cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporine inhibits the development of medial thickening after experimental arterial injury

Abstract Vascular proliferative lesions may occur after arterial injury and consist of inflammatory cells and proliferating smooth muscle cells. We studied the effect of cyclosporine on modulating the response to experimental arterial injury in rats. Arterial injury was created in 90 rats by rotating a 1 mm coronary dilator in the right common iliac artery. After treatment with parenteral cyclosporine 2 mg/kg/day or 5 mg/kg/day, or with saline solution, right and left iliac arteries were perfusion fixed and cross sectioned. The thickness of the tunica media was measured, and the groups were compared with a Student's t test. In the control groups the injured iliac artery had significant medial thickening when compared to the noninjured ( p p p
Erythropoietin Blockade Inhibits the Induction of Tumor Angiogenesis and Progression

Background The induction of tumor angiogenesis, a pathologic process critical for tumor progression, is mediated by multiple regulatory factors released by tumor and host cells. We investigated the role of the hematopoietic cytokine erythropoietin as an angiogenic factor that modulates tumor progression. Methodology/Principal Findings Fluorescently-labeled rodent mammary carcinoma cells were injected into dorsal skin-fold window chambers in mice, an angiogenesis model that allows direct, non-invasive, serial visualization and real-time assessment of tumor cells and neovascularization simultaneously using intravital microscopy and computerized image analysis during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. Erythropoietin or its antagonist proteins were co-injected with tumor cells into window chambers. In vivo growth of cells engineered to stably express a constitutively active erythropoietin receptor EPOR-R129C or the erythropoietin antagonist R103A-EPO were analyzed in window chambers and in the mammary fat pads of athymic nude mice. Co-injection of erythropoietin with tumor cells or expression of EPOR-R129C in tumor cells significantly stimulated tumor neovascularization and growth in window chambers. Co-injection of erythropoietin antagonist proteins (soluble EPOR or anti-EPO antibody) with tumor cells or stable expression of antagonist R103A-EPO protein secreted from tumor cells inhibited angiogenesis and impaired tumor growth. In orthotopic tumor xenograft studies, EPOR-R129C expression significantly promoted tumor growth associated with increased expression of Ki67 proliferation antigen, enhanced microvessel density, decreased tumor hypoxia, and increased phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinases ERK1/2. R103A-EPO antagonist expression in mammary carcinoma cells was associated with near-complete disruption of primary tumor formation in the mammary fat pad. Conclusions/Significance These data indicate that erythropoietin is an important angiogenic factor that regulates the induction of tumor cell-induced neovascularization and growth during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. The suppression of tumor angiogenesis and progression by erythropoietin blockade suggests that erythropoietin may constitute a potential target for the therapeutic modulation of angiogenesis in cancer.
The influence of camouflage, obstruction, familiarity and spatial ability on target identification from an unmanned ground vehicle

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of environmental and cognitive factors on the identification of targets from an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This was accomplished by manipulating obstruction, camouflage and familiarity of objects in the environment, while also measuring spatial ability. The effects of these variables on target identification were studied by measuring performance of participants that observed pre-recorded video from a 1:35 scaled military operations in urban terrain facility. Analyses indicated that a combination of camouflage and obstruction caused the most detrimental effects on performance, and that there were differences in the recognition of familiar and unfamiliar targets. Further analysis indicated that these detrimental effects could only be overcome with a combination of target familiarity and spatial ability. The findings highlight the degree to which environmental factors hinder performance and the need for a multidimensional approach for improving perform...
Biology and clinical relevance of chemokines and chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 in human diseases

Chemokines and their receptors are implicated in a wide range of human diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into ...
Thyroid Autoantibodies in Pregnancy: Their Role, Regulation and Clinical Relevance

Autoantibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase are common in the euthyroid population and are considered secondary responses and indicative of thyroid inflammation. By contrast, autoantibodies to the TSH receptor are unique to patients with Graves' disease and to some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Both types of thyroid antibodies are useful clinical markers of autoimmune thyroid disease and are profoundly influenced by the immune suppression of pregnancy and the resulting loss of such suppression in the postpartum period. Here, we review these three types of thyroid antibodies and their antigens and how they relate to pregnancy itself, obstetric and neonatal outcomes, and the postpartum.
The Dependence of the Residual Gravity on Hydraulic Constants in Glacial Deposits

: Buried glacial stream channels contain large and easily accessible groundwater resources. Gravity surveys have been frequently applied for their location. A gravity survey in the geohydrologically explored Wood River Valley Area of southern Rhode Island shows extreme lows of -2 mgals over channel depths of maximal 300 feet. Three gravity profiles were observed in east-west direction across a north-south striking stream channel. The bedrock depth increases rapidly towards the south from 130 to 300 feet. The gravity lows observed across each profile are not related to the bedrock depth but rather to the saturated thickness of the main quifer and its hydraulic transmissivity. Well logs indicate that the large change of bedrock depth is solely due to an increase of till of low permeability. The volume of the glacial outwash, which is the major groundwater resource, changes little underneath the three profiles. The gravity lows apear to be directly related to the density contrast between glacial outwash and till. The response to the hydraulically more pertinent units renews the interest in the gravity method as it may have a potential to estimate yields of hydrologically complex aquifers
Race and Revisability

