cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local arterial nanoparticle delivery of siRNA for NOX2 knockdown to prevent restenosis in an atherosclerotic rat model

Both atherosclerosis and arterial interventions induce oxidative stress mediated in part by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases that have a pivotal role in the development of neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis. For small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting of the NOX2 (Cybb) component of the NADPH oxidase to prevent restenosis, gene transfer with viral vectors is effective, but raises safety issues in humans. We developed a new approach using the amino-acid-based nanoparticle HB-OLD7 for local delivery of siRNA targeting NOX2 to the arterial wall. siRNA–nanoparticle complexes were transferred into the regional carotid artery walls after angioplasty in an atherosclerotic rat model. Compared with angioplasty controls, Cybb gene expression (measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR) in the experimental arterial wall 2 weeks after siRNA was reduced by >87%. The neointima-to-media-area ratio was decreased by >83%, and the lumen-to-whole-artery area ratio was increased by >89%. Vital organs showed no abnormalities and splenic Cybb gene expression showed no detectable change. Thus, local arterial wall gene transfer with HB-OLD7 nanoparticles provides an effective, nonviral system for efficient and safe local gene transfer in a clinically applicable approach to knock down an NADPH oxidase gene. Local arterial knockdown of the Cybb gene significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and preserved the vessel lumen without systemic toxicity.
LINEAR FEEDBACK EQUIVALENCE AND NONLINEAR CONTROL OF A CLASS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS

Abstract This paper applies the concept of linear feedback equivalence to two-dimensional nonlinear control systems of a certain model structure. Uniqueness and stability characteristics of the system are investigated. It is shown that global asymptotic stability can in general be achieved. A simple mathematical expression for a component of the unique steady-state is derived which provides a guide for the choice of the control parameters to obtain desirable dynamic properties and minimize steady-state offset. Numerical experiments in the phase plane of a model of an exothermic CSTR are employed to verify the analysis.
Sensory Neurons Link the Nervous System and Autoimmune Diabetes

The initial factors that trigger the autoimmune response against pancreatic islets in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse are still unknown. In this issue of Cell, Razavi et al. (2006) propose that a defect in a subset of sensory neurons innervating the pancreas plays a major role in initiating the chain of events that will lead to local inflammation, islet destruction, and autoimmune diabetes.
Action selection within the context of a robotic colony

Preparation of planetary surface sites prior to a manned mission can be accomplished through the use of a robotic colony. The task of such a colony would include habitat deployment, setup of in-situ fuel and oxygen production plants, and beaconed road placement. The colony will have to posses a great deal of autonomy for this ambitious list. BISMARC is a behavior based system for the control of multiple rovers on planetary surfaces. During the past few years the system has performed well in multiple cache retrieval simulations, and a certain degree of fault tolerance has been included in the design. In this paper we address the extensions to BISMARC that would be necessary for a robotic colony application. These extensions include a wider array of behaviors, better communication and mapping capabilities, and fault tolerance shared by the colony. The results of some simulations for habitat site preparation are reported.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pyrolysis kinetics for Green River oil shale from the saline zone

Abstract The nature of the organic and mineral reactions during the pyrolysis of Saline-zone Colorado oil shale containing large amounts of nahcolite and dawsonite has been determined. Results reported include a material-balanced Fischer assay and measurements of gas evolution rate of CH 4 , C 2 H x , H 2 , CO and CO 2 , Stoichiometry and kinetics of the organic pyrolysis reactions are similar to oil shale from the Mahogany zone. X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis results are used to help determine the characteristics of the mineral reactions. Kinetic expressions are reported for dawsonite decomposition, and it is demonstrated that the temperature of dolomite decomposition is substantially lower than for Mahogany-zone shale because of the presence of the sodium minerals.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-independent activation of p38 MAPK by thiazolidinediones involves calcium/calmodulin-dependent Protein kinase II and protein kinase R: Correlation with endoplasmic reticulum stress

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands that promote increased insulin sensitivity in type II diabetic patients. In addition to their ability to improve glucose homeostasis, TZDs also exert anti-proliferative effects by a mechanism that is unclear. Our laboratory has shown that two TZDs, ciglitazone and troglitazone, rapidly induce calcium-dependent p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in liver epithelial cells. Here, we further characterize the mechanism responsible for p38 MAPK activation by PPARγ ligands and correlate this with the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Specifically, we show that TZDs rapidly activate the ER stress-responsive pancreatic eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) kinase or PKR (double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/pancreatic eIF2α kinase, and that activation of these kinases is correlated with subsequent eIF2α phosphorylation. Interestingly, PPARγ ligands not only activated calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) 2-fold over control, but the selective CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93, attenuated MKK3/6 and p38 as well as PKR and eIF2α phosphorylation. Although CaMKII was not affected by inhibition of PKR with 2-aminopurine, phosphorylation of MKK3/6 and p38 as well as eIF2α were significantly reduced. Collectively, these data provide evidence that CaMKII is a regulator of PKR-dependent p38 and eIF2α phosphorylation in response to ER calcium depletion by TZDs. Furthermore, using structural derivatives of TZDs that lack PPARγ ligand-binding activity as well as a PPARγ antagonist, we show that activation of these kinase signaling pathways is PPARγ-independent.
Effect of flexor sheath integrity on tendon gliding: a biomechanical and histologic study.

