cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uridine triphosphate (UTP) induces profibrotic responses in cardiac fibroblasts by activation of P2Y2 receptors

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play a key role in response to injury and remodeling of the heart. Nucleotide (P2) receptors regulate the heart but limited information is available regarding such receptors in CFs. We thus sought to determine if extracellular nucleotides regulate fibrotic responses (e.g., proliferation, migration and expression of profibrotic markers) of CFs in primary culture. UTP increased rat CF migration 3-fold (p < 0.001), proliferation by 30% (p < 0.05) and mRNA expression of profibrotic markers: alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), transforming growth factor beta, soluble ST2, interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by 3.0-, 15-, 2.0-, 7.6-, 11-, and 6.1-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). PAI-1 protein expression induced by UTP was dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), based on blockade by the PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 and the ERK inhibitor U0126, respectively. The rank order for enhanced expression of PAI-1 and α-SMA by nucleotides (UTPγS≫UDPβS≫ATPγS), the expression of P2Y2 receptors as the most abundantly expressed P2Y receptor in rat CFs and a blunted response to UTP in P2Y2−/− mice all implicate P2Y2 as the predominant P2Y receptor that mediates nucleotide-promoted profibrotic responses. Additional results indicate that P2Y2 receptor-promoted profibrotic responses in CFs are transient, perhaps as a consequence of receptor desensitization. We conclude that P2Y2 receptor activation is profibrotic in CFs; thus inhibition of P2Y2 receptors may provide a novel means to diminish fibrotic remodeling and turnover of extracellular matrix in the heart.
Effects of centrally administered propranlol on plasma renin activity, plasma norepinephrine and arterial pressure

Abstract Single doses of d,l-propranolol (0.1–0.5 mg/kg) administered intarcisternally (IC) to anesthetized dogs produced dose-dependent decreases in plasma renin activity and mean arterial pressure whereas identical doses given intravenously had no significant effect on these parameters. Intracisternal d,l-propranolol also significantly reduced circulating norepinephrine levels concomitant with the renin suppressing and hypotensive effects. Acute renal denervation abolished the renin suppressing, but not the hypotensive effect of intracisternal d,l-propranolol. Both d- and l-propranolol administered intracisternally significantly lowered plasma renin activity and arterial pressure to a similar degree, but intracisternal lidocaine had no effect on these parameters. These results indicate that propranolol can suppress plasma renin activity through an action within the central nervous system and suggest that both the renin suppression and hypotension produced by intracisternal propranolol resulted from a centrally mediated reduction in peripheral sympathetic activity. The equal potency of the stereoisomers of propranolol and the observed differences between the effect of propranolol and lidocaine suggest that these central actions involve a mechanism that may be independent of beta receptor blockade or the local anesthetic properties of drug.
Men’s serostatus disclosure to parents: Associations among social support, ethnicity, and disease status in men living with HIV

Background Directly disclosing a positive HIV serostatus to family members can affect psychological and disease status. Perceptions that one is in a supportive family environment may moderate these effects; however, ethnic differences may exist in the support processes of families coping with HIV.
Leveraging Relationships in Marketing

Abstract The present study is an investigation into the motivational underpinnings of strong relationships in services marketing domain. Based on past research in social psychology and marketing, this study investigates the influence of two independent variables-Intrinsic Interpersonal Commitment and Structural Bonds-on the dependent variable Relationship Strength. Both attitudinal and behavioral variables are studied to measure the quality of relationships. 144 surveys of consumers were completed. The results partially support the research hypotheses. The results suggest refocusing on the type of motivational commitment in relationships. The role of gender, age, involvement, and the interaction complexity need to be explored to further validate the model.
Diversity Evaluation of Two-Port Antenna System for a Mobile Terminal

Next-generation mobile communication systems require high data transmission rate and low bit error rate, but multi-path fading still stands as a major problem. Antenna diversity techniques can overcome the problem. In this paper, we thoroughly study the antenna diversity performance on a mobile terminal through theoretical analysis, computer simulations, and practical prototype measurements. Specifically, a genetic methodology is developed to accurately evaluate the diversity gain achieved in the mobile terminal from both power level approach and correlation approach. Throughout the simulations and measurements, we demonstrate that it is beneficial to implement antenna diversity on mobile terminal side, and high diversity gain can be achieved when the antennas are placed in the terminals properly. Moreover, further improvement of the diversity gain can be obtained from the implementation of the matching networks.
RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF STIFFNESS DEGRADATION IN AUTOMOTIVE SPOT-WELDED JOINTS

