cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of dorsal rim loss on the initial stability of the BioMedtrix cementless acetabular cup

Background Loss of dorsal acetabular rim (DAR) is a common sequela to canine hip dysplasia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of DAR loss on the initial stability of the cementless (BFX) acetabular cup. BFX cups were implanted into foam blocks reamed to resemble acetabulae with simulated 0, 25, 50, and 75% DAR loss. Models were tested in edge loading of the lateral surface of the cup with an indenter, and in centered loading with an articulated femoral prosthesis. Additionally, cups were implanted into paired cadaveric canine hemipelves with either no DAR depletion, or removal of 50% of the DAR, and acutely loaded to failure with an articulated femoral prosthesis.
The effects of size-dependent predation risk on the interaction between behavioral and life history traits in a stream-dwelling isopod

In field surveys, laboratory observations and field-based assays of behavior, I examined the effects of size-dependent predation risk on the interaction between size at reproductive maturity and maternal care behavior in the stream-dwelling isopod, Lirceus fontinalis. L. fontinalis exhibit population-specific sizes at reproductive maturity which result in population differences in predation risk during the adult phase. Females from streams containing salamander larvae (that prefer small prey) mature at large sizes and then become relatively safe from predation. Females from streams containing fish (that consume all size classes of prey equally) mature at small sizes and remain at risk. I tested whether these differences in expected survival were reflected in the behavior of females during the maternal phase (i.e., the period during which females exhibit maternal care). Female L. fontinalis carry developing juveniles inside a brood pouch. I simulated predatory attacks on gravid female L. fontinalis from the different population types and found that female behavior correlated with population differences in risk. When “attacked”, females from streams with predatory fish (that experience high risk to adult females) released juveniles from the brood pouch, whereas females from populations with predatory salamander larvae (that pose relatively little risk to adult females) did not release juveniles. I discuss the results with reference to the joint evolution of behavioral and life history traits.
Decremental left ventricular deformation after pulmonary artery band training and subsequent repair in ventriculoarterial discordance.

Background Patients with ventriculoarterial discordance, such as congenitally corrected and d-transposition of the great arteries, may undergo a morphologic left ventricular (LV) training strategy consisting of surgical pulmonary artery band (PAB) placement and subsequent anatomic repair to establish ventriculoarterial concordance. The purpose of this study was to characterize morphologic LV function and deformation longitudinally using speckle-tracking strain analysis in patients with ventriculoarterial discordance who underwent LV training. Methods Twenty-nine patients (12 with d-transposition of the great arteries and 17 with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries) who underwent LV training with PAB placement were evaluated retrospectively. LV ejection fraction and global and regional longitudinal strain and strain rate were measured before and 7 ± 5 days after PAB placement and subsequent anatomic repair. Results PAB placement caused reductions in the mean LV ejection fraction from 76.1 ± 10.2% to 66.7 ± 7.8% ( P P = .01), and in mean lateral wall strain from −23.3 ± 12.8% to −17.5 ± 10.3% ( P = .01). After anatomic repair (a median of 21 months after PAB placement; range, 0.5–104 months), mean LV ejection fraction decreased further from 63.3 ± 8.6% to 52.4 ± 14.9% ( P P = .01), and mean lateral wall strain decreased from −18.2 ± 11.4% to −12.6 ± 5.3% ( P = .04). Conclusions In patients with ventriculoarterial discordance undergoing PAB placement for LV training and anatomic repair, the morphologic left ventricle demonstrated decremental systolic function and global longitudinal deformation acutely. Frequent functional assessment is warranted to understand long-term myocardial mechanics in these patients.
The effect of beta‐aminoproprionitrile on the periodontal ligament: II. Radioautographic study of collagen secretion from fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are distributed evenly throughout the periodontal ligament (PDL) of normal mice. In mice fed beta-aminoproprionitrile (beta-APN) the fibroblasts undergo aggregation to form palisades of closely juxtaposed cells abutting pools of acellular collagenous matrix. Individual fibroblasts within these aggregates retain their polarized cytoplasmic organization and continue to synthesize and secrete collagen. However, unlike normal PDL fibroblasts, the beta-APN-treated cells appear immobilized by well-developed cell-to-cell adherens-type junctions along their lateral surfaces. We studied collagen secretion from beta-APN-treated fibroblasts by light and electron microscopic radioautography after injection of 3H-proline. Newly synthesized collagen was secreted from the distal ends of the beta-APN-aggregated fibroblasts as a distinct band of labeled material, resembling the pattern of matrix deposition seen in osteogenesis and dentinogenesis. The radioactive band of collagenous matrix was displaced further away from the fibroblasts at 2 and 4 days after 3H-proline injection as more collagen was secreted. This pattern of radiolabeled collagen secretion confirmed previous observations that PDL fibroblasts are highly polarized and that collagen secretory granules are extruded from the distal or secretory pole of the cell. In normal PDL the even distribution of fibroblasts and the complex interrelationship of their distal cell processes leads to a diffuse pattern of silver grain deposition, masking the oriented flow of new collagen from the distal ends of individual fibroblasts. Analysis of electron microscopic radioautographs revealed that newly synthesized collagen was packaged and secreted from beta-APN-treated fibroblasts via the normal cytoplasmic pathways but at a slower rate.
RESPONSE OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS TO POISSON WHITE NOISE

