cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TSPO 18 kDa (PBR) Targeted Photosensitizers for Cancer Imaging (PET) and PDT

Translocator protein (TSPO) 18 kDa overexpression has been observed in a large variety of human cancers, especially breast cancers. PK 11195, an isoquinoline analogue, is one of the ligands of highest TSPO binding affinity. Due to the long biological half life of our photosensitizers, there is a need to label them with a long lived radioisotope, for example I-124. Our objectives are to find translocator protein targeted photosensitizers for both tumor imaging (PET) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). I-PK 11195 is conjugated with the tumor avid photosensitizer HPPH. We find that those two tumor avid components complement each other and make the conjugate molecule even more tumor avid; compared to the photosensitizer itself, the conjugate is found to show improved PDT efficacy. It is concluded that I-PK 11195 can be a good vehicle to deliver radionuclide and photosensitizer to TSPO overexpressed tumor regions. Such conjugates could be useful for both tumor imaging (PET) and PDT.
ED-10ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MATERNAL AND INHERITED GENETIC VARIATION IN FOLATE METABOLISM GENES AND PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS IN A HIGH RISK POPULATION: A PILOT STUDY

Folic acid is critically important for normal neural development and has been implicated in pediatric brain tumor (PBT) risk. However, much work remains in understanding the genetic basis of these associations among at-risk populations. Therefore, we examined inherited variation in folate metabolism genes on PBT risk in individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a cancer predisposition syndrome. We also evaluated maternal genetic variation in these genes that could serve as a proxy for the intrauterine nutrient environment that may be important in PBT development. We recruited 56 families with a child with NF1 and a PBT from the Washington University NF1 Patient Registry Initiative (NPRI) (https://nf1registry.wustl.edu/) or the St. Louis Children's Hospital Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program. DNA isolated from blood or buccal samples representing 45 triads (mother, father, child) and 11 dyads (mother, child) were analyzed using 49 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped on the Sequenom platform. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between maternal and offspring minor alleles and PBTs were estimated using log linear regression models. Significant/marginally significant associations between PBTs and each additional offspring copy of the minor allele were found for MTRR rs10520873 (OR = 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-1.0); MTR rs4659745 (OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-0.9), rs3768147 (OR = 1.9; 1.1-3.3), rs12759827 (OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-1.0); and DHFR rs10072026 (OR = 0.2; 95% CI 0.03-0.7). For maternal SNPs, significant/marginally significant associations were observed with each additional maternal copy of the minor allele for MTRR rs1802056 (OR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.1-3.6); SLC19A1 rs1051298 (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1-3.4), rs2838957 (OR = 1.8; 1.0-3.4), rs4818789 (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.8), TYMS rs15872 (OR = 0.6; 95 %CI 0.3-1.0); and MTHFR rs3737964 (OR = 2.1; 95%CI 1.0-4.5) and rs1801133 (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.8). While our findings require validation, they suggest that inherited and maternal genetic variation in folate metabolic genes may influence PBT risk in children with NF1.
Human thymocytes do not respond to interleukin-2 after removal of mature "bright" CD5 positive cells.

Abstract Interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) are expressed on minor populations of immature and mature human thymocytes. These studies were designed to determine if immature T cells could respond to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) plus IL-2 in vitro by increasing the expression of IL-2R and by proliferation. Using monoclonal antibodies to CD5 and magnetic immunobeads we were able to remove all mature, “bright” CD5 + cells from nylon wool-purified thymocytes and to obtain less mature cells which consisted almost completely of cells with the CD4 + CD8 + phenotype. These immature cells were mostly “dim” CD5 + and less than 5% CD5 − and a small percentage expressed the IL-2R. After culture in serum-free medium with PHA-P, these cells showed only a slight increase in the percentage of IL-2R + cells and the addition of IL-2 did not increase the percentage of IL-2R + cells and no proliferation was observed. Unseparated, nylon wool-purified thymocytes contained 14% bright CD5 + cells. These bright CD5 + cells had a mature phenotype of CD4 + CD8 − (52%) and CD4 − CD8 + (27%) cells. A small percentage of these cells were IL-2R + . These bright CD5 + IL-2R + cells were predominantly mature CD4 + CD8 − cells as measured by three-color flow cytometry. After culture with PHA-P and IL-2, the percentage of IL-2R + cells increased and they were now found not only on CD4 + CD8 − but also on CD4 − CD8 + and on CD4 + CD8 + cells. IL-2 plus PHA-P increased proliferation of these cells as compared to those cultured in medium with PHA-P without IL-2. Thus, we show that human immature thymocytes in contrast to mature thymocytes are not responsive to IL-2 as measured by a lack of IL-2R expression and proliferation. These data indicate that mature thymocytes can express a functional high affinity receptor for IL-2 and suggest that immature thymocytes may not possess a (functional) p75 chain of the IL-2R.
Nuclear factor κB mediates a procoagulant response in monocytes during extracorporeal circulation

