cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4866: CLEFMA induces apoptosis and downregulates inflammatory markers in lung cancer model.

Background: Inflammation is a precursor for many cancers. NF-kB plays an important role in inflammation, is associated with cancerous growth and has been identified as a potential target for development of anticancer therapies. Lung cancer is a classic example of inflammation-induced carcinogenesis where it prevents apoptosis and stimulates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. CLEFMA or 4-[3,5-bis(2-chlorobenzylidene-4-oxo-piperidine-1-yl)-4-oxo-2-butenoic acid] is a new molecule that potently inhibits proliferation of various cancer cells without affecting normal cells. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative activity of CLEFMA in a mouse xenograft model of human lung cancer. Methods: Cell viability was determined in human lung cancer cells H441 and A549 after treatment with CLEFMA. Immunobloting studies were performed in cell lysates and tissue homogenates for anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic markers. These were further confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. The ability of CLEFMA in reducing the metabolic turnover in tumor tissue was examined by positron emission tomography using F-18-FDG as a biomarker of glucose metabolism. Results: We found that CLEFMA-induced suppression of lung adenocarcinoma H441 and A549 cell proliferation was associated with cleavage of caspases 3/9 and PARP, suggesting apoptotic cell death. In vivo, CLEFMA demonstrated a dose-dependent suppression of tumor growth associated with reduction of tumor proliferation marker Ki-67. Non-invasive PET imaging with F-18-flurodeoxyglucose also showed abrogation of glucose uptake in tumor tissue. In the tumor tissue homogenates, we found inhibition of anti-apoptotic markers cIAP1, Bcl-XL, BCL2 and survivin, and upregulation of pro-apoptotic BID cleavage, BAX and PARP. Further, CLEFMA inhibited NF-kB at mRNA level and reduced phospho-p65 translocation into the nucleus. It also reduced the expression of COX-2 in tumor tissue, and significantly reduced serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Conclusions: The findings suggest that CLEFMA inhibits growth of lung cancer xenografts by activating caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, and the tumor suppression is associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic effects, perhaps mediated by NF-kB. Citation Format: Vivek R. Yadav, Kaustuv Sahoo, Vibhudutta Awasthi. CLEFMA induces apoptosis and downregulates inflammatory markers in lung cancer model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4866. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4866
Thiopurine methyltransferase activity combined with 6-thioguanine metabolite levels predicts clinical response to thiopurines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract Background/aims 6-Mercaptopurine and its prodrug azathioprine are effective for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Thiopurine methyltransferase is important for the metabolism of thiopurines. However, there is controversy as to the clinical utility of measuring thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity and 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels. Our aim was to determine if thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity and 6-thioguanine nucleotide level monitoring would predict response to therapy with thiopurines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods Baseline thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity prior to initiation of therapy with either 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine was determined in 39 patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The association between clinical response and thiopurine methyltransferase activity and 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels singly or in combination were analysed. Results Seventeen of 39 patients (44%) responded to 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine therapy. Thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity below the mean of 30.5 U was significantly associated with clinical response. The thiopurine methyltransferase low phenotype was associated with response in 65% vs. 29% in individuals with thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity above 30.5 U (p = 0.05). There was no correlation between thiopurine methyltransferase activity and 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels. The maximal 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels did not predict clinical response. When combining thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity and 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels, the combination of thiopurine methyltransferase low/6-thioguanine nucleotide high was associated with response in 7/7 (100%) vs. only 2/8 (25%) with the combination of thiopurine methyltransferase high/6-thioguanine nucleotide low (p = 0.01). Conclusions Thiopurine methyltransferase activity inversely correlated with clinical response to thiopurine treatment in inflammatory bowel disease. Thiopurine methyltransferase enzyme activity below 30.5 U combined with a post-treatment 6-thioguanine nucleotide level >230 pmol/8 × 108 erythrocytes was the best predictor of response.
Nanoscale networking of LiFePO4 nanorods synthesized by a microwave-solvothermal route with carbon nanotubes for lithium ion batteries

LiFePO4nanorods with a controlled size have been synthesized by a rapid microwave-solvothermal method within 5 minutes at temperatures as low as 300 °C without requiring any post annealing in reducing gas atmospheres. Subsequently, the LiFePO4nanorods have been networked with electronically conducting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at ambient -temperature to overcome the poor electronic conductivity limitation of LiFePO4. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microcopy, and electrochemical measurements in lithium cells. The aspect ratio of the LiFePO4nanorods has been varied by changing the reactant concentrations and reaction conditions. The LiFePO4-MWCNT nanocomposite offers enhanced discharge capacity (161 mAh/g) with excellent capacity retention and power capability compared to the pristine LiFePO4nanorods (146 mAh/g) due to the electronically conductive nanoscale networking provided by the carbon nanotubes. The synthesis and processing approach presented here offer a simple, cost effective method to obtain high performance LiFePO4.
The Effects of Simulated Clinical Experiences on Anxiety: Nursing Students' Perspectives

