cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-assisted upper extremity training using interactive biking exercise (iBikE) platform

Upper extremity exercise training has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in different chronic health conditions. Arm-operated bicycles are frequently used to facilitate upper extremity training however effective use of these devices at patient homes is hampered by lack of remote connectivity with clinical rehabilitation team, inability to monitor exercise progress in real time using simple graphical representation, and absence of an alert system which would prevent exertion levels exceeding those approved by the clinical rehabilitation team. We developed an interactive biking exercise (iBikE) platform aimed at addressing these limitations. The platform uses a miniature wireless 3-axis accelerometer mounted on a patient wrist that transmits the cycling acceleration data to a laptop. The laptop screen presents an exercise dashboard to the patient in real time allowing easy graphical visualization of exercise progress and presentation of exercise parameters in relation to prescribed targets. The iBikE platform is programmed to alert the patient when exercise intensity exceeds the levels recommended by the patient care provider. The iBikE platform has been tested in 7 healthy volunteers (age range: 26–50 years) and shown to reliably reflect exercise progress and to generate alerts at pre-setup levels. Implementation of remote connectivity with patient rehabilitation team is warranted for future extension and evaluation efforts.
Multistage adaptive biomarker-directed targeted design for randomized clinical trials.

Abstract Background Precision medicine is changing how patients are treated and how therapies are developed. In recent years, biomarker-directed targeted designs have been developed for pharmaceutical development aimed at patient subpopulation with a specific disease etiology. To integrate multistage testing into the targeted designs enhances flexibility of targeted trials by enabling sequential monitoring and stochastic curtailment. Methods and results We studied a multistage adaptive design for targeted trials with either normally distributed endpoint or binary endpoint. The design is based on the fact that distribution of the sequence of test statistics from multistage testing is asymptotically well approximated by a Brownian motion in targeted trials with normally distributed continuous endpoint or binary endpoint. This study has demonstrated that the targeted multistage design improves study efficiency, information accumulation and conditional power as compared with its untargeted counterpart. Furthermore, our study has indicated that biomarker performance plays a crucial role in efficiency and effectiveness of the multistage adaptive design. The sensitivity and specificity of a biomarker used for patient enrichment influence level of heterogeneity of the targeted study population, and subsequently impact overall trial efficiency and statistical power as well as information accruement and conditional/predictive power for stochastic curtailment. When performance of a biomarker is imperfect, conditional/predictive power at an earlier stage may be over-estimated, resulting invalid early stopping decision. Thus, great care is needed to ensure that biomarker performance is considered in statistical planning of the multistage targeted trials. Conclusions In summary, the multistage adaptive design provides targeted trials with flexibility in multistage testing and early stopping while retaining the rigor of the study design.
Trends in hospital volume and operative mortality for high-risk surgery.

BACKGROUND There were numerous efforts in the United States during the previous decade to concentrate selected surgical procedures in high-volume hospitals. It remains unknown whether referral patterns for high-risk surgery have changed as a result and how operative mortality has been affected. METHODS We used national Medicare data to study patients undergoing one of eight different cancer and cardiovascular operations from 1999 through 2008. For each procedure, we examined trends in hospital volume and market concentration, defined as the proportion of Medicare patients undergoing surgery in the top decile of hospitals by volume per year. We used regression-based techniques to assess the effects of volume and market concentration on mortality over time, adjusting for case mix. RESULTS Median hospital volumes of four cancer resections (lung, esophagus, pancreas, and bladder) and of repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rose substantially. Depending on the procedure, higher hospital volumes were attributable to an increasing number of cases nationwide, an increasing market concentration, or both. Hospital volumes rose slightly for aortic-valve replacement but fell for coronary-artery bypass grafting and carotid endarterectomy. Operative mortality declined for all eight procedures, ranging from a relative decline of 8% for carotid endarterectomy (1.3% mortality in 1999 and 1.2% in 2008) to 36% for AAA repair (4.4% in 1999 and 2.8% in 2008). Higher hospital volumes explained a large portion of the decline in mortality for pancreatectomy (67% of the decline), cystectomy (37%), and esophagectomy (32%), but not for the other procedures. CONCLUSIONS Operative mortality with high-risk surgery fell substantially during the previous decade. Although increased market concentration and hospital volume have contributed to declining mortality with some high-risk cancer operations, declines in mortality with other procedures are largely attributable to other factors. (Funded by the National Institute on Aging.).
Controlled substance prescribing trends and physician and pharmacy utilization patterns: epidemiological analysis of the Maine Prescription Monitoring Program from 2006 to 2010

The Maine Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) was created to prevent prescription drug misuse and diversion. The PMP collects data for all Schedule II, III and IV prescriptions dispensed by pharmacies licensed in Maine. This article presents a retrospective analysis of the PMP for prescribing trends and utilization patterns from state fiscal year 2006 to 2010. The sample included 11,542,850 Schedule prescriptions for 1,024,649 unduplicated patients in a 5-year database of the PMP. The number of controlled prescriptions steadily increased from 2.05 million in 2006 to 2.51 million in 2010. Opioid analgesics and stimulants were found to be the most commonly prescribed and fastest growing scheduled drug categories, respectively. Most individuals (82.9%) accessed their controlled drugs from one to two prescribers and pharmacies. Patients who utilized five prescribers and more used a greater number of pharmacies than those who utilized less than five prescribers (p < 0.001). The dramatic increase in the numbe...
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery in the elderly.

