures, defined as a fracture through a single odontoneural synchondrosis with or without partial extension into either the odontocentral or the adjacent neurocentral synchondroses. All complete fractures were displaced or angulated. Four had associated spinal cord injury, including two contusions (subtype c fractures) and two fatal transections (subtype d fractures). Most children were treated with primary halo stabilization. Subtype c fractures required surgical fixation. We describe four patterns of central C2 synchondrosal fractures, including two unique patterns that have not been reported. We propose a classification system to distinguish these fractures and aid in treatment planning.
Sulfadiazine-Associated Obstructive Nephropathy Occurring in a Patient With the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

A 45-year-old man with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and CNS toxoplasmosis presented with acute renal failure, hematuria, and renal colic shortly after starting treatment with sulfadiazine. Ultrasound examination of his kidneys was suggestive of intraparenchymal crystallization of sulfadiazine. His renal failure and ultrasound findings rapidly resolved with alkaline hydration. On rechallenge with sulfadiazine, he again developed renal insufficiency and ultrasonic findings consistent with stones. The use of sulfadiazine in the treatment of CNS toxoplasmosis in AIDS patients should be monitored carefully with the recognition that this form of crystallineinduced acute renal failure can occur in a dehydrated patient.
Numerical investigation of single-mode Richtmyer-Meshkov instability

The Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability occurs when a shock passes through a perturbed interface separating fluids of different densities. Similarly, RM instabilities may also occur when a perturbed interface between two incompressible fluids of different density is impulsively accelerated. We report work that investigates RM instabilities between incompressible media by way of numerical simulations that are matched to experiments reported by Niederhaus & Jacobs [1]. We also describe a compact, fractional time-step, two-dimensional, finite-volume numerical algorithm that solves the non-Bousinesq Euler equations explicitly on a Cartesian, co-located grid. Numerical advection of volume fractions and momentum is second-order accurate in space and unphysical oscillations are prevented by using Van Leer flux limiters [2,3]. An initial velocity impulse has been used to model the impulsive acceleration history found in the experiments [1]. We report accurate simulation of the experimentally measured early-, intermediate-, and late-time penetrations of one fluid into another.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Giant congenital nevi: a 20-year experience and an algorithm for their management.

A variety of treatment options exists for the management of giant congenital nevi. Confusion over appropriate management is compounded because not all giant congenital nevi are pigmented, and malignant potential varies between different types. The present study sought to define factors in the presentation of giant congenital nevi that could provide an algorithm for their management, with respect to both the extent of resection and subsequent reconstructive options.A retrospective review of all patients who presented with a congenital nevus of 20 cm2 or greater since 1980 was performed, distinguishing among nevi involving the head and neck, the torso, and the extremities. Sixty-one patients with giant congenital nevi were evaluated (newborn to age 16 years), of which 60 nevi in 55 patients have been operated on. Giant congenital nevi having malignant potential were pigmented nevi (53 patients) and nevus sebaceus (four patients). Those not having malignant potential were verrucous epidermal nevi (three patients) and a woolly hair nevus (one patient). Of the 60 giant congenital nevi operated on, expanded flaps were used in 25, expanded full-thickness skin grafts were used in 10, split-thickness or nonexpanded full-thickness skin grafts were used in 13, and serial excision was used in 30. After 1989, operations tended to use multimodality treatment plans, with an increased use of expanded full-thickness grafts and immediate serial tissue expansion. The use of serial excision, particularly in the extremities, also increased after 1989. Serial excision was the treatment of choice when it could be completed in two procedures or less, which occurred in more than 80 percent of cases using serial excision alone. Expanded flaps were the most common mode of reconstruction in the head and neck region and were used in 49 percent of these procedures. Serial excision was the most common form of treatment in the extremities, used in 50 percent of procedures. Tissue expansion in the extremities was infrequently used to provide an expanded flap (8 percent of procedures), whereas it was frequently used to provide expanded full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the torso (used in 31 percent of procedures). On the basis of these data, algorithms for the extent of resection and subsequent reconstructive options for giant congenital nevi were developed. Their management should be formulated relative to pigmentation, malignant potential, and anatomic location of the respective lesions.
A TEST OF PROSPECT THEORY: THE CORRELATION BETWEEN UNEXPLAINED VARIANCE OF RETURN AND TARGET RETURN IN THE COMMERCIAL BANKING INDUSTRY