Abstract Background Beginning baccalaureate nursing students (BSNs) are known to be apprehensive the first time they are required to provide patient care within a hospital setting. This study assesses the effect of simulation as an initial clinical experience on nursing students' anxiety levels. Method Junior-level BSN students enrolled in the fundamentals and health assessment courses at a southeastern university were assigned randomly to two groups: preclinical simulation experience (intervention) and no simulation experience prior to human patient contact. Anxiety levels were compared between the groups. The intervention was a mock hospital unit simulation in the learning resource center, which allowed each student to care for a simulated patient for 4 hours. A patient problem was incorporated into each scenario. The outcome measure was the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results The experimental group's anxiety scores were significantly lower (p = .01) than the control group's scores (11.0 ± 2.8 vs. 13 ± 3.4). Conclusion These findings demonstrate the value of a simulation experience to reduce anxiety levels among junior-level nursing students.
The Feasibility of a Search Engine for Metropolitan Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks

Applications based on vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) rely on information exchanged within the network. There are two different methods of exchanging information among vehicles, i.e. distributing it proactively or requesting it on-demand. Proactive distribution of information is suitable for distributing small amounts of data, comprising information of common interest for a large number of vehicles. In contrast, proactive distribution of data is not advisable if information contained therein is relevant only to a small number of vehicles or if it would require large amounts of data. A more efficient alternative in this case is on-demand information distribution, which allows information of interest to be located, requested and sent on-demand. On-demand information retrieval in sparse metropolitan-wide VANETs is challenging, as vehicles stay in the metropolitan area only for a short period of time and message exchange is impacted by communication delays. In this paper, we introduce three different concepts of a search engine for metropolitan VANETs and explain how these concepts could make it possible to allow on-demand information exchange. We compare the concepts for their applicability by evaluating their performance with respect to latency and network load.
Phase transformations in xenotime rare-earth orthophosphates

Abstract Xenotime rare-earth orthophosphates were made with compositions close to the xenotime–monazite phase boundary. Stress-driven phase transformations and their associated deformation mechanisms were characterized for these compositions by extensive conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Three phase transformations were identified beneath indentations in polycrystalline TbPO 4 , in deformation bands in (Gd 0.4 Dy 0.6 )PO 4 fiber coatings after fiber push-out, and in polycrystalline (Gd 0.3 Tb 0.7 )PO 4 : xenotime → monazite, xenotime → anhydrite, and anhydrite → monazite. A structure with many alternating monolayers of {0 1 0} xenotime and (0 1 0) anhydrite was common, along with structures with larger and variable lamellar thickness. The xenotime → anhydrite transformation occurs by b = ½〈1 0 0〉{0 1 0} slip of xenotime. However, the occasional presence of other habit planes suggests there are other transformation mechanisms. Atom shuffles were calculated for all observed transformations. Shuffles required for the anhydrite → monazite transformation are smaller than those for xenotime → monazite. This suggests that the preferred pathway for the xenotime → monazite transformation may have an anhydrite intermediate. Anhydrite also transformed to monazite in areas where high compatibility stress during (1 2 0) and (1 0 2) anhydrite deformation twinning was inferred. Monazite–anhydrite interphase boundaries and (1 2 0) anhydrite twin boundaries were mobile at room temperature under electron beam illumination. Xenotime rare-earth orthophosphates with compositions close to the monazite stability field are suggested also to be close to the monazite–xenotime–anhydrite phase-stability triple point. Transformation and deformation mechanisms are discussed.
Work in progress — International conference participation for undergraduate scholars through the University of Texas System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

Since 1992 the National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a state-wide Alliance with the University of Texas (UT) System under the auspices of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP). Currently in its fourth phase, the UT LSAMP maintains its vision of producing high-quality STEM researchers from underrepresented backgrounds through the proven method of intensive undergraduate research and an international travel component. This component was implemented based on our belief that all STEM graduates should be competitive in a global economy. To date, nineteen students have participated in these international activities. The expectation is that each student involved will understand that effective STEM research is truly an international collaboration. All STEM students should think “globally” whether preparing to enter academia or industry. This paper discusses our experiences with international travel coordination, strategies for conference and student selection, faculty observations, and student perceptions before and after the international experience.
P‐46: New Display Driving Method for Reducing Motion‐Blur Using Compact Arithmetic Circuits

We have developed a new display driving method called Dual Picture Controlled Frame-Rate Doubling (DPC-FRD) and installed it in a prototype 52″ LCD TV. We have verified that DPC-FRD enables the prototype TV to display moving pictures with less motion blur, without reduction of brightness and without large area flicker.
HINTS outperforms ABCD2 to screen for stroke in acute continuous vertigo and dizziness