This article investigates the changing definitions of race. In this article, the author asks the questions, (a) To what extent is race an ontological, linguistically lexical, or political category? (b) Howhave changing scientific (i.e., DNA and Human Genome Project) and political (i.e., changing definitions for purposes of the 2000 census) paradigms altered conceptions of race? and (c) Are open definitions (i.e., constantly revisable) the correct process philosophy, or pragmatist, trope for postmodern conceptions of race?
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Viscosity and Particle Size on the Erosion Damage Caused by Solid Particles

Oil and gas produced from wells usually contain impurities such as sand particles transported by fluid flowing through pipelines. The particles impinge on the pipe walls and fittings removing material from the wall and causes erosion damage. The effect of viscosity and particle size on the local thickness loss and total erosion ratio was investigated by conducting a comprehensive experimental study on the erosion of stainless steel 316 specimens caused by sand entrained in a submerged liquid jet. Two types of sand with sizes of 150 µm and 300 µm were used and added to liquids with 1, 14 and 55 cP viscosities. The tests were carried out for three different nozzle angles: 90
The 32 kDa enamelin undergoes conformational transitions upon calcium binding

Abstract The 32 kDa hydrophilic and acidic enamelin, the most stable cleavage fragment of the enamel specific glycoprotein, is believed to play vital roles in controlling crystal nucleation or growth during enamel biomineralization. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrate that the secondary structure of the 32 kDa enamelin has a high content of α-helix (81.5%). Quantitative analysis on the circular dichroism data revealed that the 32 kDa enamelin undergoes conformational changes with a structural preference to β-sheet with increasing concentration of calcium ions. We suggest that the increase of β-sheet conformation in the presence of Ca 2+ may allow preferable interaction of the 32 kDa enamelin with apatite crystal surfaces during enamel biomineralization. The calcium association constant (K a = 1.55 (±0.13) × 10 3 M −1 ) of the 32 kDa enamelin calculated from the fitting curve of ellipticity at 222 nm indicated a relatively low affinity. Our current biophysical studies on the 32 kDa enamelin structure provide novel insights towards understanding the enamelin–mineral interaction and subsequently the functions of enamelin during enamel formation.
The effects of time allocation on parental stress

The time allocated to various activities by both husbands and wives influences the stress experienced in life roles. Looking at the division of labor before as well as after the birth of a baby gives an indication of the parents' ability to cope with the stress of parenthood. Here, time allocation variables as well as child characteristics that might explain parental stress are examined based on responses of 117 couples to the Abidin parental stress index 4–7 months after the birth of their first child, measuring stress in 2 domains-parental and child each modeled for both mother and father as a function of personal characteristics of the baby and time allocated to child care, household production, paid work, and leisure. Standardized regression analysis reveals the most important predictor variables to be age and sex of the infant, with older infants and girls predicting lower stress scores, especially in the child domain of the mother. The allocation of time by both parents failed to predict stress scores.
Planning for demand failure: A dynamic lot size model for clinical trial supply chains

Abstract This paper examines the optimal production lot size decisions for clinical trial supply chains. One unique aspect of clinical trial supply chains is the risk of failure, meaning that the investigational drug is proven unsafe or ineffective during human testing and the trial is halted. Upon failure, any unused inventory is essentially wasted and needs to be destroyed. To avoid waste, manufacturers could produce small lot sizes. However, high production setup costs lead manufacturers to opt for large lot sizes and few setups. To optimally balance this tradeoff of waste and destruction versus production inefficiency, this paper generalizes the Wagner–Whitin model ( W–W model ) to incorporate the risk of failure. We show that this stochastic model, referred to as the failure-risk model , is equivalent to the deterministic W–W model if one adjusts the cost parameters properly to reflect failure and destruction costs. We find that increasing failure rates lead to reduced lot sizes and that properly incorporating the risk of failure into clinical trial drug production can lead to substantial cost savings as compared to the W–W model without the properly adjusted parameters.
TOCOTRIENOLS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: THE OTHER HALF OF THE NATURAL VITAMIN E FAMILY