Abstract A method is developed for finding response statistics and reliability for a non-linear system subjected to Poisson white noise. The Poisson white noise can be viewed as a sequence of independent indentically distributed pulses arriving in time according to a Poisson counting process. The method is based on the observation that the system experiences free vibrations between consecutive pulses of the input. Two algorithms are used for analysis. The first uses the definition of the Poisson white noise and the second is based on an approximate representation of the Poisson white noise, referred to as binomial white noise. The binomial white noise is an independent time series with a fixed time step that can be zero with a finite probability. The time step of the first and second algorithms are random and deterministic, respectively. The algorithms are used to calculate transition probabilities and estimate response statistics. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed method of response and reliability analysis.
Intracellular distribution of cystine in cystine-loaded proximal tubules.

ABSTRACT: Cellular cystine loading with cystine dimethyl ester has been shown to inhibit transport in proximal convoluted tubules perfused in vitro and decrease the rate of oxygen consumption in suspensions of proximal tubules. The present study was designed to examine the intracellular distribution of cystine in this model of the Fanconi syndrome of cystinosis and to determine whether cystine or its degradation product, cysteine, is the cytotoxic agent in cystine-loaded rabbit proximal tubules. Tubules were incubated with 2 mmol/L cystine dimethyl ester for 10 min at 37°C and subjected to cellular fractionation. The intralysosomal cystine content (272 ± 125 nmol/mg protein) was significantly higher than that measured in the nucleus (8.7 ± 2.0 nmol/mg protein) and cytosol (9.8 ± 4.0 nmol/mg protein (p < 0.05). Electron micrographs of tubules loaded with cystine depicted huge swollen lysosomes. To determine whether cystine or its breakdown product, cysteine, was the cytotoxic agent in tubules incubated with cystine dimethyl ester, the intracellular cystine and cysteine contents were measured and found to be 86.5 ± 14.8 and 5.7 ± 1.7 nmol/mg protein, respectively. These tubules had a 50% decrease in the rate of O2 consumption. To examine whether the increased level of intracellular cysteine played a role in this decrease in O2 consumption, we loaded tubules with 2 mmol/L cysteine methyl ester for 10 min. Despite an intracellular cysteine concentration of 59.6 ± 5.8 nmol/mg protein, cysteine-loaded tubules had a rate of O2 consumption equal to that measured in control tubules. Thus, intracellular cystine loading significantly increases intralysosomal cystine content. The inhibition of tubular respiration with cystine dimethyl ester is due to cystine rather than its degradation product, cysteine.
Mef2c regulates transcription of the extracellular matrix protein cartilage link protein 1 in the developing murine heart.

Cartilage Link Protein 1 (Crtl1) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that stabilizes the interaction between hyaluronan and versican and is expressed in endocardial and endocardially-derived cells in the developing heart, including cells in the atrioventricular (AV) and outflow tract (OFT) cushions. Previous investigations into the transcriptional regulation of the Crtl1 gene have shown that Sox9 regulates Crtl1 expression in both cartilage and the AV valves. The cardiac transcription factor Mef2c is involved in the regulation of gene expression in cardiac and skeletal muscle cell lineages. In this study we have investigated the potential role of Mef2c in the regulation of ECM production in the endocardial and mesenchymal cell lineages of the developing heart. We demonstrate that the Crtl1 5′ flanking region contains two highly conserved Mef2 binding sites and that Mef2c is able to bind to these sites in vivo during cardiovascular development. Additionally, we show that Crtl1 transcription is dependent on Mef2c expression in fetal mitral valve interstitial cells (VICs). Combined, these findings highlight a new role for Mef2c in cardiac development and the regulation of cardiac extracellular matrix protein expression.
Whisker formation on a thin film tin lithium-ion battery anode

Tin (Sn) is a candidate material for anodes (negative electrodes) of lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical energy capacity. In this paper, we report an observation of Sn-whisker growth on Sn-thin films after lithiation and delithiation. The compressive stress generated by electrochemical lithiation of the Sn-thin films is likely the driving force for the growth of the Sn whiskers. Attention should therefore be paid to the issue of Sn-whisker growth for Sn-based electrodes since Sn whiskers may penetrate through the separator, and short-circuit the electrochemical cell.
A method of maintaining thermal homeostasis during cardiac catheterization in newborns