Objective Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is indicated in young patients with medication-dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both because of their need for lifelong medical treatment and the need to prevent the complications of GERD. Many elderly patients with GERD have similar concerns. We compared the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in the elderly with the results achieved in patients Results Elderly patients had significantly higher preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores (mean 2.4 vs 2.0) (p = 0.0024), but otherwise there were no significant differences in preoperative symptom scores or pH results. Both groups demonstrated equivalent postoperative improvement in symptoms and 24-h pH study. There was no mortality in either group, and there was no significant difference in morbidity or hospital stay between the two groups. Conclusion Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment of GERD in the elderly and should not be refused solely on the basis of age.
EDGE STATES AND TRAJECTORIES IN QUANTUM DOTS: PROBING THE QUANTUM-CLASSICAL TRANSITION

Edge states have been a backbone of our understanding of the experimental basis of the quantum Hall effect for quite some time. Interestingly, this comprises a quantum system with well defined currents and particle trajectories. The role of trajectories in quantum mechanics has been a problematic question of interpretation for quite some time, and the open quantum dot is a natural system in which to probe this question. Contrary to early speculation, a set of well defined quantum states survives in the open quantum dot. These states are the pointer states and provide a transition into the classical states that can be found in these structures. These states provide resonances, which are observable as oscillatory behavior in the magnetoconductance of the dots. But, they have well defined current directions within the dots. Consequently, one expects trajectories to be a property of these states as well. As one crosses from the low to the high field regime, quite steady trajectories and consequent wave functi...
Comparison of the stabilities and unfolding pathways of human apolipoprotein E isoforms by differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism.

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism experiments were performed to study structural differences among the common isoforms of human apolipoprotein E (apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4) and their N-terminal, 22-kDa fragments. Here, we examine thermodynamic properties that characterize the structural differences among isoforms, and also differences in their unfolding behavior. The 22-kDa fragments and their full-length counterparts were found to exhibit similar differences in thermal stability (apoE4
Modeling and analysis of multiprocessor architectures

Some technologies developed for system level modeling and analysis of algorithms/architectures using an architecture design and development system are reviewed. Modeling and analysis is described with attention given to modeling constraints and analysis using constrained software graphs. An example is presented of an ADAS graph and its associated attributes, such as firing delay, token consume rate, token produce rate, firing threshold, firing condition, arc queue lengths, associated C or Ada functional model, and stochastic behavior.
Modernization and Aging in the Third and Fourth World: Views from the Rural Hinterland in Nepal

T HE NUMBER O F AGED PEOPLE in Third World countries is increasing dramatically. In 1970, 190 million people on this planet were 65 years old or more. Fifty-five percent (105 million) resided in developed countries (DCs) and 45% (85 million) in less developed countries (LDCs). By the year 2000, as a result of continued population growth and improvements in health care, this proportion will change. There will then be about 396 million persons 65 years of age or older (a nearly 200% increase), of whom 166 million (42%) will reside in DCs and 230 million (58%) in LDCs. Moreover, by 2000, in the short span of 30 years, South Asia and East Asia will account for about one-fourth (100 million) of the world's aged, and as many elderly people will live there as now exist in the entire developed world (Hauser 1976). This pattern of population increase will affect Nepal as well. Based on current growth rates, by the year 2000, Nepal will contain over I million persons aged 65 or over out of a total population of about 18 million. The prevalent view is that aging in rural, traditional societies is not a problem since the aged in such societies are viewed as possessing high status. The aged are said to become problematic only as modernization disrupts family and community supports and the esteem and respect characteristic of traditional societies. This widely held viewpoint is exemplified by the theory of modernization and aging proposed by Cowgill and Holmes (1972) and Cowgill (1974). This theory defines modernization and its consequences for the elderly in the following terms:
Soy protein isolate consumption protects against azoxymethane-induced colon tumors in male rats

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (F2 generation) that had been fed modified American Institute of Nutrition-93G diets formulated with a single protein source of either casein or soy protein isolate for their entire life received azoxymethane once a week for 2 weeks (s.c., 15 mg/kg) starting at age 90 days. Forty weeks later, all rats were euthanized, the colon was examined visually for masses and these were subsequently evaluated histologically. Rats fed the casein diet had a 50% incidence of colon tumors compared with 12% on soy protein-based diets (P<0.05). These results suggest that consumption of soy protein-containing diets may reduce the risk of developing colon tumors.
Potential effects of acoustic signals on marine mammals