The effect on tendon gliding of flexor sheath excision versus incision/closure following primary flexor tendon repair was examined biomechanically and histologically in forty-one chickens. There was no significant difference in either the tendon excursion required to fully flex the digit or in the work of flexion (the integration of the forces that resist tendon gliding during excursion) between the sheath excised and sheath closed groups. The results were unaffected by postoperative immobilization or intermittent passive motion. Histologically, it was noted that at 3 weeks the healing tendon was surrounded by a layer of granulation tissue that was nearly indentical in both the sheath excised and the sheath closed digits. Of note was the finding that a synovial lining could not be identified in those digits that had previously undergone sheath closure. However, at 6 weeks postoperatively, a new gliding surface could be identified surrounding the tendon in both the sheath excised and the sheath closed digits. This study indicates that closure of the flexor sheath after primary tendon repair does not improve tendon gliding as measured biomechanically. Despite its repair, the flexor sheath does not maintain its synovial characteristics as demonstrated histologically, and a new sheath must subsequently be formed.
Changes in cardiac output determined by continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography during propafenone or mexiletine drug testing.

Abstract Antiarrhythmic drugs may induce congestive heart failure in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and depressed left ventricular (LV) function. Whether Doppler echocardiography can detect drug-induced depression in LV function was assessed. Continuous-wave Doppler measurements of ascending aortic blood flow velocity were obtained in 16 patients while not receiving antiarrhythmic drugs on 2 consecutive days to assess day-to-day variability, as well as while receiving maximally tolerated oral doses of mexiletine (11 patients) and propafenone (9 patients). While receiving propafenone, a drug with moderate negative inotropic activity, peak flow velocity declined by 9 ± 8% (p
Spiritual Needs and Satisfaction with Service Provision: Mediating Pathways among a National Sample of Hospital Inpatients

Hospitalization, with its attendant existential concerns, typically elicits spiritual needs. Although a direct effect exists between addressing patients’ spiritual needs and their overall satisfaction with service provision, little is known about the pathways that account for this positive relationship. To address this gap in the literature, this study used structural equation modeling to test eight constructs that may help explain the relationship between spiritual needs and satisfaction with a national sample of consecutively discharged inpatients (N = 2,083). The results suggest that frontline hospital personnel play an instrumental role in addressing patients’ spiritual needs. The results also underscore the importance of collaborative relationships among health care professionals. By working together, social workers and other hospital personnel can optimize service provision to hospitalized adults in this critical area.
Three-dimensional quasi-steady-state problem of moving heat and diffusion sources in an infinite solid

The three-dimensional quasi-steady-state temperature and moisture concentration induced by a constantly moving point heat source and a constantly moving point diffusion source in an infinite isotropic solid are derived. Here the thermodiffusion (Soret) and the diffusionthermo (Dufour) effects are taken into account in our modelling. It is observed that the obtained coupled set of partial differential equations can be decoupled into two independent differential equations for two newly introduced functions, whose solutions can be expediently derived in a moving coordinate system which moves together with the point source. The results show that two positive effective diffusivities are needed to describe the hygrothermal field. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the distributions of the hygrothermal Green’s functions. This research can be considered as an extension of the well-known Jaeger–Rosenthal solution for a moving heat source to the more complex situation in which there exists coupling between heat and moisture. In the Appendix we also present the temperature and the moisture concentration induced by instantaneous heat source and diffusion source by using the known result of an instantaneous heat source and the decoupling methodology presented in this research. Some interesting physical interpretations are presented for the instantaneous heat source and instantaneous diffusion source.
PHRAN-SPAN: A Natural Language Interface for System Specifications

This paper describes a natural language interface, PHRAN-SPAN, for specifying the abstract behavior of digital systems in restricted English text. A neutral formal representation for the behavior is described using the USC Design Data Structure. A small set of concepts that characterize digital system behavior are presented using this representation. Finally, an intermediate representation based on Conceptual Dependencies is presented. Its use with a semantic-based parser to translate from English to the formal representation is illustrated by a series of examples.
Autoradiographic studies on calcification of enamel.

