cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Decimation of America's Middle Class and Its Meaning for Social Work

The current deterioration of America's middle class will test the ability of the social work profession to take the concept of class seriously and sharpen our understanding of the maldistribution of wealth as a form of oppression. The effort requires identifying and discrediting prevailing ideologies in both the popular culture and our profession. The middle-class crisis provides the opportunity to devise innovative coalitions of working-class and middle-class Americans. Recent efforts may point the way for social workers to help catalyze such movements.
Restoration of the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D by silibinin in vitamin D-resistant colon cancer cells

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer in developed countries. A large fraction of cases are linked to chronic intestinal inflammation, with concomitant increased TNF-α release and elevated Snail1/Snail2 levels. These transcription factors in turn suppress vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, resulting in loss of responsiveness to the protective anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). Experimental and epidemiologic evidence support the use of natural products to target CRC. Here we show that the flavonolignan silibinin reverses the TNF-α-induced upregulation of Snail1 and Snail2 in the 1,25D-resistant human colon carcinoma cells HT-29. These silibinin effects are accompanied by an increase in VDR levels; Snail1 overexpression reverses these silibinin effects. Silibinin also restores promoter activity from a vitamin D-response element (VDRE) reporter construct. While 1,25D had no significant effect on HT-29 and SW480-R cell proliferation and migration, co-treatment with silibinin restored 1,25D responsiveness. In addition, co-treatment with silibinin plus 1,25D decreased proliferation and migration at doses where silibinin alone had no effect. These findings demonstrate that this combination may present a novel approach to target CRC in conditions of chronic colonic inflammation.
Short echo time projection reconstruction MR imaging of cartilage: comparison with fat-suppressed spoiled GRASS and magnetization transfer contrast MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short echo time (TE) projection reconstruction magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the detection of cartilage lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven cartilage regions of 10 human patellar specimens were examined with the following MR sequences: short TE projection reconstruction (repetition time msec/TE msec, 400/0.15), fat-suppressed three-dimensional spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state (Spoiled GRASS) (50/10, 60 degrees flip angle), and magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) subtraction (400/6). MR findings were correlated with histopathologic grading of the cartilage. RESULTS: For detection of cartilage lesions, sensitivity of projection reconstruction imaging (100%) was significantly greater (P = .03) than that of MTC (62%) but not significantly greater (P > .05) than that of Spoiled GRASS (81%) imaging. Accuracy of projection reconstruction was significantly greater than that of MTC (P = .004) and Spoiled GRASS (P = .03) imaging. Unmasking of collagen fi...
Determination of the sweep constant in normal grain growth

Abstract The normal grain growth sweep constant, θ * , is determined from a volume-based continuity equation, and equivalent forms of θ * are given for various distribution parameters and normalization factors, A simple algorithm to obtain θ * from experimental data is also presented. The significance of introducing a stochastic component to the grain growth is described, and the extension of the sweep constant concept to particle coarsening is discussed.
Synthesis and turnover of protein(s) in nucleoli during epidermal keratinization.

Abstract Electron microscopic autoradiography was used to study incorporation of 3H-arginine into protein(s) of nucleoli of epidermal cells. Incorporation of 3H-arginine was observed in basal, Malpighian and granular cells of newborn rats as early as 5 min after intradermal injection. Concentration of grains over the nucleoli of differentiated cells was higher than that over the cytoplasm or the extranucleolar nuclei at 5, 15 and 30 min and 1 and 6 h after injection, and reached a maximum at 30 min that was 13 times greater in the nucleoli of granular cells than in the nuclei of basal cells. The concentration of grains over the nucleoli of granular cells was reduced at 60 min after injection and was decreased further at 6 h after injection, whereas the number of grains over the cytoplasm increased with time after injection. These results suggest a unique protein synthesis in the nucleoli of differentiated cells during epidermal keratinization although the chemical and biological nature of synthesized protein is still not known. The protein(s) synthesized in the nucleoli of granular cells appear(s) to turn over relatively rapidly.
Uterine fluid proteins bind sperm cholesterol during capacitation in the rabbit.