Objectives Dizziness and vertigo account for about 4 million emergency department (ED) visits annually in the United States, and some 160,000 to 240,000 (4% to 6%) have cerebrovascular causes. Stroke diagnosis in ED patients with vertigo/dizziness is challenging because the majority have no obvious focal neurologic signs at initial presentation. The authors sought to compare the accuracy of two previously published approaches purported to be useful in bedside screening for possible stroke in dizziness: a clinical decision rule (head impulse, nystagmus type, test of skew [HINTS]) and a risk stratification rule (age, blood pressure, clinical features, duration of symptoms, diabetes [ABCD2]). Methods This was a cross-sectional study of high-risk patients (more than one stroke risk factor) with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS; acute, persistent vertigo or dizziness with nystagmus, plus nausea or vomiting, head motion intolerance, and new gait unsteadiness) at a single academic center. All underwent neurootologic examination, neuroimaging (97.4% by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and follow-up. ABCD2 risk scores (0–7 points), using the recommended cutoff of ≥4 for stroke, were compared to a three-component eye movement battery (HINTS). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR–) were assessed for stroke and other central causes, and the results were stratified by age. False-negative initial neuroimaging was also assessed. Results A total of 190 adult AVS patients were assessed (1999–2012). Median age was 60.5 years (range = 18 to 92 years; interquartile range [IQR] = 52.0 to 70.0 years); 60.5% were men. Final diagnoses were vestibular neuritis (34.7%), posterior fossa stroke (59.5% [105 infarctions, eight hemorrhages]), and other central causes (5.8%). Median ABCD2 was 4.0 (range = 2 to 7; IQR = 3.0 to 4.0). ABCD2 ≥ 4 for stroke had sensitivity of 61.1%, specificity of 62.3%, LR+ of 1.62, and LR– of 0.62; sensitivity was lower for those younger than 60 years old (28.9%). HINTS stroke sensitivity was 96.5%, specificity was 84.4%, LR+ was 6.19, and LR– was 0.04 and did not vary by age. For any central lesion, sensitivity was 96.8%, specificity was 98.5%, LR+ was 63.9, and LR– was 0.03 for HINTS, and sensitivity was 99.2%, specificity was 97.0%, LR+ was 32.7, and LR– was 0.01 for HINTS “plus” (any new hearing loss added to HINTS). Initial MRIs were falsely negative in 15 of 105 (14.3%) infarctions; all but one was obtained before 48 hours after onset, and all were confirmed by delayed MRI. Conclusions HINTS substantially outperforms ABCD2 for stroke diagnosis in ED patients with AVS. It also outperforms MRI obtained within the first 2 days after symptom onset. While HINTS testing has traditionally been performed by specialists, methods for empowering emergency physicians (EPs) to leverage this approach for stroke screening in dizziness should be investigated.
Revelations from the Back Yard: Charles Wright and Wittgenstein

“Revelations from the Back Yard: Charles Wright and Wittgenstein” investigates what constitutes an ethical pronouncement and/or sentiment, of what, essentially, characterizes ethical discourse. Wittgenstein's controversial assertion that we cannot speak of ethics without engaging in some form of nonsense makes sense as soon as it becomes apparent that his understanding of the role of nonsense in language is far from solely pejorative. His refusal to admit that ethics can be labeled a “science” leaves us with the question of how we might then go about formulating and/or investigating ethics. Poetry, in particular a poetry like that of Charles Wright, offers a more honest avenue, an avenue which, far from trying to overcome the limits of language in regard to ethics, instead engages just those limits, recognizing in them not an obstacle to ethical formulation but an essential characteristic of it.
Paraprofessional selection--myth or safeguard?

An attempt was made to compare subjective and psychometric procedures in assessing the viability of paraprofessional selection. Although volunteers in this study were selected by a group interview on the basis of several helping characteristics, psychometric assessment of these same characteristics failed to distinguish selected from rejected volunteers. The results were discussed in terms of the relative importance of self-selection as compared to extensive paraprofessional assessment procedures.
Collaborative modeling and visualization: an EPA HPCC initiative

The transfer of high-performance computing and visualization technologies to state environmental protection agencies is an integral part of the US Environmental Protection Agency's High-Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Program. One aspect of this process involves collaborative modeling for air quality efforts associated with the 1990 Clean Air Act. Another is the use of visualization as a diagnostic tool to depict modeling scenarios for various pollution control strategies. A fundamental step in this process involves using the existing Internet and the Nationwide Information Infrastructure (NII) for sharing data and electronic communication. Another step includes the development of visualization tools and user-friendly interfaces for collaborative exploration of environmental data sets. >
Crystal structure of EuCuGa and related compounds