Interactions between underwater sound and marine animals occur at various biological scales that strongly depend on the size of the animal with respect to acoustic wavelengths. These effects range from subtle changes in behavior to various types of trauma that can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss, or tissue damage or even mortality. For marine mammals, research to date has focused primarily on the effects of underwater construction noise, low and mid frequency sonar signals, and seismic airgun emissions. These sources cover a frequency range from approximately 100 to 10,000 Hz; however, data are limited in scope. Moreover, since received sound depends both on the source characteristics and the transmission path, each situation must be independently evaluated.
Real-Time Correction of Intensity Nonlinearities in Imaging Systems

An analysis of two-dimensional imaging systems with general intensity nonlinearities is presented and several methods for real-time correction are discussed. Exact correction for measurement purposes and approximate correction for the human observer are described, and system implementation is by digital hardware, primarily using programmable read-only memories (PROM's). Calibration techniques for these systems are given, and estimates of computing time and required system complexity are made. Experimental application of these techniques is discussed.
Sea urchin oocytes possess elaborate cortical arrays of microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments

Extensive arrays of microfilaments, microtubules and cytokeratin-type intermediate filaments were detected in the cortex of Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis oocytes using fluorescently labeled antibodies on both cortex and whole mount preparations. All three filament systems undergo dramatic structural reorganization during meiotic maturation of the egg. Microfilaments form a dense meshwork within the cortex of the oocyte. After meiosis, the filaments rearrange and shorten, resulting in a more loosely organized network. Both cortical microtubules and microtubules associated with a microtubule-organizing center are observed within the oocyte. After meiosis, the number and length of the cortical microtubules gradually diminish. A microtubule organizing center is found situated between the germinal vesicle and the plasma membrane in many oocytes. A network of filaments extends from the microtubule organizing center and radiates peripherally toward the germinal vesicle, presumably marking the animal pole. Cytokeratin-like intermediate filaments form a reticular network within the oocyte cortex, then solubilize during meiosis. In whole mounts of oocytes there is a single focal center of cytokeratin staining from which filaments radiate. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments, using anti-tubulin and anti-cytokeratin antibodies simultaneously, reveal the intermediate filament focal center to be localized within the microtubule organizing center. These results demonstrate the presence of a complex cortical cytoskeleton in premeiotic eggs of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis.
Regulatory T-lymphocytes mediate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression and survival

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice, regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs) are neuroprotective, slowing disease progression. To address whether Tregs and FoxP3, a transcription factor required for Treg function, similarly influence progression rates of ALS patients, T-lymphocytes from patients were assessed by flow cytometry. Both numbers of Tregs and their FoxP3 protein expressions were reduced in rapidly progressing ALS patients and inversely correlated with progression rates. The mRNA levels of FoxP3, TGF-β, IL4 and Gata3, a Th2 transcription factor, were reduced in rapidly progressing patients and inversely correlated with progression rates. Both FoxP3 and Gata3 were accurate indicators of progression rates. No differences in IL10, Tbx21, a Th1 transcription factor or IFN-γ expression were found between slow and rapidly progressing patients. A 3.5-year prospective study with a second larger cohort revealed that early reduced FoxP3 levels were indicative of progression rates at collection and predictive of future rapid progression and attenuated survival. Collectively, these data suggest that Tregs and Th2 lymphocytes influence disease progression rates. Importantly, early reduced FoxP3 levels could be used to identify rapidly progressing patients.
LOCAL CEREBRAL GLUCOSE UTILIZATION IN RATS EXPOSED TO AN ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT: A COMPARISON TO IMPOVERISHMENT

Abstract Environmental enrichment and environmental impoverishment have been shown to differentially alter brain function. Here, we investigate the effects of enrichment vs. impoverishment on cerebral use of glucose in rodents. Rats were housed from postnatal day 28 to day 58 in either a socially and environmentally enriched environment or an impoverished environment devoid of other rats or environmental stimuli. Locomotor activity was measured at the end of the enrichment/impoverishment period. Following the duration of the exposure to these environments, cerebral metabolic rate of glucose utilization was determined using quantitative 2-[ 14 C]deoxyglucose autoradiography in 37 brain regions in the cerebral cortex, forebrain, brain stem and thalamus. There were no differences in locomotor activity between the conditions. The nucleus accumbens core and shell had significantly higher rates of glucose utilization in enriched compared to impoverished animals. These data suggest that environment has a significant effect on brain function which may help to explain the beneficial and protective effects of enrichment against drug abuse and addiction.
Expressions of “Voice” in Portraiture:

The various ways in which the researcher negotiates “voice are the focus of this article. The six aspects of “voice” as defined by portraiture are manifested through the researcher’s chosen methodo...
Coarse grain molecular dynamics simulation for the prediction of tertiary conformation of lysozyme adsorbed on silica surface

A coarse-grain (CG) algorithm is developed for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of proteins in which the polypeptide backbone as well as side chains were mapped into spherical interaction centres. The force field parameters for non-bonded interaction between these centres (beads) were evaluated from the interaction of all atoms corresponding to these beads using pairwise additivity. The validity of CG algorithm was demonstrated by comparing the potential energy, radius of gyration (RG), end-to-end distance and root-mean-square deviation with those obtained by all-atom (AA) simulation for a small protein molecule Trp-cage as well as for lysozyme in solution. The CG simulation for lysozyme in solution requires less than 1/50 CPU-time compared to that for the AA method. Also, the CG method converges to equilibrium potential energy much faster than AA simulation. CG simulation for lysozyme adsorbed on silica surface showed that the molecule is more unfolded with a less compact tertiary structure compared to...
Near-Isogenic Lines of Maize Differing for Glycinebetaine

A series of near-isogenic glycinebetaine-containing and -deficient F8 pairs of Zea mays L. (maize) lines were developed. The pairs of lines differ for alternative alleles of a single locus; the wild-type allele conferring glycinebetaine accumulation is designated Bet1 and the mutant (recessive) allele is designated bet1. The near-isogenic lines were used to investigate whether glycinebetaine deficiency affects the pool size of the glycinebetaine precursor, choline, using a new method for glycinebetaine and choline determination: stable isotope dilution plasma desorption mass spectrometry. Glycinebetaine deficiency in maize was associated with a significant expansion of the free choline pool, but the difference in choline pool size was not equal to the difference in glycinebetaine pool size, suggesting that choline must down-regulate its own synthesis. Consistent with this, glycinebetaine deficiency was also associated with the accumulation of the choline precursor, serine. A randomly amplified polymorphic DNA marker was identified that detects the bet1 allele. In 62 F8 families tested the 10-mer primer 5[prime]-GTCCTCGTAG produced a 1.2-kb polymerase chain reaction product only when DNA from Bet1/bet1 or bet1/bet1 lines was used as template. All 26 homozygous Bet1/Bet1 F8 families tested were null for this marker.
Natural Abundance 43Ca NMR Spectroscopy of Tobermorite and Jennite: Model Compounds for C–S–H

There are few effective methods for characterizing the molecular scale structural environments of Ca2⁺ in hydrated cements, which has limited our ability to understand the structure of, for example, Ca–silicate hydrate (C–S–H). 43Ca nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has long been considered too insensitive to provide useful data in this regard, but 43Ca magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra reported here for synthetic tobermorite and jennite with naturally abundant levels of 43Ca demonstrate that this is a viable approach.We show that spectra with useful signal/noise ratios can be obtained in a reasonable acquisition period (~2 days) using an H₀ field strength of 21.1 T, 5 mm rotors spinning at a frequency of 5 kHz, and a double frequency sweep preparatory pulse sequence. Tobermorite and jennite produce relatively broad resonances due to their complex structures and structural disorder, however, the chemical shift differences between six-coordinate 43Ca in jennite and seven-coordinate 43Ca in 11Å tobermorite are large enough that the signals are entirely resolved at this field. These data suggest that signal from ideal tobermorite-like and jennite-like sites in cement C–S–H can most likely be distinguished by 43Ca NMR and that this method will be a powerful approach for studying cement-based ceramicmore » materials in the coming decade.« less
Controlled Fabrication of Nanostructure Material Based Chemical Sensors

In this paper, we report on a processing approach for a microsensor platform that incorporates nanorods in a controlled, efficient, and effective manner. Using this novel approach of combining dielectrophoresis with standard microfabrication processing and materials, we have achieved reproducible, time-efficient fabrication of gas sensors with buried contacts to the tin oxide (SnO2) nanorods used for the detection of gases. The steps associated with this approach are described in detail. Semiconducting SnO2 nanorods are used to demonstrate this approach. The SnO2 nanorods succeeded as sensing elements for the detection of hydrogen (H2) and propylene (C3H6) up to 600oC, as well as the detection of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at 400oC. This investigation shows the combination of nanorods and standard microfabrication processing materials resulting in a new technique for the fabrication of chemical microsensors using nanomaterials.
Impact of Narrowband Interference on Multi-Band OFDM Ultra Wideband Communication Systems

This paper analyzes the impact of narrow-band interference (NBI) on the performance of multi-band (MB) OFDM ultra wideband communication systems. A comprehensive study of the effects of NBI on the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and carrier synchronization algorithm is presented. The overall impact of NBI is demonstrated by quantifying the MB-OFDM receiver system level performance in terms of block error rate.
A multi-microcomputer system for volume image processing