Tocochromanols encompass a group of compounds with vitamin E activity essential for human nutrition. Structurally, natural vitamin E includes eight chemically distinct molecules: α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol; and α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienol. Symptoms caused by α-tocopherol deficiency can be alleviated by tocotrienols. Thus, tocotrienols may be viewed as being members of the natural vitamin E family not only structurally but also functionally. Palm oil and rice bran oil represent two major nutritional sources of natural tocotrienol. Taken orally, tocotrienols are bioavailable to all vital organs. The tocotrienol forms of natural vitamin E possesses powerful hypocholesterolemic, anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties that are often not exhibited by tocopherols. Oral tocotrienol protects against stroke-associated brain damage in vivo. Disappointments with outcomes-based clinical studies testing the efficacy of α-tocopherol need to be handled with caution and prudence recognizing the untapped opportunities offered by the other forms of natural vitamin E. Although tocotrienols represent half of the natural vitamin E family, work on tocotrienols account for roughly 1% of the total literature on vitamin E. The current state of knowledge warrants strategic investment into investigating the lesser known forms of vitamin E.
Self‐healing Fibers: Autonomic Recovery of Fiber/Matrix Interfacial Bond Strength in a Model Composite (Adv. Funct. Mater. 20/2010)

Autonomic self-healing of interfacial damage in a model single-fiber composite is achieved through sequestration of ca. 1.5 μm diameter dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) healing-agent-filled capsules and recrystallized Grubbs’ catalyst to the fiber/matrix interface. When damage initiates at the fiber/matrix interface, the capsules on the fiber surface rupture, and healing agent is released into the crack plane where it contacts the catalyst, initiating polymerization. A protocol for characterizing the efficiency of interfacial healing for the single-fiber system is established. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS), a measure of the bond strength between the fiber and matrix, is evaluated for microbond specimens consisting of a single self-healing functionalized fiber embedded in a microdroplet of epoxy. The initial (virgin) IFSS is equivalent or enhanced by the addition of capsules and catalyst to the interface and up to 44% average recovery of IFSS is achieved in self-healing samples after full interfacial debonding. Examination of the fracture interfaces by scanning electron microscopy reveals further evidence of a polyDCPD film in self-healing samples. Recovery of IFSS is dictated by the bond strength of polyDCPD to the surrounding epoxy matrix.
Pineal Dependence of the Syrian Hamster's Nocturnal Serum Melatonin Surge

The usual nocturnal surge of pineal melatonin content was blocked by bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy in male Syrian hamsters. Ganglionectomy and pinealectomy each prevented the nocturnal rise of serum melatonin concentration seen in control animals. The normal nocturnal surge of circulating melatonin in this species appears to depend on the pineal gland and its sympathetic innervation.
Cytological Factors that Support Nonparallel Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone during the Estrous Cycle

Gonadotropes from cycling female rats were studied to investigate possible mechanisms for the nonparallel release of LH and FSH. The percentages of total gonadotropes increased from 14% during estrus (E) to 18% by diestrous day 2. More of these cells became multihormonal on the morning of proestrus (P; from 46% during diestrus to 69%). Since LHcontaining cells increased from 7% at E to 13.3% during early proestrus, this suggests that monohormonal FSH cells may have contributed by synthesizing LH. Gonadotrope cell areas were greatest just before the LH surge (P 1600 h). Microdensitometric measurements demonstrated that the amount and density of immunoperoxidase stain for either gonadotropin subunit were highest during the midafternoon of P. Interestingly, the amount of stain for LH continued to increase during the LH surge, suggesting that the stain had detected newly synthesized LHβ (13). At the same time, the average density of the LHβ stain decreased. In contrast, the amount, concentration, and density ...
Lipoprotein (a) displays increased accumulation compared with low-density lipoprotein in the murine arterial wall

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is known to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms by which it contributes to this disease remain unclear. Current evidence indicates that the closely related plasma particle, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), may initiate atherosclerosis through deposition in the arterial wall. This study has compared the ability of both lipoproteins to enter and accumulate within the arterial wall. Experiments were conducted in vivo with animals from two strains of mice: C57BL/6 mice, which develop fatty streak lesions upon challenge by a high-fat diet, and C3H/HeJ mice, which are resistant to lesion formation. Animals from both strains were maintained up to 16 weeks either on chow or high-fat diet. The mice were intravenously injected with 125I-labeled human Lp(a) or 125I-labeled human LDL in equimolar amounts and the lipoprotein allowed to circulate in vivo for 2 or 24 h. Transverse sections of the aortic root including sites of predilection for lesion formation at the commissures of the valve were prepared and examined after autoradiography. The autoradiographic grains over lesions and histologically uninvolved areas were enumerated and compared after normalization. Both Lp(a) and LDL demonstrated nearly ten times greater accumulation in lesions compared with histologically uninvolved areas from C57BL/6 mice. Analyses of histologically uninvolved areas from both strains of mice showed a significantly higher accumulation of Lp(a) than LDL. Finally, significantly higher accumulations of both Lp(a) and LDL occurred in the histologically uninvolved intima and subintima of lesion-prone C57BL/6 mice as compared with lesion-resistant C3H/HeJ mice after 5 weeks on the diets. We propose that enhanced accumulation of Lp(a) in the arterial wall accounts, in part, for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Age-based differences in strategy use in choice tasks.

