cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1232 CELLULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPARISONS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADULT FORMS OF ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS

1232 CELLULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPARISONS OF CHILDHOOD AND ADULT FORMS OF ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS
Synthesis of the polyketomycin disaccharide

Abstract The disaccharide portion of the anthracycline antibiotic polyketomycin consists of the trideoxy sugar d -amicetose attached to the methyl-branched sugar l -axenose. The polyketomycin disaccharide was synthesized from methyl 2,3,6-trideoxy-α- d - erythro -hexopyranoside (methyl α- d -amicetoside) and phenyl 3,4-di- O -benzyl-2,6-dideoxy-3- C -methyl-1-thio-α,β- l - xylo -hexopyranoside. The key coupling step was carried out by N -bromosuccinimide activation of the thioglycoside and gave the desired α (1→4) linked disaccharide exclusively in 71% yield, which was debenzylated by sodium and liquid ammonia.
Native fishes, exotic mammals, and the conservation of desert springs

Desert springs are fragile ecosystems that often harbor endemic species of fishes and other taxa. Historically, these springs experienced major disturbances from Pleistocene megafauna, aboriginal humans, and livestock. However, management practices to preserve and restore spring ecosystems and biota have led to the removal of livestock. We document changes in spring habitats and extinctions of fish populations due to management practices at two spring reserves: Ash Meadows in the southwestern United States and Dalhousie in central Australia. After springs were fenced and livestock removed, these ecosystems experienced increases in riparian vegetation, reduction of open-water habitat, and extinction of fish populations. Despite manual removal of vegetation to maintain open-water habitat, at least one pupfish population went extinct in Ash Meadows, and 18 populations, representing four of the five species native to desert springs in the Dalhousie reserve, also went extinct. To maintain the diversity of aqua...
Genetic Effects on Skeletal Mechanosensitivity in Mice

The accumulation of bone mass during growth can be enhanced by environmental factors such as mechanical loading (exercise) or calcium intake, but 60–70% of the variance in adult bone mineral density (BMD) is explained by heredity. Consequently, understanding the signaling pathways targeted by the genes governing bone accumulation holds perhaps the greatest potential in reducing fracture incidence later in life. Rodent models are particularly useful for studying the genetics of skeletal traits. Of the available inbred mouse strains, three in particular have been studied extensively in skeletal genetics: C57BL/6, DBA/2, and C3H/He. The C57BL/6 strain is characterized by low BMD and large total cross-sectional area (CSA) in the midshaft femur; the C3H/He strain exhibits very high femoral BMD and a smaller femoral CSA than the C57BL/6 mice; and DBA/2 mice have moderately high femoral BMD and a very small midshaft femur CSA. Mechanical loading of the skeleton during growth can substantially enhance periosteal bone apposition, and ultimately produce a diaphyseal cross section with enlarged area. Therefore we hypothesized that the mouse strain with greater femoral cross-sectional area (C57BL/6) might have a genetic predisposition for greater mechanosensitivity than mice with smaller cross sections (C3H/He and DBA/2).Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Subconscious Percepts as “Unmonitored” Percepts: An Empirical Study

In explaining unattended or “subconscious” perception, Dixonian theory supposes that unattended percepts are unconscious. Alternatively, the theory of cognitive-state monitoring supposes that one's unattended percepts are conscious sensations, which are accompanied by no selfconsciousness that one is perceiving, rather than imaging, them. Consistent with the latter theoretical supposition, the results of the current experiment show that previously unattended stimuli are memorially indistinguishable both from previously attended stimuli and from previously imaged stimuli.
Learning and recognizing complex multi-agent activities with applications to american football plays

We are interested in modeling and recognizing complex behaviors in video, where multiple agents are interacting in a time-varying manner and in a spatially-localized do-main such as American football. Our approach pushes the model complexity onto the observations by using a multi-variate kernel density while maintaining a simple HMM model. The temporal interactions of objects are captured by coupling the kernel observation distributions with a time-varying state-transition matrix, producing a Non-Stationary Kernel HMM (NSK-HMM). This modeling philosophy specifically addresses several issues that plague the more complex stationary models with simple observations, i.e. Dynamic Multi-Linked HMM (DML-HMM) and the Time-Delayed Probabilistic Graphical Model (TDPGM). These include: smaller training datasets, sensitivity to intra class variability and/or dense uninformative clutter tracks. Experiments are performed in the American football video domain, where the offensive plays are the activities. Comparisons are made to the DML-HMM and an extension of the TDPGM to DBNs (TDDBN). The NSK-HMM achieves a 57.7% classification accuracy across seven activities, while the DML-HMM is 26.7% and the TDDBN is 21.3%. When tested on four activities the NSK-HMM achieves a 76.0% accuracy.
Analysis of bone protein and mineral composition in bone disease using synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy

Infrared (IR) microspectroscopy is an analytical technique that is highly sensitive to the chemical components in bone. The brightness of a synchrotron source permits the examination of individual regions of bone in situ at a spatial resolution superior to that of a conventional infrared source. At Beamlines U10B and U2B at the National Synchrotron Light Source, we are examining the role of bone chemical composition in bone disease. In osteoarthritis (OA), it has been demonstrated that the bone underlying the joint cartilage (subchondral bone) becomes thickened prior to cartilage breakdown. Using synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy, we have examined the chemical composition of the subchondral bone in histologically normal and OA monkeys. Results demonstrate that the subchondral bone of OA monkeys is significantly more mineralized than the normal bone, primarily due to an increase in carbonate concentration in the OA bone. High resolution analysis indicates that differences in carbonate content are uniform throughout the subchondral bone region, suggesting that high subchondral bone carbonate may be a marker for OA. Conversely, increases in phosphate content are more pronounced in the region near the marrow space, suggesting that, as the subchondral bone thickens, the bone also becomes more mineralized. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a reduction in bone mass and a skeleton that is more susceptible to fracture. To date, it is unclear whether bone remodeled after the onset of osteoporosis differs in chemical composition from older bone. Using fluorescence-assisted infrared microspectroscopy, we are comparing the composition of monkey bone remodeled at various time points after the onset of osteoporosis (induced by ovariectomy). We find that the chemical composition of bone remodeled one year after ovariectomy and one year prior to necropsy is similar to normal bone. On the other hand, bone remodeled two years after ovariectomy is less mature, indicated by lower mineral/protein ratios and higher acid phosphate content. This immature bone may also be a symptom of slower bone formation rates related to estrogen deficiency.
Detrusor Underactivity and Urinary Retention in Geriatric Patients: Evaluation, Management and Recent Research

Urinary retention is a common urologic problem in older adults. The condition can be either acute or chronic. Detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction are the most common primary causes. A variety of underlying clinical factors including neurological diseases, muscular disorders, and some medications can lead to urinary retention in elderly patients. Urodynamic testing can assist with differential diagnosis in some cases. Management often involves intermittent or indwelling catheterization, although neuromodulation and surgical diversion can be considered in select patients. Detrusor underactivity has recently gained increased research attention, and new translational research about this entity in geriatric patients is reviewed.
SU‐E‐T‐331: A Geant4 Simulation Study for the Yields of Positron‐Emitting Nuclei (10C, 11C, and 15O) Induced by Protons and Carbon Ions

Purpose: To investigate the yields and the yield‐depth distributions of positron‐emitting nuclei 10C, 11C, and 15O induced by protons and carbon ions in tissue equivalent material (PMMA) through detection of annihilation gamma‐rays using Geant4 Monte Carlo Toolkit for dose verification. Methods: An application utilizing various physics packages (low and standard electromagnetic, parameterized and Binary Cascade inelastic and parameterized elastic) was constructed with the Geant4 Monte Carlo Toolkit. A phantom (9 cm × 9 cm × 30 cm) consisting of PMMA (C5H8O2, density 1.18 g/cm3) was irradiated with 140, 175 MeV protons and 259.5 A, 306 A, 343.46 A MeV carbon‐ions. The beam parameters mimic a pencil like beam with position resolution of 10 mm FWHM and a Gaussian energy spread 0f 0.2% FWHM. In each simulation the energy deposited was recorded for every 0.1 mm increment of depth in the phantom. The resulting positron‐emitting nuclei and their yield were recorded at the production point and the point of decay in increments of 1 mm. Results: The overall percentage yields and the yield‐depth distributions of positron emitting nuclei per incident particle for both protons and carbon ions of multiple energies were obtained. Conclusions: Our yields of positron emitting nuclei are in excellent agreement with MCHIT simulation and existing experimental data. However, we found in our simulation overestimation of the percentage yields of 10C with incident carbon ions when compared to existing experimental data. The application built in this study thus can predict the amount of positron emitting nuclei as well as their yield‐depth distributions in hadron induced radiation therapy.
Nineteenth-Century Asante Medical Practices

Most of the literature concerning traditional African medical practice has dealt with aspects often deemed ‘irrational,’ such as the role of priests, shrines, magic and religious ritual. M. J. Field's work demonstrates convincingly that these aspects of medical treatment in Ghana are essential in mitigating and curing psychosomatic illnesses as well as controlling neuroses. The emphasis on religious and psychological methods of treatment, however, can often lead to less perceptive conclusions, such as those of U.S. doctors visiting Ghana in 1960 who stated flatly that traditional medical practices there consist solely of ‘ignorance and superstition’ and that ‘witchdoctor … medicine man and native doctor are synonymous terms.
AP7, a Partially Disordered Pseudo C-RING Protein, Is Capable of Forming Stabilized Aragonite in Vitro†