Abstract The route whereby calcium enters the enamel of rats' incisors has been studied by means of autoradiography. Pulp cavities of lower incisors were occluded with eugenol-zinc oxide paste at the opening of the pulp chamber and more distally. Animals were allowed to recover from the operative procedure and were injected intraperitoneally with calcium 45. Teeth were removed, ground and prepared for autoradiography. Results indicate that calcium enters the enamel via the enamel organ during the time that matrix formation is in progress and also during later stages, that is, after matrix production has ceased.
napts, a Mutation affecting sodium channel activity in Drosophila, Is an allele of mle a regulator of X chromosome transcription

Abstract nap ts is a recessive mutation that affects the level of sodium channel activity and, at high temperature, causes paralysis associated with a loss of action potentials. We show, by genetic complementation tests, germline transformation, and analysis of mutations, that nap ts is a gain-of-function mutation of mle a gene required for X chromosome dosage compensation and male viability. Molecular analyses of nap and mle mutations indicate that mle + , nap +, and nap ts activities are encoded by the same open reading frame and suggest that nap ts is due to a single amino acid substitution. Although nap ts is known to act via para +, an X-linked sodium channel structural gene, its effect is not due to a simple defect in para + dosage compensation.
Higher-order, partial hybrid stress, finite element formulation for laminated plate and shell analyses

A finite element formulation for arbitrarily curved orthotropic composite plate and shell analyses is presented here by using a higher order, partial hybrid stress method. The governing equation of the laminated plate is variationally derived from the Hellinger-Reissner principle. The flexural stress components are separated from the transverse shear stress components so that the continuity of interlaminar stress is enforced in the transverse shear stresses only. A general formulation is developed by using the shell geometry to suitably transform the plate equations into the shell equations. The partial hybrid stress method satisfies interface traction continuity conditions exactly in the transverse shear stress, and avoids the complexity of formulation that the normal hybrid stress method has. The validity of this method is demonstrated in various static deformation and free vibrations of plates and shells.
Repellency and toxicity of 55 insect repellents to red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Abstract A joint research program was initiated in 1979 to investigate the potential avian repellency and toxicity of 55 selected insect repellents originating from or related to naturally occurring chemicals. Seven of the chemicals or extracts tested exhibited avian repellency and two of these were considered to be moderately active, with R50’s (analogous to LD50) of 0.237 (trans‐asarone) and 0.240% (safrole). None of the 55 chemicals or extracts exhibited acute oral toxicity at 100 mg/kg or less to the red‐winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).
Fertility and germinability of seven parents of bromus inermis Leyss and in their diallel crosses when selfed, crossed or open-pollinated

Self-, cross-, and open-pollination(OP)-fertility relationships were examined on the basis of seeds per panicle for two years. A fertility index was employed as a relative measure of self-fertility. The correlation between self-fertility and cross-fertility was positive and significant for both years. The association between self-fertility and OP-fertility was not significant in 1969 but significant in 1970 and over both years combined. Cross-fertility exhibited a significant and positive correlation with OP-fertility in 1969 but not in 1970. Inter-annual correlations for self-fertility, cross-fertility and OP-fertility in 1969 and 1970 were all positive and significant. The analysis of variance of self-pollination seed-set indicated highly significant differences for self-compatibility among clones for both years. Germinability of seed-set after self-pollination was lower than that of the cross- or open-pollinated seeds. General combining ability was more important than specific combining ability for cross-fertility in both years. However, specific combining ability appeared more important than other components for germinability of the diallel cross seeds.
The Effects of Integration Time and Size-of-Source on the Temperature Measurement of Segmented Chip Formation Using Infrared Thermography

This paper illustrates the errors due to integration time and size-of-source effects when measuring the temperature of segmented chip formation using infrared (IR) thermography. Segmented chip formation involves narrow periodic shear bands that experience rapid heating and move at high velocities and accelerations. As a result, the values of the measured temperatures depend strongly on the temporal and spatial measurement window used. In this study, an ideal infrared camera is simulated to understand the effects of integration time and size-of-source on the measurement. This analysis does not consider the temporal and spatial transfer functions of the camera system, thus simplifying the analysis to be applicable to all IR thermography users. Incorporating appropriate transfer functions would make the analysis specific to a given camera system. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation results provide a reference cutting process which is manipulated to mimic motion blur and size-of-source effects. For this purpose, the FEA results adequately represent the cutting process with rapid heating and high chip velocities. For the studied cases, size-of-source has relatively little impact on the measurement results when compared to the effects of integration time. Results show integration times from 1 μs to 90 μs significantly affect the measurement results. The maximum temperature measured by the simulated IR camera decreases from an FEA maximum of 735 °C to 668 °C at 90 μs integration time. Integration time significantly affects temperature measurement in the periodic shear band but does not significantly affect the simulated measurement error of the chip temperature near the tool rake face.© 2009 ASME
Engineering mosquito resistance to malaria parasites: the avian malaria model

