cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Model-Guided, Customizable Selection of Shoulder and Elbow Muscles for a C5 SCI Neuroprosthesis

Individuals with C5/C6 spinal cord injury (SCI) have a number of paralyzed muscles in their upper extremities that can be electrically activated in a coordinated manner to restore function. The selection of a practical subset of paralyzed muscles for stimulation depends on the specific condition of the individual, the functions targeted for restoration, and surgical considerations. This paper presents a musculoskeletal model-based approach for optimizing the muscle set used for functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the shoulder and elbow in this population. Experimentally recorded kinematics from able-bodied subjects served as inputs to a musculoskeletal model of the shoulder and elbow, which was modified to reflect the reduced muscle force capacities of an individual with C5 SCI but also the potential of using FES to activate paralyzed muscles. A large number of inverse dynamic simulations mimicking typical activities of daily living were performed that included (1) muscles with retained voluntary control and (2) many different combinations of stimulated paralyzed muscles. These results indicate that a muscle set consisting of the serratus anterior, infraspinatus and triceps would enable the greatest range of relevant movements. This set will become the initial target in a C5SCI neuroprosthesis to restore shoulder and elbow function.
The competitive determinants of a firm's environmental management activities: Evidence from US manufacturing industries

Abstract Environmental management (EM) issues have received substantial attention in operations management. While the link between EM practices and firm performance has been well studied, little is known about the competitive drivers of a firm's EM activities. In this research, a Schumpeterian economics perspective is adopted to investigate competitive interactions among leader and challenger firms in the domain of EM, with a particular focus on operational EM activities. Using econometric methods, the empirical analysis of panel data from a broad cross-section of US manufacturing firms reveals that such rivalry does exist and that the effect of a rival's past EM activity on a focal firm's EM activity is greater for more profitable and smaller firms. In addition, firm characteristics such as market leadership, firm size and firm profitability are found to significantly affect the magnitude of a firm's EM activities. This study presents theoretical and empirical evidence of rivalrous behaviors in the domains of EM and OM and, thus, has interesting implications for operations management research and practice.
Geographically linking population and facility surveys: methodological considerations

Background The relationship between health services and population outcomes is an important area of public health research that requires bringing together data on outcomes and the relevant service environment. Linking independent, existing datasets geographically is potentially an efficient approach; however, it raises a number of methodological issues which have not been extensively explored. This sensitivity analysis explores the potential misclassification error introduced when a sample rather than a census of health facilities is used and when household survey clusters are geographically displaced for confidentiality.
Neural correlates of decision processes: neural and mental chronometry

Recent studies aim to explain the duration and variability of behavioral reaction time in terms of neural processes. The time taken to make choices is occupied by at least two processes. Neurons in sensorimotor structures accumulate evidence that leads to alternative categorizations, while other neurons within these structures prepare and initiate overt responses. These distinct stages of stimulus encoding and response preparation support variable but flexible behavior.
Antimicrobial peptide delivery from degradable polymer thin films

The overuse of antibiotics has led to a rise in antibiotic resistance of common hospital dwelling bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Novel broad-spectrum antimicrobials that operate without further contributing to a rise in antibiotic resistance are needed to tackle this problem. The effective delivery of antimicrobial peptides, is of interest due to their wide range of activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as low onset of bacterial resistance. Our work focuses on using polyelectrolyte multilayer films for the delivery of these novel therapeutics targeting S. aureus infections. Such constructs could easily be implemented in localized delivery systems, applied directly to a wound site. We have examined hydrolytically degradable layer-by-layer constructed films for the delivery of an antimicrobial peptide, ponericin G1. This peptide exhibits a low S. aureus minimum inhibitory concentration, as well as low blood cell lysis. Poly(β-amino esters), containing hydrolysable ester bonds, have been incorporated into multilayer films in order to controllably deliver functional doses of ponericin G1 over the desired release time scales. Current results show this technique to be highly effective in delivering functional ponericin over many days. The exact release profiles show a strong dependence on the polyanions used during film construction.
Mitigating the potential for invasive spread of the exotic biofuel crop, Miscanthus × giganteus