This paper develops a reliability-based methodology for the evaluation of stiffness degradation of spot-welded joints under high mileage. A global-local finite element analysis is used, with the loads on the detailed three-dimensional joint model coming from finite element analysis of the entire car model with proving ground loads. Probabilistic fatigue crack propagation analysis is developed for multi-axial variable amplitude loading history on the joint. Multiple spot welds contribute to the stiffness of the joint. Hence the problem is addressed through system reliability techniques. The effect of spot-weld separation on joint stiffness, and on global vehicle stiffness, is incorporated. This results in the computation of the statistics of vehicle stiffness degradation with mileage.
Impact of sarcoglycan complex on mechanical signal transduction in murine skeletal muscle

Loss of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) or a subset of its components can lead to muscular dystrophy. However, the patterns of symptoms differ depending on which proteins are affected. Ab...
Nasal delivery of polypeptides. I: Nasal absorption of enkephalins in rats

The serum levels of two enkephalins after various routes of administration were compared in rats. The results indicated that serum levels of metkephamid after nasal administration were not significantly different than levels after intravenous injection. The oral administration of metkephamid resulted in undetectable serum levels. The effects of a promoter and variations in the peptide dose on nasal absorption were studied. Depending on the stability of the polypeptide and its susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, nasal absorption of peptides can be influenced by the presence of a promoting agent in the formulation. A linear relationship between the dose and the AUC was observed in the range of concentrations studied. The absorption mechanism appears to be passive diffusion. Microscopic examinations of nasal mucosa in rats revealed degrees of irritation which, considering the experimental exposure, were slight and probably repairable. The data indicate that enkephalins can be absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the systemic circulation, and the onset of absorption was rapid. Nasal administration may offer an attractive alternative for the delivery of proteins and/or polypeptides which are, in general, absorbed poorly when given orally.
Automated, Data-Driven Performance Regime for Operations Management, Planning, and Control

As public transit agencies install new technology systems, these agencies are gaining increasing amounts of data. These data have the potential to change how transit agencies operate by generating better information for decision making. Deriving value from these data and applying it to improve service requires changing the institutional processes that developed when agencies had little reliable information about their systems and customers. This research used the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as a case study. The research assessed how the agency measured performance and then redesigned and advanced the agency's daily performance reports for rapid transit through a collaborative and iterative process with the operations control center staff. These reports were used to identify poor performance, to implement pilot projects to address the causes of poor performance, and to evaluate the effects of these pilots. Through the case study, this research found that service controllers' trust and interp...
Studies in neurobiology and aging at the united states National Institutes of Health-sponsored Regional Primate Research Centers

The seven NIH-sponsored Regional Primate Research Centers conduct a wide variety of studies in the neurosciences and on aging. Monkeys and chimpanzees are investigated to validate the results of research obtained with lower species. In addition, primates are often the only species with the appropriate characteristics for studying a particular health problem or certain behavioral or biological principles. One neurological disorder for which the primate model has proven crucial is Parkinson's disease. The surgical implantation of dopaminergic cells and tissue containing a growth factor has been developed in the primate model, and is now being evaluated clinically in humans with Parkinsonism. In addition to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, the visual system is a strong focus of basic and applied research at the Centers. In 1981, two neuroscientists whose basic research on vision with application to pediatric ophthalmology took place in part at the New England Regional Primate Research Center, were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Currently, vision studies at the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, for example, focus on myopia, post-surgical treatment of congenital cataracts, adult cataract development and treatment, and laser surgery to correct corneal abnormalities. At the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, the role of diet in visual impairment is evaluated during infancy. Diet is also studied to determine its role in the aging process, and the effects of aging on memory. Further, brain cells and other components of the nervous system in aging are also being investigated at these centers. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Berkeley, Meaning and Minds: Remarks on Glezakos’ Comments

This is a response to Stavroula Glezakos’ commentary on my paper, in which I address three main points: (1) whether Berkeley is entitled to argue via inference to the best explanation, (2) whether Berkeley’s likeness principle might be too strict, and (3) whether the texts support my reading.
Thermalization Time of Hot Photoexcited Holes in p -Type Germanium

The thermalization time of hot photoexcited holes in $p$-type germanium has been investigated. This was accomplished by studying the mobility and recombination properties in a series of copper-doped-germanium samples, in which the carrier lifetime was systematically varied. Recombination-center densities were varied over five orders of magnitude, so that the transition from a thermalized to a hot photocarrier distribution was observed as the carrier lifetime became shorter. The carrier lifetime was measured directly from the photoresponse signal decay, for several samples, to establish the recombination cross section. A theory, assuming energy loss via optical- and acoustic-phonon emission, correctly predicts the increase in the average photoexcited-carrier energy as the recombination-center density is increased.
Studies of an oral iron chelator: 1,2 ‐dimethyl‐ 3 ‐hydroxy‐pyrid‐4‐one I. IRON EXCRETION IN RATS: DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW RAPID MICROWAVE METHOD FOR IRON ANALYSIS IN FAECES