AP7 is an extracellular aragonite-associated protein of the nacre layer of the mollusk Haliotis rufescens and possesses a 36-amino acid C-terminal domain that exhibits sequence homology to the C subclass of the RING domain intracellular protein family. We report here novel findings which implicate AP7 as a member of the intrinsically disordered protein class (IDP) and reveal new aspects of AP7 mineralization activity. AP7 is partially disordered but can undergo additional folding in the presence of TFE. AP7 binds Zn(II) ions in a non-tetracoordinate complex but does not require Zn(II) either for folding or for in vitro function. In addition to limiting calcite crystal growth, AP7 is also observed to induce aggregate formation within in vitro mineralization assays, and these aggregates are either amorphous (type A) or crystalline (type B) in appearance. The type A aggregate displays an irregular morphology and round, dark, electron dense deposits that do not give rise to a diffraction pattern. In contrast, the type B aggregates possess either organized parallel crystal clusters or highly dense hexagonal clusters that are confirmed by electron diffraction to be aragonite. This stabilization of aragonite is remarkable in that it occurred in the presence of AP7 alone and did not require typical aragonite stabilization agents such as Mg(II), other nacre proteins, or an organized organic matrix. The ability of a partially disordered C-RING protein to perform inorganic phase stabilization represents a new twist on both the RING domain and IDP stories, and this process of aggregate formation may provide an important clue with regard to the protein-mediated nacre formation process.
From Note‐Taking to Data Banks: Personal and Institutional Information Management in Early Modern Europe

Note‐takers in early modern Europe mixed a number of scribal practices. Not only did they write down extracts of texts, they also collected data from observation or from accounting. Practices such as commonplacing were part of sometimes communal, rather informal personal practices that laid the foundations for personal diaries. Other note‐taking was prescriptive, fact‐establishing technical data entry. Yet both the personal, sentimental and technical forms of note‐taking were interrelated. It was during this period that merchants, administrators, scholars and scientists sought methods to transform raw information such as notes into formalized knowledge for practical use. Notes had formed a part of larger writing and archival projects since the dawn of writing and literacy, but during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, figures such as Bacon, Boyle and Pepys not only mixed note‐taking practices from both scholarly and mercantile traditions; they also thought about the very act of note‐taking and how ...
The Effect of Hypercholesterolemia on Rotator Cuff Disease

Background The causes of rotator cuff tendon rupture are multifactorial and still unclear. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors have been implicated as predisposing risk factors for rotator cuff rupture. Previous studies have suggested a relationship between elevated serum lipid profiles and tendon ruptures, although not rotator cuff tears specifically.
Haptoglobin phenotype and abnormal uterine artery Doppler in a racially diverse cohort

AbstractObjective: The anti-oxidant and proangiogenic protein haptoglobin (Hp) is believed to be important for implantation and pregnancy, although its specific role is not known. The three phenotypes (1-1, 2-1 and 2-2) differ in structure and function. Hp 2-2 is associated with increased vascular stiffness in other populations. We examined whether Hp phenotype is associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler (UAD) in pregnancy.Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of a preeclampsia prediction cohort nested within a larger placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of antioxidants for prevention of preeclampsia. We determined Hp phenotype in 2184 women who completed UAD assessments at 17 weeks gestation. Women with notching were re-evaluated for persistent notching at 24 weeks’ gestation. Logistic regression was used to assess differences in UAD indices between phenotype groups.Results: Hp phenotype did not significantly influence the odds of having any notch (p = 0.32), bilateral notches (p = 0....
A pigment-producing pseudomonad which discolors culture containers of embryos of a bivalve mollusk

A recurring pink discoloration found at the bottom of polyethylene buckets containing embryos of hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) is produced by a red-pigmented pseudomonad. The pink discoloration itself is not a problem, but the number of bacterial cells present is cause for concern. This study showed that at concentrations below 103 cells per milliliter of culture of clam embryos the bacterium could produce the discoloration without being detrimental to the clams. Above this concentration, however, either embryonic development decreased or mortality occurred. Chloramphenicol and neomycin were used effectively in preventing the growth of the pigment-producing bacterium and the concomitant adverse effects on clam embryos.
Epikeratophakia in children.

Abstract Epikeratophakia was performed in 61 children for the correction of aphakia after the removal of unilateral congenital or traumatic cataracts; 51 patients (54 grafts) have more than 6 months follow-up. In the first 27 grafts, 8 (30%) failed, but in the last 27 grafts, only 2 (7%) failed, largely due to improved surgical and tissue handling techniques. The average increase in corneal refractive power for the early patients was 12.68 ± 4.63 D with an average overrefraction of +0.45 ± 5.60 D. The last half of the patients showed an average increase of 14.83 ± 4.83 D, with an average overrefraction of -0.00 ± 5.20 D. Visual acuity results in patients with traumatic cataracts have been the most satisfactory, with the majority of patients obtaining useful vision. It also appears that in patients with congenital cataracts, the younger the patient at the time of surgery, the greater the chance for a good visual result. Some improvement in vision has been seen in all of the children with successful grafts, even those beyond the age when amblyopia therapy would be considered to have some potential for therapeutic effect. By attaching the correction permanently on the eye, epikeratophakia facilitates the vigorous occlusion therapy required after cataract extraction in these children.
GEOTROPIC CURVATURE OF AVENA COLEOPTILES