Abstract The crystal structure of the equiatomic compounds EuPdGa and EuPt Ga is TiNiSi type, oP12, and the crystal structure of EuAgGa and EuAuGa is CeCu2 type, OI12. EuCuGa probably has CeCu2-type structure. The Eu atom is divalent in the five compounds, as shown by comparison of the unit cell volume with that of other lanthanide ternary compounds.
An improved π-12C optical potential at 50 MeV☆

Abstract The order-of-magnitude discrepancy between experiment and a Kisslinger potential calculation of π- 12 C elastic scattering at 50 MeV disappears if kinematical corrections and higher order effects (Pauli- and short-range correlations, absorption) are taken into account.
Neuroanatomical structures and segregated circuits

Segregated neural circuits that effect particular domain-specific behaviors can be differentiated from neuroanatomical structures implicated in many different aspects of behavior. The basal ganglionic components of circuits regulating nonlinguistic motor behavior, speech, and syntax all function in a similar manner. Hence, it is unlikely that special properties and evolutionary mechanisms are associated with the neural bases of human language.
Integral method for nonlinear transient heat transfer in a semi-infinite solid.

week Mars stay time mission can be obtained which requires 1 km/sec less than the comparable B2-C3 mission for an increase in total mission time of less than two months. Another interesting comparison is in the 1986 Earth launch date year. There, either the B3-D4 or the A3-C4 trajectories would allow a round trip with a V^ savings of 0.5 km/sec. This method thus allows round trip missions in launch years which are unfavorable for standard trajectories. In summary, looping trajectories offer an attractive alternative to standard trajectories for round trip Mars missions. A slight increase in total mission time can be traded for a significant reduction in Mars stay time with the possible added benefit of a decrease in energy requirements. The same type of trade-off should be available for any planetary round trip mission.
Interactions between abused infants and strangers

Abstract Twelve infants abused by their mothers were observed in interaction with mothers and with strangers, as were 12 matched control subjects. Standardized coding of interaction examined infant affect, focus, and object play, and stranger affect, responsiveness, and stimulation. Prior work had investigated comparable maternal behavior for this sample. Abused infants were less focused, played with objects less often and less competently, and were less positive with mother and stranger. Strangers were more initiating and less verbal with abused infants: a pattern interpreted as more adaptive than that exhibited by mothers. Examination of infant and stranger behavior helps isolate the relative contributions of abused infant and abusing mother to disordered interaction.
Why Polyandry Fails: Sources of Instability in Polyandrous Marriages

Polyandry has long been viewed as an anomalous form of marriage that raises fundamental questions about variability in human kinship systems. This paper integrates and evaluates a set of hypotheses derived from sociocultural anthropological and evolutionary biological theories of polyandry against data collected on the Nyinba, a well‐studied ethnically Tibetan population living in northwestern Nepal. In this population, polyandry is fraternal; it is the normative form of marriage and highly valued culturally. Nonetheless, certain polyandrous marriages fail–‐men occasionally leave their natal households and abandon their joint marriages. In exploring the reasons for these marital breakdowns and the characteristics of men who instigate them, this paper offers a new perspective on the presumed contradictions of polyandry and a more fruitful approach to understanding how polyandrous practice comes to be perpetuated from one generation to the next. It also contributes to discussions about how sociocultural and...
Effects of autocorrelation on control chart performance

In this article, we study the capability of the standard control chart for individual observations with fixed control limits to identify special causes reflected as isolated extreme points in the presence of autocorrelation. We consider both the application of standard Shewhart limits and moving-range limits and derive the risks of false positive and false negative when the control chart observations follow a general ARMA(p,q) process.
A priori derivation of the lattice Boltzmann equation

The lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) is directly derived from the Boltzmann equation by discretization in both time and phase space. A procedure to systematically derive discrete velocity models is presented. A LBE algorithm with arbitrary mesh grids is proposed and a numerical simulation of the backward-facing step is conducted. The numerical result agrees well with experimental and previous numerical results. Various improvements on the LBE models are discussed, and an explanation of the instability of the existing LBE thermal models is also provided.
Safety and efficacy of steroid withdrawal two days after kidney transplantation: analysis of results at three years.