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the mechanism of procoagulant activity and inhibition in whole blood during extracorporeal circulation. Methods: In this study we examine the development of procoagulant activity and monocyte activation in heparinized whole blood passing through a closed circuit consisting of a pump and silicone envelope membrane oxygenator for 6 hours. Results: Anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a, determined by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, appeared in the blood within 30 minutes of circulation. Circulated blood developed a marked potential for coagulation demonstrated in a 1-step clotting assay that reached maximal activity by 4 hours of circulation. This procoagulant activity was neutralized by anti-tissue factor antibody, suggesting a prominent role for the extrinsic pathway in pump-induced intravascular coagulation. Isolation of monocytes from circulated blood revealed that tissue factor expression is upregulated on the cell surface. Furthermore, we observed nuclear factor κB nuclear translocation in monocytes from blood passing through the circuit, suggesting that tissue factor expression was due to monocyte stimulation and transcriptional activation of the tissue factor gene. Tissue factor expression resulted in an approximately 30-fold increase in thrombin generation. Monocyte nuclear factor κB activation, monocyte tissue factor expression, thrombin generation, and the procoagulant activity of blood in extracorporeal circulation were all blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Conclusions: We conclude that intravascular tissue factor expression during extracorporeal circulation of blood is due to nuclear factor κB-mediated activation of monocytes (possibly by complement), which can be controlled pharmacologically. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:165-71
Cotools: a tool composition mechanism for object-based environments

Most environments provide mechanisms for tool integration to reuse existing tools in flexible ways to build composite tools. A common approach is to model tools as stream transformers and to provide channel-oriented composition mechanisms which connect output streams of tools to the inputs of other tools to form tool configurations. This approach is inappropriate for environments centered around an environment database, where tools communicate with each other by manipulating database views. This paper proposes a composition mechanism called cotools, which models the cooperation of a set of tools via database objects that are concurrently accessed by members of a cotool. Details of the cotool model, an example of its use, and related ideas are presented in this paper.
Gender difference in coronary sinus anatomy and left ventricular lead pacing parameters in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested better outcomes from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in women. Gender differences in coronary sinus (CS) anatomy and left ventricular (LV) lead parameters in patients undergoing CRT, however, have not been well studied. METHODS AND RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-three consecutive patients, undergoing CRT at the University of California in San Diego Medical Center from 2003 to 2011 were included in this study. The location of the LV lead was assessed on coronary venography and chest X-ray recorded at the time of device implantation. Optimal LV lead position was defined as either mid-lateral or posterolateral LV wall. The relationship between LV lead position (optimal or non-optimal position) and LV lead parameters at completion of implant were compared between genders. No statistically significant gender differences were noted in baseline characteristics. LV lead implantation was successful in 217 patients (97.3%). Lateral or posterolateral CS branches were unavailable in more women than men (26.3% vs. 10.8%, P=0.011). Women had a higher LV lead pacing threshold than men (P=0.003) and gender was an independent risk factor of high LV lead pacing threshold (P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS Women had an anatomical disadvantage for LV lead placement and had higher LV lead pacing threshold compared to men. Implanting physicians should be aware of gender differences during LV lead placement in order to maximize CRT benefits.
Rapid quenching forming routes for superconducting oxide wire

Abstract Two routes are discussed for forming wire from superconducting oxides. Rapid quenching in the Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7− x system produces a glassy preform which flows in thermomechanical analysis up to 600 °C prior to crystallization. Rapid quenching in the Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O x system produces a glass which flows up to 800 °C. Inviscid spinning, an alternative to the glassy preform route, could potentially produce oxide wire directly from the melt in any oxide system.
Overinvestment in partially relationship-specific assets and R&D

Abstract This paper considers a firm that can engage in partially relationship specific investments. The firm does not have the option to engage in investments that are not at all relationship specific. I show that, in such a setting, equilibrium investment may exceed the socially optimal level. This is contrary to the intuition obtained from standard idiosyncratic (i.e., relationship-specific) investment models, in which the possibility of “hold-up” leads to underinvestment. The driving force behind this result is that when assets are only partially relationship-specific, marginal investment may yield higher benefits when transacting with the market at large even though cumulative investment yields higher benefits within a bilateral relationship. This finding is relevant to many bilateral relationships in which investments that are targeted to improve the joint payoff of the relationship inevitably have spillover effects that improve the payoff of transacting with the market.
The role of endogenous epidermal growth factor receptor ligands in mediating corneal epithelial homeostasis.