Applying a photographic recording method, and working on enlargements of the plates so obtained, the shape of the geotropically curving coleoptile of Avena was studied. This shape is expressed in terms of curvature of the neutral axis of the coleoptile; for the true geotropic response of the strain of Avena used, the curvature of the neutral axis is an arc of a circle. The "rate of curvature" is taken as the derivative of the curve relating time with the angle with the horizontal made by the tangent to the neutral axis at the tip. This rate increases up to a maximum and then decreases gradually. No "geogrowth" of the whole coleoptile is found. It is shown that the curvature is due to an increase in the elongation of the lower side of the horizontally placed coleoptile with a concomitant decrease of the rate of elongation of the upper side. This is correlated with a shift in distribution of "growth substance" in the tip as affected by change of position of the coleoptile.
The catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase selectively regulates p53-dependent apoptosis but not cell-cycle arrest.

DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR) activates p53, leading to the regulation of downstream pathways that control cell-cycle progression and apoptosis. However, the mechanisms for the IR-induced p53 activation and the differential activation of pathways downstream of p53 are unclear. Here we provide evidence that the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) serves as an upstream effector for p53 activation in response to IR, linking DNA damage to apoptosis. DNA-PKcs knockout (DNA-PKcs−/−) mice were exposed to whole-body IR, and the cell-cycle and apoptotic responses were examined in their thymuses. Our data show that IR induction of apoptosis and Bax expression, both mediated via p53, was significantly suppressed in the thymocytes of DNA-PKcs−/− mice. In contrast, IR-induced cell-cycle arrest and p21 expression were normal. Thus, DNA-PKcs deficiency selectively disrupts p53-dependent apoptosis but not cell-cycle arrest. We also confirmed previous findings that p21 induction was attenuated and cell-cycle arrest was defective in the thymoctyes of whole body-irradiated Atm−/− mice, but the apoptotic response was unperturbed. Taken together, our results support a model in which the upstream effectors DNA-PKcs and Atm selectively activate p53 to differentially regulate cell-cycle and apoptotic responses. Whereas Atm selects for cell-cycle arrest but not apoptosis, DNA-PKcs selects for apoptosis but not cell-cycle arrest.
Multi-level barriers to LTBI treatment: a research note.

Background This study describes the barriers to effective and timely LTBI treatment encountered in a research study on INH adherence in Latino adolescents. Method Participant study logs were reviewed, results of continuing medical education pretests for medical providers were examined, and participating medical facilities were contacted in order to construct a profile of multi-level barriers to LTBI treatment. Results A total of 285 TST positive Latino (96%) high school students were recruited into the trial. We encountered a lack of understanding of the gravity of tuberculosis infection among both the public and providers of health care. Parents and adolescents cited competing priorities, transportation problems and financial constraints as reasons for non-compliance. Discussion Improved education of the public and physicians is needed regarding the gravity of the disease and the value of treatment, as well as public and financial support for LTBI treatment by both the government and the medical community.
Approaches to stereospecific preformulation of ibuprofen

In an effort to formulate the pharmacologically active ibuprofen isomer ((+)-S-ibuprofen) into a solid oral dosage form, preformulation studies were performed on both the racemate and this stereoisomer of ibuprofen. Results of the respective physical pharmacy profiles were compared to predict the pharmaceutical behavior of the S(+) ibuprofen compound. The enantiomer was more soluble than the racemate in aqueous media but exhibited lower intrinsic dissolution rates, as would be expected from the very small specific surface area. This characterisitic could be a limiting step in the formulation of the optical isomer although less energy was required for the solution of S(+) ibuprofen. On this crystal, there was ten times more moisture layered at the surface and comparative thermal analysis indicated that for both compounds a loss in crystallinity occured upon grinding. Properties in the solid state of S(+) ibuprofen included higher density and excellent flowability as compared to the racemate.
Information-theoretic lower bounds on the oracle complexity of convex optimization

Despite a large literature on upper bounds on complexity of convex optimization, relatively less attention has been paid to the fundamental hardness of these problems. Given the extensive use of convex optimization in machine learning and statistics, gaining a understanding of these complexity-theoretic issues is important. In this paper, we study the complexity of stochastic convex optimization in an oracle model of computation. We improve upon known results and obtain tight minimax complexity estimates for various function classes. We also discuss implications of these results for the understanding the inherent complexity of large-scale learning and estimation problems.
A Subscale-Based Life Prediction Methodology For Rocket Engine Combustors*