This device has been designed to maintain thermal homeostasis in newborns undergoing cardiac catheterization. It is easily constructed from materials available in any hospital, and it is safe and effective. It consists of a warming coil and a delivery unit made from Plexiglas which encloses the patient. In addition to maintaining a neutral thermal environment, it allows for the selection of any desired oxygen concentration by simply blending the gas mixture before warming and delivery. Since using this device we have had no problems or complications related to thermal stress during catheterization of the neonate.
Child poverty in Africa

The African Child Policy Forum,1 a nonprofit pan-African policy and advocacy centre working on the rights and wellbeing of children, convened the Third International Policy Conference on the Africa...
Radiographic densitometric evaluation of seven processing solutions

Abstract In a comparison of seven commercially available processing solutions, it was found that the solutions designed to reduce film-processing time produced a great amount of fog at high temperatures.
Aggression Toward Gay Men as Gender Role Enforcement: Effects of Male Role Norms, Sexual Prejudice, and Masculine Gender Role Stress

This study examined sexual prejudice and masculine gender role stress as mediators of the relations between male gender norms and anger and aggression toward gay men. Participants were 150 self-identified heterosexual men who completed measures of adherence to male gender role norms, sexual prejudice, masculine gender role stress, and state anger. Participants then viewed a video depicting intimate relationship behavior between 2 gay men, reported state anger a second time, and competed in a laboratory aggression task against either a heterosexual or a gay male. Results indicated that adherence to the antifemininity norm exerted an indirect effect, primarily through sexual prejudice, on increases in anger. Adherence to the status and antifemininity norms exerted indirect effects, also through sexual prejudice, on physical aggression toward the gay, but not the heterosexual, male. Findings provide the first multivariate evidence for determinants of aggression toward gay men motivated by gender role enforcement.
The Investigation of Parameter Drift by Expanded Regressions: Generalities, and a ‘Family-Planning’ Example

A functional relationship ‘drifts' across a ‘context’ if it holds with different parameter values at different points of an external environment referred to as context. The focus in this paper is upon the analysis of contextual parametric drift. The technique proposed for such analyses involves embedding an ‘initial model’ into a more complex ‘terminal model’ that incorporates the specification of an hypothesized drift. Hypotheses testing upon, and the estimation of, the terminal model can reveal the occurrence of drift and also can provide a mathematical portrait of it. If parametric drift does occur, any point in the context is associated with an ‘expected’ initial model on which hypothesis testing can be carried out and confidence regions obtained. The investigation of parametric drift by expanded regressions is demonstrated by an illustrative example concerned with the effectiveness of family-planning policies on the decline of fertility in the contemporary less-developed countries.
Evaluation of pretreatment methods for lignocellulosic ethanol production from energy cane variety L 79-1002.

Approximately half of the 80 billion tons of crop produced annually around the world remains as residue that could serve as a renewable resource to produce valuable products such as ethanol and butanol. Ethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising renewable alternative to diminishing oil and gas liquid fuels. Sugarcane is an important industry in Louisiana. The recently released variety of “energy cane” has great potential to sustain a competitive sugarcane industry. It has been demonstrated that fuel-grade ethanol can be produced from post harvest sugarcane residue in the past, but optimized ethanol production was not achieved. Optimization of the fermentation process requires efficient pretreatment to release cellulose and hemicellulose from lignocellulosic complex of plant fiber. Determining optimal pretreatment techniques for fermentation is essential for the success of lignocellulosic ethanol production process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three pretreatment methods for the energy cane variety L 79-1002 for maximum lignocellulosic ethanol production. The pretreatments include alkaline pretreatment, dilute acid hydrolysis, and solid-state fungal pretreatment process using brown rot and white rot fungi. Pretreated biomass was enzymatically saccharified and subjected to fermentation using a recombinant Escherichia coli FBR5. The results revealed that all pretreatment processes produced ethanol. However, the best result was observed in dilute acid hydrolysis followed by alkaline pretreatment and solid-state fungal pretreatment.
Accuracy of Automatically Determined Borders in Digital Two-Dimensional Echocardiography Using a Cardiac Phantom

Although two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) is a useful technique for evaluation of global and regional left ventricular function, the main limitation is the inability to easily extract reliable and accurate quantitative information throughout all phases of the cardiac cycle. We sought to develop suitable automated techniques for the objective determination of endocardial and epicardial borders in two-dimensional echocardiographic images. To test algorithms for the automatic detection of myocardial borders we constructed a cardiac ultrasound phantom consisting of 16 echogenic annuli of known dimensions embedded in a material of low echogenicity which allowed imaging without partial volume effects. An algorithm based on Gaussian filtering followed by a difference gradient operator was applied to detect edges in the 2-D echo images of these annuli. The radii of the automatically determined inner borders were within 0.44 mm root meansquared error over a range of 15-25 mm true radius. This lower boundary for the error in our approach to automatic placement of myocardial borders in 2-D echocardiograms suggests the potential to extract more information concerning left ventricular function than is available with current techniques.
Open‐label pilot study of levetiracetam (Keppra) for the treatment of levodopa‐induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease

We evaluated the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV; Keppra) in reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease (PD) in an open-label pilot study. Nine PD patients who were experiencing peak-dose dyskinesias for at least 25% of the awake day and were at least moderately disabling were treated with LEV in doses up to 3,000 mg for up to 60 days. The primary outcome measure was the percent of the awake day that patients spent on without dyskinesia or with nontroublesome dyskinesia (good on time). The mean dose of LEV at endpoint was 625+/-277 mg/day. LEV significantly improved percent of the awake day on without dyskinesia or with nontroublesome dyskinesia at endpoint compared to baseline (43% +/- 12% vs. 61% +/- 17%; P=0.02). Percent on time with troublesome dyskinesia decreased from 23% +/- 10% at baseline to 11% +/- 6% at endpoint, although not significantly. There was no significant increase in off time from baseline to endpoint. There was a 56% dropout rate, mostly due to somnolence. In PD patients who experienced peak-dose dyskinesia for at least 25% of the awake day, LEV significantly improved on time without dyskinesia or with nontroublesome dyskinesia.
Correspondence between saying and doing: Some thoughts on defining correspondence and future directions for application.

Israel (1978) evaluated and discussed research on positive and negative verbal-nonverbal correspondence. In the present report we attempt to delineate the relationship of correspondence training to two major intervention goals—producing (increasing) behavior and inhibiting (decreasing) behavior. The concepts of noncorrespondence and generalized positive correspondence are introduced. Past research relating to the correspondence analyses offered for the two intervention outcomes and possibilities for future research are discussed. The relationship of verbal correspondence training to the issues of response maintenance and response generalization is also examined.
Possible utilization of fuel-gas desulfurization gypsum and fly ash for citrus production: Evaluation of crop growth response

The application of industrial by-products to agricultural land has been a topic of considerable interest during recent years. For the industries, this is an attractive avenue to utilize the by-products rather than land filling. Agriculturists/horticulturists are faced with a new challenge to evaluate the potential advantages of this practice in terms of crop growth, production, and quality as well as effects of such practices on environmental quality. Fly ash and flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum are by-products produced from coal-fired electric power generation plants. There is a growing interest in evaluation of potential benefits of land application of coal combustion by products mixed with organic by-products. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of application of FGD gypsum, fly ash or chicken manure (each at 2 g/kg soil; equivalent to 4.48 Mg/ha), or application of the former two in combination with the latter, on soil properties as well as on growth and mineral nutrition of Cleopatra mandarin (CM; Citrus reticulata Blanco) and Swingle citrumelo (SC; Citrus paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) rootstock seedlings grown on a Myakka sand (sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic, Aeric Haplaquod; pH = 5.8). The growth of seedlings of either rootstock improved significantly in soils amended with either FGD gypsum, fly ash, or chicken manure, individually or in combination of either by-product with chicken manure. However, the ranking of various amendments in relation to growth response differed between the two rootstocks. The combined application of all three amendments (each at 4 g/kg; equivalent to 8.96 Mg/ha) decreased the growth of both rootstock seedlings significantly as compared to that of seedlings in unamended soil. The application of either FGD gypsum, fly ash, or chicken manure each at 2 g/kg soil increased the concentration of Ca, Ca and K, and Ca and P in the leaves of seedlings, respectively.
Randomized Trial of Family Therapy Versus Nonfamily Treatment for Adolescent Behavior Problems in Usual Care

A major focus of implementation science is discovering whether evidence-based approaches can be delivered with fidelity and potency in routine practice. This randomized trial compared usual care family therapy (UC-FT), implemented without a treatment manual or extramural support as the standard-of-care approach in a community clinic, to nonfamily treatment (UC-Other) for adolescent conduct and substance use disorders. The study recruited 205 adolescents (M age = 15.7 years; 52% male; 59% Hispanic American, 21% African American) from a community referral network, enrolling 63% for primary mental health problems and 37% for primary substance use problems. Clients were randomly assigned to either the UC-FT site or one of five UC-Other sites. Implementation data confirmed that UC-FT showed adherence to the family therapy approach and differentiation from UC-Other. Follow-ups were completed at 3, 6, and 12 months postbaseline. There was no between-group difference in treatment attendance. Both conditions demon...
Nucleotide Substitution and Recombination at Orthologous Loci in Staphylococcus aureus

The pattern of nucleotide substitution was examined at 2,129 orthologous loci among five genomes of Staphylococcus aureus, which included two sister pairs of closely related genomes (MW2/MSSA476 and Mu50/N315) and the more distantly related MRSA252. A total of 108 loci were unusual in lacking any synonymous differences among the five genomes; most of these were short genes encoding proteins highly conserved at the amino acid sequence level (including many ribosomal proteins) or unknown predicted genes. In contrast, 45 genes were identified that showed anomalously high divergence at synonymous sites. The latter genes were evidently introduced by homologous recombination from distantly related genomes, and in many cases, the pattern of nucleotide substitution made it possible to reconstruct the most probable recombination event involved. These recombination events introduced genes encoding proteins that differed in amino acid sequence and thus potentially in function. Several of the proteins are known or likely to be involved in pathogenesis (e.g., staphylocoagulase, exotoxin, Ser-Asp fibrinogen-binding bone sialoprotein-binding protein, fibrinogen and keratin-10 binding surface-anchored protein, fibrinogen-binding protein ClfA, and enterotoxin P). Therefore, the results support the hypothesis that exchange of homologous genes among S. aureus genomes can play a role in the evolution of pathogenesis in this species.
Workspace design, ergonomics and gender