Summary We have developed a simple, rapid method for analysing faecal iron using a microwave oven for digestion followed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The chelating effect of l,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-pyrid-4-one (DMHP) has been tested in rats with experimental iron overloading and three routes of DHMP administration, oral, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal, have been compared. Regardless of the route of administration, we have found that DMHP promotes iron excretion via the urine. We have not observed a difference in the amount of iron excreted in the faeces before and after DMHP administration by any route. The subcutaneous route of administration is the most effective in promoting iron excretion, followed by the intraperitoneal route. Although most convenient for clinical use, oral administration promotes the excretion of only a small fraction of that by the subcutaneous route.
IL-1β Is Essential for Langerhans Cell Activation and Antigen Delivery to the Lymph Nodes during Contact Sensitization: Evidence for a Dermal Source of IL-1β

Abstract IL-1β −/− mice manifest an impaired contact hypersensitivity response to the hapten trinitrochlorobenzene, with the principle defect expressed during the sensitization phase of this response. Following application of hapten to the skin, epidermal Langerhans cells of IL-1β −/− mice failed to demonstrate the classical phenotype of activation. In addition, the delivery of epicutaneously applied fluorescein isothiocyanate to draining lymph nodes was decreased in IL-1β −/− mice. Hapten delivery to draining lymph nodes could be restored by intradermal injection of recombinant IL-1β. Reconstitution of lethally irradiated IL-1β −/− mice by transfer of wild-type bone marrow restored hapten-stimulated IL-1β mRNA expression, demonstrating that IL-1β production was dependent on bone marrow-derived cells. In wild-type skin, IL-1β expression was upregulated in a time- and dose-dependent fashion following hapten application. Interestingly, prominent IL-1β expressing cells were found in the dermis, suggesting that dermal cells may contribute significantly to the contact hypersensitivity response.
Eigenvalue distributions of large Hermitian matrices; Wigner's semi-circle law and a theorem of Kac, Murdock, and Szegö

Abstract Wigner's semi-circle law describes the eigenvalue distribution of certain large random Hermitian matrices. A new proof is given for the case of Gaussian matrices, that involves reducing a random matrix to tridiagonal form by a method that is well known as a technique for numerical computation of eigenvalues. The result is a generalized Toeplitz matrix whose eigenvalue distribution can be found using a theorem of Kac, Murdock, and Szego. A new and more elementary proof of the latter is also given. The arguments use only direct L 2 estimates, rather than the transform methods or moment calculations employed previously.
Why Are There so Many Unsubstantiated Treatments in Autism

Abstract The number of interventions used in the field of autism is astronomical. Unfortunately, while there are effective and well-researched methods, many of the techniques that parents use have no empirical support. These interventions are expensive, take up valuable time, and in some cases are dangerous. How bad is this problem, how did the field get here, and what are potential solutions? This review covers this important but infrequently discussed topic.
Bounds on effectiveness of software reuse

In an earlier work, the author developed a communication channel analogy model of the software development process, which established a quantifiable, parametric upper bound on human productivity in terms of information put into the process and yield of product output by the process. This paper extends this work to focus on factors of that bound associated with software reuse. Specifically, it is shown, that under policies of heavy reuse, human productivity associated with the language advantage grows at best logarithmically in the size of the reuse base.
High efficiency CSS CdTe solar cells

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) has long been recognized as a strong candidate for thin film solar cell applications. It has a bandgap of 1.45 eV, which is nearly ideal for photovoltaic energy conversion. Due to its high optical absorption coefficient essentially all incident radiation with energy above its band-gap is absorbed within 1‐2 mm from the surface. Thin film CdTe solar cells are typically heterojunctions, with cadmium sulfide (CdS) being the n-type junction partner. Small area efficiencies have reached the 16.0% level and considerable efforts are underway to commercialize this technology. This paper will present work carried out at the University South Florida sponsored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States Department of Energy, on CdTe/CdS solar cells fabricated using the close spaced sublimation (CSS) process. The CSS technology has attractive features for large area applications such as high deposition rates and efficient material utilization. The structural and optical properties of CSS CdTe and CdS films and junctions will be presented and the influence of some important CSS process parameters will be discussed. q 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
A Follow-Up Study of Regular Education Students Trained in Mainstreaming Competencies

A follow-up telephone survey of regular education students who had taken a course on mainstreaming handicapped students was conducted. The purpose of the survey was to determine the perceptions of graduates regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of the course and to solicit their suggestions for changes in the course. The results of the survey are reported and the implications for the preservice training of regular educators in mainstreaming competencies discussed.
Control system laboratory: a power electronics teaching experience

This paper describes the authors' experience in teaching power electronics at the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of South Carolina within the context of a Control Systems Laboratory course. The Control Systems Laboratory combines control. power electronics, and circuit design into an interesting challenge for the students. The students come face-to-face with important system design issues and come to appreciate the breadth of engineering knowledge required to effectively design power electronic systems.
Recall those thrilling days of yesteryear ...