This study analyzes the variability of rates of return for 11,772 U.S. commercial banks from 1979 through 1985. The objective is to determine whether variability that is not explained by exogenous variables can be explained by prospect theory. Below target, strong correlations are shown, consistent with prospect theory. When regression analysis is applied, the results are confirmed.
Understanding competitive adsorption of water and trichloroethylene in a high-silica Y zeolite

Abstract In this study, the adsorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and water was investigated on a hydrophobic Y zeolite with an Si to Al ratio of 80. Single adsorbate isotherms for water or TCE, and TCE isotherms under conditions of 100% relative humidity (RH) were measured over the temperature range from 5 to 47 °C. Water adsorption isotherms were well described by the Freundlich isotherm model with isotherm exponents of 1.5. Isosteric heats for water adsorption were less exothermic than the enthalpy for water condensation, and ranged from −34 to −39 kJ/mol. Entropy changes associated with water adsorption were less negative than those for condensation of bulk water, indicating that the adsorbed phase had less structure than bulk water. Type V isotherms were observed for TCE adsorption under conditions of 0% RH. Isosteric heats for TCE adsorption on the dry zeolite ranged from −40 to −56 kJ/mol, and showed regions where the heats of adsorption both increased and decreased with increasing TCE loading. The Henry’s law asymptote for TCE adsorption on the dry zeolite was not experimentally accessible at the lowest vapor concentrations investigated. Type V isotherms with a linear region were observed for TCE adsorption under conditions of 100% RH. The isosteric heats for TCE adsorption on the wet zeolite depended strongly on the adsorbed phase concentration, and ranged from −35 to −64 kJ/mol. At adsorbed phase TCE concentrations below 0.01 g/g, the presence of water increased TCE uptake by the zeolite. However, at all other TCE loadings the presence of water decreased TCE adsorption by up to 83%.
Phase transitions of folded proteins

Proteins exhibit a rich phase behavior. Even omitting the amyloid structures formed after partial protein unfolding, proteins form crystals, polymers, and other solid aggregates, as well as dense liquids and gels. Some of these condensed phases underlie pathological conditions, others play a crucial role in the biological function of the respective protein or are an essential part of its laboratory or industrial processing. In this review, we first discuss the thermodynamic characteristics of the solution and the interactions between protein molecules in solution, which underlie the protein phase behavior. We highlight the role of water structured at the protein molecular surface as a main contributor to the free energy of the phase transition. We define the driving force for phase transformations. We then summarize the fundamentals and review recent findings on the kinetics of nucleation of dense liquid droplets and crystals. We define the transition from nucleation to spinodal decomposition for these two phase transitions. We review the two-step mechanism of protein crystal nucleation, in which mesoscopic metastable protein clusters serve as precursors to the ordered crystal nuclei. Lastly, we discuss the mechanisms of growth of crystals: the generation of new crystal layers, the pathways of the molecules from the solution into the growth sites, the density of the growth sites and the factors, which determine the activation barriers for association of the molecules to the growth sites.
Determinants of the U.S. wheat producer support price: Do presidential elections matter?

The paper's focus is on the determinants of the U.S. wheat producer support price. The results of the time-series analysis suggest that this price is largely determined by the previous price, the expected U.S. share in world exports, and expected program costs. Presidential elections also influence U.S. wheat price policies. All other things being equal, the support price tends to be lower in election years than in other years. This suggests that small interest groups' relative political economic power may be less pronounced in election years if they do not succeed in positioning themselves on the political economic market such that they contain the potentially decisive voter.
The Tradable-Permits Approach to Protecting the Commons: Lessons for Climate Change

Tradable-permit approaches for rationing access to the commons have been applied to many different types of resources in many different countries. This essay reviews the experience with three main applications of tradable-permit systems--air-pollution control, water supply, and fisheries management--as well as some unique related programmes. The purpose of the review is to draw together what we have learned about tradable permits in practice that might offer some useful insights for the implementation of the three tradable-permit mechanisms that are part of the Kyoto Protocol. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Comparative studies of social behavior in Callicebus and Saimiri: Behavioral and physiological responses of established pairs to unfamiliar pairs.