Purpose To provide a comprehensive study of the biological role and therapeutic potential of six endogenous epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands in corneal epithelial homeostasis. Methods Kinetic analysis and dose response curves were performed by using in vitro and in vivo wound-healing assays. Biochemical assays were used to determine receptor expression and activity. Human tears were collected and quantitatively analyzed by multianalyte profiling for endogenous EGFR ligands. Results Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands improved wound closure and activated EGFR, but betacellulin (BTC) was the most efficacious promoter of wound healing in vitro. In contrast, only epidermal growth factor (EGF) promoted wound healing in vivo. Human tears from 25 healthy individuals showed EGFR ligands at these average concentrations: EGF at 2053 ± 312.4 pg/mL, BTC at 207 ± 39.4 pg/mL, heparin-binding EGF at 44 ± 5.8 pg/mL, amphiregulin at 509 ± 28.8 pg/mL, transforming growth factor-α at 84 ± 19 pg/mL, and epiregulin at 52 ± 15 pg/mL. Conclusions Under unwounded conditions, only EGF was present at concentrations near the ligand's Kd for the receptor, indicating it is the primary mediator of corneal epithelial homeostasis. Other ligands were present but at concentrations 11- to 7500-fold less their Kd, preventing significant ligand binding. Further, the high levels of EGF and its predicted binding preclude receptor occupancy by exogenous ligand and can explain the discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo data. Therefore, therapeutic use of EGFR ligands may be unpredictable and impractical.
Predicting Vaccine Responsiveness

Vaccination has saved many lives and prevented needless suffering from disease, but it is not always effective. Immune responses are a highly "personalized" aspect of an individual's biology, as they are subject to germline genetic influences but are embodied in cell populations that continuously sample the environment. Additionally, immunity is shaped by memory of prior infectious diseases and other antigenic exposures. Here, we review examples of recent technical advances and insights into human vaccine responses that are helping to define the features associated with successful vaccination and that may enable a more predictive vaccinology in the future.
Evidence for N coordination to Fe in the [2Fe-2S] center in yeast mitochondrial complex III Comparison with similar findings for analogous bacterial [2Fe-2S] proteins

Yeast mitochondrial complex III contains a subunit with a [2Fe-2S] cluster (the Rieske center) that has unusual physical and chemical properties. For apparently similar centers isolated from bacteria, it has been shown by electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) measurements that these [2Fe-2S] centers are coordinated by at least one and probably two nitrogen ligands. This work describes similar ENDOR and ESEEM studies on the intact mitochondrial complex. We find that this [2Fe-2S] cluster exhibits ESEEM and ENDOR properties that appear to be indistinguishable from those observed with the isolated bacterial systems. Furthermore, changes in EPR lineshape that occur as complex III is progressively reduced are not accompanied by any changes in the nitrogen coupling parameters. This spectroscopic evidence for nitrogen coordination is supported by published sequence data on four Rieske iron-sulfur subunits. It seems likely that this is a general characteristic of such [2Fe-2S] redox active centers.
The Impact of Location-Aware Systems in Hospitals: A Tri-Core Perspective

This paper focuses on the impact of information systems providing real-time or near real-time knowledge of location, described as location-aware systems. The study utilizes a qualitative, interview-based approach to guide our understanding of the benefits associated with the increased information transparency made available with location-aware information systems. The goal of this study is to examine the benefits of location-aware information systems on managing mobile assets in the hospital context. The Swansonâ€™s tri-core model of innovation is used as the theoretical framework. The tri-core model provides a framework for understanding the role innovations play in administrative, technical and operational effectiveness. This distinction is important for the regulatory intensive environment of hospitals.
Methanol adsorption and reactivity at uranium and UO2 surfaces

Abstract The interaction of methanol (CH3OD) with polycrystalline uranium and UO2 has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal desorption–mass spectrometry (TDMS) and secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) over the temperature range 90–500 K. Low-temperature (~90 K) adsorption on uranium resulted in the formation of methoxy species along with condensed-phase adsorbed methanol. Room-temperature adsorption of methanol (or annealing an adsorbed methanol adlayer to 300 K) on uranium produces a mixture of methoxy and a uranium oxycarbide. Further heating to 400 K completely decomposes the adsorbed methoxy species, with 10% desorbing as methane and the remaining methoxide irreversibly converting to an uranium oxycarbide overlayer of nominal composition UO0.66C0.34. Concomitant with these carbon-fragment-conversion processes, desorption of hydrogen and deuterium are also seen over a wide temperature regime (325–450 K). Methanol–d adsorption on UO2 also produces a methoxy surface species at surfaces temperatures 90%) was incorporated into the UO2 layer and all of the adsorbed carbon desorbs from the surface as one of the molecular species identified above. The reactive adsorption and thermal decomposition of methanol at uranium and UO2 surfaces is compared with that observed at other metal and metal oxide surfaces.
Serotypic Variation Among Isolates of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Based on Immobilization