This editorial explores Burris's examination, in this issue, of combined modality anticancer treatment and radiation recall.
Phosphorylation Regulates Binding of the Human Papillomavirus Type 8 E2 Protein to Host Chromosomes

The papillomavirus E2 proteins are indispensable for the viral life cycle, and their functions are subject to tight regulation. The E2 proteins undergo posttranslational modifications that regulate their properties and roles in viral transcription, replication, and genome maintenance. During persistent infection, the E2 proteins from many papillomaviruses act as molecular bridges that tether the viral genomes to host chromosomes to retain them within the host nucleus and to partition them to daughter cells. The betapapillomavirus E2 proteins bind to pericentromeric regions of host mitotic chromosomes, including the ribosomal DNA loci. We recently reported that two residues (arginine 250 and serine 253) within the chromosome binding region of the human papillomavirus type 8 (HPV8) E2 protein are required for this binding. In this study, we show that serine 253 is phosphorylated, most likely by protein kinase A, and this modulates the interaction of the E2 protein with cellular chromatin. Furthermore, we show that this phosphorylation occurs in S phase, increases the half-life of the E2 protein, and promotes chromatin binding from S phase through mitosis.
Eliciting and Examining Young Children's Storytelling

Abstract The ability to orally tell a story is a necessary prerequisite to later success in reading and writing. It has been found that the quality of children's oral stories is dependent on the task used to elicit stories. This study uses three language eliciting situations to obtain stories. Kindergarten students were asked to (a) tell an original story with no prop, (b) tell a story from a single picture with implied action, and (c) draw a picture and tell a story. The stories were compared in the areas of fluency, vocabulary, descriptive nature, and story structure. A repeated analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences between tasks. Results showed that children's oral stories elicited with no prop were more fluent and reflected a more sophisticated story structure than the other two tasks. A discussion of findings and implications for educational practice are offered.
The Economics of Electricity Hedging and a Proposed Modification for the Futures Contract for Electricity

First, this paper provides a simple explanation of the economics of electricity hedging and shows why the unique characteristics of electric power make risk management more complex than for other commodities. Second, a change in the futures contract for electric power is proposed that reflects these unique characteristics. These changes would create a unique resettlement mechanism that would make the futures contract more useful for hedgers on both sides of the market. Finally, a sample of data are analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of this proposal.
Central Venous Lines in Children With Lesser Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Optimal Type and Timing of Placement

Purpose In pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the optimal time for central venous line (CVL) insertion and the optimal type of CVL (internal v external) is unclear. This study was undertaken to compare complication rates between early versus late line insertion, and between internal versus external lines in children with lesser risk ALL. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients enrolled onto Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) protocol 9201. Data regarding demographics, CVL types and insertion dates, blood counts, and complications were reviewed through week 25 of therapy. Results Of 697 patients enrolled onto POG protocol 9201, 362 patients had sufficient data for analysis. When compared to late line placement (> day 15 of induction), early CVL placement (≤ day 15 of induction) was associated with an increased risk of having a positive blood culture (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.0; P = .05). When compared with internal CVLs (“ports”), external CVLs w...
A Survey of Research in Distributed, Continual Planning

Complex, real-world domains require rethinking traditional approaches to AI planning. Planning and executing the resulting plans in a dynamic environment implies a continual approach in which planning and execution are interleaved, uncertainty in the current and projected world state is recognized and handled appropriately, and replanning can be performed when the situation changes or planned actions fail. Furthermore, complex planning and execution problems may require multiple computational agents and human planners to collaborate on a solution. In this article, we describe a new paradigm for planning in complex, dynamic environments, which we term distributed, continual planning (DCP). We argue that developing DCP systems will be necessary for planning applications to be successful in these environments. We give a historical overview of research leading to the current state of the art in DCP and describe research in distributed and continual planning.
Structural Analysis of Heat-Treated Chromium Oxycarbide Films

Chromium oxycarbide (Cr2CO) films were deposited on stainless steel and copper plates via plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The films were heated to 1073 K under high-vacuum conditions, to examine the high-temperature stability of the films. X-ray diffractometry revealed that the films decomposed to a mixed structure of Cr2O3 and Cr3C2. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis revealed that the decomposition occurred in the temperature range of 858-910 K.
Deficient DNA mismatch repair: a common etiologic factor for colon cancer

Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), the most common form of hereditary colon cancer, is a syndrome of deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR). Five, possibly six, human MMR genes have been identified that, when mutated in the germline, cause susceptibility to this syndrome. To date, more than 300 different predisposing mutations are known, mainly affecting the MMR genes MLH1 (∼50%), MSH2 (∼40% )a ndMSH6 (∼10%). Genetically predisposed individuals carry a defective copy of an MMR gene in every cell. Somatic inactivation of the remaining wild-type copy in a target tissue, typically colon, gives rise to a profound repair defect, progressive accumulation of mutations and cancer. Instability at short tandem repeat sequences, microsatellites, is a typical manifestation of MMR deficiency and apart from HNPCC tumors, occurs in ~15% of sporadic colon and other tumors. The majority of the latter cases are attributable to one particular MMR gene, MLH1, and unlike HNPCC, an epigenetic rather than a genetic mechanism plays an important role in the inactivation of this gene. The present review provides an update of the genetics of HNPCC and more generally, of cancer development driven by deficient MMR. Recent discoveries suggest that apart from post-replication repair, MMR proteins have several other functions that are highly relevant to carcinogenesis. Knowledge of the complex interplay between the MMR system and other cellular pathways allows us to better understand the phenotypic manifestations of HNPCC and other cancers with deficient MMR.
Detection of carbonyl‐modified proteins in interfibrillar rat mitochondria using N′‐aminooxymethylcarbonylhydrazino‐D‐biotin as an aldehyde/keto‐reactive probe in combination with Western blot analysis and tandem mass spectrometry

There is now a large body of supporting data available that links oxidative modifications of proteins to a large number of diseases, degenerative disorders and aging. However, the detailed analysis of oxidative protein modifications remains challenging. Here, we report a new efficient method for identification of oxidatively modified proteins in complex biological samples which is based on the use of an aldehyde-reactive probe, N'-aminooxymethylcarbonylhydrazino-D-biotin (ARP), in combination with Western-type analyses and MS. The biotinylated hydroxylamine derivative forms a chemically stable oxime derivative with the aldehyde/keto group found in carbonyl-modified proteins. The biotin tag is detected by avidin affinity staining. ARP-positive proteins are subsequently subjected to in-gel trypsinization and MS/MS for protein identification. We demonstrate the usefulness of the method for the analysis of protein extracts obtained from interfibrillar heart mitochondria (IFM) from young and old rats. In this study, we identified as putative major protein targets of oxidative modifications the mitochondrial matrix protein, aconitase, the inner mitochondrial membrane protein, ADP/ATP translocase, and constituents of the electron transport chain complexes IV and V. An age-related increase of carbonyl levels was found for aconitase and ATP synthase.
Ensemble: exploring complementary strengths of leaders and crowds in creative collaboration

In story writing, the diverse perspectives of the crowd could support an author's search for the perfect character, setting, or plot. However, structuring crowd collaboration is challenging. Too little structure leads to unfocused, sprawling narratives, and too much structure stifles creativity. Motivated by the idea that individual creative leaders and the crowd have complementary creative strengths, we present an approach where a leader directs the high-level vision for a story and articulates creative constraints for the crowd. This approach is embodied in Ensemble, a novel collaborative story-writing platform. In a month-long short story competition, over one hundred volunteer users on the web started over fifty short stories using Ensemble. Leaders used the platform to direct collaborator work by establishing creative goals, and collaborators contributed meaningful, high-level ideas to stories through specific suggestions. This work suggests that asymmetric creative contributions may support a broad new class of creative collaborations.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Geography Majors in the Workplace: A Comparison of GIS/AIS Curricula

Abstract Today's Geography graduates are employed by a diverse set of employers, and the jobs these individuals fill are as varied as the field of Geography itself. Geographers who join corporate workplace teams may need to find common grounds for communication with their business school‐trained colleagues. This cross‐disciplinary study examines the curricula of introductory courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and one of its business counterparts, Accounting Information Systems (AIS), through an analysis of GIS and AIS textbooks. The findings suggest that there are areas in which shared background exists. Introductory information about systems, and an understanding of database architectures are the most likely areas of commonality; depending on which GIS text was used during the geographer's training, the geographer may also share background in such areas as systems analysis, database management systems, and data modeling.
Reliability of Steel Frames Designed with Advanced Analysis

The design of steel frames by advanced analysis can result in more efficient structures while maintaining satisfactory levels of reliability by incorporating nonlinear structural analysis. The structural reliabilities of a series of two-story, two-bay steel frames designed by both load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and advanced analysis methods are compared. Yield strength and gravity loads are modeled as random variables. Strength distributions and probabilities of failure are calculated by Monte Carlo simulation and first-order approximation for two failure criteria—plastic collapse and first plastic hinge. The results indicate that LRFD methods successfully enforce the target reliability on first plastic hinging. In contrast, design by advanced analysis results in acceptable reliabilities against plastic collapse, but relatively large probabilities of plastic hinging at service load levels. Specifications based on advanced analysis may require greater attention to serviceability criteria. Resistance factors for advanced analysis are calculated based on the strength distributions for two levels of target reliability. System-based failure criteria, such as plastic frame collapse, present a fundamental difficulty in determining resistance factors applicable to a wide-range of structures.
Neonatal Cardiac Monitoring