Cholesterol from rabbit sperm cells was bound by uterine fluid proteins following intrauterine insemination into ovulating does. Serum albumin has been identified as a uterine sterol acceptor. Progesterone administration suppressed binding and elevated the concentration of cholesterol, phospholipid, and protein. Uterine fluid cholesterol affinity, therefore, correlated with sperm capacitation activity in utero.
Impact of Flow and Brand Equity in 3D Virtual Worlds

This research is a partial test of Park et al.'s 2008 model to assess the impact of flow and brand equity in 3D virtual worlds. It draws on flow theory as its main theoretical foundation to understand and empirically assess the impact of flow on brand equity and behavioral intention in 3D virtual worlds. The findings suggest that the balance of skills and challenges in 3D virtual worlds influences users' flow experience, which in turn influences brand equity. Brand equity then increases behavioral intention. The authors also found that the impact of flow on behavioral intention in 3D virtual worlds is indirect because the relationship between them is mediated by brand equity. This research highlights the importance of balancing the challenges posed by 3D virtual world branding sites with the users' skills to maximize their flow experience and brand equity to increase the behavioral intention associated with the brand.
The contractile apparatus of vascular smooth muscle: Intermediate high voltage stereo electron microscopy

Intermediate high voltage stereo electron microscopy of rabbit portal-anterior mesenteric vein smooth muscle showed that thick filaments are 2·2 μm long and have tapered ends. In serial transverse sections, groups of three to five thick filaments end or begin within the same section. The intermediate (10 nm diameter) filaments were associated with dense bodies, as noted in previous studies, and were never seen within the substructure of the thick filaments. Actin filaments were found inserting on both cytoplasmic and plasma membrane-bound dense bodies. The greater length of the thick filaments in smooth than in striated muscles and their “parallel arrangement” within the fiber could contribute to the ability of smooth muscle to develop equal or greater tension than striated muscle, in spite of the much lower concentration of myosin in smooth muscle.
Randomized Trial of an eLearning Program for Training Family Members of Children with Autism in the Principles and Procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract Effective training of caregivers is an integral part of top-quality treatment programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, traditional caregiver training can be time consuming and costly. The development of Web-based electronic training programs (e.g., “eLearning”) may extend training to rural areas, thereby increasing accessibility and improving efficiency. The eLearning approach has been shown to be effective and efficient in various disciplines and industries, but studies evaluating eLearning programs for training parents of children with ASD are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an eLearning program for training family members of children with ASD in the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis treatment. A total of 28 family members participated in this randomized, waitlist-controlled, between-groups study. Differences in change scores between groups were significant, with the trained group substantially outperforming the waitlist control group at post-test. The control group then received training and also demonstrated significant gains post training.
Construction and characterization of [1,6-di(N-carbazolyl)2,4-hexadiyne] diacetylene polymer bicrystals

We have developed schemes to construct and characterize the microstructure and macroscopic properties of individual grain boundary defects in extended-chain, conjugated polymers. Our approach has b...
TELEMATICS AND URBAN LIFE: The Questions of Gender, Class, and Urban Form—Rejoinder to John P. Frendreis

: The effects of telecommunications and information technology on urban form cannot be separated from the effects of telematics on the internal and spatial organization of the firm on a world scale. To do so misses important consequences for urban space and masks the ways current applications of technology reinforce and extend existing patterns of class, race, gender inequalities and spatial hegemony.
Survival of mycobacterial species in aerosols generated from artificial saliva

Tuberculosis is transmitted primarily by the aerosol route and the aim of this study was to measure the ability of pathogenic mycobacteria to survive in aerosols generated from artificial saliva. Aerosols of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were generated and maintained in air under controlled conditions using a Henderson apparatus and a rotating drum. There were no differences in aerosol survival between the three species, and all had a poor survival rate over a period of 1 h. These data confirm epidemiological studies that close and prolonged contact with a TB patient is required for transmission of infection.
LOW Re INTERPHASE Nu FOR AXIAL DISPERSION AND BYPASSING REACTOR MODELS

The average catalyst temperature, determined using a magnetic method developed in this laboratory, is used with the measured values of bulk fluid temperature and conversion to determine the interphase Nusselt number for heat transfer for several catalytic reactor models: differential, plug flow, axially dispersed plug flow and plug flow with bypassing. The Reynolds number dependence of the interphase Nusselt number is determined for each of these models by regression analysis of low conversion kinetic data obtained from a single catalyst bed. The Reynolds number range is 0.1 to 1.3. Accounting for axial dispersion or bypassing yields somewhat higher Nusselt numbers relative to the differential model, though they are still orders of magnitude less than one. In addition, it is not apparent from the results that the Nusselt number is approaching a lower limiting value as the Reynolds number approaches zero.
Treatment of cancer of the lip

Abstract The technical methods for the treatment of cancer of the lip at Memorial Hospital are described. Neither surgery nor radiation alone is suitable for the treatment of all clinical varieties of cancer of the lip. The choice of the particular method or combination of the two are discussed.
The UAB Study of Aging: background and insights into life-space mobility among older Americans in rural and urban settings