Efforts have been made to determine whether surface antigens could be used as biochemical markers to define strain differences in the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. In previous studies, a wild-type isolate designated G1 was found to have surface proteins analogous to the immobilization antigens of Paramecium and Tetrahymena; rabbit antiserum against this strain immobilizes homologous cells in vitro. It has now been shown for two additional Ichthyophthirius isolates (designated G1.1 and G2) that immobilization antigens are both present and serologically distinct. Proteins of similar size, which cross-react in Western blots with rabbit antisera against immobilization antigens of the G1 strain, are nevertheless found in the G1.1 and G2 isolates. As shown by Southern blotting analysis, the G1.1 and G2 strains also contain genomic DNA sequences which hybridize with an immobilization antigen cDNA from G1 when probed under conditions of reduced stringency. The serotypic differences in immobilization between I. multifiliis isolates appear to be stable over time and provide a means of discriminating strains. In addition to providing a basis for comparative studies, the work described here has implications for the development of vaccines against this important fish parasite.
Robust optimal control and estimation of constrained nonlinear processes

Abstract This work proposes a robust optimal and control estimation strategy for a broad class of nonlinear processes with uncertain variables and actuator constraints. Using combination of a high-gain observer with a bounded robust optimal state feedback controller synthesized via Lyapunov's direct method and the inverse optimal approach, we construct a bounded robust near-optimal dynamic output feedback controller with well-characterized performance and stability properties. The controller enforces, in the presence of active constraints, exponential stability and robust asymptotic output tracking with arbitrary degree of attenuation of the effect of the uncertainty on the output of the closed-loop system. In addition, the controller design yields an explicit and intuitive characterization of the regions in state space where the aforementioned properties are guaranteed. The developed controller is successfully applied to an exothermic chemical reactor.
Zinc intake of US preschool children exceeds new dietary reference intakes

Background: The recent dietary reference intakes publication provides updated information on the physiologic and dietary requirements for zinc and proposes new tolerable upper intake levels. Objective: We analyzed dietary intake data of US preschool children to determine the prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes of zinc. Design: Diets of 7474 nonbreastfeeding preschool children in the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (1994-1996 and 1998) were analyzed for the intakes of zinc and other dietary components, and factors associated with zinc intake were examined. Results: The mean intakes of zinc by children aged < 1 y, 1-3 y, and 4-5 y were 6.6, 7.6, and 9.1 mg/d, respectively. Less than 1% of children had usual zinc intakes below the adequate intake or estimated average requirement. The percentages of children with intakes exceeding the tolerable upper intake level were 92% (0-6 mo), 86% (7-12 mo), 51% (1-3 y), and 3% (4-5 y). Controlling for age and energy intake, zinc intake was greater in 1998 than in 1994 (P < 0.0001) and was positively associated with participation in the Women, Infants, and Children Program (P < 0.001) and with the lowest income category (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Preschool children in the United States have dietary zinc intakes that exceed the new dietary reference intakes. Zinc intakes increased during the 4 y of the study. The present level of intake does not seem to pose a health problem, but if zinc intake continues to increase because of the greater availability of zinc-fortified foods in the US food supply, the amount of zinc consumed by children may become excessive.
Development and validation of a lung transplant-specific disability questionnaire

Background Lung transplant (LT) aims to extend survival and improve patient-centred outcomes (PCOs) by reducing disability and improving health-related quality of life (HRQL). Few PCO instruments have been validated in LT populations. We aimed to develop and validate a shortened version of the valued life activities (VLA) disability scale specific to LT. Methods We used data from 140 subjects participating in an ongoing cohort study of LT. Subjects completed a survey battery, including VLA items, and physical assessments before LT. To develop a shortened LT-specific VLA (LT-VLA), we iteratively deleted items from a longer 32-item VLA battery, retaining the instrument9s conceptual framework, scoring and performance characteristics. We evaluated LT-VLA validity by testing correlations with a HRQL measure (Short Form-12 Physical Function (SF-12 PF) subscale), forced vital capacity % (FVC%) predicted and 6 minute walk distance (6MWD). Responsiveness was evaluated in 84 subjects who completed assessments before and after LT. Results The 15-item LT-VLA scoring closely matched the longer VLA (correlations ≥0.96) and had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach9s α 0.92). The LT-VLA required only 3 min or less to administer. The LT-VLA, measured as mean difficulty in performing each of the 15 activities queried, correlated with FVC% predicted (r=−0.30), 6MWD (r=−0.38) and SF-12 PF (r=−0.47) (all p Conclusions The LT-VLA is a short, easy to administer, valid and responsive disease-specific PCO instrument that may be useful in clinical and research applications for lung transplantation.
Backtracking Algorithmic Complexity Attacks against a NIDS

Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) have become crucial to securing modern networks. To be effective, a NIDS must be able to counter evasion attempts and operate at or near wire-speed. Failure to do so allows malicious packets to slip through a NIDS undetected. In this paper, we explore NIDS evasion through algorithmic complexity attacks. We present a highly effective attack against the Snort NIDS, and we provide a practical algorithmic solution that successfully thwarts the attack. This attack exploits the behavior of rule matching, yielding inspection times that are up to 1.5 million times slower than that of benign packets. Our analysis shows that this attack is applicable to many rules in Snort?s ruleset, rendering vulnerable the thousands of networks protected by it. Our countermeasure confines the inspection time to within one order of magnitude of benign packets. Experimental results using a live system show that an attacker needs only 4.0 kbps of bandwidth to perpetually disable an unmodified NIDS, whereas all intrusions are detected when our countermeasure is used.
New polyfluoroalkoxysulfonyl fluorides. Part IV aromatic derivatives

Abstract The reactions of CF 2 CF 2 OS O 2 and CF 3 CFCF 2 OS O 2 with aromatic haloalkanes (RX, X  Br) in the presence of silver fluoride were studied as a means for preparing novel aromatic polyfluoroalkoxysulfonyl fluorides. The following compounds have been prepared and characterized: ROCF 2 CF 2 SO 2 F and ROCF 2 CF(CF 3 )SO 2 F, where R is C 6 H 5 CH 2 , o-(CF 3 ) 2 C 6 H 3 CH 2 , C 6 F 5 CH 2 . Infrared, mass and nmr spectra are presented in order to support the assigned structure. In a comparative study, the reaction of CFHCF 2 OS O 2 with benzyl bromide, in the presence of different metal fluorides such as silver fluoride, cesium fluoride and tris(dimethylamino)sulfonium difluorotrimethylsilicate were investigated. In all cases decomposition products such as SO 2 F 2 , SOF 2 and SO 2 were obtained; no desired alkoxy product was found. Attempts to prepare the silver alkoxide salt, AgOCF 2 CFHSO 2 F or the corresponding aromatic alkoxy derivatives were unsuccessful. Apparently the intermediate silver salt is unstable and cannot be recovered or used for nucleophilic displacement reactions.
Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase during high dietary salt intake.

Abstract Background: Previous studies indicate that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and natriuresis in response to high sodium intake. We investigated the role of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in response to an increased salt intake. Methods: Conscious, chronically catheterized rats were exposed to a high-salt (6%) diet for 14 days while receiving vehicle or aminoguanidine ([AG]; 250 mg/kg/24 h), which selectively inhibits iNOS. A group of rats on normal salt intake + AG were also studied. Results: Aminoguanidine had no impact on BP (120 ± 2 v 116 ± 1 mm Hg, control v day14) or 24-h urinary nitrite and nitrate excretion (UNOxV), in rats on normal salt but prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced hypotension. High salt alone had no impact on BP (120 ± 1 v 121 ± 1 mm Hg), whereas UNaV (1.3 ± 0.2 v 3.5 ± 0.6 μeq/min, P Conclusion: We conclude that NO from an iNOS source is not essential for the regulation of sodium excretion and BP in the presence of a high-salt diet in a normal rat.
A measurement-based prioritization scheme for handovers in mobile cellular networks

A method of improving the quality of service in mobile cellular systems based on prioritization of handover requests is presented. The objective is to improve perceived quality of cellular service by minimizing both the probability of forced termination of ongoing calls due to handover failures and the degradation in spectrum utilization. A model based on a multiple-priority nonpreemptive queuing discipline is developed. New calls are blocked if all channels are occupied. Handover requests are queued such that as soon as a channel is available, it is offered to the mobile subscriber with the measurement results closest to the minimum acceptable power level for communication. Service rate is given by channel occupancy time distribution and is assumed to be exponential. The performance of a cellular system employing the proposed handover policy is evaluated analytically and by simulation, and results are compared to those obtained when the cellular system employs nonprioritized call handling and first-in/first-out queuing discipline. This provides lower probability of forced termination and less call blocking, less reduction in traffic, and less delay. >
Beating and arrested intramyocardial injections are associated with significant mechanical loss: implications for cardiac cell transplantation.

Background Cellular cardiomyoplasty is emerging as a potentially novel therapeutic option for heart failure and typically involves direct intramyocardial injection of donor cells into a beating heart. Yet, limited rates of cell engraftment remain an obstacle to be overcome before cell therapy is fully recognized. Mechanical and biological mechanisms may account for observed donor cell loss. This study examines acute mechanical loss during intramyocardial injections in beating and arrested hearts. Materials and methods A porcine cardiopulmonary bypass model was used. Animals underwent either beating ( n = 5) or arrested ( n = 5) intramyocardial injections into the left ventricle. Fluorescent microspheres were used in lieu of cells because they are biologically inert. Thirty minutes after delivery, animals were euthanized. Microspheres in cardiac and peripheral tissues were quantified using flow cytometry. Results Approximately 10% of microspheres were retained within the site of injection in both groups. There was no statistical difference between microsphere retention rates in either the beating or the arrested heart group. Microspheres were found in peripheral organs, pericardial fluid, and the delivery device. Conclusions The majority of microspheres injected intramyocardially are lost in both beating and arrested hearts. Cardiac standstill does not enhance microsphere retention. Possible mechanisms include leakage from the injection site and washout via the cardiac venous/lymphatic system. Delivery strategy will need to be modified if more cells are to be retained within the target organ.
The Effectiveness of Marketing Strategies in Social Media: Evidence from Promotional Events