Control of the worker and of the labor process, in an effort to maximize productivity, has always been of paramount importance for capitalist management. This attempt at control, historically, has been played out in the place of work or, more specifically, in the "space" of work. The capitalist workplace, as contested terrain and as the source of the methodologies of control, has been the focus of the struggle between workers and management (R. Edwards, 1979). The purpose of the paper is to analyze the historical development, utilization and purpose of workspace design. Discussion will center on material means that are used to deskill and control workers while maximizing productivity and therefore, profits. Ergonomics, as applied science and technology, and its manifestation as the means and method of human/machine interface and subsequent control, will be included in the discussion as well. An underlying theme throughout the paper will be the reduction and fragmentation of the human body into isolated, measurable and quantifiable material components, followed by the reassembly of selective components and their subsequent reunification with the machine. Technology will also be discussed as a boundary dissolving force. Specific topics include Taylorism, the effects of capitalism on work and the worker, and the social construction of workspace, including the impact of gender. Workspace design will be viewed as the material manifestation of management's attempt and need to completely isolate and then dominate the worker.
Disclosure Level and Compliance with IASs: A Comparison of Companies With and Without U.S. Listings and Filings

Abstract This research investigates the extent to which the disclosure requirements of the IASC are complied with or exceeded for companies claiming to use International Accounting Standards (IASs). Additionally, the research seeks to identify significant differences between those companies with U.S. listings, U.S. filings, and those with no U.S. listings or filings with regard to (1) compliance with IASC-required disclosures, and (2) level of disclosure (including both mandatory and voluntary items). The findings reveal the overall level of disclosure is greater for companies with U.S. listings. Additionally, greater disclosure is associated with an accounting policies footnote that specifically states that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with IASs and an audit opinion that states that International Standards of Auditing (ISAs) were followed when conducting the audit. Further, the findings indicate the extent of compliance with IASs is greater for companies with U.S. listings or filings. A higher level of compliance is associated with an audit opinion that states the financial statements are in accordance with IASs and that ISAs were followed when conducting the audit. The research highlights the significance of the enforcement issue for the International Accounting Standard Committee (IASC) as it seeks an International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) endorsement. The findings indicate enforcement of IASs may be less of an issue for companies with listings and filings in the U.S. However, for companies without U.S. listings and filings, compliance is indeed of great concern.
Robust GRAPPA reconstruction

GRAPPA is a popular reconstruction technique in parallel imaging. In GRAPPA, a least-squares technique is used to solve the over-determined equations and get the "fitting" coefficients for the reconstruction. We developed the robust GRAPPA method whereby robust estimation techniques are used to estimate the coefficients with discounting of k-space data outliers. One implementation, slow robust GRAPPA used iteratively re-weighted techniques, and it was compared to an ad hoc fast robust GRAPPA implementation. We evaluated these new algorithms using the perceptual difference model (PDM). PDM has already been successfully applied to a variety of MR applications. We systematically investigated independent variables including algorithm, outer reduction factor, total reduction factor, outlier ratio, and noise across multiple image datasets, giving 7500 images. We conclude that fast robust GRAPPA method gives results very similar to slow robust GRAPPA and that both give significant improvements as compared to standard GRAPPA. PDM is very helpful in designing and optimizing the MR reconstruction algorithms.
The role of electric machines and drives in the more electric aircraft

The fundamental more electric aircraft (MEA) concept, which removes hydraulic, pneumatic and gearbox driven subsystems in favor of electrical driven subsystems, has necessitated the development of high performance starter/generator systems and compact lightweight motor drives. This paper summarizes technology developments made during the ten years since the inception of the Air Force's MEA initiative. Emphasis is placed on describing advancements in power electronic components necessary to realize advancements in starter/generator and motor drive system to meet Air Force needs. Specific examples of the advantages afforded by silicon carbide switch and rectifier integration and high energy density capacitor and magnetic technologies are presented.
Application of Monte Carlo Simulations to Hydrated Nafion Stiffness Predictions