With the aging of the US population, the proportion of African–Americans will increase and older adults in rural areas will become more isolated. Gender differences in health and function can be expected to be worse in historically underserved populations. Maintenance or improvement of mobility is critical to maintaining not only quality of life, but also physical and mental health. The University of Albama at Birmingham Study of Aging was designed to understand racial differences in mobility among older adults, and the study cohort is balanced by race, gender and rural–urban residence. Thus, the study can provide insights into the impact of aging on the health and function of African–American and white men and women in both rural and urban areas. The study demonstrates that mobility is a complex functional domain impacted by sociodemographic, general-health and mental-status factors. As modifiable risk factors of life-space mobility decline are identified, this will lead to the development and testing of...
π-Ligands for Generating Transition Metal−Peptide Complexes: Coordination of Amino Acid Derivatives to Tungsten Utilizing Alkyne Ligands

Amino acid derivatives bearing an alkyne (AA-CCH) at either the N- or C-terminus readily react with W(CO)3(S2CNMe2)2 to replace the carbon monoxides and form the novel bis-alkyne complexes W(AA-CCH...
medical devices in cinema [Point of view]

Is it time to take a more sophisticated approach to the way we portray medical devices in American cinema?
Differential responses of fast‐ and slow‐conducting pyramidal tract neurons to changes in accuracy demands during locomotion

Most movements need to be accurate. The neuronal mechanisms controlling accuracy during movements are poorly understood. In this study we compare the activity of fast- and slow-conducting pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) of the motor cortex in cats as they walk over both a flat surface, a task that does not require accurate stepping and can be accomplished without the motor cortex, as well as along a horizontal ladder, a task that requires accuracy and the activity of the motor cortex to be successful. Fast- and slow-conducting PTNs are known to have distinct biophysical properties as well as different afferent and efferent connections. We found that while the activity of all PTNs changes substantially upon transition from simple locomotion to accurate stepping on the ladder, slow-conducting PTNs respond in a much more concerted manner than fast-conducting ones. As a group, slow-conducting PTNs increase discharge rate, especially during the late stance and early swing phases, decrease discharge variability, have a tendency to shift their preferred phase of the discharge into the swing phase, and almost always produce a single peak of activity per stride during ladder locomotion. In contrast, the fast-conducting PTNs do not display such concerted changes to their activity. In addition, upon transfer from simple locomotion to accurate stepping on the ladder slow-conducting PTNs more profoundly increase the magnitude of their stride-related frequency modulation compared with fast-conducting PTNs. We suggest that slow-conducting PTNs are involved in control of accuracy of locomotor movements to a greater degree than fast-conducting PTNs.
Fast Boundary Element Method for the Linear Poisson-Boltzmann Equation

This article summarizes the development of a fast boundary element method for the linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation governing biomolecular electrostatics. Unlike previous fast boundary element implementations, the present treatment accommodates finite salt concentrations thus enabling the study of biomolecular electrostatics under realistic physiological conditions. This is achieved by using multipole expansions specifically designed for the exponentially decaying Green’s function of the linear Poisson -Boltzmann equation. The particular formulation adopted in the boundary element treatment directly affects the numerical conditioning and thus convergence behavior of the method. Therefore, the formulation and reasons for its choice are first presented. Next, the multipole approximation and its use in the context of a fast boundary element method are described together with the iteration method employed to extract the surface distributions. The method is then subjected to a series of computational tests involving a sphere with interior charges. The purpose of these tests is to assess accuracy and verify the anticipated computational performance trends. Finally, the salt dependence of electrostatic properties of several biomolecular systems (alanine dipeptide, barnase, barstar, and coiled coil tetramer) is examined with the method and the results are compared with finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann codes.
A Comparison of Deaf College Students' and Hard of Hearing College Students' Experiences and Risk Factors of Psychological and Physical Abuse

A survey of 222 Deaf or hard of hearing college students in an upstate New York university provided a unique opportunity to explore possible differences between Deaf students’ and hard of hearing students’ experiences and risk factors of psychological and physical abuse in their intimate relationships. Previous research has indicated that Deaf and hard of hearing college students in the aggregate were significantly more likely to experience abuse than were hearing students. A comparison of Deaf students with hard of hearing students revealed that hard of hearing individuals were significantly more likely to experience physical abuse than were Deaf students but not more likely to experience psychological abuse. Findings also revealed that in most cases, traditional risk factors for partner violence (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, living on campus) used in hearing college samples were not significant. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
A novel clinical and imaging based score for predicting outcome prior to endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke

Introduction Outcome after stroke intervention remains disappointing, with only 30–50% of patients having a good outcome at 90 days. We sought to identify important outcome prognosticators. Methods All consecutive patients that presented with an acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke, with adequate CT perfusion imaging, and that underwent emergency endovascular treatment at two centers between January 1, 2009 and November 2011, were retrospectively reviewed. Investigators estimated the percentage of the total ischemic tissue that had decreased cerebral blood volume (CBV) compared with the total area with elevated time to peak (the penumbra). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify variables with prognostic significance and a scoring system was created. Results 163 patients underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Outcome data were available in 147 patients (90.2%). A good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) occurred in 64 patients (43.5%). Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and per cent decreased CBV scores were the only variables that predicted prognosis on multivariate analyses. A score was created (NAV score—NIHSS, age, volume) that awards points based on these three factors: 2 points for an NIHSS score of ≥15, 1 point for age ≥70 years, and 1 point for decreased CBV of ≥50%. The NAV score was strongly correlated with overall outcome (p Conclusions We introduced a simple three factor scoring system to help predict outcome in patients deemed candidates for intra-arterial acute ischemic stroke intervention.
Rationales in children's causal learning from others' actions

Abstract Shown commensurate actions and information by an adult, preschoolers’ causal learning was influenced by the pedagogical context in which these actions occurred. Four-year-olds who were provided with a reason for an experimenter’s action relevant to learning causal structure showed more accurate causal learning than children exposed to the same action and data accompanied by an inappropriate rationale or accompanied by no explanatory information. These results suggest that children’s accurate causal learning is influenced by contextual factors that specify the instructional value of others’ actions.
Clinically Important Differences for the Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer Scale in People With Minimal to Moderate Impairment Due to Chronic Stroke

Background The upper-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Scale (UE-FM) is one of the most established and commonly used outcome measures in stroke rehabilitative trials. Empirical work is needed to determine the amount of change in UE-FM scores that can be regarded as important and clinically meaningful for health professionals, patients, and other stakeholders. Objective This study used anchor-based methods to estimate the clinically important difference (CID) for the UE-FM in people with minimal to moderate impairment due to chronic stroke. Method One hundred forty-six individuals with stable, mild to moderate upper-extremity (UE) hemiparesis were administered the UE-FM before and after an intervention targeting their affected UEs. The treating therapists rated each participant's perceived amount of UE motor recovery on a global rating of change (GROC) scale evaluating several facets of UE movement (grasp, release, move the affected UE, perform 5 important functional tasks with the affected UE, overall UE function). Estimated CID of the UE-FM scores was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the GROC scores as the anchor. Results The ROC curve analysis revealed that change in UE-FM scores during the intervention period distinguished participants who experienced clinically important improvement from those that did not based on the therapists' GROC scores. The area under the curve ranged from 0.61 to 0.70 for the different facets of UE movement. Conclusions The estimated CID of the UE-FM scores ranged from 4.25 to 7.25 points, depending on the different facets of UE movement.
Glucose Intolerance in Uremia: QUANTIFICATION OF PANCREATIC BETA CELL SENSITIVITY TO GLUCOSE AND TISSUE SENSITIVITY TO INSULIN

The relative contributions of impaired insulin secretion and of tissue insensitivity to insulin to the carbohydrate intolerance of uremia were investigated in 10 chronically uremic subjects. Two types of glucose-clamp experiments were performed in each patient before and after 10 wk of thrice weekly hemodialysis. In both types the blood glucose concentration was maintained at a constant level by the periodic adjustment of a variable glucose infusion with a negative feedback formula.Hyperglycemic clamp. The blood glucose concentration was acutely raised and maintained 125 mg/dl above basal levels for 2 h. Since the glucose concentration was held constant, the glucose infusion rate is an index of glucose metabolism (M). After dialysis M increased in all patients from an average of 4.23 to 6.30 mg/kg body wt per min (P < 0.001). The plasma insulin responses (I) both pre- and postdialysis were biphasic with an early burst within the first 2-5 min, followed by a phase of gradually increasing insulin concentration. After dialysis the plasma insulin response diminished slightly. Consequently, the M/I ratio, an index of tissue sensitivity to endogenous insulin, increased postdialysis in all subjects by an average of 92% (P < 0.01). Euglycemic clamp. The plasma insulin concentration was acutely raised and maintained by a primecontinuous insulin infusion. The blood glucose concentration was held constant at the basal level by a variable glucose infusion as above. M/I again is a measure of tissue sensitivity to insulin (exogenous) and increased in all patients postdialysis by an average of 57% (P < 0.01). In two patients hepatic glucose production was measured with tritiated glucose during the euglycemic clamp and declined by 84% predialysis. A similar decrease (82%) was observed postdialysis. Thus, both the hyperglycemic and euglycemic clamp techniques demonstrated tissue insensitivity to insulin to be the dominant carbohydrate defect in uremia. The surprising apparent lack of consistency in the change in beta cell response postdialysis is explained by the strong inverse correlation between beta cell sensitivity to glucose and tissue sensitivity to insulin (r = -0.920; P < 0.001). Those individuals who showed the most striking improvement in tissue sensitivity to insulin actually decreased their serum insulin response to hyperglycemia; those whose improvement in tissue sensitivity was more modest showed increases in beta cell responses.
Effects of Syntactic Structure and Propositional Number on Patterns of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow

Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to determine regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) as a function of the syntactic form and propositional density of sentences. rCBF increased in the left pars opercularis, part of Broca's area, when subjects processed syntactically more complex sentences. There were no differences in rCBF in the perisylvian association cortex traditionally associated with language processing when subjects made plausibility judgments about sentences with two propositions as compared to sentences with one proposition, but rCBF increased in infero-posterior brain regions. These results suggest that there is a specialization of neural tissue in Broca's area for constructing aspects of the syntactic form of sentences to determine sentence meaning. They also suggest that this specialization is separate from the brain systems that are involved in utilizing the meaning of a sentence that has been understood to accomplish a task.
Towards Self‐Assembled Hybrid Artificial Cells: Novel Bottom‐Up Approaches to Functional Synthetic Membranes

There has been increasing interest in utilizing bottom-up approaches to develop synthetic cells. A popular methodology is the integration of functionalized synthetic membranes with biological systems, producing "hybrid" artificial cells. This Concept article covers recent advances and the current state-of-the-art of such hybrid systems. Specifically, we describe minimal supramolecular constructs that faithfully mimic the structure and/or function of living cells, often by controlling the assembly of highly ordered membrane architectures with defined functionality. These studies give us a deeper understanding of the nature of living systems, bring new insights into the origin of cellular life, and provide novel synthetic chassis for advancing synthetic biology.
Trends in atrial fibrillation ablation: have we maximized the current paradigms?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate how atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has evolved over time with regards to patient characteristics, procedural variables, complications, and outcomes.
The Yeast in the Surface Smear of Brick Cheese

Summary The role of the yeast in brick cheese seems to be as follows: 1.The yeast metabolises the laetates in the cheese, causing a shift of pH towards neutrality. This favors the growth of Bacterium linens, which is unable to grow in an acid environment. 2.In addition, the yeast supplies B. linens with some essential growth factor, or factors.
Listening Rhetorically to Defending Our Lives: Identification and Advocacy in Intimate Partner Abuse

In the documentary film Defending Our Lives (1993), women imprisoned for killing their abusers narrate their mistreatment by both their partners and the law. This article examines the film’s function in preparing future attorneys to advocate for women in abusive relationships. It argues that the film encourages rhetorical listening by helping future advocates understand the cultural logics informing abused women’s choices. The film compels viewers to examine the broad cultural contexts of intimate partner abuse, including the sometimes hostile responses of the law, disrupting commonplaces about the role of the legal advocate in the pursuit of justice.
Calibration and Quality Assurance of an Airborne Turbulence Probe in an Aeronautical Wind Tunnel

AbstractThe Best Aircraft Turbulence (BAT) probe is used by multiple research groups worldwide. To promote an accurate interpretation of the data obtained from the probe’s unusual nine-port design, a detailed understanding of the BAT probe’s function along with a characterization and minimization of its systematic anomalies is necessary. This paper describes recent tests to enhance understanding of the probe’s behavior. The tests completed in the Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) built on earlier findings at Purdue University. Overall the true-vertical wind relative to the probe was found to have a systematic anomaly of about 10%–15%, an acceptable value borne out by considerable field experience and further reducible by modeling and removing. However, significant departure from theoretical behavior was found, making detailed generalization to other BAT probes still inadvisable. Based on these discoveries, recommendations are made for further experiments to exp...
Coupling of gene expression in medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens after neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions accompanies deficits in sensorimotor gating and auditory processing in rats.