Background. Chronic steroid therapy in spite of myriad side effects is widely used in kidney transplantation. This prospective controlled study evaluated safety and efficacy of steroid withdrawal at 2 days in kidney recipients monitored by surveillance biopsy. Methods. In all, 300 kidney recipients were studied; 150 in second-day steroid withdrawal group and 150 in steroid treated group (control group). Immunosuppression was basiliximab induction and maintenance was a calcineurin inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus. Biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) was treated by methylpredisolone. Surveillance biopsies were completed to evaluate subclinical acute rejection (SCAR) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). Primary end point was acute rejection. Three-year patient and graft survival, new onset diabetes mellitus (NODM), serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were evaluated. Results. Acute rejection was diagnosed in 14% in control group and 16% in steroid withdrawal group. Three-year patient and graft survival was 89% and 79% in control and 91% and 78% in steroid withdrawal group. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance was 1.9 ± 0.8 and 59 ± 11 in control group and 1.8 ± 0.9 mg/dl and 61 ± 10 mls/minute in steroid withdrawal group. Incidence of SCAR and progression of CAN were comparable in the 2 groups. At 3-years NODM was diagnosed in 21% in control group and 4% in steroid withdrawal group (P<0.01). Conclusions. Two-day steroid withdrawal in kidney transplant recipients did not affect BPAR, SCAR, CAN, graft function and patient and graft survival compared to control group up to 3 years. NODM was significantly less in steroid withdrawal group. Two-day steroid withdrawal is safe and beneficial in kidney transplant recipients.
The effect of tetradecanoylphorbol acetate on calcium-ion mobilization, protein phosphorylation and cytoskeletal assembly induced by thrombin or arachidonate.

Abstract Tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) activates primarily only the protein kinase C pathway not the calcium ion-dependent pathway in platelets. The net effect of this split activation is that only the pseudopodal cytoskeleton assembles, not the contractile cytoskeleton needed for rapid secretion. In this study, platelets were first activated with TPA, then activated secondarily with either thrombin or arachidonate and the subsequent dense body secretion, calcium-ion mobilization, protein phosphorylation and cytoskeletal assembly compared to these same processes in control platelets activated solely with either thrombin or arachidonate. Secretion was reduced as the length of time between the primary and secondary activation was increased; but at a 2–3 min interval, where the activation by TPA was essentially complete, the reduction in the total radiolabeled serotonin secreted was small. Furthermore, nearly normal cytosolic calcium-ion increases, phosphorylation of myosin light chain and contractile cytoskeletal development were induced by thrombin or arachidonate after this interval. Prior treatment of the platelets with 100 μM acetylsalicylate to block the cyclooxygenase-dependent pathway caused minor reduction in dense-body secretion induced by TPA or thrombin or the combination of both, but otherwise the relative results were comparable to the untreated platelets. Therefore, short-term prior activation of gel-filtered platelets with TPA, even at concentrations in excess of 100-times that required to saturate protein kinase C, does not prevent normal activation of the calcium ion dependent processes through either the cyclooxygenase-dependent or -independent pathway. Longer-term preincubations with TPA differentially inhibit the secretion response induced by thrombin and arachidonate.
Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome in infants of diabetic mothers

Three children with the femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome are described. Two had thecharacteristic facial pattern of upslanted palpebral fissures, long philtrum with thin upper lip, micrognathia, and hypoplastic alae nasi. The other, an infant girl who died within 24 hours after birth, had a cleft lip, which distorted some of the other features. She also had a cleft palate, as did one of the two older boys. All three children had ear defects, upper limb involvement, and rib, vertebral, lower extremity, and genitourinary tract abnormalities. The infant girl died of lung hypoplasia associated with dysplastic kidneys and widely patent ductus arteriosus. All three were infants of diabetic mothers, one mother having developed overt diabetes in the first trimester of pregnancy. A literature review of 36 reported cases of FH/UFS revealed 12 individuals who were IDMs, establishing a strong relationship of the syndrome with maternal diabetes. A multifactorial inheritance model fits with the reported patients, with the relationship to diabetes, and with the similarity of FH/UFS to caudal regression, another condition related to maternal diabetes.
Optimal Operative Strategies in Repair of Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

In an effort to identify preoperative and perioperative factors impacting outcome in repair of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JRAAA), hospital records and CT scans (for calcification, intraluminal thrombus, and aortic diameter) of all patients undergoing JRAAA repair over the past 10 years were reviewed. The 87 men and 25 women had a mean age of 72, and a mean maximal aortic diameter of 6.2 cm. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) and iliac disease were present in 13 (11%) and 40 patients (35%), respectively. Comorbidities included coronary artery disease (n = 49, 44%), COPD (n = 28, 25%), diabetes mellitus (n = 10, 9%), and preoperative renal insufficiency (PRI; Cr >1.4 mg/dL; n = 14, 12%). A midline incision was used in most of the patients (n = 98, 88%). The proximal aortic clamp was placed in the supraceliac (SC) position in 92 (82%) patients, and directly above one or both renal arteries in 20 (18%) patients. The overall mortality was 6% (n = 7). Cardiac complications occurred in 26 patients (23%); pulmonary, in 22 (20%); renal, in 14 (12%); and gastrointestinal, in 10 (9%). No patient experienced mesenteric ischemia. Mean elevation in creatinine was greater in patients with PRI (1.8 mg/dL vs. 0.13 mg/dL, p = 0.04). Mean blood loss (EBL) was 2701 +/- 189 cc, and mean LOS was 16.1 +/- 1.7 days. Age >70 was associated with increased length of stay (LOS) (12.1 days vs. 18.6 days, p = 0.05) and higher mortality (0 vs. 10%, p = 0.02); otherwise there were no significant relationships between pre- and perioperative parameters and any of the measured outcomes including death, postoperative RI, and LOS. Preferential SC clamping may substantially reduce complications of JRAAA repair (such as mesenteric and renal ischemia) related to proximal cuff disease, but cannot overcome the deleterious affects of advanced age and PRI.
Parametric modeling and control of telescope wind-induced vibration