Application of Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) theory to the prediction of Young’s modulus of a solvated ionomer is considered. RIS theory directly addresses polymer chain conformation as it relates to mechanical response trends. Successful adaptation of this methodology to the prediction of elastic moduli would thus provide a powerful tool for guiding ionomer fabrication. The Mark-Curro Monte Carlo methodology is applied to generate a statistically valid number of end-to-end chain lengths via RIS theory for a solvated Nafion case. The distribution of chain lengths is then fitted to a Probability Density Function by the Johnson Bounded distribution method. The fitting parameters, as they relate to the model predictions and physical structure of the polymer, are studied so that a means to extend RIS theory to the reliable prediction of ionomer stiffness may be identified.
REPRESENTACIÓN BURLESCA DE LOS BLASONES EN GRAN SEÑOR Y RAJADIABLOS

En este ensayo se analiza el repertorio de recursos satiricos empleados por Eduardo Barrios en Gran Senor y rajadiablos en la confeccion de un relato humoristico que socava la percepcion ideologica que privilegiaba la fama del apellido y del linaje peninsular como signos hegemonicos del estatus aristocratico. Mediante la caricaturizacion literaria de las cadenas emblematicas asociadas al fuero de los Casaquemada y el escudo de armas de los antepasados de los Valverde, Eduardo Barrios pone de relieve la persistencia ideologica, en algunos sectores de la sociedad chilena representada en la novela, de un sistema anacronico de diferenciacion social incompatible con el nuevo ideario democratico impulsado con el advenimiento de la republica.
Clinical trial design for microarray predictive marker discovery and assessment

Transcriptional profiling technologies that simultaneously measure the expression of thousands of mRNA species represent a powerful new clinical research tool. Similar to previous laboratory analytical methods including immunohistochemistry, PCR and in situ hybridization, this new technology may also find its niche in routine diagnostics. Outcome predictors discovered by these methods may be quite different from previous single-gene markers. These novel tests will probably combine the information embedded in the expression of multiple genes with mathematical prediction algorithms to formulate classification rules and predict outcome. The performance of machine learning-algorithm-based diagnostic tests may improve as they are trained on larger and larger sets of samples, and several generations of tests with improving accuracy may be introduced sequentially. Several gene-expression profiling-technology platforms are mature enough for clinical testing. The most important next step that is needed for further progress is the development and validation of multigene predictors in prospectively designed clinical trials to determine the true accuracy and clinical value of this new technology. This manuscript reviews methodological and statistical issues relevant to clinical trial design to discover and validate multigene predictors of response to therapy.
Bimodal Correlation between the Circulating Insulin Level and the Production Rate of Dehydroepiandrosterone: Positive Correlation in Controls and Negative Correlation in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Acanthosis Nigricans*

The objective of this study was to define the relationship among the circulating insulin level (IRI), the MCR of dehydroepiandrosterone (MCR-D), and the production rate of DHEA (PR-D) in 10 women with the polycystic ovary syndrome and acanthosis nigricans (PCOS-AN). Seven normal weight and 10 obese women served as controls. Measurement of the MCR-D and PR-D was accomplished by iv saline infusion (0.9% NaCl solution) on day 1 as a control and a 4-h iv dehydroepiandrosterone (unlabeled) infusion (1 mg/h) was performed on day 2. Mean MCR-D was more than 2-fold higher in the obese controls compared to the normal weight controls. However, the plasma concentration of DHEA(PC-D) was not significantly different in the normal and obese control women, since the PR-D was increased proportionately to the MCR-D. The MCR-D and the PR-D were coupled through insulin in the control women, and their correlation coefficients with IRI were positive and identical (0.77 and 0.73, respectively). In contrast, IRI was negatively ...
The Mitochondrial Fission Adaptors Caf4 and Mdv1 Are Not Functionally Equivalent

Mitochondrial fission in eukaryotes is mediated by protein complexes that encircle and divide mitochondrial tubules. In budding yeast, fission requires the membrane-anchored protein Fis1 and the dynamin-related GTPase Dnm1. Dnm1 is recruited to mitochondria via interactions with the adaptor proteins Caf4 and Mdv1, which bind directly to Fis1. Unlike Mdv1, a function for Caf4 in mitochondrial membrane scission has not been established. In this study, we demonstrate that Caf4 is a bona fide fission adaptor that assembles at sites of mitochondrial division. We also show that fission complexes may contain Caf4 alone or both Caf4 and Mdv1 without compromising fission function. Although there is a correspondence between Caf4 and Mdv1 expression levels and their contribution to fission, the two adaptor proteins are not equivalent. Rather, our functional and phylogenetic analyses indicate that Caf4 mitochondrial fission activity has diverged from that of Mdv1.
Activation of p38 MAP kinase enhances sensitivity of muscle glucose transport to insulin