The authors present the design of a multi-microcomputer system which provides the basis of a volume image-processing system. They present the architecture, the features of the operating system, and theoretical and experimental results. This system consists of a central computer and a number of satellite microcomputers. Communication between the central computer and each satellite is accomplished through dual-ported RAMs. It is a single-bus system with a star architecture, and under certain conditions, it can simulate other architectures such as a pipeline system. The authors developed an operating system that allows their multicomputer system to be used in user, star, queue, and pipeline processing modes. Under certain conditions, N satellites operating in parallel will result in an increase of the system processing rate of nearly N times. >
Model transformations in the model-based development of real-time systems

In this paper we argue for UML-based metamodeling and pattern-based graph transformation techniques in computer-based systems development through an illustrative example from the domain of embedded systems. We present a tool that uses advanced graph-rewriting techniques to generate a schedule that satisfies hard real-time constraints for multi-modal systems. The input is a time-triggered system specification (using the Giotto language); the output is an instruction sequence for the E-machine: a virtual machine for hard real-time embedded systems. The resulting model may be refined into a) system implementations (E-code programs) through a trivial synthesis process and b) development-time analysis models expressing the properties of the system implemented over different execution platforms. Furthermore, we identify the next steps to be taken towards generating analysis models using explicit platform models.
Coupling Mechanism and Significance of the BOLD Signal: A Status Report

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides a unique view of the working human mind. The blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal, detected in fMRI, reflects changes in deoxyhemoglobin driven by localized changes in brain blood flow and blood oxygenation, which are coupled to underlying neuronal activity by a process termed neurovascular coupling. Over the past 10 years, a range of cellular mechanisms, including astrocytes, pericytes, and interneurons, have been proposed to play a role in functional neurovascular coupling. However, the field remains conflicted over the relative importance of each process, while key spatiotemporal features of BOLD response remain unexplained. Here, we review current candidate neurovascular coupling mechanisms and propose that previously overlooked involvement of the vascular endothelium may provide a more complete picture of how blood flow is controlled in the brain. We also explore the possibility and consequences of conditions in which neurovascular coupling ...
Changing Pertussis Epidemiology: Everything Old is New Again

Before vaccination, pertussis was a universal disease of early childhood. Although apparent control of the disease in the United States and other countries was achieved through vaccination, pertussis is resurgent. Though acellular vaccines have been in use for 20 years, new data are emerging on their effectiveness and durability of protection and the contribution of these characteristics to the resurgence of pertussis.
Noise and neuronal populations conspire to encode simple waveforms reliably

Sensory systems rely on populations of neurons to encode information transduced at the periphery into meaningful patterns of neuronal population activity. This transduction occurs in the presence of intrinsic neuronal noise. This is fortunate. The presence of noise allows more reliable encoding of the temporal structure present in the stimulus than would be possible in a noise-free environment. Simulations with a parallel model of signal processing at the auditory periphery have been used to explore the effects of noise and a neuronal population on the encoding of signal information. The results show that, for a given set of neuronal modeling parameters and stimulus amplitude, there is an optimal amount of noise for stimulus encoding with maximum fidelity.
Effect of lithotomy positions on strain of the obturator and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.

The purpose of this study was to determine if various lithotomy positions increase strain on the obturator and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves in fresh adult cadavers. A static load cell was used to record strain changes of the obturator and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves in the pelvis and anterior thigh when the lower limbs were placed in three sets of positions of varying hip abduction and flexion. The means of the strain measurements, which were measured in grams in all positioning angles were compared to the baseline 0 degrees measurements. Analysis of variance was calculated for the differences. Flexion of the hip did not increase strain on either nerve. Abduction to 30 degrees or 45 degrees increased strain by more than 30 g on the obturator nerve (P 30 g has been associated consistently with nerve dysfunction, disrupting axonal transmission, and causing structural neural damage. Our findings suggest that concomitant hip flexion should be used when placing anesthetized patients in a lithotomy position that includes abduction of the lower limbs to >30 degrees to decrease the risk for perioperative neuropathy of the obturator nerve.
The Rhetoric of Irrationality

The popularity of the `biases and heuristics' literature is examined critically in terms of the rhetorical factors that have mediated widely published claims that human judgment abilities are poor ...
A unified factorization algorithm for points, line segments and planes with uncertainty models

In this paper we present a unified factorization algorithm for recovering structure and motion from image sequences by using point features, line segments and planes. This new formulation is based on directional uncertainty model for features. Points and line segments are both described by the same probabilistic models and so can be recovered in the same way. Prior information on the coplanarity of features is shown to fit naturally into the new factorization formulation and provides additional constraints for the shape recovery. This formulation leads to a weighted least squares motion and shape recovery problem which is solved by an efficient quasi-linear algorithm. The statistical uncertainty model also enables us to recover uncertainty estimates for the reconstructed three dimensional feature locations.
Interictal EEG spikes identify the region of electrographic seizure onset in some, but not all, pediatric epilepsy patients.