We incorporated behavioral and computational modeling techniques to examine age-based differences in strategy use in two four-choice decision-making tasks. Healthy older (aged 60-82 years) and younger adults (aged 18-23 years) performed one of two decision-making tasks that differed in the degree to which rewards for each option depended on the choices made on previous trials. In the choice-independent task rewards for each choice were not affected by the sequence of previous choices that had been made. In contrast, in the choice-dependent task rewards for each option were based on how often each option had been chosen in the past. We compared the fits of a model that assumes the use of a win-stay-lose-shift (WSLS) heuristic to make decisions, to the fits of a reinforcement-learning (RL) model that compared expected reward values for each option to make decisions. Younger adults were best fit by the RL model, while older adults showed significantly more evidence of being best fit by the WSLS heuristic model. This led older adults to perform worse than younger adults in the choice-independent task, but better in the choice-dependent task. These results coincide with previous work in our labs that also found better performance for older adults in choice-dependent tasks (Worthy et al., 2011), and the present results suggest that qualitative age-based differences in the strategies used in choice tasks may underlie older adults’ advantage in choice-dependent tasks. We discuss possible factors behind these differences such as neurobiological changes associated with aging, and increased use of heuristics by older adults.
First-principles calculations of phonons and Raman spectra in monoclinic CsSnCl 3

Density functional perturbation theory is used to calculate the phonons at the zone center for monoclinic ${\mathrm{CsSnCl}}_{3}$. We report the calculated normal mode frequencies classified according to irreducible representations for both infrared-active and Raman-active modes. We also report the dielectric constants and Born-effective charges and investigate the anisotropy of the nonanalyticities near the zone center. The first-principles calculated Raman-active phonon frequencies and simulated Raman spectra are compared with experimental results from literature. We find that aside from the first-order allowed Raman modes of ${A}_{g}$ and ${B}_{g}$ symmetries, forbidden LO Raman modes appear prominently in the measured spectra. Several of these modes are close to or coincide with allowed modes and alter their intensity, while others appear as separate otherwise unexplained peaks. With this interpretation, good agreement is obtained with experimental mode frequencies to within a few ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Invariant generation techniques in cryptographic protocol analysis

The growing interest in the application of formal methods of cryptographic protocol analysis has led to the development of a number of different techniques for generating and describing invariants that are defined in terms of what messages an intruder can and cannot learn. These invariants, which can be used to prove authentication as well as secrecy results, appear to be central to many different tools and techniques. However, since they are usually developed independently for different systems, it is often not easy to see what they have in common with each other than the ones for which they were developed. We attempt to remedy this situation by giving an overview of several of these techniques, discussing their relationships to each other, and developing a simple taxonomy. We also discuss some of the implications for future research.
De-embedding transmission lines using a full-wave EM-simulated pad model

A novel de-embedding method using a full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulated pad model is proposed to de-embed the pad parasitics from the test structure at high frequencies. The conventional de-embedding methods using the “open-short” approach and “symmetrical-line” approach are prone to error at high frequencies, while the EM-simulated-pad de-embedding method presented here shows improved accuracy and good agreement with the EM simulations result up to 67 GHz.
Dune vegetation fertilization by nesting sea turtles.

Sea turtle nesting presents a potential pathway to subsidize nutrient-poor dune ecosystems, which provide the nesting habitat for sea turtles. To assess whether this positive feedback between dune plants and turtle nests exists, we measured N concentration and d 15 N values in dune soils, leaves from a common dune plant (sea oats (Uniola paniculata)), and addled eggs of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) across a nesting gradient (200-1050 nests/km) along a 40.5-km stretch of beach in east central Florida, USA. The d 15 N levels were higher in loggerhead than green turtle eggs, denoting the higher trophic level of loggerhead turtles. Soil N concentration and d 15 N values were both positively correlated to turtle nest density. Sea oat leaf tissue d 15 N was also positively correlated to nest density, indicating an increased use of augmented marine-based nutrient sources. Foliar N concentration was correlated with d 15 N, suggesting that increased nutrient availability from this biogenic vector may enhance the vigor of dune vegetation, promoting dune stabilization and preserving sea turtle nesting habitat.
Critical paths in circuits with level-sensitive latches

This paper extends the classical notion of critical paths in combinational circuits to the case of synchronous circuits that use level-sensitive latches. Critical paths in such circuits arise from setup, hold, and cyclic constraints on the data signals at the inputs of each latch and may extend through one or more latches. Two approaches are presented for identifying these critical paths and verifying their timing. The first implicitly checks all paths using a relaxation-based solution procedure. Results of this procedure are used to calculate slack values, which in turn identify satisfied and violated critical paths. The second approach is based on a constructive algorithm which generates all the critical paths in a circuit and then verifies that their timing constraints are satisfied. Algorithms are evaluated and compared using circuits from the ISCAS89 sequential benchmark suite and the Michigan High Performance Microprocessor Project. >
Simulation analysis of impact of AAL2 multiplexing efficiency on ATM bandwidth overbooking in UTRAN