Comparisons were made of the behavioral and physiological responses of heterosexual pairs of two closely related New World primates, Callicebus moloch and Saimiri sciureus, to confrontations with unfamiliar pairs. Subject pairs were exposed to strangers in two situations differing in the presumed degree of arousal they imposed: obligatory (full visual exposure) and facultative (one part of the test cage allowed visual withdrawal). Behavioral reactions were evaluated employing frequencies of affiliative behaviors, agonistic behaviors, and spatial distribution. Physiological reactions were evaluated employing heartrate and plasma corticosteroid levels. Callicebus males and females were similarly affected by unfamiliar pairs. Both sexes behaved agonistically towards strangers; pairmates drew closer together and behaved in a coordinated fashion. Display behaviors declined, and spatial withdrawal increased over time. Heartrate in both sexes increased during confrontations, particularly during obligatory exposure. The reactions of Saimiri to strangers differed between the sexes. Males reacted agonistically toward unfamiliar conspecifics, as reflected in displays and spatial adjustments. In contrast, females showed a strong attraction to unfamiliar females. Despite the sex differences in behavior, heartrate did not differentiate confrontation conditions clearly in either sex. Plasma cortisol measures failed to differentiate between experimental conditions in either species.
SIRT2 Suppresses Adipocyte Differentiation by Deacetylating FOXO1 and Enhancing FOXO1's Repressive Interaction with PPARγ

Sirtuin family of proteins possesses NAD-dependent deacetylase and ADP ribosyltransferase activities. They are found to respond to nutrient deprivation and profoundly regulate metabolic functions. We have previously reported that caloric restriction increases the expression of one of the seven mammalian sirtuins, SIRT2, in tissues such as white adipose tissue. Because adipose tissue is a key metabolic organ playing a critical role in whole body energy homeostasis, we went on to explore the function of SIRT2 in adipose tissue. We found short-term food deprivation for 24 h, already induces SIRT2 expression in white and brown adipose tissues. Additionally, cold exposure elevates SIRT2 expression in brown adipose tissue but not in white adipose tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of a beta-adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol) enhances SIRT2 expression in white adipose tissue. Retroviral expression of SIRT2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes promotes lipolysis. SIRT2 inhibits 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation in low-glucose (1 g/l) or low-insulin (100 nM) condition. Mechanistically, SIRT2 suppresses adipogenesis by deacetylating FOXO1 to promote FOXO1's binding to PPARgamma and subsequent repression on PPARgamma transcriptional activity. Overall, our results indicate that SIRT2 responds to nutrient deprivation and energy expenditure to maintain energy homeostasis by promoting lipolysis and inhibiting adipocyte differentiation.
High-Performance Low-Power Selective Precharge Schemes for Address Decoders

Two novel address decoder schemes using selective precharging are presented and analyzed in this paper. These schemes, the AND-NOR and sense amplifier (sense-amp) decoders, are compared to the NOR decoder using 90-nm CMOS technology. The sense-amp decoder dissipates between 29.5% and 50.1% and the AND-NOR decoder dissipates between 73.7% and 104.4% of the energy dissipated by the NOR decoder. The delay of the Sense-Amp decoder is 69.2% and the delay of the AND-NOR decoder is 80.8% of the nor decoder delay.
Geologic heterogeneity can produce aseismic slip transients

[1] Slow slip and tectonic tremor in subduction zones take place at depths where there is abundant evidence for distributed shear over broad zones (∼10–103 m) composed of rocks with marked differences in mechanical properties. Here we model quasi-dynamic rupture along faults composed of material mixtures characterized by different rate-and-state-dependent frictional properties to determine the parameter regime capable of producing slow slip in an idealized subduction zone setting. Keeping other parameters fixed, the relative proportions of velocity-weakening (VW) and velocity-strengthening (VS) materials control the sliding character (stable, slow, or dynamic) along the fault. The stability boundary between slow and dynamic is accurately described by linear analysis of a double spring-slider system with VW and VS blocks. Our results place bounds on the volume fractions of VW material present in heterogeneous geological assemblages that host slow slip and tremor in subduction zones.
Altered Interactions between the A1 and A2 Subunits of Factor VIIIa following Cleavage of A1 Subunit by Factor Xa