This paper studies a novel social media venture and seeks to understand the effectiveness of marketing strategies in social media platforms by evaluating their impact on participating brands and organizations. We use a real-world data set and employ a promising research approach combining econometric with predictive modeling techniques in a causal estimation framework that allows for more accurate counterfactuals. Based on the results of the presented analysis and focusing on the long-term business value of marketing strategies in social media, we find that promotional events leveraging implicit or explicit advocacy in social media platforms result in significant abnormal returns for the participating brand, in terms of expanding the social media fan base of the firm. The effect is also economically significant as it corresponds to an increase of several thousand additional new followers per day for an average size brand. We also precisely quantify the impact of various promotion characteristics and demonstrate what types of promotions are more effective and for which brands, while suggesting specific tactical strategies. For instance, despite the competition for consumers' attention, brands and marketers should broadcast marketing messages on social networks during the time of peak usage in order to maximize their returns. Overall, we provide actionable insights with major implications for firms and social media platforms and contribute to the related literature as we discover new rich findings enabled by the employed causal estimation framework.
A systematic approach to design and operation of disassembly lines

This paper presents a systematic approach to the disassembly line (DL) design in meeting the requirement of variant orders for multiple used parts with different due dates. An extended disassembly Petri net model is proposed for the hierarchical modeling in order to derive the disassembly path with the maximal benefit in the presence of some defective components. An algorithm for balancing DLs to maximize the productivity of a disassembly system is presented. The results of simulation runs of the proposed methodology and algorithms applied to a simplified personal computer disassembly are provided. This work lays a foundation for designing efficient industrial automatic and semiautomatic disassembly systems. Note to Practitioners-Disassembly is rapidly growing in importance as manufacturers face increasing pressure to deal with obsolete products in an environmentally responsible and economically sound manner. This process can be performed at a single workstation or on a disassembly line (DL) that is organized as a sequence of workstations, each with one or more machines/operators to handle a certain type of disassembly task. Compared to a single workstation, DL provides higher productivity and greater potential for disassembly automation. However, it still faces serious scheduling and inventory problems because of a high degree of uncertainty in discarded products and disparity between demands for certain parts and their yield from disassembly. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a two-level systematic approach, aiming to maximize system throughput and system revenue by dynamically configuring the disassembly system into many DLs, while considering line balance, different process flows, and meeting different order due dates. The research results can help engineers build better disassembly systems.
Adolescent–parent attachment as a mediator of relations between parenting and adolescent social behavior and wellbeing in China

The purpose of this study was to examine links between parenting dimensions (authoritative parenting, psychological control, and parental authority) and adolescent wellbeing (self-esteem, autonomy, and peer attachments) as mediated by parent-teen attachment, among Chinese families. The sample included 298 Chinese adolescents, ages 15-18 years (M(age) = 16.36, SD = .68; 60% female). The mediation model was examined using path analyses (one model with parental authority as overprotection, and one with it as perceived behavioral control). To improve model fit a direct path was added from authoritative parenting to autonomy. Authoritative parenting was positively predictive of attachment, while psychological control and overprotection (but not behavioral control) were negative predictors. In turn, adolescent-parent attachment was positively related to the three outcomes. Lastly, the model paths did not differ by adolescent gender. These findings suggest that parenting behaviors may play a crucial role in adolescent social behaviors and wellbeing via adolescent-parent attachment.
On the motion of thin airfoils in fluids of finite electrical conductivity

A two-dimensional, small-perturbation theory for the steady motion of thin lifting airfoils in an incompressible conducting fluid, with the uniform applied magnetic field perpendicular to (and in the plane of) the undisturbed, uniform flow field, is described. The conductivity of the fluid is assumed to be such that the magnetic Reynolds number, Rm, of the flow is large but finite. Within this assumption, a theory based on superposition of sinusoidal modes is constructed and applied to some simple thin airfoil problems.It is shown that with this particular field geometry the Alfven wave mechanism is important in making possible very deep penetration into the flow field of currents and their associated vorticity. It is also shown that the current penetration for an airfoil is much larger than for a wavy wall of wavelength equal to the airfoil chord.A value of Rm = 5 is found to be a good approximation to infinity in this study; in fact, use of the present technique for values of Rm of the order of unity is permissible. These results provide an indication of what is meant by ‘large’ magnetic Reynolds number in two-dimensional magneto-aerodynamics.
Time-of-Flight Diffractometer Developed for Biological Small-Angle Scattering at Argonne’s Intense Pulsed Neutron Source, IPNS-I