SUMMARY Purpose: The role of sharps and spikes, interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), in guiding epilepsy surgery in children remains controversial, particularly with intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG). Although ictal recording is the mainstay of localizing epileptic networks for surgical resection, current practice dictates removing regions generating frequent IEDs if they are near the ictal onset zone. Indeed, past studies suggest an inconsistent relationship between IED and seizure-onset location, although these studies were based upon relatively short EEG epochs. Methods: We employ a previously validated, computerized spike detector to measure and localize IED activity over prolonged, representative segments of IEEG recorded from 19 children with intractable, mostly extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Approximately 8 h of IEEG, randomly selected 30-min segments of continuous interictal IEEG per patient, were analyzed over all intracranial electrode contacts. Results: When spike frequency was averaged over the 16-time segments, electrodes with the highest mean spike frequency were found to be within the seizure-onset region in 11 of 19 patients. There was significant variability between individual 30-min segments in these patients, indicating that large statistical samples of interictal activity were required for improved localization. Low-voltage fast EEG at seizure onset was the only clinical factor predicting IED localization to the seizure-onset region. Conclusions: Our data suggest that automated IED detection over multiple representative samples of IEEG may be of utility in planning epilepsy surgery for children with intractable epilepsy. Further research is required to better determine which patients may benefit from this technique a priori.
Role of MAPK pathways in light chain-induced cytokine production in human proximal tubule cells.

We previously demonstrated that light chain (LC) endocytosis by human proximal tubule cells (PTCs) leads to production of cytokines through activation of NF-κB. Here, we examined the role of MAPK p...
Identification and Genetic Characterization of PmrA-Regulated Genes and Genes Involved in Polymyxin B Resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium encounters antimicrobial peptides (AP) within the phagosomes of professional phagocytes and at intestinal mucosal surfaces. Salmonella serovar Typhimurium utilizes the two-component regulatory system PmrA-PmrB, which is activated in response to the environmental conditions encountered in vivo, to regulate resistance to several AP, including polymyxin B (PM). Random MudJ transposon mutagenesis was used to identify PmrA-PmrB-regulated genes, as well as genetic loci necessary for PM resistance. Three different phenotypic classes of genes were identified: those necessary for PM resistance and regulated by PmrA, those necessary for PM resistance and not regulated by PmrA, and PmrA-regulated genes not required for PM resistance. Loci identified as necessary for PM resistance showed between 6- and 192-fold increased sensitivities to PM, and transposon insertion sites include surA, tolB, and gnd. PmrA-regulated loci identified included dgoA and yibD and demonstrated 500- and 2,500-fold activation by PmrA, respectively. The role of the identified loci in aminoarabinose modification of lipid A was determined by paper chromatography. The gnd mutant demonstrated a loss of aminoarabinose from lipid A, which was suggested to be due to a polar effect on the downstream gene pmrE. The remaining PMs mutants (surA and tolB), as well as the two PmrA-regulated gene (yibD and dgoA) mutants, retained aminoarabinose on lipid A. yibD, dgoA, and gnd (likely affecting pmrE) played no role in PmrA-regulated resistance to high iron concentrations, while surA and tolB mutations grew poorly on high iron media. All PMs mutants identified in this study demonstrated a defect in virulence compared to wild-type Salmonella serovar Typhimurium when administered orally to mice, while the PmrA-regulated gene (yibD and dgoA) mutants showed normal virulence in mice. These data broaden our understanding of in vivo gene regulation, lipopolysaccharide modification, and mechanisms of resistance to AP in enteric bacteria.
Effects of native and nonnative arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and nutrient uptake of 'Pinot noir' (Vitis vinifera L.) in two soils with contrasting levels of phosphorus