Abstract Factor VIIIa consists of subunits designated A1, A2, and A3-C1-C2. The limited cofactor activity observed with the isolated A2 subunit is markedly enhanced by the A1 subunit. A truncated A1 (A1336) was previously shown to possess similar affinity for A2 and retain ∼60% of its A2 stimulatory activity. We now identify a second site in A1 at Lys36 that is cleaved by factor Xa. A1 truncated at both cleavage sites (A137–336) showed little if any affinity for A2 (K d>2 μm), whereas factor VIIIa reconstituted with A2 plus A137–336/A3-C1-C2 dimer demonstrated significant cofactor activity (∼30% that of factor VIIIa reconstituted with native A1) in a factor Xa generation assay. These affinity values were consistent with values obtained by fluorescence energy transfer using acrylodan-labeled A2 and fluorescein-labeled A1. In contrast, factor VIIIa reconstituted with A137–336 showed little activity in a one-stage clotting assay. This resulted in part from a 5-fold increase inK m for factor X when A1 was cleaved at Arg336. These findings suggest that both A1 termini are necessary for functional interaction of A1 with A2. Furthermore, the C terminus of A1 contributes to the K m for factor X binding to factor Xase, and this parameter is critical for activity assessed in plasma-based assays.
The Bragg legacy: early days in macromolecular crystallography

W. H. Bragg arrived in Australia in 1886 as Head of the Mathematics and Physics Departments at the University of Adelaide. His son, W. L. Bragg, grew up in Adelaide and graduated from the Physics Department. Many years later I graduated from the same department and had the opportunity to share Lawrence Bragg's recollections of life in Adelaide. As well as touching on the `Adelaide' connection, this report briefly reviews Bragg's critical role in encouraging, supporting and establishing the field of large-molecule crystallography.
Physician Perspectives on Colorectal Cancer Surveillance Care in a Changing Environment

The purpose of this formative qualitatively driven mixed-methods study was to refine a measurement tool for use in interventions to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance care. We employed key informant interviews to explore the attitudes, practices, and preferences of four physician specialties. A national survey, literature review, and expert consultation also informed survey development. Cognitive pretesting obtained participant feedback to improve the survey's face and content validity and reliability. Results showed that additional domains were needed to reflect contemporary interdisciplinary trends in survivorship care, evolving practice changes and current health policy. Observed dissonance in specialists' perspectives poses challenges for the development of interventions and psychometrically sound measurement. Implications for future research include need for a flexible care model with enhanced communication and role definitions among clinical specialists, improvements in surveillance at multilevels (patients, providers, and systems), and measurement tools that focus on multispecialty involvement and the changing practice and policy environment.
The science of self-help: Translating positive psychology research into increased individual happiness

Positive psychology aims to understand the positive side of human functioning, expanding research on positive behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and character traits. The findings of this research have highlighted strategies (e.g., savoring, gratitude, kindness, social relationships, and hope and meaning) that, when practiced, lead to increases in individual happiness. Researchers and practitioners have translated these strategies into effective interventions that can be disseminated directly to individuals, allowing them to actively pursue greater levels of happiness. We present a summary of the current state of positive psychological interventions as they pertain to self-help. A major focus in the application of positive psychological interventions for self-help is dissemination - ensuring that those interested have access to evidence-based strategies to increase their happiness. The future of self- help involves spreading these practices through classes, workshops, books, and increasingly prevalent technologies such as Internet sites and mobile applications. We outline unique concerns related to providing self-help in the absence of professional support including motivation and engagement, variety and flexibility, and person-activity fit. As positive psychology has developed a host of evidence-based practices, the next stage of research requires implementing these strategies in ways to support their use in real-world contexts.
Nursing Interventions Related to Peritoneal Catheter Exit-Site Infections