Although herbaceous perennial crops are becoming a larger component of bioenergy production both in the United States and worldwide, there is growing concern that these crops pose a substantial risk of biological invasion. Miscanthus × giganteus, a sterile hybrid native to Asia, is considered an ideal biofuel crop for lands that are poorly suited for annual food crops and is currently being tested by growers. A fertile variety of M. × giganteus was developed by seed and energy companies in an effort to decrease the costs associated with planting rhizomes. No regulations have been established to manage the risk of invasion by the fertile variety. Because bioenergy production is expanding rapidly, and the few studies to quantify invasion risks in this species have addressed small spatial scales, we used a modeling approach to explore a broader domain of invasion scenarios at landscape scales. We implemented a spatially-explicit population model of fertile M. × giganteus to determine the efficacy of proposed management strategies in limiting or slowing the spread of this species. We found that fertile M. × giganteus may spread rapidly outside of field margins, and the ability of localized management strategies to curtail spread was highly sensitive to M. × giganteus first year survival and the amount of suitable habitat within the larger landscape. Commercialization of novel “bioeconomy crops”, such as fertile M. × giganteus, could increase both production and resource conservation in agriculture; however, these crops may also produce ecosystem “disservices” such as biological invasion and accompanying risks to native species. Landscape-scale modeling that allows for rapid testing of the interactions between new crop genotypes and landscape configurations will be a powerful tool for exploring the ecological risks posed by new bioeconomy crops.
Social media and online dating service providers: reexamining the new face of romance

A personal interview procedure of well-educated working professionals were completed to gauge how they felt about governmental relations, stakeholder concepts of price for value and degree of satisfaction concerning certain social media offerings, especially online dating service providers. Perhaps, the most outstanding findings were that no significant correlations among frequency of online dating services and degree of agreement that government should monitor online dating websites, as well as age range of respondent and degree of agreement that government should monitor online dating websites. As expected, the below 40 age group saw online dating as a more vital option for social networking and dating than their older counterparts. It has been advertised by many online dating service providers that internet savvy individuals with demanding careers and busy lifestyles were turning to online dating services to seek out romantic relationships at a record pace. However, those statistics are not verified by the empirical results of the present study.
On Flat Polyhedra deriving from Alexandrov's Theorem

We show that there is a straightforward algorithm to determine if the polyhedron guaranteed to exist by Alexandrov’s gluing theorem is a degenerate at polyhedron, and to reconstruct it from the gluing instructions. The algorithm runs in O(n 3 ) time for polygons of n vertices.
Education and Work in Japan: Implications for Policy:

Educators and policymakers in the United States and other Western countries have been reluctant to seriously consider Japanese approaches to work-related education. Consideration and analysis, as opposed to adoption, of Japanese approaches to work-related education can contribute to a better understanding of the basis for workforce development and formulation of policy. Drawing on extensive interviews with Japanese workers and managers in a variety of Japanese companies, this article describes the basis for the relationships between education and work in Japan and policy implications for the role of employers in workforce development.
IL-4 Upregulates Igα and Igβ Protein, Resulting in Augmented IgM Maturation and B Cell Receptor–Triggered B Cell Activation

IL-4 is critical for optimal B cell activation and germinal center B cell expansion in T-dependent immune responses; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the current study, we found that primary B cells express little Igα and Igβ protein despite substantial levels of mRNA. IL-4 markedly upregulates Igα and Igβ protein expression that requires STAT6. Elevated Igα and Igβ protein form heterodimers that associate with IgM and significantly promote IgM maturation and surface IgM expression, resulting in amplified BCR-initiated signaling that is Lyn dependent. In vivo, we found that pregerminal center B cells express upregulated Igα, Igβ, and surface IgM expression, in conjunction with elevated BCR-triggered phosphorylated ERK ex vivo, that are dependent on IL-4 and reversed by in vivo administration of neutralizing anti–IL-4 Ab. Thus, this study elucidates a novel mechanism for cross-talk between the IL-4 and BCRs that programs enhancement of subsequent BCR signaling.
Comparison of synthetic and smog aerosols

Abstract Aerosols resembling those observed in polluted air have been generated photochemically in several laboratories in the past 15 years. But the importance of such mechanisms in real polluted air in comparison with aerosols emitted directly from sources has not been easy to evaluate. An optical particle counter and a technique for obtaining infrared spectra of aerosols have now been used to compare these synthetic laboratory aerosols with smog aerosols from the Riverside, California area. The dirty air conditions studied were photochemical smog, dust storm, and orchard heater smoke. The clean air conditions examined were rainstorm, Santa Ana wind, and morning radiation inversion. Aerosol generated photochemically appears to account for most of the visibility loss in smog which is due to particles in the 0. 3-1.0 μm diameter range. This portion of the aerosol can be accounted for as sulfuric acid, and auto exhaust alone is sufficient to account for it if the sulfur in gasoline is oxidized to sulfuric acid efficiently. Infrared analysis shows sulfate bands and additional bands which are ascribed to a nitrate. Particles larger than 1 or 2 μ may account for much of the weight of particulate matters but not much of the visibility loss. Many of these are solid in contrast to the smaller particles which appear to be liquid. Sandstorm aerosols are much larger in size while orchard heater smoke looks like particulate carbon and has no infrared bands.
Pervasive computing and management