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth and nutrient uptake by ‘Pinot noir’ grapevine cuttings was studied in an alluvial valley soil (Chehalis series, Mollisol) and a red-hill soil (Jory series, Ultisol) to better understand the role AMF play in vineyards planted in different soils with contrasting levels of available P. The first experiment compared plant response in both soils to a mix of AMF species (Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices, and Scutellospora calospora) isolated from Jory soil. Results showed that vine growth was heavily dependent on AMF in Jory soil, but inoculated and non-inoculated vines grew equally well in Chehalis soil. The increase in plant dry mass (274%) of ‘Pinot noir’ grown with AMF in Jory soil was primarily due to enhanced P uptake (833% increase). Uptake of most other nutrients was also enhanced by AMF in Jory soil. Sulfur was the only nutrient taken up in greater quantity by AMF vines in Chehalis soil. Root colonization by AMF was lower in Chehalis soil compared to Jory soil. A second experiment compared plant response in both soils to either native or nonnative G. mosseae isolated from each respective soil type. Vine growth in Chehalis soil was not affected by either G. mosseae isolate, although both isolates increased P and Zn uptake and the native isolate enhanced Cu and S uptake by ‘Pinot noir’. Both G. mosseae isolates enhanced vine growth in Jory soil, primarily due to improved P uptake; however, the nonnative isolate of G. mosseae colonized roots to a greater degree and was more effective in promoting growth and nutrient uptake than the native isolate. Results from these experiments show that ‘Pinot noir’ is dependent on AMF to obtain enough P for normal growth in red-hill soils, while growth in valley soils is not dependent on AMF, even though P uptake can be improved by AMF in this soil. Native or nonnative G. mosseae isolates performed equally well in promoting P uptake in Chehalis soil, however, the Chehalis soil fungus outperformed the Jory soil fungus in promoting P uptake in Jory soil and Cu and S uptake in both soils.
The negative consequences of measurement model misspecification: a response to Aguirre-Urreta and Marakas

It has been more than 40 years since Blalock (1964) noted thedistinction between what he called “cause” (formative) and“effect” (reflective) indicators of latent variables, and threedecades since the academic literature recognized that someSEM measurement models don’t fit classical test theory’sassumptions about the direction of causality of the relation-ships between constructs and their indicators (Bagozzi 1981;Fornell and Bookstein 1982). Since that time, interest inmodeling constructs with formative indicators has signi-ficantly increased in the business, social science, and informa-tion systems literatures (e.g., Bollen 2007; Cenfetelli andBassellier 2009; Diamantopoulos and Papadopoulos 2010;Diamantopoulos et al. 2008; Diamantopoulos and Winklhofer2001; Edwards and Bagozzi, 2000; Jarvis et. al. 2003; Lawand Wong 1999; MacKenzie et al. 2005; Marakas et al. 2007;Petter et al. 2007), and an increasing number of academicstudies are incorporating these types of measurement modelsin their substantive investigations. However, recentlyresearchers in a variety of disciplines (Franke et al. 2008;Howell et al. 2007; Kim et al. 2010) have raised questionssurrounding the correct conceptualization and operationa-lization of formative indicator measurement models.
Experimental investigation of velocity coupling in combustion instability

An investigation has been conducted of the velocity coupling phenomenon reported in acoustically unstable solid-propellant rocket motors. An innovative simulation facility has been built using solid carbon dioxide as the simulated propellant. Acoustic disturbances are introduced over the dry-ice surface by means of a mechanically driven piston. Experiments have been conducted with dry ice located near both a velocity antinode and a velocity node. Mass flow rate and acoustic pressure measurements indicate the existence of a coupling mechanism, strongly dependent on the acoustic velocity amplitude, between the acoustic disturbance and the dry-ice sublimation process. Flow visualization and hot-film anemometry both show that the flow is turbulent near resonance. Transition to turbulence near a velocity node appears to occur at a smaller critical acoustic velocity amplitude than that near a velocity antinode. Some preturbulent instability has also been observed. Acoustically induced, turbulent forced convection is believed to be responsible for the increase in the sublimation rate of the dry ice (simulated burning of the propellant). Turbulence is believed to be one of the principal mechanisms in the velocity coupling phenomenon. An empirical correlation was developed which appeared to apply to the real propellant cases.
Recurrent Bronchogenic Cyst After Surgical Resection.

Background: Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital anomalies that are often solitary and rarely multiple. Most bronchogenic cysts are asymptomatic, and symptoms when present are usually the result of compression by the cyst on the surrounding structures. Case Report: We report a case of recurrent bronchogenic cyst following a partial resection treated with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA can provide instant decompression of the cyst and relieves the pressure on the surrounding structures.
Schubert Ogden's Transcendental Strategy Against Secularism

Schubert Ogden is often considered a process theologican because, drawing upon the philosophies of Alfred North Whitehead and Charles Hartshorne, he holds a “process” view of the nature of reality and of God. But the strategy used in his philosophical theology makes Ogden a sort of “transcendental” theologian as well. I refer to Ogden's argument in The Reality of God that a necessary condition of the possibility of scientific and moral activity is the kind of confidence in the meaning and worth of life that must be seen as an implicit faith in God. This faith might be characterized as innate or a priori because Ogden portrays it not as derived from, but as presupposed by, all our experience; indeed, Ogden claims that such faith is the necessary condition of the possibility of even “secular” scientific and moral experience. Thus one might see this part of his philosophical theology as pursuing a transcendental strategy of argument.
Vibrational Characteristics of Micro Beams