Genetic approaches to controlling the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases are being developed to augment the available chemical control practices and environmental manipulation methods. Much progress has been made in laboratory-based research that seeks to develop antipathogen or antivector effector genes and methods for genetically manipulating host vector strains. Research is summarized here in the development of a malaria-resistant phenotype using as a model system the avian parasite, Plasmodium gallinaceum, and the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Robust transformation technology based on a number of transposable elements, the identification of promoter regions derived from endogenous mosquito genes, and the development of single-chain antibodies as effector genes have made it possible to produce malaria-resistant mosquitoes. Future challenges include discovery of methods for spreading antiparasite genes through mosquito populations, determining the threshold levels below which parasite intensities of infection must be held, and defining the circumstances in which a genetic control strategy would be employed in the field.
Watchdog or Good Neighbor?: The Public’s Expectations of Local News

After an earlier study found the public’s dominant expectation of the press was to be a good neighbor and not a watchdog, the present study set out to determine what being a good neighbor meant for...
Genetic characterization of familial CPVT after 30 years.

Introduction: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a stress-related, bidirectional ventricular tachycardia and atrial tachyarrhythmia in the absence of either structural ...
Shape Anisotropy and Magnetization Modulation in Hexagonal Cobalt Nanowires

Ferromagnetic cobalt nanowires with high-crystalline quality are synthesized using a low-voltage electrodeposition method. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the nanowires are uniform in size, and consist of predominantly hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure with the magnetocrystalline easy axis (c-axis) perpendicular to the wire axis. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements illustrate the dominance of shape anisotropy, manifested by the weak temperature dependence of the enhanced coercive field along the wire axis. Furthermore, the magnetic structures of individual, segmented, or intersected nanowires are studied using magnetic force microscopy. This reveals a strong dipole at the two ends of the wire, together with a spatial magnetization modulation along the wire. Based on theoretical modeling, such intrinsic modulation is attributed to magnetization frustration due to the competition between the magnetocrystalline polarization along the easy axis and the shape anisotropy along the wire axis.
Some Aspects of Mediaeval Latin Style

W 7HILE engaged upon the translation of Walter Map's de Nugis Curialium, I was struck by the fact that he employed whether consciously or not I was not prepared to say -two kinds of style, each distinctly different from the other. At times he writes his Latin in a style that is direct, clear, and free from excessive ornateness, a style which compares favorably with that of any writer after the classical period. At other times, however, his sentences are involved, full of far-fetched figures and learned references, and marked by repetitions, antitheses, alliteration, jingles. Although it is not possible perhaps to classify with strictness the peculiarities of this style, there are certain features which stand out more clearly than others and which are of such a nature that they may be regarded as typical: 1. Unnatural word order (traiectio), and the use of unnecessary words in order to get rhythm or jingle, what Cicero has so aptly described as "stuffing in words to fill the chinks."' Thus, in Distinctio iii, 1 (p. 104, 3), cum a palacii descendunt palatini negociis; iii, 2 (p. 106, 9-11), unum tamen et unicum scio quem de simili possum laudare constancia, si non ei Veneris usum neget impotancia; iv, 1 (p. 138, 10-11), nostrum semper orantes refugium, ut eleccionis pure bonorum Ipse in nobis consecucionem, et fuge malignitatis Ipse faciat effugium.2 2. Short cola, often of equal length (isocola) as, for example, ii, 18 (p. 89, 10-12), occumbunt ergo quatuor, sed ipse solus euasit, et a suis inuentus ad securitatem se transtulit; iii, 2 (p. 111, 13-15), regina... quam Cupidinis accenderat arcus, quam gravitas extinguit plumbea; i, 10 (p. 30, 17-18), Petrus tbi didicit pacem querere paciencia; nescio quis hos docuit vim vincere violencia; i, 23 (p. 36, 14-16), locum extra mundum in corde mnundi, semotum ab hominibus hominum in medio, seculum scire nolentes, a seculo sciri volentos.3
Role of Gibberellins in Stem Elongation and Flowering in Radish