Summary form only given. The vision of pervasive and ubiquitous computing was set forth in the early 90s, calling for a world of people and environments augmented with computational resources that provide access to information and services anytime, anywhere. Since then, part of this vision has been realized. The first part of this tutorial presents a comprehensive overview of pervasive computing and its evolution in the last 10 years. Particular attention is given to three areas where most research and development work has focused: natural interfaces (displays, speech, input devices), context awareness, and automated capture and access of live experiences. In addition, we explore a number of systems issues common in the development of pervasive applications, such as networking techniques for creating a pervasive communications infrastructure (especially in the presence of intermittent connectivity), middleware and operating system support, security and privacy. The second part provides an overview of the still nascent field of management of pervasive environments. We outline the challenges and present the latest work in the area: problem domains, architectures and implementations.
A Challenge for Social Studies Educators: Increasing Civility in Schools and Society by Modeling Civic Virtues

Many scholars, teachers, parents, as well as others, are concerned with the decline of civility in public discourse and public schools. The sharp differences among various ideological groups, exacerbated by media incivility, are contributing factors to rising incivility. This ideological divide currently manifests itself in bitter partisan politics, personal attacks, and a high degree of incivility that poisons the public discourse and serves as a poor example to K–12 students. Social studies classes, while teaching about political differences and controversial issues, must be characterized by civility—a virtue that must be inculcated through education and practice. It is difficult for students to internalize this virtue if they do not see it in our politicians, the media, and other institutions. It is also essential that students learn to disagree about issues without using personal attacks, incendiary language, or making false claims about their adversaries. Civility is not simply good manners; it is a ...
Programmer-transparent coordination of recovering concurrent processes: philosophy and rules for efficient implementation

An approach to coordination of cooperating concurrent processes, each capable of error direction and recovery, is presented. Error detection, rollback, and retry in a process are specified by a well-structured language construct called recovery block. Recovery points of processes must be properly coordinated to prevent a disastrous avalanche of process rollbacks. The approach relies on an intelligent processor system (that runs processes) capable of establishing and discarding the recovery points of interacting processes in a well coordinated manner such that a process never makes two consecutive rollbacks without making a retry between the two, and every process rollback becomes a minimum-distance rollback. Following a discussion of the underlying philosophy of the author's approach, basic rules of reducing storage and time overhead in such a processor system are discussed. Examples are drawn from the systems in which processes communicate through monitors. >
Identification and initial characterization of spore-like cells in adult mammals.

We describe the identification and initial characterization of a novel cell type that seems to be present in all tissues. To date we have isolated what we term “spore-like cells” based on the characteristics described below. They are extremely small, in the range of less than 5 μm, and appear to lie dormant and to be dispersed throughout the parenchyma of virtually every tissue in the body. Being dormant, they survive in extremely low oxygen environments, as evidenced by their viability in tissues (even in metabolically very active tissues such as the brain or spinal cord) for several days after sacrifice of an animal without delivery of oxygen or nutrients. The spore-like cells described in this report have an exceptional ability to survive in hostile conditions, known to be detrimental to mammalian cells, including extremes of temperature. Spore-like cells remain viable in unprepared tissue, frozen at −86°C (using no special preservation techniques) and then thawed, or heated to 85°C for more than 30 min. Preliminary characterization of these cells utilizing basic and special stains, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal very small undifferentiated cells, which contain predominantly nucleus within a small amount of cytoplasm and a few mitochondria. Focal periodic acid-Schiff and mucicarmine stains suggest a coating of glycolipid and mucopolysaccharide. In vitro, these structures have the capacity to enlarge, develop, and differentiate into cell types expressing characteristics appropriate to the tissue environment from which they were initially isolated. We believe that these unique cells lie dormant until activated by injury or disease, and that they have the potential to regenerate tissues lost to disease or damage. J. Cell. Biochem. 80:455–460, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Consequences of Depriving Laying Hens of Water a Short Time

Abstract Performances of two successive flocks of White Leghorn type layers, housed in the same cage house, and both accidentally subjected to short-term (48–72 hr.) water deprivation were observed. Egg production by the first flock was down for 7–8 weeks thereafter. The second flock of deprived birds partially compensated for low productivity for 8 weeks by laying more than the continuously watered birds did during a 21-wk. post-recovery period. Water deprivation increased mortality, particularly for one week.
How do atmosphere and land surface influence seasonal changes of convection in the tropical Amazon