Nursing interventions related to peritoneal catheter exit-site infection include an emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis as well as exit-site care. The key elements to prevention of exit-site infections are avoiding trauma to the exit site and tunnel, avoiding gross contamination of the exit site, and cleaning a wet or dirty exit site as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of exit-site infection is promoted by (1) teaching the patient or caregiver to assess the exit site and tunnel routinely and to promptly recognize and report signs and symptoms of inflammation, and (2) routine exit-site evaluation by health care providers in the outpatient clinic. Care of the infected exit site should focus on preventing cross contamination, keeping the exit site dry, avoiding trauma and irritation, and in addition to routine care, may require removal of stubborn crusts and cauterization of proud flesh. Topical soaks and therapy have been recommended, but improvement of infected exit sites has not been consistently documented.
Temperature-aware voltage islands architecting in system-on-chip design

As technology scales, power consumption and thermal effects have become challenges for system-on-chip designers. The rising on-chip temperatures can have negative impacts on SoC performance, power, and reliability. In view of this, we present a hybrid optimization approach which aims at temperature reduction and hot spot elimination. We demonstrate that considerable improvement in the thermal distribution of a design can be achieved through careful voltage island partitioning, voltage level assignment, and voltage island floorplanning. The experimental results on MCNC benchmarks show significant improvement on the thermal profiles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to explore the thermal impacts of voltage islands.
Polycrystalline diamond device processing

1 The authors describe processes developed for the fabrication of accelerometers, flow sensors, and microchannel cooling structures, using selectively deposited films and silicon micromachining. The diamond films were grown using an ASTeX high-pressure microwave chemical vapor deposition reactor at 950+/-25 degrees C with a growth rate of approximately 1 mu m/h. It was found that polycrystalline diamond films can be used to fabricate various microstructures. A technique for doping diamond films is shown to lower the resistance of the as-grown films. >
Muscle Functional Deficits After Tourniquet Ischemia

The contractile properties of the rabbit tibialis anterior muscle were studied 48 hours after an ischemic episode induced by pneumatic tourniquet compression of the thigh. Forty animals were divided into five groups, each of which had continuous ischemia of either 1, 2, or 4 hours, or a total of 2 or 4 hours of ischemia interrupted by 10 minutes of reperfusion at 1-hour intervals. Con tralateral limbs served as controls. Muscle contractile properties were tested by stimulation of the peroneal nerve distal to the site of tourniquet compression. Peak tetanic tension in the 1-hour group did not differ signifi cantly from controls. In the 2- and 4-hour groups, peak tetanic tensions were 31 % and 2% of controls, respec tively, and twitch tensions were 25% and 1 % of controls, respectively. Hourly reperfusion intervals had no sig nificant effect on maximum tetanic or twitch tension compared with continuous ischemia for either 2 or 4 hours.Clinically significant muscle dysfunction may be in duced by 2 or more ho...
Relationship between hippocampal volume and memory ability in healthy individuals across the lifespan: review and meta-analysis

Poor memory ability and small hippocampal volume measurements in magnetic resonance images co-occur in neurological patients. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between memory performance and hippocampal volumes in participants without neurological or psychiatric disorders, with widely varying results. Three hypotheses about volume-memory relationships in the normal human brain are discussed: "bigger is always better", a neuropsychological view that volume decreases due to normal aging are accompanied by memory decline, and a developmental perspective that regressive events in development may result in negative correlations between hippocampal volume and memory ability. Meta-analysis of results from 33 studies led to little support for the bigger-is-better hypothesis. A negative relationship between hippocampal volume and memory (smaller is better) was significant for studies with children, adolescents, and young adults. For studies with older adults, the most striking observation was extreme variability: the evidence for a positive relationship between hippocampal size and episodic memory ability in older adults was surprisingly weak. Some of the variability in results from older adults was associated with statistical methods of normalizing for age and head size, which are discussed.
ERIC Review: Integrating Academic and Occoprionl Instrrvction:

”New vocationalism,” the concept of integrating occupational and academic courses in order to enrich both liberal arts and vocational programs, attracted a great deal of attention during the 1990s. However, a number of barriers, such as faculty resisitance and a lack of institutional resources, have prevented widespread implementation. This article describes several case studies and pilot projects underway at community colleges and discusses the obstacles to implementation as well as proven strategies.
Role of the LXCXE Binding Site in Rb Function

Oncoproteins from DNA tumor viruses such as adenovirus E1a, simian virus 40 T antigen, and human papillomavirus E7 contain an LXCXE sequence, which they use to bind the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and inhibit its function. Cellular proteins such as histone deacetylases 1 and 2 (HDAC1 and -2) also contain an LXCXE-like sequence, which they use to interact with Rb. The LXCXE binding site in Rb was mutated to assess its role in Rb function. These mutations inhibited binding to HDAC1 and -2, which each contain an LXCXE-like sequence, but had no effect on binding to HDAC3, which lacks an LXCXE-like sequence. Mutation of the LXCXE binding site inhibited active transcriptional repression by Rb and prevented it from effectively repressing the cyclin E and A gene promoters. In contrast, mutations in the LXCXE binding site did not prevent Rb from binding and inactivating E2F. Thus, the LXCXE mutations appear to separate Rb's ability to bind and inactivate E2F from its ability to efficiently recruit HDAC1 and -2 and actively repress transcription. In transient assays, several of the LXCXE binding site mutants caused an increase in the percentage of cells in G(1) by flow cytometry, suggesting that they can arrest cells. However, this effect was transient, as none of the mutants affected cell proliferation in longer-term assays examining bromodeoxyuridine incorporation or colony formation. Our results then suggest that the LXCXE binding site is important for full Rb function. Mutation of the LXCXE binding site does not inhibit binding of the BRG1 ATPase component of the SWI/SNF nucleosome remodeling complex, which has been shown previously to be important for Rb function. Indeed, overexpression of BRG1 and Rb in cells deficient for the proteins led to stable growth inhibition, suggesting a cooperative role for SWI/SNF and the LXCXE binding site in efficient Rb function.
A Method for model-reduction of nonlinear building thermal dynamics

We propose a method for model-reduction of a class of non-linear models that are relevant to modeling thermal dynamics of multi-zone buildings. These models can have large state-space dimension even for a moderate number of zones. Reduced order models of building thermal dynamics can be useful to model-based control for improving energy efficiency, especially to computationally intensive ones such as Model Predictive Control (MPC). Although there are a number of well-developed techniques for model reduction of LTI systems, the same cannot be said about non-linear systems. The method we propose exploits the linear portion of the model to compute a transformation (by using balanced realization) and a specific sparsity pattern of the non-linear portion to obtain the reduced order model. Simulations are presented with a four-zone building model, which show that the prediction of the zone temperatures and humidity ratios by the reduced model is quite close to that from the full-scale model, even when substantial reduction of model order is specified.
Current management of upper respiratory tract and head and neck infections

The objective of this study is to present the antimicrobial management modalities of treating upper respiratory tract (URT) and head and neck infections. This article discusses the current antimicrobial treatment strategies of URT and head and neck infections. The increasing antimicrobial resistance of many bacterial pathogens has made the treatment of URT and head and neck infections more difficult. This review summarizes the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology and antimicrobials therapy of acute and chronic URT and head and neck infections. These infections include dental (gingivitis, periodontitis, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and periodontal abscess), acute and chronic otitis media, mastoiditis and sinusitis, pharyngo-tonsillitis, peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses, suppurative thyroiditis, cervical lymphadenitis, parotitis, siliadenitis, and deep neck infections including Lemierre syndrome. In conclusion, the proper management of these infections requires an accurate clinical and bacteriological diagnosis.
α-1-Antitrypsin is an endogenous inhibitor of proinflammatory cytokine production in whole blood