α = Thermal expansion coefficient, µm/m-K δ = Kronecker delta function e = Strain A small scale experimental annular plug nozzle thruster was designed, built and tested to failure. The test article was a water-cooled, 200 psia combustor that used decomposed hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizer and JP-8 as the fuel. Conventional and visco-plastic models were used to predict life cycle due to low cycle thermal stress, transient effects, and creep rupture damage. To validate the prediction methods, which predicted cyclic failure due to thermal ratcheting between 50 and 320 cycles, the combustor was tested cyclically at the Advanced Propellants and Combustion Laboratory at Purdue University. The first surface cracks in the corner of the milled channels of the copper liner appeared after 90 cycles. Testing was stopped after 140 cycles due to an unpredicted failure mechanism in the location where failure was predicted. ξ, η = Dummy variables in the integration θ0 = Original ligament thickness θcr = Critical ligament thickness θ = Thermal diffusivity ν = Poisson’s ratio σ = Stress τ = Nomalized ligament thinning Subscripts
THERMOGEOGRAPHY OVER TIME CREATES BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONS: A TEMPERATURE/SPACE/TIME‐INTEGRATED MODEL AND AN ABUNDANCE‐WEIGHTED TEST FOR BENTHIC MARINE ALGAE

We developed a time-integrated thermogeographic model to demonstrate conditions under which benthic marine algal assemblages evolve biogeographic patterns in their distribution and abundance. The graphical model applies to rocky marine sublittoral zones in which seasonal temperatures, coastline area, isolation, and evolutionary time are primary factors. Time is treated by using the temperature/area/distributions for the present (interglacial period) integrated with that of 18,000 years before present (glacial period). These two alternate states characterize the global marine realm since the late Pliocene to Pleistocene time during which many extant species have evolved. The resulting abiotic “thermogeographic” model defines 20 regions that correspond with the cores of 24 recognized biogeographic regions and/or provinces determined by published distributions of organisms. Modern biogeographic regions conform closely with thermogeographic regions where temperature, area, and time are integrated. We also propose that biogeographic patterns should be determined by the abundance of species assemblages rather than presence and absence or percent endemism as is commonly done. We test the efficacy of thermogeographic regions with abundance-weighted patterns in the biogeography of crustose coralline red algae (Rhodophyta/Corallinales) in the colder part of the northern hemisphere. Based on abundance, rather than presence/absence, coralline red algal biogeographic regions correspond closely with the model's thermogeographic regions.
The Five-Factor Model And Career Self-Efficacy: General and Domain-Specific Relationships.

The present study investigates the hypothesis that the big five personality factors could exert two kinds of effects on career self-efficacy: (a) generalized or nonspecific effects and (b) domain-s...
Identification of Critical Amino Acids within the Nucleoprotein of Tacaribe Virus Important for Anti-interferon Activity

The arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) can suppress induction of type I interferon (IFN). This anti-IFN activity is thought to be shared by all arenaviruses with the exception of Tacaribe virus (TCRV). To identify the TCRV NP amino acid residues that prevent its IFN-countering ability, we created a series of NP chimeras between residues of TCRV NP and Pichinde virus (PICV) NP, an arenavirus NP with potent anti-IFN function. Chimera NP analysis revealed that a minimal four amino acid stretch derived from PICV NP could impart efficient anti-IFN activity to TCRV NP. Strikingly, the TCRV NP gene cloned and sequenced from viral stocks obtained through National Institutes of Health Biodefense and Emerging Infections (BEI) resources deviated from the reference sequence at this particular four-amino acid region, GPPT (GenBank KC329849) versus DLQL (GenBank NC004293), respectively at residues 389-392. When efficiently expressed in cells through codon-optimization, TCRV NP containing the GPPT residues rescued the antagonistic IFN function. Consistent with cell expression results, TCRV infection did not stimulate an IFNβ response early in infection in multiple cells types (e.g. A549, P388D1), and IRF-3 was not translocated to the nucleus in TCRV-infected A549 cells. Collectively, these data suggest that certain TCRV strain variants contain the important NP amino acids necessary for anti-IFN activity.
Security and Robustness Enhancement for Image Data Hiding

In many applications, data hiding can be viewed as a tradeoff between capacity, robustness (against attacks), and embedding induced distortion. In this paper, we consider a fourth parameter: the security of the hidden information. Specifically, we propose a hash-based randomized embedding algorithm (HRE) that increases the security of the hidden data. We then optimize this algorithm against JPEG attacks. We derive a mathematical expression for the security of our algorithm, using which we show that the security of our algorithm can be increased independent of capacity, robustness, and embedding induced distortion. The maximum security depends only on the length of the key sequence, which is limited only by the size of the host image. Using a joint security and capacity measure, we show that the proposed scheme performs better than current secure quantization based data hiding schemes. We also derive the optimal value of distortion compensation factor of the HRE algorithm against JPEG compression attack. Experimental results show that the operating points achieved by the proposed scheme are 7 dB better than current blind data hiding schemes against the JPEG attack
System Level Approach for Surveillance Using Wireless Sensor Networks and PTZ Camera

A system-level approach for indoor surveillance of objects using cricket motes and PTZ cameras is presented in this paper. The objects to be tracked carry a listener mote with beacon motes mounted on the ceiling. The positions and orientation of the object received from the Cricket motes are used to calculate the pan, tilt and zoom of the camera which constantly track the moving object. The extended Kalman filter based approach is used to estimate the position of the objects in the absence of line of sight communication of the motes for limited amount of time.
Surface characterization of NiTi modified by plasma source ion implantation