Evidence has accumulated that activation of AMP kinase (AMPK) mediates the acute increase in glucose transport induced by exercise. As the exercise-induced, insulin-independent increase in glucose transport wears off, it is followed by an increase in muscle insulin sensitivity. The major purpose of this study was to determine whether hypoxia and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), which also activate AMPK and stimulate glucose transport, also induce an increase in insulin sensitivity. We found that the increase in glucose transport in response to 30 microU/ml insulin was about twofold greater in rat epitrochlearis muscles that had been made hypoxic or treated with AICAR 3.5 h previously than in untreated control muscles. This increase in insulin sensitivity was similar to that induced by a 2-h bout of swimming or 10 min of in vitro electrically stimulated contractions. Neither phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity nor protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation in response to 30 microU/ml insulin was enhanced by prior exercise or AICAR treatment that increased insulin sensitivity of glucose transport. Inhibition of protein synthesis by inclusion of cycloheximide in the incubation medium for 3.5 h after exercise did not prevent the increase in insulin sensitivity. Contractions, hypoxia, and treatment with AICAR all caused a two- to three-fold increase in AMPK activity over the resting level. These results provide evidence that the increase in insulin sensitivity of muscle glucose transport that follows exercise is mediated by activation of AMPK and involves a step beyond PKB in the pathway by which insulin stimulates glucose transport.
Rank Functions of Fuzzy Greedoids

Fuzzy greedoids were recently introduced as a fuzzy set generalization of (crisp) greedoids. We characterize fuzzy languages which define fuzzy greedoids, give necessary properties and sufficient properties of the fuzzy rank function of a fuzzy greedoid, give a characterization of the rank function for a weighted greedoid, and discuss the rank closure of a fuzzy greedoid.
A non-orthogonal constitutive model for characterizing woven composites

Thermoforming of woven fabric reinforced composites usually results in significant in-plane shear deformation in materials, and induces additional anisotropy into the composite. In this paper, a new constitutive model for characterizing the non-orthogonal material behavior under large deformation is proposed. On the basis of stress and strain analysis in the orthogonal and non-orthogonal coordinates and the rigid body rotation matrices, the relationship between the stresses and strains in the global coordinates is obtained. The equivalent material properties are then determined by fitting the numerical load vs. displacement curves to experimental results under biaxial tension and pure shear conditions. This model can be used to efficiently predict material responses under various loading paths for woven composites with different weave architectures. The geometrical non-linearity and the material non-linearity, as well as the complex redistribution and reorientation of the warp and weft yarns during deformation are taken into account. To demonstrate the performance of this model, numerical simulations using a commercial finite element package (ABAQUS/Standard) incorporated with our material model are conducted for various loading cases. Numerical results are in excellent agreement with experimental data.
Expecting the Worst? The Dynamic Role of Competitive Expectations in Team Member Satisfaction and Team Performance:

This study proposes that individual competitive expectations play a critical role in understanding team performance, as expectations shape individual reactions to team behaviors. Expectations, of course, do not always match behavior. When an individual thinks a team task is going to be easy and cooperative and instead meets with competitive rather than cooperative behaviors, that individual is likely to be frustrated and unwilling to work with others in the team. On the other hand, if an individual expects a difficult time in the team and meets with cooperative teammates, that individual could be suspicious and similarly unlikely to work collaboratively. Findings from a lab study using a team negotiation task support the argument that a match between competitive expectations and two emergent team behaviors-team strategy (what the team members say) and team communication tone (how the team members say it)-is critical in determining both team member satisfaction and team performance.
Effects of iodide on the fluorescence and activity of the hydroperoxyflavin intermediate of Vibrio harveyi luciferase

The 4a-hydroperoxy-4a,5-dihydroFMN intermediate (II or HFOOH) of Vibrio harveyi luciferase is known to transform from a low quantum yield IIx to a high quantum yield (λmax 485 nm, uncorrected) IIy fluorescent species on exposure to excitation light. Similar results were observed with II prepared from the αH44A luciferase mutant, which is very weak in bioluminescence activity. Because of the rapid decay of the αH44A II, its true fluorescence was obscured by the more intense 520 nm fluorescence (uncorrected) from its decay product oxidized flavin mononucleotide (FMN). Potassium iodide (KI) at 0.2 M was effective in quenching the FMN fluorescence, leaving the 485 nm fluorescence of II from both the wild-type (WT) and αH44A luciferase readily detectable. For both II species, the luciferase-bound peroxyflavin was well shielded from KI quenching. KI also enhanced the decay rates of both the WT and αH44A II. For αH44A, the transformation of IIx to IIy can be induced by KI in the dark, and it is proposed to be a consequence of a luciferase conformational change. The WT II formed a bioluminescence-inactive complex with KI, resulting in two distinct decay time courses based on absorption changes and decreases of bioluminescence activity of II.
Readiness for drug use prevention in rural minority communities.