A parametric model of the dynamic performance of an optical telescope due to wind-buffeting is presented. The model is being developed to support the design of next generation segmented-mirror optical telescopes through enabling rapid design iterations and allowing a more thorough exploration of the design space. A realistic performance assessment requires parametric descriptions of the wind, the structural dynamics, active control of the structure, and the optical response. The current model and its assumptions are presented, with the primary emphasis being on the parameterization of the wind forces. Understanding the temporal spectrum and spatial distribution of wind disturbances inside the telescope enclosure is one of the most challenging aspects in developing the overall parametric model. This involves integrating information from wind tunnel tests, computational fluid dynamics, and measurements at existing observatories. The potential and limitations of control to mitigate the response are also discussed, with realistic constraints on the control bandwidth obtained from the detailed structural model of a particular point design. Finally, initial results are presented on performance trends with a few key parameter variations.
Automated delineation of coastline from polarimetric SAR imagery

In this paper we present a new diffusion-based method for the delineation of coastlines from space-borne polarimetric SAR imagery of coastal urban areas. Both polarimetric filtering and speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion (SRAD) are exploited to generate a base image where speckle is reduced and edges are enhanced. The primary edge information is then derived from the base image using the instantaneous coefficient of variation edge detector. Next, the resulting edge image is parsed by a watershed transform, which partitions the image into disjoint segments where the division lines between segments are collocated with detected edges. The over-segmentation problem associated with the watershed transform is solved by a region merging technique that combines neighbouring segments with similar radar brightness. As a result, undesired boundary segments are eliminated and true coastlines are correctly delineated. The proposed algorithm has been applied to a space-borne polarimetric SAR dataset, demonstrating ...
Beyond Rationality: The Role of Anger and Information in Deliberation

The effects of anger and information were experimentally tested in a small group deliberation setting. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions varying in the level of induced anger and amount of information they received. After reading about a controversial local issue, they engaged in a group discussion about the topic. Content analysis revealed each individual’s level of participation. More informed participants expressed more opinions during deliberation than less informed participants. Participants made to feel angry were also more active than those in the control condition, but to a lesser degree than the more informed participants. Structural equation modeling suggested that the effect of anger on postdeliberation argument repertoire and knowledge was more direct, whereas the effect of information was mediated by active participation during deliberation.
Is instrumental variability abnormally high in children exhibiting ADHD and aggressive behavior

To test whether instrumental behavior of some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more variable than control subjects, the sequences of responses by three groups of children were compared: (i) those diagnosed with ADHD who lived in a residential treatment facility for children demonstrating aggressive behavior; (ii) age-matched children from the same facility who did not have an ADHD diagnosis but who had also demonstrated abnormal levels of aggression; and (iii) normal children from a local school. The experiment consisted of rewarding children for responding in a computer 'game' on two keys of a keyboard during each of three phases. In phase 1, rewards were provided independently of sequence variability (IND). In phase 2, rewards depended upon highly variable sequences of left and right responses. Phase 3 was a return to the IND contingencies. The results showed that sequence variability was higher in the sequence variability (VARY) phase than in the preceding IND phase, but remained high when the contingencies returned to IND, thus replicating previous findings. In none of the phases did the ADHD children respond more variably than the controls. However, ADHD subjects made more off-task responses than did controls. Thus, although the present research showed differences between ADHD and control subjects, there was no evidence to support higher behavioral variability in the ADHD subjects.
Orientation and rate of locomotion of individual amebas in the life cycle of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium mucoroides.