Abstract This paper reports the novel application of an oxygen ion plasma for surface modification of a shape memory alloy. The surface characterization of oxygen ion implanted Ti–50.7 at% Ni alloy samples was performed with the assistance of Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy techniques (TEM). TEM identified amorphous TiO 2 and crystalline phases of Ti 11 Ni 14 and Ti 4 Ni 2 O x . XPS results reveal that the surfaces of control samples are covered with predominantly TiO 2 and traces of TiO and NiTi, as well as NiO and Ni 2 O 3 . At the surface of oxygen-implanted samples, however, only TiO 2 and trace amounts of Ni 2 O 3 , NiO and NiTi were observed. TiO and NiO exist in much larger range than other oxides, and TiO extends to the oxide–metal interface. These results are especially noteworthy because of their implications for interpreting corrosion, wear, and biocompatibility behavior.
Computation of empirical eigenfunctions and order reduction for control of time-dependent parabolic PDEs

This article presents a methodology for the computation of empirical eigenfunctions and the construction of accurate low-dimensional approximations for control of nonlinear and time-dependent parabolic partial differential equations (PDE) systems. Initially, a representative (with respect to different initial conditions and input perturbations) ensemble of solutions of the time-varying PDE system is constructed by computing and solving a high-order discretization of the PDE. Then, the Karhunen-Loeve expansion is directly applied to the ensemble of solutions to derive a small set of empirical eigenfunctions (dominant spatial patterns) that capture almost all the energy of the ensemble of solutions. The empirical eigenfunctions are subsequently used as basis functions within a Galerkin's model reduction framework to derive low-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) systems that accurately describe the dominant dynamics of the PDE system. The method is applied to a diffusion-reaction process with nonlinearities, spatially-varying coefficients and time-dependent spatial domain, and is shown to lead to the construction of accurate low-order models and the synthesis of low-order controllers. The robustness of the predictions of the low-order models with respect to variations in the model parameters and different initial conditions, as well as the comparison of their performance with respect to low-order models which were constructed by using off-the-self basis function sets are successfully shown through computer simulations.
The Gap in the Law and the Border-Breaching Function of the Exception

This paper evaluates the status and function of the border in the two polemics that bookend the long history of political theology: Paul’s polemic against the Jewish law, and Carl Schmitt’s critique of constitutional liberalism. Paul and Schmitt both challenge spatial notions of law that establish a boundary between an “inside” and an “outside” by topologizing “inside” and “outside” as continuous: through the “fulfillment of the law” in Paul, and through the strategy of sovereign exception in Schmitt. Schmitt even describes sovereignty as a “border concept,” a Grenzbegriff: a concept that pertains to borderline cases, but perhaps at the same time a concept of the border, one that proposes a particular interpretation of the border and its logical function. The essay argues that Schmitt’s contribution to the logical problem of law as border is to claim that the border need not be written, and that the sovereign exception is not of the order of a writing, but a “miracle” that is by nature unwritten and unwritable. The Hebraic tradition of law that is the object of Paul’s polemic offers another way of considering the border, as the function of the written law. It conceives of law not as a normative representation of an existing situation, but as the delimination of a space or gap that may not be transgressed. While the fulfillment of the law and the sovereign exception bypass the limit implied in the law, offering a topological interpretation of the border as what integrates “inside” and “outside” into a new whole, the Hebraic law aligns the border with the logical function of negation. The essay approaches these different accounts of the border by way of Lacan’s distinction between the imaginary and symbolic dimensions of law. The imaginary is the “incarnated” dimension of law, while the symbolic corresponds to the function of speech as a barrier or limit, and involves a spacing and negation, the introduction of a gap or emptiness that precludes anything like a “whole.”
A design-space exploration tool for low-power DCT and IDCT hardware accelerators

The discrete cosine transform (DCT) and its inverse (IDCT) are often used for image compression and decompression. Truncated-matrix multipliers offer reduced area, power and delay at the expense of increased computational error. This paper describes a software tool for design-space exploration of low-power DCT and IDCT hardware accelerators that use truncated-matrix multipliers. The tool has an interactive graphical user interface and is written entirely in Java. It can open image files, simulate compression and/or decompression, and display the processed image and error statistics.
Nanoparticle-targeted delivery of nonanticoagulant heparin and doxorubicin in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer

e11599 Background: In comparison to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), non-anticoagulant heparin (NACH), originally developed in our laboratory, has minimal effects on hemostasis. Encapsulation of chemotherapeutic agents and NACH in biodegradable nanoparticles has tremendous potential in improving survival among the breast cancer patients. Furthermore, custom-made nanoparticles with a targeted moiety on the surface would enable us to increase the efficacy and decrease the adverse effects of doxorubicin. Methods: PLGA-PEG nanoparticles co-encapsulating NACH and doxorubicin were synthesized by double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The in vitro efficacy of these nanoparticles was examined in MCF-7 doxorubicin resistant (MCF-7R) cells using MTT cell viability assay. Confocal microscopy was used to examine the uptake of αvβ3 antibody conjugated nanoparticles in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC), which are known to over express αvβ3 integrins. Results: Size measurement by DLS revealed...
A novel T7 RNA polymerase autogene for efficient cytoplasmic expression of target genes.