A low resolution time-of-flight (TOF) small-angle diffractometer has been installed and tested at the IPNS-I pulsed spallation neutron source at Argonne National Laboratory. The instrument views at room temperature a polyethylene moderator, 10 × 10 × 5 cm, surrounded by graphite with a beryllium reflector and is decoupled with cadmium. This instrument currently employs a single-beam focusing collimation system over an 11-m flight path with a 3-m sample to detector distance. A two-dimensional position sensitive detector, 17 × 17 cm2 in area, is utilized in conjunction with an on-line microprocessor to detect and process scattering events. The time-averaged neutron flux on the sample has been measured as 2.24 × 104 neutrons/cm2/sec over the wavelength range of 0.5 to 5.0 A, without correction for detector efficiency. The time-averaged background flux just outside the penumbra of the beam has been reduced to 10−6 the main-beam intensity. Small-angle scattering has been observed for several biological specimens which have been inserted by use of an automated temperature controlled sample changer. Normal hemoglobin in aqueous saline solution, measured over a concentration range of 50 to 250 mg/ml, has a radius of gyration (Rg) of 26.5 A. Cytochrome c in 99.8% D20 at a concentration of 50 mg/ml has yielded an Rg value of 12.4 A. Scattering from canine high density lipoprotein at a concentration of 40 mg/ml has been observed at different H2O/D2O solvent ratios and will be used to determine the solution structure of the protein core and to study the incorporation of exogenous lipid into the particle. (This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract No. W-31-109-ENG-38.)
Nemos: a framework for axiomatic and executable specifications of memory consistency models

Summary form only given. Conforming to the underlying memory consistency rules is a fundamental requirement for implementing shared memory systems and developing multiprocessor programs. In order to promote understanding and enable automated verification, it is highly desirable that a memory model specification be both declarative and executable. We present a specification framework called Nemos (Nonoperational yet Executable Memory Ordering Specifications), which supports precise specification and automatic execution in the same framework. We employ a uniform notation based on predicate logic to define shared memory semantics in an axiomatic as well as compositional style. We also apply constraint logic programming and SAT solving to make the axiomatic specifications executable for memory model analysis. To illustrate our approach, we formalize a collection of classical memory models, including sequential consistency, coherence, PRAM, causal consistency, and processor consistency.
Convergence criteria for iterative restoration methods

While many iterative signal restoration methods have been shown to converge in the mathematical sense, a practical criterion is needed to indicate when the numerical algorithm has converged. The use of the residual signal in defining such a criterion is investigated. The advantage of this criterion over the criterion of examining successive iterations is demonstrated.
Non-contrast 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for visualization of intracranial aneurysms in patients with absolute contraindications to CT or MRI contrast

The preoperative evaluation of patients with intracranial aneurysms typically includes a contrast-enhanced vascular study, such as computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or digital subtraction angiography. However, there are numerous absolute and relative contraindications to the administration of imaging contrast agents, including pregnancy, severe contrast allergy, and renal insufficiency. Evaluation of patients with contrast contraindications thus presents a unique challenge. We identified three patients with absolute contrast contraindications who presented with intracranial aneurysms. One patient was pregnant, while the other two had previous severe anaphylactic reactions to iodinated contrast. Because of these contraindications to intravenous contrast, we performed non-contrast time-of-flight MRA with 3D reconstruction (TOF MRA with 3DR) with maximum intensity projections and volume renderings as part of the preoperative evaluation prior to successful open surgical clipping of the aneurysms. In the case of one paraclinoid aneurysm, a high-resolution non-contrast CT scan was also performed to assess the relationship of the aneurysm to the anterior clinoid process. TOF MRA with 3DR successfully identified the intracranial aneurysms and adequately depicted the surrounding microanatomy. Intraoperative findings were as predicted by the preoperative imaging studies. The aneurysms were successfully clip-obliterated, and the patients had uneventful post-operative courses. These cases demonstrate that non-contrast imaging is a viable modality to assess intracranial aneurysms as part of the surgical planning process in patients with contrast contraindications. TOF MRA with 3DR, in conjunction with high-resolution non-contrast CT when indicated, provides adequate visualization of the microanatomy of the aneurysm and surrounding structures.
Understanding and Accommodating Risk and Uncertainty in Toll Road Projects: A Review of the Literature

Forecasting traffic and toll revenues for new highway projects involves great uncertainty because of the inherent uncertainty in the models used to make forecasts. As private investment becomes more common in project financing, quantifying the levels of risk and uncertainty associated with such projects becomes critical. This paper represents a review of many key studies and reports dealing with uncertainty in traffic and revenue forecasts for highway projects. These studies found that tolled projects tend to suffer from substantial optimism bias in forecasts, with predicted traffic volumes exceeding actual volumes by 30% or more about half the time. Moreover, projects with greater uncertainty tend to overestimate Year 1 traffic volumes more and stabilize at lower final traffic volumes. But after one controls for added optimism bias in traffic forecasts (compared with nontolled projects), there is little difference in uncertainty levels between tolled and nontolled forecasts. A typical way to address unce...
AFR: problems of definition, calculation and measurement in a commercial environment