Abstract 1. 1. Rate of locomotion of individual amebas of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium mucoroides were measured throughout the life cycle and considerable variation was found from one stage to the next. However, when individual amebas were isolated from various stages of the life cycle their mean rates of locomotion fell into one of two categories; prefeeding amebas were consistently slow, whereas amebas from all other stages showed a similar high rate of locomotion. 2. 2. There was no significant difference between the mean rates of locomotion of individual amebas isolated from different positions along the main axis of migrating pseudoplasmodia. 3. 3. Rate of locomotion appeared to be directly related to the frequency of pseudopod formation. 4. 4. Rate of locomotion was found to be independent of the size of the ameba. 5. 5. Of all the physical factors in the environment normally encountered in laboratory procedures, wetness of the substrate was found to be the most significant for it greatly increased the rate of locomotion of the amebas. The increase in speed was effected by producing more elongated pseudopods rather than by altering the frequency of pseudopod formation. 6. 6. Examination of the role of the chemical constitution of the medium revealed that peptone and amino acids maintained, whereas dextrose inhibited, the rate of locomotion of isolated amebas over a period of time. 7. 7. Isolated amebas showed clear-cut orientation toward E. coli although the presence of the bacteria did not affect their mean rate of locomotion. 8. 8. Isolated amebas wander away from one another; they exhibit a definite negative chemotaxis. 9. 9. The presence of large quantities of postfeeding (but not yet aggregating) amebas does not affect the rate of movement of isolated amebas of the same stage. However, this is not true of recently germinated amebas, whose rate is increased by the presence of other amebas. 10. 10. The mean rate of locomotion of isolated amebas from nonaggregating phases of the life cycle were not influenced by acrasin when actively secreting centers of aggregation were placed in their midst. 11. 11. In preaggregation and aggregation phases there was a correlation between orientation and the reduction of the rate of movement. These coupled phenomena, in the case of the preaggregation stages of D. purpureum , occurred as a wave originating and moving away from a normal-appearing cell before there is any sign of local crowding. In D. mucoroides , this slowing also preceded the period of conspicuous contact. 12. 12. These results show that over and above the well-known orientation mechanism of acrasin there are a number of other important systems of communication between these social amebas. These systems involve relations between amebas that affect rate of locomotion and orientation as well as relations between the amebas and their environment.
Performance Analysis of Random Access Channel with Retransmission Gain

This paper analyzes the maximum steady throughput, optimum media access control (MAC) and stability region of a random access channel over channels with retransmission gain. The channels are defined by the packet detection probability determined by the number of packet transmissions and the number of packet collisions. For a two-user channel, the stability region and the maximum steady throughput are obtained in closed form. The conditions that the maximum throughput is reached with no MAC control are obtained for symmetrical and asymmetrical channels, respectively. The well-known results of the orthogonal and the ALOHA channels are shown to be special instances of our results. The throughputs of multiuser symmetric channels and the general multiuser asymmetric channel are further obtained. A practical random access CDMA channel exploiting retransmission diversity is analyzed based on the model. Numerical result confirms with the analytical results. As a general conclusion, retransmission gain can improve significantly channel performance.
Sinusitis and Glomerulonephritis in a Middle-Aged Man

T HE following case is an example of a patient with a systemic illness and glomerulonephritis. Because his symptoms were very suggestive of a certain disease process, errors were made in inital diagnosis and management. The case illustrates that glomerulonephritis can be associated with a wide variety of systemic processes and that tissue diagnosis is often essential in determining the correct diagnosis.
Group size and cognitive processes

Abstract Animal group sizes may exert important effects on various cognitive mechanisms. Group size is believed to exert pressures on fundamental brain structures that correlate with the increased social demands placed on animals living in relatively large, complex and dynamic social organizations. There is strong experimental evidence connecting social complexity, social learning and development of other cognitive abilities in a broad range of wild and domesticated animal species. In particular, group size seems to have significant effects on animals’ abilities to derive concrete and abstract relationships. Here, we review the literature pertaining to cognitive processes and behaviours of various animal species relative to group size, with emphasis on social learning. It is suggested that understanding the relationship between group size and cognition in animals may yield practical animal management benefits, such as housing and conservation strategies, and may also have implications for improved animal welfare.
Acute Phototoxicity of Harbor and Tributary Sediments from Lower Lake Michigan

Abstract The phototoxicity of PAHs, together with their accumulation in sediments, suggest that dredging and other disturbances may pose a presently unrecognized environmental hazard. To test this, sediments contaminated with PAHs were collected from sites in the Grand Calumet River, the Indiana Harbor Canal, and Waukegan Harbor. The phototoxicity of liquid-phase elutriates was tested using Daphnia magna . Phototoxicity was found in Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor elutriates, both in sunlight and 354 nm near-uv. None of the elutriates was toxic in the absence of light. These results reveal an important and previously unsuspected hazard to shallow water environments near dredging sites, and describe simple methods to detect phototoxicity which will be of value in the establishment of sediment quality criteria.
The Unwarranted Attack on Social Safety Nets

Do we really have to cut social programs to save the budget? Of course not, answers this long-time observer.
Facing One Another in This Place: Using Moral Conversation to Talk About Controversial Topics in College Settings

In moral conversation, we attempt to create a safe space for conversing about very controversial issues. However, creating a safe, yet robust, conversational space throughout the campus, on topics as controversial as religious pluralism, can be difficult. In this article I give an example of one recent failure of mine to put May Sarton’s inspiring words of “presence” into practice, as well as present a series of recommendations for repairing the subsequent damage to moral conversation. This paper is based on a presentation given at the 2008 Institute on College Student Values in Tallahassee, Florida.
Environmental justice and enforcement of the safe drinking water act: the Arizona arsenic experience.