ATM is used as the transport mechanism in the radio access networks of UMTS systems. In some portion of the RAN, AAL2 VCs carrying user traffic between a Node B and its controlling RNC are multiplexed into a comprising entity such as a VP. Usually, the bandwidth of this VP is overbooked by taking advantage of statistical multiplexing gain among virtual circuits (VCs), and the overbooked bandwidth can be calculated with a safety percentile once PDF of the food on each VC is known. VC load distribution is a function of the load distribution at ATM SAP, ATM overhead and AAL2 multiplexing efficiency, however analytical estimation of multiplexing efficiency is infeasible. In this paper, by means of simulations, we examine the effect of AAL2 multiplexing efficiency on the VC load distribution for UMTS based traffic. Consequently, we observe its impact on VP bandwidth sizing and overbooking in UTRAN.
Role of the corneal epithelial basement membrane in ocular defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can invade corneal epithelial cells and translocates multilayered corneal epithelia in vitro, but it does not penetrate the intact corneal epithelium in vivo. In healthy corneas, the epithelium is separated from the underlying stroma by a basement membrane containing extracellular matrix proteins and pores smaller than bacteria. Here we used in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the potential of the basement membrane to defend against P. aeruginosa. Transmission electron microscopy of infected mouse corneas in vivo showed penetration of the stroma by P. aeruginosa only where the basement membrane was visibly disrupted by scratch injury, suggesting that the intact basement membrane prevented penetration. This hypothesis was explored using an in vitro Matrigel Transwell model to mimic the corneal basement membrane. P. aeruginosa translocation of multilayered corneal epithelia grown on Matrigel was ∼100-fold lower than that of cells grown without Matrigel (P < 0.005, t test). Matrigel did not increase transepithelial resistance. Matrigel-grown cells blocked translocation by a P. aeruginosa protease mutant. Without cells, Matrigel also reduced traversal of P. aeruginosa and the protease mutant. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a relative accumulation of bacteria at the superficial epithelium of cells grown on Matrigel at 3 h compared to cells grown on uncoated filters. By 5 h, bacteria accumulated beneath the cells, suggesting direct trapping by the Matrigel. These findings suggest that the basement membrane helps defend the cornea against infection via physical barrier effects and influences on the epithelium and that these roles could be compromised by P. aeruginosa proteases.
Combining haptic and visual servoing for cardiothoracic surgery

The primary goal of this research is to develop effective haptic and visual servoing methods, with the eventual goal of eliminating the need for mechanical stabilizers in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure by presenting a stationary operative site to the surgeon performing the procedure using haptic and visual feedback. We present the results from our initial work in the area of tracking a deformable membrane using vision and providing haptic feedback to the user based on the vision information and the material properties of the membrane. In our first experiment, we track the deformation of a rubber membrane in real-time through stereo vision while providing haptic feedback to the user interacting with the reconstructed membrane through the PHANToM haptic device. In the second experiment, we verify the ability of our vision system to track a point on a surface undergoing a complex 3D motion.
Iliac Venous Stenting. Antithrombotic Efficacy of PD0348292, an Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor, Compared With Antiplatelet Agents in Pigs

Objective— The clinical use of venous stents is increasing dramatically. Although antiplatelet agents are required for arterial stent patency, optimal thrombo-prophylaxis after venous stenting remains undefined. To address this issue, PD0348292, a direct Factor Xa inhibitor, was compared with antiplatelet therapy in a porcine venous stent model. Methods and Results— Four hours before stent deployment, pigs (n=5 to 6 per group) received oral PD0348292 at 0.4, 0.9, 4.3 mg/kg, or 0.4 mg/kg plus aspirin (325 mg). Aspirin, clopidogrel (75 mg), aspirin plus clopidogrel, or vehicle (n=10) were administered daily for 2 days before the procedure. Two hours after stent placement, thrombi were quantified by autologous 111In-platelet content and weights. Thrombus weight and platelet deposition were significantly reduced by PD0348292 at 0.4 (49±79 mg and 110±145×106/cm2), 0.9 (5±6 mg and 107±128×106/cm2), 4.3 mg/kg (0±0 mg and 87±125×106/cm2), and PD348292 plus aspirin (20±40 mg and 157±70×106/cm2) compared with vehicle (402±226 mg; 584±454×106/cm2). Despite prolonging bleeding times and inhibiting platelet aggregation, neither aspirin (567±683 mg and 533±622×106/cm2), clopidogrel (404±349 mg and 178±101×106/cm2), nor aspirin plus clopidogrel (247±261 mg and 231±266×106/cm2) significantly decreased stent thrombosis. Conclusions— PD0348292 completely inhibited thrombosis after venous stenting. Platelet accretion in these venous thrombi appear to involve pathways distinct from arachidonate metabolism or ADP P2Y12 receptor activation.
Emerging Technologies Center