An assessment of community readiness for drug use prevention in rural communities indicated that most rural communities are at relatively low stages of readiness. Minority communities were particularly low in readiness, with only 2% having functioning drug prevention programs. Rural communities at different levels of readiness require different types of programs to increase readiness, i.e., communities at the no awareness stage require analysis of the historical and cultural issues that support tolerance of drug use, those at the denial and vague awareness stages need specific information about local problems, and communities at the preplanning and preparation stages need information about effective programs, help in identifying resources, and assistance with staff training. In addition, building and maintaining effective programs requires continued evolution of readiness through the stages of initiation, stabilization, confirmation and expansion, and professionalization. Revised and updated scales and methods for assessing community readiness are provided.
The anti-tumor efficacy of 2-deoxyglucose and D-allose are enhanced with p38 inhibition in pancreatic and ovarian cell lines

The anti-tumor activity of glucose analogs 2-deoxy-glucose (2-DG) and D-allose was investigated alone or in combination with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB202190 or platinum analogs as a strategy to pharmacologically target glycolytic tumor phenotypes. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) protein accumulation in pancreatic cell lines treated with SB202190 alone and in combination with glucose analogs was analyzed by Western blot. HIF-1α transcriptional activity was measured in MIA PaCa-2 cells stably transfected with a hypoxia response element luciferase reporter following treatment with glucose analogs alone, and in combination with SB202190. Induction of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was measured by Western blot in the MIA PaCa-2 cells. In vitro anti-proliferative activity of 2-DG and D-allose alone, or in combination with oxaliplatin (pancreatic cell lines), cisplatin (ovarian cell lines), or with SB202190 were investigated using the MTT assay. SB202190 decreased HIF-1α protein accumulation and transcriptional activity. 2-DG demonstrated greater anti-proliferative activity than D-allose. Pre-treatment with SB202190 enhanced activity of both 2-DG and D-allose in MIA PaCa-2, BxPC-3, ASPC-1, and SK-OV-3 cells. The combination of D-allose and platinum agents was additive to moderately synergistic in all but the OVCAR-3 and HEY cells. SB202190 pre-treatment further enhanced activity of D-allose and 2-DG with platinum agents in most cell lines investigated. SB202190 induced sensitization of tumor cells to 2-DG and D-allose may be partially mediated by inhibition of HIF-1α activity. Combining glucose analogs and p38 MAPK inhibitors with chemotherapy may be an effective approach to target glycolytic tumor phenotypes.
Experiences of Public Housing Residents Following Relocation: Explorations of Ambiguous Loss, Resiliency, and Cross-Generational Perspectives

The forced relocation of public housing residents through the HOPE VI program has disrupted social networks as well as residents' attachment to place. HOPE VI emphasizes improving physical appearance of housing, enhancing surrounding community, and fostering economic self-sufficiency but discounts the importance of existing social networks. Disruption of social and physical community represents ambiguous loss, as there is no recognition and no closure. This article reports on focus groups conducted among residents of a Pacific Northwest public housing development, largely made up of immigrants and refugees, already experiencing losses through migration. Focus group themes include loss of social network, loss of place, generational tensions and strengths, resiliency of participants.
An efficient algorithm for systematic analysis of nucleotide strings suitable for siRNA design

Background The "off-target" silencing effect hinders the development of siRNA-based therapeutic and research applications. Existing solutions for finding possible locations of siRNA seats within a large database of genes are either too slow, miss a portion of the targets, or are simply not designed to handle a very large number of queries. We propose a new approach that reduces the computational time as compared to existing techniques.
Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in Decreasing Hospital Readmission in Adults With Heart Failure and Multimorbidity

Hospitalizations are common in heart failure (HF). Multimorbidity, defined as ≥2 comorbid conditions, drives many readmissions. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in decreasing these hospital readmissions. We enrolled 100 hospitalized HF patients into a randomized controlled trial, randomizing in a 2:1 ratio: intervention (n = 70) and control (n = 30). The intervention group received MI tailored to reports of self-care during one home visit and three to four follow-up phone calls. After 3 months, 34 participants had at least one hospital readmission. The proportion of patients readmitted for a condition unrelated to HF was lower in the intervention (7.1%) compared with the control group (30%, p = .003). Significant predictors of a non-HF readmission were intervention group, age, diabetes, and hemoglobin. Together, these variables explained 35% of the variance in multimorbidity readmissions. These preliminary results are promising in suggesting that MI may be an effective method of decreasing multimorbidity hospital readmissions in HF patients.
Microwave TFTs Made of MOCVD ZnO With ALD Al 2 O 3 Gate Dielectric

In this paper, we report on the demonstration of microwave ZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs) grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on a SiO2/Si substrate. In order to realize the microwave performance ZnO TFTs grown by MOCVD, the inverted staggered type device structure and the high quality Al2O3 gate dielectric layer grown by atomic layer deposition were employed. ZnO TFTs show the depletion mode operation and exhibit an on/off drain current ratio of $6.7 \times 10^{6}$ , a peak transconductance of $124~{\mu }\text{S}$ , and a field-effect mobility ( ${\mu }_{\mathrm{ FE}} $ ) of 23.3 cm2/ $\text{V}\cdot \text{s}$ , respectively. As a result of excellent dc performance, a cut-off frequency ( $\,f_{\mathrm{ T}} $ ) of 0.73 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency ( $\,f_{\mathrm{ max}} $ ) of 2 GHz were achieved.