Most commercial enterprises want a meaningful yet simple method for determining product reliability. "Average", "annual" or "annualized" failure rates are selected because of their apparent simplicity. All involve some sort of "failure rate" averaging over some period of time. All are abbreviated AFR even though there are no accepted industry standard definitions for these terms or the processes and conditions for their measurement. If the failure rate is not constant in time, creating an average can easily generate meaningless results. A number of businesses use the term "failure rate" but are in fact calculating probabilities or time independent percentages. A basic premise for this paper is that the true underlying product failure rates are not constant in time. This paper presents a detailed discussion of different ways commercial industries calculate simple failure rate based metrics. It identifies some ambiguities in the definitions and resultant inaccuracies. It will help the reliability pundit understand the mathematical considerations, making him more aware of potential problems. This paper should help generalists and managers understand that the AFR's they calculate may be significantly different than those calculated by their suppliers and customers. This can result in substantially different numbers and conclusions. Averaging instantaneous failure rates should be done only to smooth data collected from a distribution known to have a constant failure rate.
Second Level Agreements

User-Generated Content (‘UGC’) websites, in which users upload various kinds of content, are highly successful in cyberspace. Surprisingly, although many of these uploads constitute copyright infringement, thus exposing platforms and users to infringement suits, in practice, there are very few lawsuits and the vast majority of these works remain online. To date, the only explanation that has been advanced by academics as a possible key for this puzzle is the theory of “tolerated use,” which maintains that copyright owners know about the infringement, yet choose to tolerate it and not to act.In this Article, I argue, contrary to the conventional wisdom, that tolerated use alone cannot explain the presence of vast amounts of infringing content on UGC platforms. Instead, the explanation lies in what I term ‘Second Level Agreements,’ one of the most fascinating – yet, least explored – developments in the online world. Second Level Agreements are essentially contracts between content owners and operators of UGC platforms to ratify the mass usage of copyrighted content by users. Importantly, users are not a party to those agreements – the license is granted to the platform operator. Thus, formally, users are bound by the platforms’ terms of service and cannot avail themselves of the privileges specified in Second Level Agreements. In reality, however, Second Level Agreements have a profound impact on the rights and privileges of users. In fact, they are responsible for the continuous growth of User-Generated Content. This unique phenomenon marks the first time in copyright history that users’ privileges have been dramatically expanded pursuant to a license, which was not granted to them.In this Article I aspire to make a descriptive and normative contribution. Descriptively, I offer the first in-depth study of Second Level Agreements. I describe their evolution, explain their effect and explore the mechanism by which Second Level Agreements changed preexisting law, norms and industry practices, which have regulated the creation and distribution of User-Generated Content. Normatively, I assess the vices and virtues of Second Level Agreements. I submit that the study of Second Level Agreements and their effects holds the key for understanding the future of copyrights in the online world.
Effects of Variations in Precipitation Size Distribution and Fallspeed Law Parameters on Relations between Mean Doppler Fallspeed and Reflectivity Factor

Abstract A description is given of the influence of variations in the form of the hydrometeor particle size distribution and of variations in the form of the particle fallspeed law on relations between mean Doppler fallspeed vD and reflectivity factor Z. It is shown that for rain, variations in distribution shape can produce errors in vD of 20%–25%. The resultant errors in raindrop distribution parameters deduced from vD and Z are calculated. Uncertainties regarding hydrometeor phase (and thus in the particle fallspeed law) are shown to produce much larger errors in the value of vD deduced from Z of up to a factor of 4. These results are deduced theoretically, tested with experimental raindrop size spectra, and demonstrated with experimental Doppler radar data for a tropical thunderstorm. It is concluded that the use of theoretical or empirical vD-Z relations to deduce particle size distributions will produce large errors in most meteorological situations. However, in those cases where a reasonable assump...
A PRODUCT PLATFORM CONCEPT EXPLORATION METHOD FOR PRODUCT FAMILY DESIGN

Today’s highly competitive, global marketplace is redefining the way companies do business. Many companies are being faced with the challenge of providing as much variety as possible for the market with as little variety as possible between products in order to maintain economies of scale while satisfying a wide range of customer requirements. Developing a family of products—a group of related products derived from a common product platform—provides an efficient and effective means to realize sufficient product variety to satisfy a range of customer demands. In this paper the Product Platform Concept Exploration Method (PPCEM) is presented, providing a Method that facilitates the synthesis and Exploration of a common Product Platform Concept that can be scaled into an appropriate family of products. As an example, the PPCEM is employed to design a family of universal electric motors that are also compared against a benchmark group of individually designed motors. The focus in this paper, however, is on the PPCEM and not on the results, per se. NOMENCLATURE Awa Cross-sectional area of armature wire [mm 2