"E-learning is a core offering, inextricably integrated with traditional courses and an indispensable part of the traditional education mission," said Villanova University CIO Steve Fugale. "E-learning is a fundamental component of education with both students and faculty driving demand" (1). "Students say technology has little impact on teaching," says Jeff Young, Chronicle of Higher Education (2). "America needs to move much faster to adopt information technology in our health care system, " Secretary Thompson said as he released the action report ordered by President Bush (3). WELCOME TO the Emerging Techoologies Center, a new initiative by Nursing Education Perspectives to highlight emerging technologies and explore their impact on nursing education. Today's educators are faced with many challenges. One challenge is the impact of emerging technologies on higher education, particularly the teaching-learning process. Higher education institutions are investigating how to maximize the use of technologies to transform their academic practices - from changing the traditional teaching-learning paradigm to using instructional management systems for decision-making. Faculty are being asked to use human simulators, teach online courses, incorporate PDAs into clinical courses, make decisions on computer requirements for students (laptops, PDAs, Blackberries, or iPods), create electronic portfolio systems, and prepare instructional materials ior Roomers, Gen Xers, and Millennial generation students. Faculty struggle to understand and remain updated on concepts such as learning objects, open source software, interoperability, total cost of ownership (TCO), Linux, Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM), XML, and others. A second and relatively new challenge is how to prepare nursing for the widespread deployment of health information technologies within the health care delivery system. The "Decade of Health Information Technology: Delivering ConsumerCentric and Information-Rich Health Care," as it is called by secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson (3), will present many new demands on educators who must prepare nurses to practice in this environment. Strategic initiatives outlined by the national coordinator for health information technology, Dr. David J. Brailer, specify four goals: 1) incorporate electronic health records to inform clinical practice; 2) interconnect clinicians so that they have access to critical health information for decision-making; 3) personalize care by creating personal health records for consumers, enhancing informed consumer choice, and promoting the use of telehealth systems; and 4) improve population health by the collection of timely, accurate, and detailed clinical information (3). …
An inexpensive robot platform for teleoperation and experimentation

Most commercially-available robots are either aimed at the research community, or are designed with a single purpose in mind. The extensive hobbyist community has tended to focus on the hardware and the low-level software aspects. We claim that there is a need for a low-cost, general-purpose robot, accessible to the hobbyist community, with sufficient computation and sensing to run “research-grade” software. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of such a robot. We explicitly outline our design goals, and show how a capable robot can be assembled from off-the-shelf parts, for a modest cost, by a single person with only a few tools. We also show how the robot can be used as a low-cost telepresence platform, giving the system a concrete purpose beyond being a low-cost development platform.
May–Thurner Syndrome: Update and Review

May–Thurner syndrome (MTS) is an anatomically variable condition of venous outflow obstruction caused by extrinsic compression. Although this syndrome is rare, its prevalence is likely underestimated. The pathology of this condition is secondary to a partial obstruction of the common iliac vein by an overlying common iliac artery with subsequent entrapment of the left common iliac vein. Regardless of the mechanism, this causes partial or complete impedance to the iliac vein outflow with subsequent possible obstruction and extensive ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the ipsilateral extremity. Clinical presentations include, but are not limited to pain, swelling, venous stasis ulcers, and skin discoloration. With extensive DVT, postphlebetic syndrome, with all of its sequelae, may also develop. Treatment is based on the clinical presentation and includes staged thrombolysis with/without prophylactic retrievable inferior vena cava filter placement, followed by angioplasty/stenting of the left iliac vein in MTS patients with extensive DVT. This review highlights the variable presentations of MTS and outlines possible management within the current Society for Vascular Surgery consensus.
Producing Textbook Sociology

The conservative role of the textbook in reproducing the dominant ideas of a disciplinary field is well known. The factors driving that content have remained almost entirely unexamined. Reviewing the universe of textbooks aimed at the American market between 1998 and 2004, we explore the persistence of the identification in American sociology textbooks of a paradigm in which structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are used to frame the theoretical core of the discipline. We examine how over time the textbook market produces both supply and demand pressures to reproduce content that is at odds with the mainstream of the profession. We draw upon in-depth interviews with recent textbook authors and their editors.
Local “Mean Field” Theory of Hydraulically Controlled Strait Flow

Abstract The free discharge of a layer of bottom water in a wide strait (e.g., the Denmark Strait) differs from the classical control problem because of the strong geostrophic turbulence. As a consequence, the cross-stream (x) variation of the time-averaged downstream velocity υ(x) is “underdetermined” and depends on more parameters than available conditions. To resolve this “degeneracy” the classical control condition is generalized; the result requires the discharge Q to be extremized with respect to the degeneracy parameters and with respect to the constraints. One of these constraints is that a branch point or a local stationary wave can be supported at some section of the long channel. By either maximizing Q or by requiring a stationary wave, useful approximations are obtained. Future work should consider the joint variational problem. Specific calculations are made for nonuniform potential vorticity in a rectangular channel and also for variable cross-stream bottom topography. In the latter case, th...
Maximizing Institutional Research Impact through Building Relationships and Collaborating within the Institution.