Scenario: This electrocardiographic (ECG) strip was recorded for a 3-day-old male newborn after an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Cardiac monitoring was initiated because of a transient episode of cyanosis in which a follow-up ECG showed no signs of congenital heart anomaly. The newborn was deemed otherwise healthy, however there is a well-documented family history of cardiomyopathy. A regular feature of the American Journal of Critical Care, the ECG Puzzler addresses electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for clinical practice. To send an eLetter or to contribute to an online discussion about this article, visit www.ajcconline.org and click “Respond to This Article” on either the full-text or PDF view of the article. We welcome letters regarding this feature.
Tall tales and the art of exaggeration

With roots in the Old World and fertile ground in the New World, the tall tale ourished in America, especially within the boasting, expansive atmosphere of the American frontier (Burrison 1991: 6–7). Hunting, fishing, weather, domestic life, and agriculture were popular topics, and opportunities for artful exaggeration were numerous. This paper examines the tall tale as artistic folk humor in which the narrative is carefully constructed and performed for best effect. Field recordings, printed texts, and folklore-archive texts will provide examples for analysis. Finally, examples of tall-tale postcards add a visual dimension to the genre.
Asthenospheric Viscosity and Stress Diffusion: A Mechanism to Explain Correlated Earthquakes and Surface Deformations In Ne Japan

SUMMARY A significant correlation is found, in both space and time, between the intraplate (land) and interplate (sea, thrust zone only) earthquakes in Tohoku, NE Japan that has persisted since the times of reliably reported events in AD 1600. the correlation peaks at a land-lead of about 36 yr with an average correlation distance of 200km, with the implication of an average strain migration rate of 5.6 km yr-1. the correlation is highly significant (> 99 per cent), both from formal statistics and from tests of random shuffles of the data. Additional analysis of the data, as a point process, confirms the results of the correlation analysis. the sharpness of the correlation peak, when compared to the individual times of occurrence of the land and sea events suggests a trigger mechanism. To explain the correlation, the general model ofsubduction-rupture-rebound is extended to include additional features; the buckling of the land plate from the force of the subducting slab, and the viscoelastic coupling of the plate to the underlying asthenosphere. A buckle produces a high-stress region in the continental plate where earthquakes are more prone to occur, thus producing the spatial correlation in the data. This may also explain the preferred location on land for the smaller modern-day seismic events in NE Japan. the viscoelastic coupling controls the interaction between the land and sea events, resulting in the temporal correlation in the data. Because of viscosity, the model equations are diffuse-like with strain pulses as solutions; thus from the inferred strain migration rate it is possible to estimate asthenospheric viscosity (η=7 × 1018Pa s) using this model. A large land shock generates a strain pulse that affects the locked fault at the thrust zone several decades later. As the continental plate tends to pull away from the subducting slab, the frictional force arising from the overburden pressure is reduced, thus unlocking the fault and triggering a sea earthquake. The viscoelastic model is also used to explain surface deformations measured by triangulation surveys in Japan in 1904 and 1964. Horizontal displacements, which we believe are surface manifestations of the strain pulse from the large 1896 Riku-U land shock (M= 7.5) in NE Japan, are fit well by the model and provide a viscosity estimate η= 13 × 1018 Pa s.
Eastern Filbert Blight Susceptibility of American × European Hazelnut Progenies

Eastern filbert blight (EFB), caused by Anisogramma anomala, is a devastating disease of Corylus avellana, the European hazelnut of commerce, and is considered the primary limiting factor of production in eastern North America. Conversely, C. americana, the wild American hazelnut, is generally highly tolerant of EFB, although it lacks many horticultural attributes necessary for commercial nut production. Hybrids of C. americana and C. avellana combine the EFB resistance of the wild species with the improved nut quality of the European species. However, inheritance of EFB resistance from C. americana remains unclear with existing hybrids derived from a very limited selection of parents. To investigate this topic, C. americana and advanced-generation C. americana 3 C. avellana hybrids were crossed with susceptible C. avellana and the resulting seedlings exposed to EFB through field inoculations and natural disease spread. In the winter after their fifth growing season, plants were rated for the presence of EFB using an index of 0 (no disease) through 5 (all stems containing cankers). The three progeny related to C. americana 'Rush' segregated for resistance in a ratio of one resistant to one susceptible, suggesting the presence of a single dominant R gene. A wide array of disease responses was observed for the other progenies with some expressing little EFB resistance or tolerance and others showing a distribution of disease phenotypes typical of controlby multiplegenes. Overall, the results indicate that bothqualitative and quantitative resistance is present in C. americana. They also suggest that the choice of C. americana parent as well as the C. avellana parent will play a significant role in obtaining useful levels of EFB resistance in hybrid offspring, although the degree of disease expression in the parents may not be a useful predictor of progeny performance. Thus, more research is needed to understand inheritance of resistance, especially in advanced-generation backcrosses to susceptible C. avellana.
Single-Institution Experience with Irreversible Electroporation for T4 Pancreatic Cancer: First 50 Patients