Several high frequency MEMS devices such as resonators and filters can be modeled as electrostatically driven micro-beams. While their static structural response depends solely on the magnitude of the applied voltage and their elastic stiffness, their dynamic response also depends on their mass, damping properties and the applied voltage frequency. In designing these devices, critical parameters must include the maximum voltage, voltage frequency and the natural frequency of the system. Even though the electrostatic force developed by the voltage is non-linear, the system can be modeled as a harmonic system due to the periodic nature of the response. Results from a non-linear structural-electrostatic dynamic model show the importance of the dynamic properties and the non-linear electrostatic force. The results show significantly lower limiting voltages, especially when the driving voltage is close to the natural frequency of the system. The effect of damping is also addressed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
China's Financial Policy-Brief Review and Analysis of Effect

The paper gives a brief account of effect on promoting economic stable development and discusses the result of China's active financial policy. It also focuses on the efficiency of fund of treasury bond, tax reduction, the risk of treasury bond etc.
Loss of Abdominal Domain: Definition and Treatment Strategies

Patients with ventral hernia and loss of domain represent some of the most complex hernia a surgeon may face. Loss of domain is where 50 % of the abdominal viscera reside outside the abdominal cavity. Emergency surgery with open abdomen management and morbid obesity with prior open abdominal surgery are the two most common reasons for loss of domain development. Restoring abdominal wall integrity and function via a hernia repair poses special consideration from a preoperative preparation and operative technique standpoint. Preoperative weight loss may decrease the intra-abdominal volume for the viscera to return at the time of the repair. Smoking cessation, wound care, exercise training, and diabetes management can reduce postoperative pulmonary and wound infections. In most cases, myofascial releases that lengthen the abdominal wall are necessary to optimized primary fascial closure of the abdomen. There are multiple surgical techniques that can be combined to enhance mesh implantation and restoration of abdominal wall function.
COMPARISON OF FOURIER-TRANSFORM VIBRATIONAL CIRCULAR DICHROISM AND MULTICHANNEL-DETECTED RAMAN OPTICAL ACTIVITY

Infrared, vibrational circular dichroism, dual circular polarization Raman optical activity and Raman spectra have been used in conjunction for investigation of the vibrational modes of trans- and cis-pinane, and α- and β-pinene with a view of evaluating the usefulness of these techniques. It has been concluded that vibrational circular dichroism and Raman optical activity provide highly complementary and non-redundant information, of comparable spectral quality.
Systemic Delivery of Nanoparticles Loaded with Pentagalloyl Glucose Protects Elastic Lamina and Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Rats

Degeneration of elastin plays a vital role in the pathology and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Our previous study showed that pentagalloyl glucose (PGG), a core derivative of tannic acid, hinders the development of AAAs in a clinically relevant animal model when applied locally. In this study, we tested whether targeted nanoparticles (NPs) can deliver PGG to the site of an aneurysm and prevent aneurysmal growth by protecting elastin. PGG-loaded albumin NPs with a surface-conjugated elastin-specific antibody were prepared. Aneurysms were induced by calcium chloride-mediated injury to the abdominal aorta in rats. NPs were injected into the tail vein after 10 days of CaCl2 injury. Rats were euthanized after 38 days. PGG delivery led to reduction in macrophage recruitment, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, elastin degradation, calcification, and development of aortic aneurysm. Such NP delivery offers the potential for the development of effective and safe therapies for AAA.
The cradle of social knowledge: Infants’ reasoning about caregiving and affiliation

Considerable research has examined infants' understanding and evaluations of social agents, but two questions remain unanswered: First, do infants organize observed social relations into larger structures, inferring the relationship between two social beings based on their relations to a third party? Second, how do infants reason about a type of social relation prominent in all societies: the caregiving relation between parents and their babies? In a series of experiments using animated events, we ask whether 15- to 18-month-old infants infer that two babies who were comforted by the same adult, or two adults who comforted the same baby, will affiliate with one another. We find that infants make both of these inferences, but they make no comparable inferences when presented with the same visible events with voices that specify a peer context, in which one adult responds to another laughing adult. Thus, infants are sensitive to at least one aspect of caregiving and organize relations between infants and adults into larger social structures.
ULTRAHIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE IN TOTAL JOINT COMPONENTS.

This article reviews the problem of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene component surface degradation in total hip and total knee prostheses, including its clinical implications. Several factors affecting surface damage have been identified from a combination of the observations of in-vivo degradation made on retrieved components, experimental measurement of contact stresses on polyethylene components as a result of contact with their metallic counterpart, and analytical studies of both contact stress and the stresses beneath the polyethylene surface. Both the observations of in-vivo surface degradation and the analytical studies demonstrate that surface degradation is a more severe problem in total knee replacements than in total hip replacements. The performance of polyethylene components, as affected by design factors such as material thickness and material modification, is also considered.