Building and maintaining relationships within the institution with shared goals for preserving compliance and presenting an accurate portrait of the institution is critical for effective external reporting. It can also provide immeasurable internal benefit to information stakeholders.
Effects of feeding baleage to beef calves on performance, rumen fermentation, and metabolic response during the fall backgrounding period

A total of 180 spring-born beef calves (BW = 217 ± 20.6 kg) were fed bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) or rye (Secale cereale) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) baleage to evaluate performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and forage refusal for 60 d after weaning. Calves were stratified by BW, sex, and breed to 1 of 9 paddocks and fed 1 of 3 diets: 47-d-regrowth bermudagrass hay (BERH), 43-d-regrowth bermudagrass baleage (BERB), or late-bloom rye-ryegrass baleage (LRRG). A CP liquid supplement was provided ad libitum for 60 d. Calves were weighed on d − 1, 0, 29, 30, 60, and 61 for comparison of animal performance. Ruminal fluid (n = 5/paddock) and blood samples (n = 10/ paddock) were collected for pH, ammonia (NH3), VFA, plasma urea N, and glucose on d − 7, 30, and 60. Calves fed LRRG had greater (P < 0.01) 60-d BW gain and less (P < 0.01) plasma urea N on d 30 and 60 compared with BERB and BERH. Ruminal pH was greater (P < 0.01) for BERB compared with BERH on d 30 and lower for BERB compared with BERH and LRRG on d 60. The BERH group had greater glucose (P = 0.05) and total VFA (P < 0.01) compared with BERB and LRRG. Glucose, NH3, and VFA decreased (P < 0.01) over time from d − 7 to 30. Forage refusal was greater (P < 0.01) for BERH compared with BERB and LRRG. Feeding rye-ryegrass baleage resulted in lower plasma urea N while improving calf performance and reducing forage refusal.
Chavismo, Liberal Democracy, and Radical Democracy

Scholars studying Hugo Chavez and his movement are generally divided into two camps: a liberal one that sees Chavismo as an instance of democratic backsliding and a radical one that upholds Chavismo as the fulfillment of its aspirations for participatory democracy. Boundaries are not fixed, but the two sides generally fail to understand each other's assumptions or to acknowledge each other's criticisms. The result has been a less productive body of scholarly work on both sides.
Experimental Investigation of the Aeroelastic Behavior a NACA0018 Cyber-Physical FlexibleWing

The aeroelastic behavior of a NACA0018, rectangular planform, semi-span aspect ratio (A) of 6, and chord of 0.1 m wing is experimentally explored. Wind tunnel tests were performed over a Mach range from 0 to 0.15 (Re = 220,000) on the test article. The composite wing was designed such that the first torsional mode was isolated and controlled with a motor and feedback control system. This cyberphysical system (CPS) uses dynamic feedback control to make a system behave according to desired equations of motion. The equations of motion can be augmented to replicate any type of dynamics, but for the purposes of this investigation a second-order ordinary differential equation, satisfying Newtonian laws, was used. This research utilized the CPS to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of the wing with varying torsional stiffness, freestream velocity and root angle of attack. Experimental results are qualified by a low-order analytic representation of the aeroelastic phenomenon, aeroelastic data published in the open literature, as well as a high fidelity, fully coupled computational fluidstructural dynamic solver. Two interesting regimes are observed: the case in which the torsional frequency is less than the bending frequency and the inverse relationship. Moreover, a pure stall flutter (excitation of the angular twist) limit cycle oscillation and plunge flutter (excitation of bending mode) are exhibited. Finally, trends between limit cycle oscillations, torsional stiffness, free stream velocity and base angle of attack are observed and discussed. The CPS shows the capability to isolate aero-elastic trends.
On the Maxima and Minima of Bernoulli Polynomials

(1940). On the Maxima and Minima of Bernoulli Polynomials. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 47, No. 8, pp. 533-538.
Short-term memory with young children

Two groups of children, a 4-year old and a 5-year old group, were run in a short-termmemory experiment specifically designed to sustain the attention of a young child. The results indicated that the technique was successful in permitting the collection of orderly data from these Ss.
Particle-hole configuration-interaction polarizabilities and Verdet constants of noble-gas atoms