The relationship among gibberellins, CCC, vernalization, and photoperiod in the flowering response of radish, Raphanus sativus L., cv. Miyashige-sofuto, was studied. The optimal condition for flowering was vernalization and a 16-hour photoperiod; GA(3) had no additional effect. Gibberellin A(3) (60 mug total) was not able to induce flowering in nonvernalized plants grown on 8-hour days, but it did increase the percentage of nonvernalized plants that flowered under long days from 60 to 100.Gibberellin content of vernalized seedlings increased within the first 24 hours after seedlings were transferred to the greenhouse. Content reached a peak in the first 4 days after transfer and thereafter remained constant. Essentially no gibberellin was found in 2 day-old non-vernalized (control) seedlings of comparable size to the vernalized ones. Gibberellin content in the controls reached a peak on the fourth day of growth in the greenhouse; thereafter, it decreased steadily.Bolting was inhibited slightly by CCC when applied during vernalization; it was almost completely inhibited when CCC was applied after seed vernalization. Extraction experiments revealed that CCC actually reduced the gibberellin content when applied during or after vernalization. The dwarfing agent, however, had essentially no effect on flowering. We concluded that gibberellins likely play a direct role in bolting of ;Miyashige-sofuto' radish, but probably are not directly functional in initiating flowering.
What Teachers Can Learn About Reading Motivation Through Conversations With Children

Sixteen students, randomly selected from a pool of 91 fourth-graders in a midsize elementary school, were interviewed about their reading choices. The interviews revealed that children had different degrees of motivation, following several patterns. Children chose narrative literature for these reasons: The books related to their personal interests The characteristics of the books appealed to them The students were given choices Expository books were chosen for these reasons: The knowledge gained from books The books related to personal interests The students were given choices The main source of book referrals was the school library. Children also reported being motivated to read by family members, teachers, and peers. Receiving books as gifts was frequently mentioned as another source of motivation. Classroom implications are suggested, based on the findings from the interviews. Teachers can increase student motivation by allowing self-selection, giving attention to characteristics of books, identifying the personal interests of students, providing access to a variety of books, and actively involving others in sharing books with children.
A plate method for quantitation of fibrinolytic activity.

SummaryA method is described for measuring fibrinolytic activity on fibrin plates. Staining of the plates facilitates the manual measurement of lysed areas and also permits a rapid and more accurate quantitation of fibrinolytic activity by a photometric technique. The procedures employed minimize the effect of a number of variables and require a relatively short incubation period.
Free-choice ethanol consumption by rats: effects of ACTH4-10.

The individual and interactive effects of immobilization stress, ACTH 11–24 and ACTH 4–10 on the free-choice consumption of ethanol in rats were studied. Stress and ethanol both result in activation of the HPA axis and release of ACTH 1–39 . The animals were offered a two-bottle choice consumption of 0.2% saccharin and 10% ethanol. They were exposed to immobilization stress or IP injections of ACTH 4–10 or ACTH 11–24 on an irregular, unpredictable schedule. Stress resulted in a decrease in ethanol consumption during the stress period while ACTH 11–24 was devoid of any effect. The ACTH 4–10 fragment produced an almost complete block of ethanol consumption during the injection period. Saccharin consumption was not affected by any of the above treatments. These results suggest an important role for ACTH 4–10 (produced from ACTH 1–39 ) in ethanol consummatory behavior in rats.
Introduction of short and long range energies to simulate real chains on the 2nnd lattice

Recently, a new high-coordination lattice model for rotational isomeric state (RIS) chains was introduced, with the motivation of eventually providing a method for the more efficient simulation of dense, multichain systems by using RIS chains. Here that new method has been extended to include short and long range interaction energies, using polyethylene as the example. The short range energies were included via an extended RIS model. The classical statistical weight matrix was expanded in size and coarse-grained. The conditional probabilities derived from this extended RIS model were the basis for the probabilities of the single-bead moves used in Monte Carlo simulations on the 2nnd lattice. The long range energies were introduced by using the lattice representation of the second virial coefficient. The coarse-grained linear chains have the proper mean-square dimensions, and the width of the distribution function for the squared dimensions has the proper value. Coarse-grained polyethylene macrocycles also have the proper mean-square dimensions.
Red breast syndrome: a review of available literature.

There is scant literature regarding a recently identified clinical entity termed red breast syndrome. Its clinical presentation has been described as a non-infectious, self-limited erythema of a post-mastectomy breast reconstructed using acellular dermal matrix. Its incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical course, management, and long-term sequelae are largely unknown. We present a review of the available literature on this phenomenon and highlight some opportunities for further research. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Room for (performance) improvement: provider-related factors associated with poor outcomes in massive transfusion.