Abstract Background After neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHLs), adult rats exhibit evidence of neural processing deficits relevant to schizophrenia, including reduced prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle and impaired sensory processing. In intact rats, the regulation of PPI by the ventral hippocampus (VH) is mediated via interactions with medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAC). We assessed PPI, auditory-evoked responses and expression of 7 schizophrenia-related genes in mPFC and NAC, in adult rats after sham- or real NVHLs. Methods Male inbred Buffalo (BUF) rat pups (d7; n = 36) received either vehicle or ibotenic acid infusion into the VH. PPI and auditory-evoked dentate gyrus local field potentials (LFPs) were measured on d56 and d66, respectively. Brains were processed for RT-PCR measures of mPFC and NAC Comt, Erbb4, Grid2, Ncam1, Slc1a2, Nrg1 and Reln. Results NVHL rats exhibited significant deficits in PPI (p = 0.005) and LFPs (p Conclusions After NVHLs that disrupt PPI and auditory processing, specific gene expression levels suggest an abnormal functional coupling of the mPFC and NAC. This model of VH–mPFC–NAC network dysfunction after NVHLs may have implications for understanding the neural basis for PPI- and related sensory processing deficits in schizophrenia patients.
Exchange Rate Variability and the Flow of International Trade

Abstract This study uses a GARCH (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) model to test if real exchange rate volatility has an adverse effect on the value of U.S. imports from Canada. We find that exchange rate uncertainty has a negative and statistically significant affect on trade flows.
Adapting BME programs to the new millennium

Changing demographics and characteristics of biomedical engineering undergraduate and graduate students demand adaptation in BME programs that aim to be successful in the new millennium. Demographically, the total number of college-aged students is declining or holding steady, depending on data source, while the number of students enrolling in BME is increasing. For science and engineering as a whole, the percentage of Caucasians and Asians choosing to major in science and engineering is holding steady or declining while the percentage of African Americans, Hispanic, and native Americans choosing science and engineering is increasing. Similarly, while the number of males earning degrees in science and engineering is relatively steady, the number of females earning such degrees is increasing. Of all engineering programs, biomedical engineering has the greatest proportion of women students. In addition to demographic changes, characteristics of student populations in engineering programs are changing. Engineering students and their parents are more informed consumers of educational offerings and have increasing expectations of a BME program. Disturbingly, engineering students are more likely to cheat than their peers in other majors and the percentage of those cheating is increasing. These many factors present challenges that must be addressed by BME programs wishing to be at the forefront of education in the new millennium. This talk includes a more detailed presentation of demographic and student characteristic trends followed by discussion of several strategies to attract and retain the increasing pool of women and minority students in BME programs without sacrificing quality or discouraging other student populations. Some of the issues to be discussed include faculty diversity, recognition of barriers and challenges, student survival tools, equity in the classroom, and deterrence of cheating.
VLSI-enabled DNA sequencing arrays

Massively-parallel, integrated, sensitive and low-cost bio-molecular detectors are an essential part of “next generation” DNA sequencing systems. This paper discusses various design methodologies that leverage the versatility of VLSI technologies, specifically CMOS fabrication processes, to build highly integrated sequencing arrays while addressing the stringent detection and integration requirements. The goal of this paper is to discuss both the advantages and the limitations of next generation VLSI-enabled DNA sequencers.
EmoLogus: Presentation of a linguistically based model for emotion detection and adaption to another context

This paper presents a system which aims at characterizing emotions in speech by only considering linguistic content. It is based on the assumption that emotions can be compound: simple lexical words have an intrinsic emotional value, while verbal and adjectival predicates act as a function on the emotional values of their arguments. The paper describes the compositional computation algorithm of the emotion, as well as the lexical emotional norm used by this algorithm. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the differences between system outputs and expert annotations is given, which shows satisfactory results, with a good detection of emotional valency in 90.2% of the test utterances. After that, a description of the adaptation of the system is presented.
Operation Princess in Rio de Janeiro: policing ‘sex trafficking’, strengthening worker citizenship, and the urban geopolitics of security in Brazil

This article develops new insights into the gendered insecurities of the neoliberal state in Latin America by exploring the militarization of public security in Rio de Janeiro during 2003—08 around campaigns to stop the ‘trafficking’ of sex workers. Findings illuminate the intersection of three neoliberal governance logics: (1) a moralistic humanitarian-rescue agenda promoted by evangelical populists and police groups; (2) a juridical ‘law and rights’ logic promoted by justice-sector actors and human-rights NGOs; (3) a worker-empowerment logic articulated by the governing Workers’ Party (PT) in alliance with social-justice movements, police reformers, and prostitutes’ rights groups. Gender and race analyses map the antagonisms between these three logics of neoliberal governance, and how their incommensurabilities generate crisis in the arena of security policy. By exploring Brazil’s fraught efforts to attain the status of ‘human security superpower’ through these interventions, the article challenges the view that the reordering of security politics in the global south is inevitably linked to desecularization, disempowerment, and militarization. Keywords: Human trafficking
Genetic differences among populations of a marine snail drive geographic variation in predation.