Polarizabilities and Verdet constants are calculated using a relativistic particle-hole configuration-interaction (CI) method. Particle-hole CI is saturated by including quasicontinuum states built by enclosing an atom in a cavity. Agreement with experiment is achieved, and the method is more accurate than, for example, the Hartree-Fock method. The accuracy of the particle-hole CI method is limited by the omission of configurations with double excitations. Perturbation theory can be applied to account for these excitations, and we expect in the future to further improve the accuracy. The method can be also applied to the calculations of polarizabilities of excited states and can be generalized to other open-shell atoms.
Effect of Splenectomy on the Therapeutic Action of p-Amino-benzenesulfonamide on Mice Infected with Hemolytic Streptococcus

Conclusions1. P-aminobenzenesulfonamide is capable of protecting splenectomized mice against fatal doses of highly virulent hemolytic streptococci. 2. The degree of protection observed in splenectomized mice was identical with that obtained with normal animals.
Thematizing Postcolonialism: Paul T. Zeleza's Smouldering Charcoal, Jamaica Kincaid's A Small Place and Cheikh H. Kane's Ambiguous Adventure

Using Paul T. Zeleza's Smouldering Charcoal, Jamaica Kincaid's A Small Place and Cheikh H. Kane's Ambiguous Adventure, this paper examines the specific ways that postcolonialism is viewed from outside the Western world. The authors present three distinct approaches. In Zeleza's text, the focus is corruption, political oppression, and rural and urban poverty, with the question of the democratization of Africa at its core. Kincaid's non fictional goes beyond a critique of the socio-political and economic life of Antigua to explore the effects of colonialism and post-slavery on the island nation. Kane's critically examines the spiritual and intellectual development of a Muslim child in two environments: the Muslim Diallobe environment and the Western society. While the first two belong to those collections of works that incontrovertibly represent the disillusionment of independence and question the integrity, vision, and practices of the post-independence states, the third one is more concerned with what seems to be an antagonism of two worlds and how they conflict.
Effects of Global Payment and Accountable Care on Tobacco Cessation Service Use: An Observational Study.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disability. New payment and delivery system models including global payment and accountable care have the potential to increase use of cost-effective tobacco cessation services. To examine how the Alternative Quality Contract (AQC) established in 2009 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has affected tobacco cessation service use. We used 2006–2011 BCBSMA claims and enrollment data to compare adults 18–64 years in AQC provider organizations to adults in non-AQC provider organizations. We examined the AQC’s effects on all enrollees; a subset at high risk of tobacco-related complications due to certain medical conditions; and behavioral health service users. We examined use of: (1) any cessation treatment (pharmacotherapy or counseling); (2) varenicline or bupropion; (3) nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs); (4) cessation counseling; and (4) combination therapy (pharmacotherapy plus counseling). We also examined duration of pharmacotherapy use and number of counseling visits among users. Rates of tobacco cessation treatment use were higher following implementation of the AQC relative to the comparison group overall (2.02 vs. 1.87 %, p < 0.0001), among enrollees at risk for tobacco-related complications (4.97 vs. 4.66 %, p < 0.0001), and among behavioral health service users (3.67 vs. 3.25 %, p < 0.0001). Statistically significant increases were found for use of varenicline or bupropion alone, counseling alone, and combination therapy, but not for NRT use, pharmacotherapy duration, or number of counseling visits among users. In its initial three years, the AQC was associated with increases in use of tobacco cessation services.
Disaster and early warning of debris flow in the southwest of China

There are widespread mountains in southwest of China, and complex and atrocious geological conditions result in the frequency of geological disasters,especially the debris flow.This paper describes the comprehensive environment of debris flow formation,basic features,and laws of distribution in the area, and also summarizes the current control and forecast technology in china,and then points out that the main measure for disaster mitigation is prediction and engineering control and that the prediction technology needs to be developed.At the same time it said that the technic of collecting, transmit and display should be network,real time,automation and visualization,and those are the developing direction.For accurate and prompt forecast and early warning of debris flow,the disaster information should be updated, dealt with and visualized immediately,which will provide scientific management and decisions for debris flow control.
Worse than Terror? Nuclear Misdirection after 9/11

After 9/11, numerous expert analysts, scholars, media commentators and government officials agreed that nuclear terrorism was the worst danger facing the United States, its allied governments and their societies. The danger of nuclear terrorism is real and should not be discounted. But nuclear terrorism is also related to another danger: that of nuclear first use by states. The problems of nuclear first use by states and nuclear terrorism are joined at the hip. The spread of weapons among countries with outlaw regimes or regional grievances increases the likelihood of a nuclear handoff to nonstate actors, including terrorists, even as states build larger arsenals for coercing or attacking their neighbors. The danger is particularly acute in Asia, where nuclear proliferation threatens to escape political control. A breakdown of nonproliferation in Asia could result in a simultaneous and multiple failure of deterrence with catastrophic effects. This chapter discusses pertinent issues and employs a model for the analysis of deterrence stability within a future nuclear Asia.