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) for treatment of locally advanced pancreatic tumors is garnering increasing attention. This study was conducted to determine perioperative morbidity and mortality for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Prospective data of 50 consecutive patients receiving IRE for T4 lesions at a single tertiary center were analyzed. The primary end point was Clavien–Dindo complications at 90 days, and the secondary outcomes were survival and recurrence. A total of 50 patients underwent 53 IRE procedures for primary treatment (n = 29) or margin extension (n = 24), and 47 patients had adenocarcinoma. Six patients died within 90 days after the procedure (5 in the primary control group). Mortality occurred a median of 26 days (range, 8–42 days) after the procedure. Five patients in both the margin-extension and primary control groups experienced grade 3 or 4 morbidity (p = 0.739). The incidences of grades 3 to 5 complications did not differ significantly based on the adjustable parameters of IRE, tumor size, or primary treatment versus margin extension. After a median follow-up period of 8.69 months [interquartile range (IQR), 0.26–16.26 months], the median overall survival period for the primary control group was 7.71 months [95 % confidence interval (CI), 6.03–12.0 months) and was not reached in the margin-extension group (p = 0.01, log-rank). At the authors’ center, the mortality rate after IRE was higher than reported in other series, with the majority occurring in the primary control group. Major morbidity trended around upper gastrointestinal bleeding, visceral ulcerations/perforations, and portal vein thromboses. This favors further investigation of the safety and efficacy of IRE.
Proteome-wide Identification of Novel Ceramide-binding Proteins by Yeast Surface cDNA Display and Deep Sequencing

Although the bioactive sphingolipid ceramide is an important cell signaling molecule, relatively few direct ceramide-interacting proteins are known. We used an approach combining yeast surface cDNA display and deep sequencing technology to identify novel proteins binding directly to ceramide. We identified 234 candidate ceramide-binding protein fragments and validated binding for 20. Most (17) bound selectively to ceramide, although a few (3) bound to other lipids as well. Several novel ceramide-binding domains were discovered, including the EF-hand calcium-binding motif, the heat shock chaperonin-binding motif STI1, the SCP2 sterol-binding domain, and the tetratricopeptide repeat region motif. Interestingly, four of the verified ceramide-binding proteins (HPCA, HPCAL1, NCS1, and VSNL1) and an additional three candidate ceramide-binding proteins (NCALD, HPCAL4, and KCNIP3) belong to the neuronal calcium sensor family of EF hand-containing proteins. We used mutagenesis to map the ceramide-binding site in HPCA and to create a mutant HPCA that does not bind to ceramide. We demonstrated selective binding to ceramide by mammalian cell-produced wild type but not mutant HPCA. Intriguingly, we also identified a fragment from prostaglandin D2 synthase that binds preferentially to ceramide 1-phosphate. The wide variety of proteins and domains capable of binding to ceramide suggests that many of the signaling functions of ceramide may be regulated by direct binding to these proteins. Based on the deep sequencing data, we estimate that our yeast surface cDNA display library covers ∼60% of the human proteome and our selection/deep sequencing protocol can identify target-interacting protein fragments that are present at extremely low frequency in the starting library. Thus, the yeast surface cDNA display/deep sequencing approach is a rapid, comprehensive, and flexible method for the analysis of protein-ligand interactions, particularly for the study of non-protein ligands.
Automated interactive narrative synthesis using dramatic theory

Current systems for automatic narrative generation lack modularity in their authoring tools as well as the ability to accommodate a human player's interaction with the characters while simultaneously preserving narrative integrity. In this paper, we propose a logical formalism of a story that incorporates an exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and a story resolution, conforming to the widely established and studied Freytag model of a narrative. Using computational tools, our system is able to automatically synthesize stories that are grounded in narrative theory. These logical representations of stories are transformed into its equivalent Parameterized Behavior Tree (PBT) representation to facilitate an animated discourse of the narrative by leveraging existing character animations tools. Next, we automatically transform these passive narratives into interactive narratives by introducing narrative revision and nudge -- two extensions that preserve narrative integrity while still allowing the player to assume control of any character at any point in the story, and the freedom to experience the story in any way he sees fit. Our results demonstrate the promise of leveraging computational intelligence for automated interactive narrative synthesis while being firmly established in classical narrative theory.
Predictors of Post-concussion Rehabilitation Outcomes at Three-month Follow-up