Although the wet season in the tropical Amazon (108N‐208S) at any one place and in any one year is initiated rapidly by synoptic systems, large-scale thermodynamic conditions modulate the frequency and intensity of these synoptic systems and hence control the climatology of the wet season. In this study, the satellite radiances, radiosondes, and assimilation data of the atmosphere are analyzed to show that the conditioning of the largescale thermodynamics for the onset of the wet season is controlled by a moistening of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and a lowering of temperature at its top, hence reducing convective inhibition energy (CINE). These changes occur either in phase with or lagging by one month the enhancement of low-level moisture convergence. Integration of a slab mixed-layer model shows how a higher humidity can reduce the drying effect of the entrainment and increase the humidity of the daytime PBL. Hence, the increase of low-level moisture convergence may provide enough moisture to initiate the wet seasons. In the southern part of the basin (58S‐208S), the land surface warming from austral winter to spring reduces the strong stability of the dry season and increases the frequency of unstable profiles for deep convection ( f CUS), but convection remains infrequent until, in addition, the PBL is moistened and the inversion decays to lower CINE in October. The latter occur one month after the moisture becomes convergent. The seasonal changes in land surface temperatures are stronger than those over the adjacent oceans and hence have more influence on the gradient between land and ocean, and so on the changes in the large-scale circulation. In the equatorial western Amazon, a warmer land surface provides high f CUS all year round, but the seasonal changes of convection are more controlled by CINE. In the eastern basin, a lower f CUS in spring suppresses the expected wet season. Hence, convection is most frequent during austral fall, but also occurs in austral spring in the western Amazon. Higher f CUS and lower CINE are largely contributed to by the increases in humidity and weakening of the inversion. In contrast to the southern part of the basin, changes in local land surface temperature are small so that changes of the surface temperature in the adjacent oceans and southern Amazon largely control the changes in temperature gradient between land and ocean, and hence the seasonal onset of equatorial convection.
Gaming the Gap: A Small World Simulation of Human Migration Response to Stressors.

Significant societal disruptions are anticipated from mass human migration due to environmental factors, e.g., climate change. Understanding human behavioral responses to these disruptions are critical for informed policy decisions. However this is hindered by a significant data gap. Black et al. defines this gap as the difference between agency (the ability of migrants to self-report) and inference (from quantitative population data) [1]. While the general dynamics of human migration are known, the particulars remain elusive. To help address this gap, we have developed an online game called Island World, which is devised as a small world simulation. Our contribution is a design exploration of a game for the purpose of illuminating our understanding of human migration.
Narcissistic for the People: Narcissists and Non-narcissists Disagree about How to Make a Good Impression

Abstract We theorized that the self-promotion of a narcissist arises, in part, from greater endorsement of self-promotion as an effective means to make a good impression. Furthermore, we suspected that this endorsement follows from narcissists' stronger expectations that an agentic image is instrumental to making a good impression. To test these ideas, participants in the present study completed an index of narcissism along with measures of beliefs about whether demonstrating agentic traits and engaging in self-promotion produce a good impression on others. Lastly, participants completed two indices of their own self-promotion behavior. A latent regression revealed that narcissism was positively associated with the belief that agentic traits are instrumental to making a good impression, which, in turn, predicted endorsement of self-promotion as a means to make a good impression. This enhanced endorsement of self-promotion in turn predicted participants' tendency to self-promote. The evidence here suggests how narcissists' self-promotion can originate from well-intentioned attempts to make a positive impression.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by a proliferation of mature-appearing but functionally incompetent lymphocytes. The result of this proliferation is an accumulation of lymphocytes that progressively infiltrate the lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, and spleen. CLL and SLL are classified by the World Health Organization as the same disease entity [1]. They are identical histologically and immunophenotypically, but their manifestation is different: CLL manifests primarily in peripheral blood or bone marrow and SLL in the lymph nodes.
Property Rights on Environmental Goods

This essay examines the relationship between property rights and environmental protection. According to the 'tragedy of the commons' model, environmental pollution and resource depletion result from the inadequate specification of property rights on environmental goods. Two solutions are typically offered for averting the 'tragedy': (1) specify property rights, i.e., privatize the commons or (2) regulate entry and use. For some environmental goods, such as land, privatization has been the preferred (though not an exclusive) approach. For other environmental goods, such as air and water, regulation has been the preferred (though, again, not an exclusive) approach. Each of these approaches involves the imposition of property rights on formerly 'open access' (nonproperty) resources. Public regulations of entry and use increasingly rely on property 'rights'-based mechanisms, such as tradeable pollution 'rights', to improve regulatory efficiency. Some law and economics scholars maintain, however, that better protection could be achieved at still lower cost by replacing regulatory regimes altogether with a system of well-defined private property rights on environmental goods. They advocate a combination of resource privatization and deregulation as both a necessary and a sufficient remedy for environmental problems. This entry assesses the utility and limitations of property rights on environmental goods.
Distribution of high-energy phosphates in the heart.