Abstract Environmental justice is concerned with the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. A wide variety of empirical studies have concluded that disparate-impact discrimination does in fact exist since minority and low-income communities are at disproportionate risk for environmental harm. In this paper we examine these issues in the context of enforcing the safe drinking water act (SDWA). Specifically, we focus on the association between race, income, and hazardous levels of arsenic concentration and analyze the broad equity implications of implementing the new arsenic regulation by examining the relationship between community-level exposure to arsenic and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the population in Arizona. The results provide no support for the contention that continued selective implementation and enforcement of the revised SDWA arsenic standard is likely to disadvantage minority or low-income groups disproportionately in Arizona.
Use of lean business tools to improve interventional radiology pre-procedure delays

Purpose To report the use of Lean process improvement tools in an interventional radiology environment to reduce pre-procedure delays and reduce time from registration to “in-room readiness”. Materials and Methods We designed and carried out an A3-driven rapid improvement event (RIE) in a shared interventional radiology (IR) and neurointerventional radiology (NIR) environment, tracking workflow from outpatient registration to preparedness in the recovery room. The A3 processes were customized to IR needs. HI-IQ, was used to evaluate patient tracking times at baseline, during RIE, and follow-up. Outcomes were measured at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 150 days. Contributing factors were identified in root cause analysis, step 2 in a traditional A3 Process, step 4 (Gap analysis) in the modified A3. Results The A3 Process and the RIE were successfully completed. A total of 1314 encounters were included by 150 days. Mean arrival time to ready time was 76 minutes at baseline, 49.5 minutes at the completion of the RIE at 15 days, 83 minutes at 30 days, 58 minutes at 60 days, 57 minutes at 90 days, and 59 minutes at 150 days. Completed charts on arrival, a contributing factor to delays identified in root cause analysis in the A3 Process, began at 74%, and at the completion of the RIE after changes in charting procedures was 79% at 15 days, 72% at 30 days, 86% at 60 days, 84% at 90 days, and 84% at 150 days. Conclusion This Lean A3-driven RIE process resulted in clear process improvements and efficiencies in IR patient processing. This methodology is readily customized to IR environments and can be used to address multiple clinical processes. Our experience has shown a sustainable benefit in pre-procedure efficiency. The RIE and A3 Process, and other Lean tools, can be repeated to continually improve processes.
Synthesis and properties of two new members of the rutile family RhO2 and PtO2

Abstract The synthesis of two new simple oxides, RhO 2 and PtO 2 , having a tetragonal rutile cell and an orthorhombically distorted rutile cell, respectively, is reported. Refined unit cell dimensions, electrical resistivity data, and thermal stability data are given. A linear plot of rutile unit cell volumes vs. effective ionic volume, (r 3 ), allows estimation of the radii of Rh 4+ and Pt 4+ .
GENETIC REGULATION OF SHOOT DEVELOPMENT IN ARABIDOPSIS : ROLE OF THE EMF GENES

To investigate the genetic mechanism regulating Arabidopsis shoot maturation and development, we characterized eight emf mutants that bypassed the vegetative phase of the life cycle. Genetic complementation studies identified two EMF loci; both mapped to chromosome five. Double mutant analysis showed that the early- and late-flowering mutants, co, fb, elf1, elf2, and elf3, could not rescue vegetative development in the emf mutants, confirming the need for both EMF gene activities for rosette development. A series of phenotypes involving successive loss of reproductive organs was also observed in emf single mutants, in emf1-1/emf1-2 transheterozygotes, and in emf1 emf2 double mutants, suggesting that the EMF genes not only specify the rosette (vegetative) but also are involved in inflorescence and flower (reproductive) development. Phenotypic analysis of double mutants between emf and tfl1, lfy, and ag indicated interactions between EMF and genes regulating inflorescence meristem development and floral organ identity. A model depicting the role of the EMF genes in regulating shoot maturation and their interaction with genes that affect phase transitions is presented.
More Detail on the Pattern of Returns to Educational Signals

This paper develops a multiperiod model in which workers are matched with jobs according to imperfect educational signals, and their subsequent productivities depend on both their inherent ability and on the quality of the job match. The model outlines a sequential process in which underpaid employees reveal their true productivities and overpaid employees are detected by the firm until every match is perfect. The model produces increasing returns to above median educational signals early in a worker's career?a new feature that earlier models did not capture. Estimates using data from the Current Population Survey are consistent with the theoretical result and are suggestive of a concave time pattern for the returns to educational signals.