Objective: To determine factors related to three-month follow-up outcomes for individuals participating in an outpatient rehabilitative treatment program for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method: Fifty participants underwent neuropsychological screening prior to treatment initiation and completed the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory—4 (MPAI–4) at treatment initiation, discharge from treatment, and three months following discharge. Results: Regression models indicated that information garnered from the neuropsychological screening prior to treatment initiation (e.g., mood symptoms and prior psychiatric history) accounted for unique variance in three-month post-discharge outcomes on several MPAI–4 subscales. Specifically, after controlling for baseline MPAI–4 ratings, higher Beck Depression Inventory–second edition (BDI–II) scores were associated with worse MPAI–4 Ability scores at three-month follow-up, and the presence of a psychiatric history was associated with worse MPAI–4 Adjustment scores at...
Preparation of long circulating 18F-labeled liposomes via conventional maleimide-thiol coupling for PET imaging

1572 Objectives Liposomes are tiny unilamellar vesicles comprised of phospholipid bilayers with an aqueous interior. Long-circulating [18F]liposomes may be useful blood-pool agents for PET imaging[1], but are difficult to prepare practically through an intermediate 18F-lipid. The goal of this study was to therefore develop a method to enable the direct fluorine-18 radiolabeling of preformed liposomes. Methods A fluorine-18 labeled 2-(2-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanethiol was prepared by the reaction of its trityl protected mesyl precursor with [18F]TBAF followed by deprotection of the thiol group with trifluoroacetic acid. Maleimide-PEG liposomes (diameter of 70 nm) were obtained by sonication of a lipid mixture consisting of DPPC, cholesterol and DSPE-PEG2000 (61:30:9) in acetate buffer (pH 6.5) followed by continuous high-pressure extrusion. Final conjugation of the maleimide-PEG liposome with [18F]thiol in 0.1M acetate buffer (0.1% EDTA), pH 6.5-8.0, in the presence of TCEP for 20 min gave the [18F]liposome. The product was purified by a mini-PD MiniTrap G-25 column. The pharmacokinetics and imaging potential of these batches were evaluated in rats using micro PET imaging. Results The conjugation yield determined by HPLC was 74-92%. DLS analysis of the [18F]liposomes indicated that coupling with [18F]thiol did not have any major effect on size (diameter of 75 nm). The overall radiochemical yield of the reaction was 10-25% (n= 12, uncorrected) in a 180 minute radiolabeling time. The images obtained from the rats had high blood retention over 4 h and were comparable to images obtained from previous synthetic methods. Conclusions We have successfully radiolabeled a preformed liposome via conjugation of a maleimide-PEG-functionalized liposome with the thiol group of 2-(2-(2-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanethiol. Research Support This study was funded by the intramural program of the National Institutes of Health
Soluble Factors Released by Endogenous Viable Cells Enhance the Antioxidant and Chemoattractive Activities of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane.

Objective: Regulation of oxidative stress and recruitment of key cell types are activities of human amniotic membrane (hAM) that contribute to its benefits for wound treatment. Progress in tissue preservation has led to commercialization of hAM. The majority of hAM products are devitalized with various degrees of matrix alteration. Data show the importance of hAM matrix preservation, but little is known about the advantages of retaining viable endogenous cells. In this study, we compared the antioxidant and chemoattractive properties of viable intact cryopreserved hAM (int-hAM) and devitalized cryopreserved hAM (dev-hAM) to determine the benefits of cell preservation. Approach: We evaluated the ability of int-hAM and dev-hAM to protect fibroblasts from oxidant-induced cell damage, to suppress oxidants, and to recruit fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro. Results: Both the int-hAM–derived conditioned medium (CM) and the int-hAM tissue rescued significantly more fibroblasts from oxidant-induced damage tha...
Third Harmonic Generation using Surface Plasmon Polaritons at Nonlinear Interfaces

We show that a third harmonic electromagnetic wave is generated by surface plasmons propagating at a nonlinear metal-dielectric interface. The angular- and intensity dependence of the generated wave are calculated and analyzed.
General Concepts: Stroke Systems of Care

The continuum of stroke care begins with the onset of symptoms and recognition in the field, to the discharge of the patient into the community. The ideal care of the stroke patient as he or she moves through this continuum includes coordination of systems that are designed to provide care at each step, including multiple disciplines, providers, and settings. Systems of care have been developed for the pre-hospital and inpatient portion of the continuum, but post-acute care for stroke patients is still very fragmented. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evidence supporting the use of systems of care, and to identify the existing gaps where evidence, guidelines, and ultimately policies are needed.