SummaryDogs were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and ventilated with a respirator. Pressures were monitored in each chamber. Tissue samples from the beating heart were rapidly removed from uniform sites in the left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), left atrium (LA), and right atrium (RA) and analyzed for ATP, ADP, and creatine phosphate (CP). The concentrations of ATP, ADP, and CP were distributed in the following order: LV > RV > LA > RA. This is the same order as the mean pressures developed in the various chambers, but the relationship between mean pressure and high-energy phosphate stores was not linear. The finding that ATP, ADP, and CP concentrations were highest in the LV, the chamber which performs the most work, suggests that differences in the distribution may be due to differences in the rates of production.
Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Colorimetric Method to Estimate Age and Rate of Development of Pupae for the Sterile-Insect Technique

Age and rate of development of the preadult of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), can be estimated from its eye color by comparison with any color chart that has been standardized with the Hunter colorimeter. For >999 preadults excised from puparia on 1, 2, 3, or 4 d before eclosion (DBE), approximate values of mean eye color ( J ) were 37.50, 23.02, 7.52, or 2.13, respectively. Corresponding rates of pupal development were −5.17, −9.95, −14.73, and −19.50 J per day on 4, 3, 2, or 1 DBE.
An outbreak of nosocomial norovirusgastroenteritis

OBJECTIVE To investigate and analyze an outbreak of nosocomial norovirus GⅡ gastroenteritis in a medical ward.METHODS Field epidemiology was conducted using a standard questionnaire,and case-control study method was applied to analyze the risk factors.RT-PCR was performed for norovirus detection.RESULTS A total of 22 cases were reported during the outbreak,and the incidence rate was 31.0%.The outbreak lasted for 8 days with vomit and diarrhea as the clinical characteristics,and the introduction rate was 30.3%.The distribution of outbreak showed a single-peak epidemic curve with time in horizontal axis and trend of space aggregation.2 cases were identified by laboratory diagnostic.9 out of 11 stool specimens were submitted positive using a RT-PCR method,while 6 environmental samples were all negative.The OR was 11.2(OR 95% CI=1.80~116.80) exposed to subclinical infected HCWs,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=4.98 P=0.0260.05).The aggregative space distribution was consistent with the high attack rate associated with exposure to subclinical infected HCW.CONCLUSION The gastroenteritis outbreak in healthcare setting is caused by norovirus GⅡ.Subclinical infected HCWs are important sources of transmission;and direct contact is one of major transmission route.The spread of norovirus infection can be effectively curbed through implement of disinfection and isolation precautions.To actively promote adherence to hand hygiene and PPE use to contact and standard precautions has an important role in prevention and control of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in healthcare settings.
Geographic Patterns of Years of Potential Life Lost for Mahoning County, Ohio, Census Tracts, 2010

ABSTRACTYears of Potential Life Lost, (YPLL) is a health indicator that gives insight to the health of a particular population. Life expectancy of 75 years is used to determine the years a person could have lived, this early loss of life may result in loss of economic productivity for a specific region. To determine cause of death related to premature death in Mahoning County, Ohio, YPLL was calculated for 2010 to help provide data regarding early loss of life in a specific location. This case study was designed to compare differences in YPLL results in the urban, suburban, rural and old industrial regions of the county.
Fracturing of a Wellbore and 2-D Fracture Models

The early fracture models are reviewed. And, the effects of dry zone and filter-cake on the behavior of a hydraulically induced fracture are discussed in this chapter.
Splitting of a Field into Gradient and Sphere-Tangent Parts

Here we describe the splitting of a general vector field into sphere-tangent and gradient parts.
Racial Disparities in Histology and Short-Term Renal Functional Outcomes Following Robotic Nephron-Sparing Surgery.

Abstract Purpose To identify variations in renal function and histology between Caucasian Americans (CA) and African Americans (AA) undergoing robotic nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent NSS. Multivariate analysis identified factors affecting postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Histology was re-reviewed by pathology to confirm papillary type. Results A total of 331 patients underwent NSS: CA (n = 212), AA (n = 105), Hispanic (n = 10), and other (n = 4). AA average age (60.1 years) was lower than CA (62.3 years) (P Conclusions AA patients were treated at a younger age, with a larger proportion of women. Postoperatively, AA experienced a greater increase in serum creatinine. Final histology demonstrated greater papillary RCC incidence in AA and increased likelihood for type 2 papillary RCC, a more aggressive histology.
Facial neurothekeoma in a 10-year-old child