Background:Massive transfusion (MT) protocols improve survival in patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Both the increased plasma to red blood cells (RBC) and platelets to RBC ratios, and the “protocolization” of product delivery seem to be critical components of the reduction in mortality. The p
Adducts of lanthanide β-diketonates with 2,4,6 -tri (2 -pyridyl )-1,3,5 -triazine : Synthesis, structural characterization, and photoluminescence studies

Abstract Adducts of lanthanide β-diketonates of the general formula LnL3(TPTZ) were synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction [Ln = Eu3+, Tb3+, Er3+; L is the conjugate base of dibenzoylmethane (DBM), 1-benzoylacetone (BA), thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA), or 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione (BTFA); TPTZ = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, a rigid Lewis base with a large π system]. The lanthanide ion in each of these complexes is nonacoordinate with six β-diketonate oxygen atoms and three TPTZ nitrogen atoms, forming a coordination polyhedron best describable as a monocapped square antiprism. Characteristic red, green, and near infrared luminescence was observed for the Eu3+, Tb3+, and Er3+ complexes, respectively. All complexes showed significantly enhanced luminescence quantum yields when compared with the corresponding aqua analogues, with one of the Eu3+ complexes displaying a quantum yield of 69.7% in chloroform.
A double-blind randomized trial: prophylactic vasopressin reduces hypotension after cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Background Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) predisposes patients to vasodilatory hypotension after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This hypotension has been correlated with arginine vasopressin deficiency and can be corrected by its replacement. In patients receiving ACE inhibition, we investigated whether initiation of vasopressin before CPB would diminish post-CPB hypotension and catecholamine use by avoiding vasopressin deficiency. Methods Cardiac surgical patients on ACE inhibitor therapy were randomized to receive vasopressin (0.03 U/min) (n = 13) or an equal volume of normal saline (n = 14) starting 20 minutes before CPB. Results Vasopressin did not change pre-CPB mean arterial pressure or pulmonary artery pressure. After CPB, the vasopressin group had a lower peak norepinephrine dose than the placebo group (4.6 ± 2.5 versus 7.3 ± 3.5 μg/min, p = 0.03), a shorter period on catecholamines (5 ± 6 versus 11 ± 7 hours, p = 0.03), fewer hypotensive episodes (1 ± 1 versus 4 ± 2, p p = 0.03). Conclusions In this cohort, prophylactic administration of vasopressin, at a dose without a vasopressor effect pre-CPB, reduced post-CPB hypotension and vasoconstrictor requirements, and was associated with a shorter intensive care unit stay.
Buckling and postbuckling of segmented tubes under external pressure

Abstract The collapse by external pressure of a tube consisting of linked rigid segments with rotational resistance at the joints is studied. Nonlinear difference equations are formulated and solved. The buckling pressure increases with the number of segments and tends to that of a continuous ring. Postbuckling shapes depend heavily on the number of segments. The six-sided tube shows properties of catastrophe, hysteresis, and imperfection sensitivity.
Software Testing: A Craftsman's Approach

From the Publisher: Software Testing offers an up-to-date synthesis of information in the field of software testing. It is the only text to bring together the two fundamental approaches-functional and structural-with numerous practical examples and exercises. The material provides the basis for making well-informed choices regarding appropriate techniques. Part I focuses on the mathematics needed to understand and correctly apply the two fundamental approaches. Parts II and III examine the functional and structural testing techniques. Part IV includes information on integration and system testing. Part V focuses on testing management.
High rectification ratios of Fe-porphyrin molecules on Au facets

Abstract We report room temperature measurements of current vs. voltage (I–V) from self-assembled Fe porphyrin [Fe(III) 5,15-di[4-(s-acetylthio)phenyl]-10,20-diphenyl porphine] molecular layers formed on annealed gold crystal facets on glass substrates. I–V curves were measured using an atomic force microscope with a conductive platinum tip. We observed a rectifier effect that shows asymmetric I–V curves from a monolayer of molecules. The majority rectification ratios at ±1 V obtained from hundreds of I–V lie in between 20 and 200, with the highest up to 9000. This is in contrast to the symmetric I–V curves measured from a few nm thick multilayer molecular islands. We contribute the observed rectification in ultrathin FeP molecular layers from asymmetric Schottky barriers that result from molecules in different bonding strengths to electrodes of gold and platinum.
Mercantilism and the Path to Spiritual Salvation in Thomas Heywood's Londini Emporia, or Londons Mercatura (1633)

Though often neglected, Thomas Heywood's London Lord Mayor's Shows are markedly different in both content and literary style from the printed accounts of civic pageants by other pageant authors, such as Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker. Londini Emporia (1633) in particular is innovative and distinctive, expanding in an original way the public performance material for the private sphere of its readership. In Londini Emporia Heywood weds the conventional praise for commerce of these street performances to a religious discourse on the salvation of the individual soul, which he expands in his book's extensive narratorial commentary. Departing from merely recording speeches, pageant devices and locations, Heywood creates a complex, multifaceted text that challenges the reader and becomes to a degree a new genre. More importantly, he retrospectively refocuses aspects of the performance with the aim of reconciling the public, commercial populist sphere of performance with the private, religious and meditative ...
REGULATION OF ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC-OXIDE SYNTHASE DURING HYPOXIA