The extent to which community processes can be generalized from local field studies to larger spatial scales remains a contentious issue. The search for broad generality can be hampered when species interactions vary geographically, a common phenomenon attributed to a wide range of underlying ecological factors. Less attention has been directed toward understanding the additional role that evolutionary processes may play in modifying the way that pairs of species interact over large spatial scales. Here we examine whether marked geographic variation in the interaction between a predatory snail (Nucella canaliculata) and an intertidal mussel (Mytilus californianus) arises from phenotypic plasticity or fixed genetic differences among snail populations. Over a three-year period, we reared snails from eight populations in California and Oregon, USA, through two laboratory generations and tested whether family lines differed in their ability to drill M. californianus. Remarkably, F2 generation snails from Oregon sources were generally unable to drill mid-sized Mytilus californianus (5-7 cm long), whereas snails from California readily drilled this prey. Because snails were raised through two generations on a common diet (Mytilus trossulus), these differences among populations likely have a genetic basis. Snails from California and Oregon readily interbred and produced viable offspring in the laboratory, suggesting that populations belong to a single biological species. Field surveys of mussel beds revealed striking geographic variation in pr?dation that closely matched the observed differences in the drilling capacity of N. canaliculata. Drilled M. californianus were common at all sites in California and included many large mussels (>10 cm long). In contrast, drilled M. californianus were rare on the central Oregon coast and consisted mostly of small mussels (<3 cm). We hypothesize that persistent variation in prey recruitment along the coast has selected for interpopulation differences in the drilling capacity of this direct-developing snail, with potential consequences for the size structure of mussel beds. Combined with growing evidence of restricted gene flow and low connectivity among many marine populations, this study highlights the importance of considering the contribution of evolutionary processes to geographic variation in species interactions.
Exact Dipole Radiation From an Oblate Semi-Spheroidal Cavity Filled With DNG Metamaterial

An oblate semi-spheroidal cavity is flush-mounted under a metal plane and is coupled to the half-space above the plane via its circular interfocal aperture. The cavity is filled with a lossless metamaterial whose refractive index is negative and the opposite of the refractive index of the medium filling the half-space above the cavity, while the intrinsic impedances of the two media may be different. An exact solution is obtained in terms of infinite series of oblate spheroidal wave functions, when the primary field is an axially-oriented electric or magnetic dipole located on the symmetry axis of the structure. Numerical results are presented and discussed.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy 101: If it's not late, pacing it early won't help

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for heart failure (HF) for patients who still have significant symptoms despite optimal medical therapy. Many patients with HF have interventricular and intraventricular conduction delays that cause delayed activation of the lateral
ANTI-RAS STRATEGIES FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human malignancies (30{%}) and is associated most strongly with the development of neoplasms in which therapeutic approaches have met with limited success (e.g., lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers). Extensive experimental analyses in cell culture and animal models have established strong and compelling validation of a causal role for aberrant Ras function in tumor progression and maintenance. Consequently, there has been considerable interest in and effort towards the development of strategies to block Ras function for cancer treatment. Despite intensive investigation, no strategies have yet been devised that can selectively block oncogenic Ras function in cells or animals. In this review, we summarize the approaches that have been considered, why the problem is so difficult, and the current status of these efforts
Human rights abuses, transparency, impunity and the Web

This paper reviews how human rights advocates during the "war-on-terror" have found new ways to use the World Wide Web (Web) to combat human rights abuses. These include posting of human rights reports; creating large, open-access and updated archives of government documents and other data, tracking CIA rendition flights and maintaining blogs, e-zines, list-serves and news services that rapidly distribute information between journalists, scholars and human rights advocates. The Web is a powerful communication tool for human rights advocates. It is international, instantaneous, and accessible for uploading, archiving, locating and downloading information. For its human rights potential to be fully realized, international law must be strengthened to promote the declassification of government documents, as is done by various freedom of information acts. It is too early to assess the final impact of the Web on human rights abuses in the "war-on-terror". Wide dissemination of government documents and human rights advocates' reports has put the United States government on the defensive and some of its policies have changed in response to public pressure. Even so, the essential elements of secret prisons, detention without charges or trials, and illegal rendition remain intact. Language: en
Dysregulation of MicroRNA Expression and Human Diseases