Inefficient nuclear transport of plasmid DNA continues to be a problem in nonviral vector-mediated gene transfer. This has made the cytoplasmic expression system an increasingly attractive idea. We have developed a new T7 RNA polymerase autogene for cytoplasmic expression containing both a CMV and a T7 promoter. The pCMV/T7-T7pol autogene does not encounter the problems associated with previously used autogenes. For instance, pCMV/T7-T7pol is easily amplified and purified from bacteria. Furthermore, the CMV promoter is used to drive the first round of synthesis of T7 RNA polymerase, thus negating the use of purified enzyme in the transfection complex. The endogenous T7 RNA polymerase produced from the CMV promoter could then act on the T7 promoter of pCMV/T7-T7pol in an autoregulatory mechanism. pCMV/T7-T7pol induces higher, more sustained levels (>7 days) of reporter gene expression than that observed with the previously used autogene pT7 AUTO 2C− or with the nuclear expression system pCMV-CAT. This seems to be due to the high levels of T7 RNA polymerase protein that are detected in cells transfected with pCMV/T7-T7pol. This vector also functions as an efficient autogene since at least 50 times more mRNA is transcribed from the cytoplasmic T7 promoter as compared with the nuclear CMV promoter in pCMV/T7-T7pol. Therefore, pCMV/T7-T7pol could replace existing autogenes for regeneration of T7 RNA polymerase and efficient target gene expression.
Pain locus of control scores in chronic pain patients and medical clinic patients with and without pain.

Objective We investigated the association between treatment setting and pain control attributions as assessed by the Pain Locus of Control Scale (PLOC). Design Nonrandomized consecutive samples. Patients and setting The patient groups included an outpatient pain clinic sample of chronic pain patients (n = 48), a group of medical clinic outpatients with chronic pain (n = 28), and a group of medical clinic outpatients without current pain (n = 22). Medical clinic patients without current pain were asked to reply to the PLOC items in terms of their usual response when experiencing pain. Results and conclusions Results indicated that pain clinic patients were the least likely of the three groups to report predictable control of their pain as reflected by their significantly lower "powerful other" and higher "chance" dimension scores. Medical clinic patients without pain reported greater personal control of pain than the other two groups as evidenced by their higher "internality" dimension score and lower "chance" dimension score. Results indicate that pain control appraisals differ among patients with chronic pain and illness as a function of the treatment setting and suggest that differences in cognitive appraisal can affect treatment efficacy.
Investigation of activation kinetics in geopolymer paste using quasielastic neutron scattering

Abstract Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) has been used to investigate the binding process of water molecules in pastes of calcium geopolymer prepared with low and high calcium fly ash contents, and at two different NaOH molarities, 10 and 14 M. The in situ measurements were carried at ambient and elevated curing temperatures (60 °C). By carefully monitoring the time evolution of the elastic peak intensity, we infer a gelation process, followed by polymerization and a hardening in the high calcium geopolymer paste at 60 °C, in agreement with previously proposed geopolymerization model. This behavior was neither observed at ambient temperature in both low and high calcium geopolymer cement paste, within the precision of the neutron instrument. Our study clearly shows that a minimal amount of heat is necessary to form gelation and polymerization during the activation process. The activation of geopolymer paste with high NaOH molarity involves more chemically bound water molecules than that at lower activator concentration. This work shows that the QENS technique can be effectively used to characterize the alkali-activation kinetics in certain geopolymer pastes, and that temperature and molarity of the activator play a vital role in controlling the gel mechanism.
Factors involved in the regulation of the levels and activities of rat liver cytochromes P-450

Methods have been developed for the purification of eight rat liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 (P-450) isoenzymes. Another rat P-450, responsible for the metabolism of the genetic polymorphism prototype debrisoquine, has also been partially purified from rat liver. Six P-450s have been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from human liver preparations. The rat and human P-450s can be quantified in crude samples using 'immunoblotting' methods coupled with peroxidase visualization. A study on the effects of a family of polybrominated biphenyl congeners led to the conclusion that the levels of all of the rat P-450s considered above are under some degree of independent regulation. In monolayer culture, different P-450s show different stabilities and levels of several are selectively regulated by various media components. Studies with the eight isolated rat P-450s indicate that the iron spin state, oxidation-reduction potential (Fe3+/Fe2+ couple), and catalytic activity towards substrates are not related to each other. The major function of phospholipid in reconstituted P-450/NADPH-P-450 reductase systems is the facilitation of formation of a complex of the two proteins. Studies on the regioselective hydroxylation of warfarin have been used to develop an order of binding affinity of the different P-450s for NADPH-P-450 reductase.
A complication of an epidural blood patch

Epidural blood patch (EBP) is generally accepted as an effective and relatively low risk therapeutic option for post dural puncture headache, as well spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients not responding to conservative management [1]. Subdural hematoma (SDH) after EBP is a very rare complication. As in the case described by Verduzco et al., our patients also demonstrated an eight segment spread of the hematoma [2]. There are generally three predominant theories for development of SDH after EBP [3,4]. One is that the initial dural puncture with the Tuohy needle created a means of communication between the epidural and subdural spaces. The other is that the Tuohy needle
Systematic Functional Characterization of Resistance to PI3K Inhibition in Breast Cancer.