Several observations suggest endogenous suppressors of inflammatory mediators are present in human blood. α-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is the most abundant serine protease inhibitor in blood, and AAT possesses anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that in vitro stimulation of whole blood from persons with a genetic AAT deficiency resulted in enhanced cytokine production compared with blood from healthy subjects. Using whole blood from healthy subjects, dilution of blood with RPMI tissue-culture medium, followed by incubation for 18 h, increased spontaneous production of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) significantly, compared with undiluted blood. Dilution-induced cytokine production suggested the presence of one or more circulating inhibitors of cytokine synthesis present in blood. Serially diluting blood with tissue-culture medium in the presence of cytokine stimulation with heat-killed Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epi) resulted in 1.2- to 55-fold increases in cytokine production compared with S. epi stimulation alone. Diluting blood with autologous plasma did not increase the production of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-1Ra, suggesting that the endogenous, inhibitory activity of blood resided in plasma. In whole blood, diluted and stimulated with S. epi, exogenous AAT inhibited IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β significantly but did not suppress induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1Ra and IL-10. These ex vivo and in vitro observations suggest that endogenous AAT in blood contributes to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis.
Power-efficient medical image processing using PUMA

Graphics processing units (GPUs) are becoming an increasingly popular platform to run applications that require a high computation throughput. They are limited, however, by memory bandwidth and power and, as such, cannot always achieve their full potential. This paper presents the PUMA architecture - a domain-specific accelerator designed specifically for medical imaging applications, but with sufficient generality to make it programmable. The goal is to closely match the performance achieved by GPUs in this domain but at a fraction of the power consumption. The results are quite promising - PUMA achieves upto 2X the performance of a modern GPU architecture and has upto a 54X improved efficiency on a floating-point and memory-intensive MRI reconstruction algorithm.
Zeolite Fiber Integrated Microsensors for Highly Sensitive Point Detection of Chemical Agents

A zeolite-fiber integrated chemical sensor was developed for in situ point detection of chemical warfare agents. The sensor was made by fine-polishing the MFI polycrystalline zeolite thin film synthesized on the endface of the single mode optical fiber. The sensor device operates by measuring the optical thickness changes of the zeolite thin film caused by the adsorption of analytes into the zeolite channels. The sensor was demonstrated for sensitive detection of toluene and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP).
Universal Immunoprobe for (Per)Chlorate-Reducing Bacteria

Recent studies in our lab have demonstrated the ubiquity and diversity of microorganisms which couple growth to the reduction of chlorate or perchlorate [(per)chlorate] under anaerobic conditions. We identified two taxonomic groups, the Dechloromonas and the Dechlorosoma groups, which represent the dominant (per)chlorate-reducing bacteria (ClRB) in the environment. As part of these studies we demonstrated that chlorite dismutation is a central step in the reductive pathway of (per)chlorate that is common to all ClRB and which is mediated by the enzyme chlorite dismutase (CD). Initial studies on CD suggested that this enzyme is highly conserved among the ClRB, regardless of their phylogenetic affiliation. As such, this enzyme makes an ideal target for a probe specific for these organisms. Polyclonal antibodies were commercially raised against the purified CD from the ClRB Dechloromonas agitata strain CKB. The obtained antiserum was deproteinated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and the antigen binding activity was assessed using dot blot analysis of a serial dilution of the antiserum. The titers obtained with purified CD indicated that the antiserum had a high affinity for the CD enzyme, and activity was observed in dilutions as low as 10−6 of the original antiserum. The antiserum was active against both cell lysates and whole cells of D. agitata, but only if the cells were grown anaerobically with (per)chlorate. No response was obtained with aerobically grown cultures. In addition to D. agitata, dot blot analysis employed with both whole-cell suspensions and cell lysates of several diverse ClRB representing the alpha, beta, and gamma subclasses of Proteobacteria tested positive regardless of phylogenetic affiliation. Interestingly, the dot blot response obtained for each of the ClRB cell lysates was different, suggesting that there may be some differences in the antigenic sites of the CD protein produced in these organisms. In general, no reactions were observed with cells or cell lysates of the organisms closely related to the ClRB which could not grow by (per)chlorate reduction. These studies have resulted in the development of a highly specific and sensitive immunoprobe based on the commonality of the CD enzyme in ClRB which can be used to assess dissimilatory (per)chlorate-reducing populations in environmental samples regardless of their phylogenetic affiliations.