Data from in vivo gain- and loss-of-function studies in mouse models demonstrate without a doubt that microRNAs (miRNAs), alongside coding genes, control diverse biological processes in mammalians. The regulation of miRNA expression is tightly controlled, and often the same rules and regulations that govern coding gene expression apply also to miRNAs. Similar to coding genes, altering the levels and the temporal expression of a specific miRNA clearly affects the proper development and function of the tissue where it is expressed. Therefore, it is reasonable to argue that the dysregulated control of miRNA expression would give rise to diseases as has been well established for coding genes. Along the same line of reasoning, there is an impetus to use miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and to develop therapeutic agents to target miRNAs for the treatment of various diseases. In this chapter, we will summarize studies establishing the physiological roles of miRNAs in mammalians and discuss whether there is a link between dysregulated miRNA expression and diseases. In addition, we will review progresses toward targeting miRNAs as therapeutic agents.
Relationships between upconversion and cross-relaxation parameters in thulium, holmium doped materials

Upconversion energy transfer processes affect the operation of several laser systems. They have been used to make efficient short wavelength lasers while optically pumping laser materials at longer wavelengths1; and they have been identified as a loss mechanism in certain infrared lasers.2 A thorough understanding of these processes is required to properly design laser systems when upconversion is active.
The Impact of Autologous Blood Ordering and Blood Procurement Practices on Allogeneic Blood Exposure in Elective Orthopedic Surgery Patients

The contribution of autologous blood ordering and blood procurement practices on subsequent allogeneic blood exposure in elective orthopedic surgery must be understood to address the role of aggressive autologous blood procurement in blood conservation strategies. The authors examined the relationship between autologous blood ordering, blood collection, and subsequent allogeneic blood transfusion in orthopedic surgical patients. Or 263 consecutive autologous blood donors reviewed, 179 (68%) successfully donated the number of units requested (blood ordering cohort). Of these, 1 7 (9.5%) received allogenic blood. Of 84 patients unable to donate the units requested, 23 (27%) received allogeneic blood (blood procurement cohort)
177. Immunosenescence is associated with disease progression but not depression in presymptomatic stage B heart failure patients

Immunosenescence is phenotypically characterized by increased cytokine-producing, effector immune cells. Elevated inflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure (HF). Depression rates are greatly elevated in patients with HF, which is prognostic for adverse outcomes and related to disease severity. We hypothesized that individuals at risk for HF, i.e., ACC/AHA presymptomatic stage B HF, particularly with elevated depressive symptoms, would exhibit elevated markers of immunosenescence. We examined relationships of HF severity and depression with combinations of immunosenescence markers (CD45RA-, CCR7-, CD28-, CD57+) using flow cytometry in 29 men with stage B HF (age, 66 ± 10 years). HF severity was characterized by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and a 6-minute walk test. Depressive mood was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory. The percent and median fluorescence intensity of naive vs. differentiated effector CD8+ T cells were examined. Lower LVEF was associated with lower expression of CD28 on “naive” CD8+ T cells ( β = .412; p = .03) and with higher % partially-differentiated CD28-CD57- CD8+ T cells ( β = − .33; p = .1) after controlling for age and BMI. These initial data suggest that stage B HF severity is associated with immunosenescence, although depressive symptoms are not. Expansion of highly differentiated, cytokine-producing effector immune cells in patients with cardiovascular diseases may lead to disease progression, via increased migration of proinflammatory leukocytes to cardiovascular tissues.
Two choice discrimination learning as a function of stimulus similarity along an auditory intensity dimension

One hundred-twenty Ss received 300 trials in a simple auditory discrimination learning situation. Each of two pure tones was associated with one of the alternative choice responses, and the combinations S1-A-1 and S2-A2 were reinforced 100% with events E1 and E2, respectively. The two tones differed only in their intensity, and ?I was varied between 0 and 6 db. Proportion correct responses was a linear increasing function of ?I, and there was no stimulus intensity dynamism effect on response probability.
Understanding Decision Making During a Crisis: An Axiomatic Model of Cognitive Decision Choices:

This study investigated factors that influence the strategy process during a crisis within the chemical industry. It examined key organizational, environmental, and management factors—comprehensive...
Detection of naringin from healthy foods by using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography

Objective To set up a practical method for determination of naringin in healthy foods. Methods Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography was used.The operating cond-tions were ZORBAX ODS column(4.6mmi.d×250mm) at 40℃,methanol:water(pH=3.0)=50:50(V:V) as mobile phase with flow rate 1.000ml/min and UV detection at 282nm. Results The linear range of the calibration curve of naringin were from 0～80.0μg/ml with the regression equation Y=641.75X+629.10 and a correlation coefficient(r) of 0.9998,The recoveries were 94.0%～104% and the relative standard deviation(n=6) was 1.53%. Conclusion The meathod was accurate,realiable and can be used for determinating naringin in healthy foods.