Neurothekeoma is a rare and benign tumour that occurs most frequently on the head and neck. It is classified as a nerve sheath tumour and epidemiologically occurs in young adults. It is rare to find these tumours occurring in children. The following report describes a case of neurothekeoma in a young girl, its treatment and a review of the literature. Specific histological analysis may reveal atypical and aggressive features, which, in turn, affect resection and reconstructive options.
Record of massive upwellings from the Pacific large low shear velocity province

Large igneous provinces, as the surface expression of deep mantle processes, play a key role in the evolution of the planet. Here we analyse the geochemical record and timing of the Pacific Ocean Large Igneous Provinces and preserved accreted terranes to reconstruct the history of pulses of mantle plume upwellings and their relation with a deep-rooted source like the Pacific large low-shear velocity Province during the Mid-Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous. Petrological modelling and geochemical data suggest the need of interaction between these deep-rooted upwellings and mid-ocean ridges in pulses separated by ∼10–20 Ma, to generate the massive volumes of melt preserved today as oceanic plateaus. These pulses impacted the marine biota resulting in episodes of anoxia and mass extinctions shortly after their eruption. Large igneous provinces may record pulses mantle plume upwellings and their relationship with deep-rooted mantle sources. Madrigal et al. present a new petrological model of the Pacific Ocean Large Igneous Province finding that mantle plume pulses were separated by 10–20 Ma.
Intraventricular Fibrinolysis in Patients with Intraventricular Hemorrhage (P05.200)

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience using intraventricular fibrinolysis over 12 years. BACKGROUND: Intraventricular fibrinolysis has been shown effective in clearing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in small series of patients. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients admitted with IVH and treated with rt-PA instillation via intraventricular catheter (IVC) until clearance of the 3 rd and 4th ventricles. The Graeb and LeRoux semiquantitative scales were used to measure the amount of IVH before and after the last dose. RESULTS: 55 patients (mean age 58.6 years, 58.2% male) had the following admission diagnoses: 30 intracerebral and 17 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, 4 brain tumors, 1 head trauma, 1 arteriovenous malformation, 1 primary IVH and 1 post IVC placement. rt-PA was administered at a total dose of 5.1±4.7mg (individual doses ranging between 0.5 to 4 mg). The pre-fibrinolysis Graeb and LeRoux scores of 8.1±1.8 and 11.3±2.5,decreased post fibrinolysis to 4.6±1.8 and 5.3±2.6 (p CONCLUSIONS: In our large series, intraventricular fibrinolysis entailed minimal complications. The higher the total dose of rt-PA, the less the blood remaining inside the ventricles and the more ventricular blood removed, the better the outcome. Disclosure: Dr. Varelas and his spouse holds stock and/or stock options in The Medicines Company. Dr. Varelas has received research support from The Medicines Company. Dr. Mays-Wilson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Abdelhak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Spanaki holds stock and/or stock options in The Medicines Company. Dr. Helms has nothing to disclose.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and von Willebrand Factor in Thrombosis

For many years, my lab has been studying the interplay between inflammation and thrombosis. These processes occur together, stimulate each other and share cellular and molecular components. The latest example of a common functional component is neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are chromatin released together with toxic granular components from highly stimulated neutrophils. Originally found to trap/sequester invading pathogens, they were soon also seen to be part of sterile inflammatory and thrombotic processes. They interact with von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is also involved in platelet and leukocyte recruitment and is crucial for venous thrombus development after inferior vena cava stenosis. It is possible that NETs and VWF work together and cleavage of either by DNase 1 or ADAMTS13 is beneficial in ischemia/reperfusion injury. This will be discussed together with the role of NETs and the enzyme that generates them (PAD4) in animal models of deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction and in physiological wound healing. Interestingly, we observed that various cancers in mice prime neutrophils for NETosis. This causes cancer-associated thrombosis, and the production of NETs may affect tumor biology. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Student Perception of Competence and Attitude in Middle School Physical Education.

Motivation is a dynamic process that accounts for the interaction and filtration of information by the student and the effect that it has on student behavior. Perception of competence, an embedded motivational theory, posits that the influence of prior experience and information received from outside sources affects student behavior (Harter, 1982). Attitude is also a multifaceted construct that can be defined from varying dimensional viewpoints. A few specific factors have been identified as determinants of student attitude including the teacher, the curriculum, and the context. These factors are similar to those observed in perception of competence research. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of attitude and perception of competence in an effort to gain an understanding of the relationship between the two and their shared attributes and factors. The researchers surveyed middle school students (N = 1281) in Grades 6–8 physical education classes using the Middle School Physical Education Perception of Competence Survey (Scrabis-Fletcher & Silverman, 2010) and the Student Attitude in Middle School Physical Education Survey (Subramaniam & Silverman, 2000). Data analyses showed a significant difference for grade level, Wilks’s Λ = .948, F(10, 2542) = 6.83, p = < .0001, and a statistically significant difference for the prior experience factor among all grade levels. Results from this study suggest that although both constructs are sociocognitive in nature, they are not as highly correlated as previously believed. Low correlations were reported across the models, suggesting that the two constructs should be measured independently of each other and that one should not be used to predict the other. Attitude and perception of competence are two distinct sociocognitive concepts that share similar characteristics and factors but, as reported here, function independently of each other.
Drawing on student knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology

Drawings are an underutilized assessment format in Human Anatomy and Physiology (HA&P), despite their potential to reveal student content understanding and alternative conceptions. This study used ...
A Unified and Versatile Model Study for Moisture Diffusion

All electronic packages involve with a multi-material system, in which many of the materials or films are susceptible to moisture absorption. Despite dissimilar material properties, moisture transports in a multi-material system from a high "water activity" region to a low one, where water activity is a measure of water energy in a specific substance. This, however, has not been well recognized in electronic packaging industry. Furthermore, moisture concentration gradient is often deemed as the driving force for moisture transport, which inevitably poses a challenging discontinuity issue at interface for moisture diffusion in multi-material systems. Even though several normalization schemes have been developed in the literature, much confusion has existed on the fundamental principle of moisture diffusion. This paper derived an activity-based diffusion model using the concepts of chemical potential and water activity. We showed that the continuity of water activity at interface in dissimilar materials is warranted, and furthermore, many nonlinear water sorption isotherms can be applied in the activity-based model by using a new property called "generalized solubility". The activity-based model thus is capable to study complex moisture diffusion in multi-material system. Moreover, in this paper, the activity-based model was used to unify the different normalization theories, such as solubility-based and the so-called wetness normalization approaches. We also discussed how water sorption isotherm would affect the conventional moisture diffusivity, finding that only for some limiting cases (e.g., Henry sorption isotherm), the "effective moisture diffusivity" becomes independent of moisture concentration. We pointed out that the generalized solubility that are needed to solve the diffusion can be obtained using conventional terms such as saturated moisture concentration and solubility. As demonstration, a numerical example was performed in commercial finite element software to study the moisture diffusion through a bi-material interface under dynamic temperature and humidity conditions. The results from different nonlinear sorption isotherms were compared to demonstrate the capability and versatility of the model. We concluded that the activity-based moisture diffusion model is a unified and versatile approach to study and understand the moisture diffusion mechanism in IC packages.
Analysis of the Spontaneous Mutation to Avirulence by Pseudomonas Solanacearum

A gene from P. solanacearum encoding an endoglucanase (EGase) enzyme was cloned on a 30-kb DNA fragment in the cosmid pLAFR3 by virtue of its expression in E. coli. Activity inhibition analysis with antiserum against a purified EGase of P. solanacearum showed that this gene (egl) encodes the major endoglucanase excreted by virulent P. solanacearum. This 38-kDA EGase enzyme is produced at 25-fold lower levels in spontaneous, non-mucoid, avirulent mutants. After mapping and subcloning, Southern hybridization analysis showed that there are no major structural differences between the egl gene in the wild type virulent parent and in avirulent mutants. However, RNA measurements showed that the egl gene was transcribed nearly 10-fold less in avirulent mutants. Transfer of the wild type egl gene into avirulent mutants resulted in non-mucoid strains which produce nearly normal levels of egl gene product. Attempts to spontaneously mutate the cloned egl gene in merodiploids were unsuccessful. The available evidence suggests that a small cis-acting promoter mutation results in the reduced egl expression in the spontaneous, pleiotrophic mutants.
Ordered mesoporous FeNx-doped carbon: a class of highly active and stable catalysts in acids, bases and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

The high cost and scarcity of platinum (Pt) materials have considerably hindered their use as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and thus wide-scale implementation in fuel cells for practical applications. Here we describe a class of non-noble metal catalysts, i.e., an ordered mesoporous FeNx-doped carbon (OMFeNC) that shows both performance activity and stability approaching or even greater than those of traditional Pt catalysts in acidic and basic solutions, as well as promising performances in operating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The OMFeNC was synthesized by pyrolysis of metalloproteins in combination with an ordered mesoporous silica template. The remaining silica from the template in the OMFeNC material was removed during the synthesis process, and required no post-synthesis HF acid treatment. In addition, multiple heat-treatments were explored and it was found that the OMFeNC catalyst obtained after pyrolysis at 800 °C possessed the best catalytic activity and stability for the ORR. The activity and stability of OMFeNC were further evaluated in a single membrane electrode assembled PEMFC, whereby a 355 mW cm−2 peak power was achieved with pure H2/O2 feed streams, the OMFeNC material utilized as the cathode catalyst and a cell operating temperature of 60 °C. After 60 hours of durability testing, 73% of the initial activity remained for the PEMFC, whereas 86% of the initial activity remained after 120 hours of durability testing with a neutralized ionomer binder in the cathode layer.
Mosaic evolution in the middle Miocene planktonic foraminifera Fohsella lineage