The mechanism by which nitric-oxide (NO) production increases during hypoxia is unknown. To explore the effect of hypoxia upon endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (ecNOS) activity and expression, we exposed bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) to hypoxia (1% O2) for 0–24 h and measured levels of ecNOS mRNA, protein, and activity. The amount of ecNOS mRNA increases to more than twice the basal level after 6 h of hypoxia. Incubation of BAEC with actinomycin D during hypoxia prevents this increase, demonstrating that higher levels of mRNA observed during hypoxia are due to increased synthesis, not to increased stability of ecNOS mRNA. Levels of ecNOS protein increase throughout 24 h of hypoxia to more than twice normoxic levels. Although ecNOS expression increases within 2 h of hypoxia, total activity remains unchanged. To explore the transcriptional regulation of ecNOS, we constructed a reporter plasmid containing the ecNOS promoter region upstream of the luc gene and transfected this reporter plasmid into BAEC. In this system, hypoxia induces a linear increase over time in the expression of luciferase driven by the ecNOS promoter. It is concluded that hypoxia induces an increase in transcription of ecNOS in endothelial cells, activating the regulatory region of ecNOS by undefined transcription factors.
Detection and orbit determination of a satellite executing low thrust maneuvers

Abstract Concern for the safety of (and risk to) valued space assets has motivated the interest in processes and procedures that enable timely detection of maneuvers for satellites tracked by current and future surveillance systems. The timely detection of maneuvers provides for responsiveness in follow-up tracking, which is crucial for post-maneuver orbit characterization. However, availability and location of surveillance resources may not always allow timely detection and follow-up. Real tracking data for a maneuvering satellite, operated by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), were used for detection and process performance evaluation. This Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellite carried a small thruster that was used for routine orbit maintenance. Range and angles tracking data were obtained over the year 2007. In addition, burn logs for all executed maneuvers were obtained from the satellite operations to support validation of analysis done for this study. Periodic finite burn maneuvers were performed throughout the mission lifetime, sometimes in a sequence separated by hours, providing reference data for use in addressing a variety of maneuver scenarios. The ability to detect and assess maneuvers assuming no a priori maneuver information is examined for single and multiple maneuver scenarios. Batch least-squares (BLSQ) and extended Kalman filter (EKF) orbit determination strategies are applied, analyzed and compared to determine the performance sensitivity to maneuver knowledge. The comparisons examine the reliability in detecting specific maneuvers, the orbit determination performance in processing over the maneuvers, and the subsequent prediction performance resulting from the state estimates. In addition, the techniques presented can also be applied to detecting and supporting resolution of on-board anomalies that might occur on cooperative space assets.
The Critical Care Communication project: improving fellows' communication skills

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based communication skills training workshop to improve the communication skills of critical care fellows. Materials and methods Pulmonary and critical care fellows (N = 38) participated in a 3-day communication skills workshop between 2008 and 2010 involving brief didactic talks, faculty demonstration of skills, and faculty-supervised small group skills practice sessions with simulated families. Skills included the following: giving bad news, achieving consensus on goals of therapy, and discussing the limitations of life-sustaining treatment. Participants rated their skill levels in a pre-post survey in 11 core communication tasks using a 5-point Likert scale. Results Of 38 fellows, 36 (95%) completed all 3 days of the workshop. We compared pre and post scores using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Overall, self-rated skills increased for all 11 tasks. In analyses by participant, 95% reported improvement in at least 1 skill; with improvement in a median of 10 of 11 skills. Ninety-two percent rated the course as either very good/excellent, and 80% recommended that it be mandatory for future fellows. Conclusions This 3-day communication skills training program increased critical care fellows' self-reported family meeting communication skills.
Test sets and reject rates: all fault coverages are not created equal

The use of stuck-at-fault coverage for estimating overall quality levels is examined. Data from a part tested with both functional and scan tests are analyzed and compared with quality predictions generated by three existing theoretical models. It is shown that reasonable predictions are possible for functional tests, but that scan tests, due to misuse of theoretical equations, produce significantly worse quality levels than predicted. >
A curriculum based on social learning theory emphasizing fruit exposure and positive parent child-feeding strategies: a pilot study.