PIK3CA (which encodes the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) alpha isoform) is the most frequently mutated oncogene in breast cancer. Small-molecule PI3K inhibitors have shown promise in clinical trials; however, intrinsic and acquired resistance limits their utility. We used a systematic gain-of-function approach to identify genes whose upregulation confers resistance to the PI3K inhibitor BYL719 in breast cancer cells. Among the validated resistance genes, PIM kinases conferred resistance by maintaining downstream PI3K effector activation in an AKT-independent manner. Concurrent pharmacological inhibition of PIM and PI3K overcame this resistance mechanism. We also observed upregulated PIM expression and activity in a subset of breast cancer biopsies with clinical resistance to PI3K inhibitors. PIM1 overexpression is mutually exclusive with PIK3CA mutation in treatment-naive breast cancers, suggesting downstream functional redundancy. Together, these results offer new insights into resistance to PI3K inhibitors and support clinical studies of combined PIM/PI3K inhibition in a subset of PIK3CA-mutant cancers.
Quality of Stroke Prevention Care in Atrial Fibrillation Many Moving Targets

In atrial fibrillation (AF), the loss of coordinated electromechanical atrial activity predisposes to impaired atrial emptying, stasis of blood, and a prothrombotic state.1 These factors cause blood clots to form in the heart and embolize systemically to cause stroke or other organ failure.2,3 AF is responsible for 15% of 700 000 strokes in the United States each year, with an estimated annual direct and indirect cost of $57.9 billion in the United States alone.4 Article see p 14 To prevent stroke or systemic embolism in AF, patients and clinicians have long had only 2 choices: (1) warfarin anticoagulation or (2) aspirin or other antiplatelet regimens. Because of warfarin's narrow therapeutic window and substantial risk of hemorrhage with overanticoagulation or in vulnerable patients, a large clinical challenge has been the identification of patients in whom the benefits of anticoagulation outweigh the risks. To simplify and standardize clinical decision-making, risk prediction rules such as CHADS2 were developed to create a stroke risk score for AF (1 point each for heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75, diabetes; 2 points for prior stroke or transient ischemic attack).5 Subsequently, society care guidelines established recommendations for warfarin anticoagulation based on these scores, generally advocating warfarin with 2 or more risk factors, and recommending aspirin with zero or 1 risk factor.6,7 More elaborate risk prediction schemes that improve discrimination for stroke prediction,8 estimate risk of hemorrhage,9 and assess “net clinical benefit”10 have been developed and endorsed. However, their complexity may limit use in clinical practice. Warfarin prescription remains underused even in moderate- to high-risk patients, which may indicate barriers to acceptance and diffusion of practice guidelines. Most notably, warfarin decision-making has been based strictly on patient-level factors, despite the fact that therapy itself requires ongoing care, …
Anesthesia for Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension results from repeated or unresolved emboli in the pulmonary circulation, and occurs in 3–4% of patients suffering acute pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is an endarterectomy of the entire pulmonary vascular tree, and is the preferred treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary ­hypertension. The most common presenting symptom of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is exertional dyspnea. The diagnosis is confirmed with echocardiography, right-sided cardiac catheterization, and pulmonary angiogram. Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, when left untreated, develop a small-vessel vasculopathy that mimics idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Monitoring includes femoral and radial arterial ­pressures, processed EEG, pulmonary artery pressures, and transesophageal echocardiography. Anesthetic induction and maintenance are tailored to hemodynamic stability, right ventricular coronary perfusion pressure, and right ventricular support. Factors that lead to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, such as light anesthesia, acidosis, and hypoxemia, should be avoided. Pulmonary vasodilators such as nitric oxide and milrinone are generally ineffective in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, but should be available for management of patients with small-vessel vasculopathy.
Revisiting propafenone toxicity

Propafenone is a Vaughan Williams class 1c antiarrhythmic medication widely used for treatment of arrhythmias. Although the long-term safety of propafenone use has not been established, it is commonly used for treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with no structural heart disease. Propafenone is well known as pill-in-the-pocket treatment for its effect in terminating paroxysmal episodes of atrial fibrillation. Herein, we discuss an unusual adverse reaction to propafenone in a patient who presented with symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension. The aim of this article is to increase physician awareness for propafenone toxicity and its management, with a focused literature review on propafenone pharmacotherapy.