Abstract. Recent studies have shown that modes of evolution, namely directional trend, random walk, and stasis, vary across morphologic traits and over the geographic range of a taxon. If so, is it possible that our interpretation of evolutionary modes is actually driven by our selection of traits in a study? In an attempt to answer this question, we have restudied the middle Miocene planktonic foraminifera Fohsella lineage, an iconic example of gradual morphologic evolution. In contrast to previous studies that have focused on the gross morphology as embodied by the edge view of tests, we analyze here multiple phenotypic traits chosen because their biologic and ecologic significance is well understood in living populations. We find that traits in the lineage did not evolve in concert. The timing and geographic pattern of changes in shape, coiling direction, size, and ecology were different. The evolution of this lineage is a mosaic combination of different evolutionary modes for different traits. We sugg...
Pharmacological Treatment of Amblyopia: Atropine Penalization

Amblyopia has been a mystery to clinicians for centuries. It is one of the few conditions we cannot approach surgically. There are many different types of treatments that have been used in the past...
Use of Multiple T Cell-Directed Intact Ricin Immunotoxins for Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation

kinetics of proteinsynthesis inhibition that were as fast as those of Ti Oi -R alone. This finding suggests that internalized ITs may differ in the length of time they remain active within the cell. Ourresults also demonstrate the importance ofusing several different assays to evaluate IT reagents. e 1985 by Grune & Stratton. Inc. our institution has identified four determinants (CD2, CD5, CD7, and [gp95,170])’2”3 which are expressed frequently in I-ALL. Because these determinants are not expressed on normal hematopoietic precursor cells,’4 the MoAb recognizing them are attractive candidates as ITs for purging of leukemic cells. In the present study, we evaluated ITs directed to these determinants as potential reagents for autobogous marrow transplantation. We compared the specific cytotoxic effect of each IT on beukemic cell lines using a sensitive clonogenic assay and kinetic analysis of protein synthesis inactivation. Each IT was found to be specifically cytotoxic to cells bearing target antigens. Because combined use of ITs may be required to eliminate the heterogeneous beukemic cells present in remission marrow, we evaluated cocktails of these ITs. A cocktail containing all four ITs eliminated >4 logs of cbonogenic beukemic cells at doses that spared >70% of the pluripotent hematopoietic progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM)
Neo-Classical Models with Two Income Classes

In this chapter we relax the neo-classical assumption that the aggregate saving ratio is a constant and treat the two income groups separately. The classical savings function assumes that wage earners do not save and that capital owners (we will call them firms for simplicity) do not consume but reinvest all their income. A more general assumption adopted by Kaldor [4] and followed up by Pasinetti [6] and others, is to assume that wage earners save a proportion sw and that firms save a different propor tion s of their respective incomes.1 We thus have two classes of income receivers, workers and firms, receiving different incomes and saving different proportions of their incomes. Several studies have estimated short run consumption functions with cross-section data and shown that firms save on average a higher proportion of their income than workers at the same level of income.2 Firms have strong needs for investment funds which are expected to yield high returns. They therefore plow back a good part of profits into the business which results in a higher saving-income ratio. While the empirical results are based on short run consumption functions, the motives for additional saving by entrepreneurs are powerful even in the long run. It is therefore of considerable interest to study growth models which assume different saving rates for the two classes of income receivers.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori, and ulcers: where we stand.

Background : Despite the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related peptic ulcer disease, it has become apparent that we may be in the midst of an epidemic of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ulcers and ulcer complications. We also have almost no information about whether there is a link between ulcers in NSAID users and H. pylori infection or whether clinically significant interactions occur. Methods : Current data regarding the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of NSAID-induced ulcers and the possible relationship between H. pylori ulcers and NSAID use is reviewed. Conclusion : We need to rethink past conclusions about NSAIDs and gastroduodenal complications and also re-do many of the experiments, taking into account the H. pylori status of the patient (infected, uninfected, cured). It is predicted that the epidemic of NSAID complications will only get worse. Only the future will tell whether selective COX II inhibitors or NO-NSAIDs that incorporate a nitroxybutyl moiety will actually provide the same benefit at lower risk. Until then we must rely on more rational use of NSAIDs, and misoprostol to keep the number of complications at a minimum.