Abstract This study examined the effectiveness of a nutrition intervention program to enhance children's knowledge, preference, and intake of whole fruit and to decrease parents' use of controlling child-feeding behaviors. Subjects were fifth- and sixth-grade students (children aged 10-12 years) from Cincinnati, Ohio. Nine parent-child pairs completed the study. Seventeen parent-child pairs who expressed interest but were unable to attend more than one session served as controls. Based on the Social Learning Theory, the curriculum combined child-focused interactive lessons and skill-building activities with parent-focused lessons on child-feeding strategies to increase the fruit intake of children. Change in children's knowledge, preference, and intake of fruit and parents' use of controlling child-feeding strategies were measured in a pretest/posttest manner using validated questionnaires. There was a significant increase in knowledge scores and fruit intake by children in the experimental vs the control group. Fruit preference scores were similar between groups. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in use of controlling child-feeding strategies by parents in the intervention vs the control group. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:100-103.
Use of Caged Adult Forage Insects to Determine Their Comparative Roles in Delaying the Regrowth of Alfalfa

Delays in regrowth of alfalfa caused by forage insects were evaluated by: (1) caging different numbers of adult alfalfa plant bugs, Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze); tamished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois); and meadow spittlebugs, Philaenus spumarius (L.) on alfalfa plants grown in metal flats; (2) caging adults of the same species separately and in combinations and caging a leafhopper, Athysanus argentarius Metcalf, on alfalfa in flats; and (3) placing 5 adults of the species separately and in combination on individual potted alfalfa plants covered with clear plastic cylinders. Plants were analyzed for damage, and the results were compared with those compared in (2). Procedure 3 was the simplest to use, required fewer insects, and could be carried out in a controlled environment chamber.
Intracellular Potassium Ion Activity in Resting and Stimulated Mouse Pancreas and Submandibular Gland

Intracellular potassium ion activities (aiK+) and membrane potentials were measured with double-barrelled, potassium-specific microelectrodes in superfused mouse pancreas and submandibular gland. Stimulation with the cholinergic agonist bethanechol caused a marked decrease in aiK+ in the submandibular gland, whereas no change in aiK+ could be detected in the pancreas. This indicates that bethanechol increases the permeability of the cell membranes to potassium ions in the submandibular gland but not in the pancreas. Pancreatic acinar cells hyperpolarized promptly when the extracellular potassium ion activity was restored after a prolonged period of potassium deprivation. In comparison, the recovery of aiK+ was a slow process. This finding gives support to the view that the hyperpolarization is due to electrogenic sodium pumping.
DNAzyme catalytic beacon sensors that resist temperature-dependent variations

The temperature-dependent variability of a Pb2+-specific 8-17E DNAzyme catalytic beacon sensor has been addressed through the introduction of mismatches in the DNAzyme, and the resulting sensors resist temperature-dependent variations from 4 to 30 degrees C.
Multiple Translational Containment Part I: An Approximate Algorithm

We present an algorithm for finding a solution to the two-dimensional translational approximate multiple containment problem: find translations for k polygons which place them inside a polygonal container so that no point of any polygon is more than 2e inside of the boundary of any other polygon. The polygons and container may be nonconvex. The value of e is an input to the algorithm. In industrial applications the containment solution acts as a guide to a machine cutting out polygonal shapes from a sheet of material. If e is chosen to be a fraction of the cutter's accuracy, then the solution to the approximate containment problem is sufficient for industrial purposes. Given a containment problem, we characterize its solution and create a collection of containment subproblems from this characterization. We solve each subproblem by first restricting certain two-dimensional configuration spaces until a steady state is reached, and then testing for a solution inside the configuration spaces. If necessary, we subdivide the configuration spaces to generate new subproblems. The running time of our algorithm is $O(({1}/{\epsilon})^{k} \log ({1}/{\epsilon}) k^6 s \log s) $ , where s is the largest number of vertices of any polygon generated by a restriction operation. In the worst case s can be exponential in the size of the input, but, in practice, it is usually not more than quadratic.
Tongue Prosthesis for Total Glossectomy Patient

A clinical report of the prosthetic restoration of an edentulous patient with a total glossectomy is presented. A soft acrylic tongue prosthesis that is attached to the mandibular denture but removable for hygiene is described.
Job Satisfaction and/or Job Stress The Psychological Consequences of Working in ‘High Performance Work Organizations’

The rapid diffusion of high performance work organizations (HPWO) has attracted the attention of many scholars in sociology and psychology over the last three decades. One area in which ongoing debates and evidence are inconclusive is the linkage between HPWO and the ‘psychological functioning’ of employees, specifically the issues of job satisfaction and job stress. This study examines, and thereby extends our understanding of, associations between workplace restructuring — adopting an ‘internalization strategy’ within HPWO — with job satisfaction and job stress. The findings reveal that the implementation of an internalization strategy has raised job satisfaction both directly and indirectly, through affecting job characteristics — while indirectly increasing job stress as well. The latter occurred because an internalization strategy speeds up work pace, develops conflicting demands and intensifies conflicts between work and family. The article concludes with a short discussion on the theoretical signif...