cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prednisolone disposition in steroid-dependent asthmatics

A 40-mg intravenous dose of prednisolone was given as prednisolone phosphate to seven severe steroid-dependent asthmatics and to 13 healthy volunteers to determine if the large prednisone requirements of these patients were a function of the disease, cellular response, or rapid clearance of prednisolone. Plasma concentrations of prednisolone, prednisone, and cortisol were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography over an 8-hr test period. Circulating eosinophil concentrations were monitored concurrently. The apparent half-lifes of prednisolone in the asthmatics and normals were 3.33 +/- 0.71 and 3.25 +/- 0.58 hr (mean +/- SD). The apparent plasma clearances of prednisolone were 201 +/- 54 and 198 +/- 38 ml/min/1.73 m2 and the apparent volumes of distribution were 50.8 +/- 11.7 and 53.5 +/- 13.5 L/1.73 m2 for the asthmatic and normal groups, respectively. When the concentration-dependent binding of prednisolone to plasma protein was examined, no differences in the apparent clearances of unbound drug were found between the two groups. The eosinopenic response to prednisolone was similar in the steroid-dependent asthmatics and healthy normal volunteers. These studies indicate that binding, distribution, and clearance of prednisolone are not responsible for the large prednisone requirement of some steroid-dependent asthmatics. Differences in steroid-receptor sensitivity or in severity or pathophysiology of the disease state more likely account for the need for large prednisone dosages in these patients.
Aberrations in uterine contractile patterns in mares with delayed uterine clearance after administration of detomidine and oxytocin

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine whether the uterotonic effects of oxytocin, a drug used to treat mares that have a delay in uterine clearance were affected by the sedative detomidine (an α 2 -agonist), a drug used to treat fractious mares. An additional objective was to identify propagation patterns of uterine contractions and determine whether these patterns differed between normal mares and mares with delayed uterine clearance (DUC). Intrauterine pressure was measured in five reproductively normal mares and four mares with DUC during estrus using an 8-F Milar catheter with two discrete pressure sensors. Mares received one of three treatments in random order: detomidine (0.001 mg/kg; i.v.); detomidine followed in 10 min by oxytocin (10 IU; i.v.); and saline (0.9% NaCl 0.5 ml; i.v.) followed in 10 min by oxytocin. All treatments induced waves of contractions; however, only three mares with DUC exhibited contractions after administration of detomidine. Normal mares experienced more uterine contractions ( P P P P P P P P P P
Blue End of the Spectrum Locus on a Color Mixture Diagram

The blue corner of the writer’s color mixture diagram is dichromatic in the sense that all colors in this region can be matched by mixtures of 465 mµ and a monochromatic stimulus at the red end of the spectrum. In order to locate spectrally pure stimuli below 486.8 mµ on the mixture diagram it has been necessary to use 486.8 mµ, 520 mµ, and 674 mµ as primaries. One can also use the fact that the confusion lines are straight and converge at the alychne to increase the precision in plotting. The writer’s own mixture data have been used to illustrate these principles.
MICROWAVE CAVITY GRAVITATIONAL RADIATION DETECTORS

Abstract The coupled electro-mechanical system consisting of a microwave cavity and its walls can serve as a gravitational radiation detector. A gravitational wave interacts with the walls, and the resulting motion induces transitions from a highly excited cavity mode to a nearly unexcited mode.
Rapid Distortion Theory for Compressible Homogeneous Turbulence Under Isotropic Mean Strain

Isotropic compressible turbulence subjected to rapid isotropic compression is studied using inviscid rapid distortion theory (RDT) and direct numerical simulation. An exact solution to the rapid distortion problem is given. Comparisons are made between the simulation results and the RDT solution, as well as previously studied limiting cases of the RDT solution. The comparisons illustrate the range of applicability of the RDT solutions. Implications for the use of RDT results in modeling compressible turbulent flows are briefly discussed.
On the use of Moiré fringe patterns for the experimental kinematic analysis of plane motion

Abstract A photo-optical technique is presented for the experimental determination of the pole of motion for a general two dimensional kinematic displacement. The technique is based on the use of Moire fringe patterns and is particularly well suited for small displacements where other techniques are difficult to apply. Two example applications are presented.
Experimental study of the residence time distribution in plasticating screw extruders

Experimental residence time distribution functions for the liquid and solids conveying processes by a screw conveyer and for the polymer in a plasticating extruder were obtained by using a radioactive tracer technique. A comparison was made between the experimental results and several theoretical models available for melt extrusion and mixing processes.
Effect of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine on the biosynthesis of phosphorylated derivatives of thymidine.

Abstract A study was made of the effect of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUDR) on the formation and utilization of phosphorylated derivatives of thymidine, as well as on the formation of DNA-thymidine, in various murine and human neoplastic tissues. The decreased incorporation, in the presence of IUDR, of the incorporation of 14 C-formate and 3 H-thymidine into DNA-thymine is a reflection of an inhibition of the utilization of thymidine, thymidylic acid or thymidine triphosphate, presumably by IUDR or the corresponding phosphorylated derivatives of IUDR. It is to be noted that the specific metabolic site primarily affected in the various tissues studied is a characteristic of the individual tissue. Thus, DNA-polymerase was primarily inhibited in murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and in human chronic granulocytic and acute monocytic leukemias, whereas studies with murine L5178Y leukemia cells, using 3 H-thymidine and 14 C-formate showed a prime blockade of thymidine kinase and thymidylic acid kinase, respectively. Confirmation of the inhibition of thymidine kinase was obtained with a cell-free extract of the L5178Y cells ; however, with normal calf thymus, thymidylic acid kinase, but not thymidine kinase, was inhibited primarily. The apparent resistance to IUDR of the Walker carcinosarcoma 256 of the rat, in vivo , as well as of a patient with acute mono-cytic leukemia, could be explained by an inadequate dosage regimen, since marked inhibition of the biosynthesis of DNA by these tissues could be demonstrated in vitro .
Why plasma armature railguns don't work (and what can be done about it)

It is noted that conventional plasma armature railguns are limited to velocities of 6-8 km/s by arc restrike. The author argues that to realize the hypervelocity potential of plasma armature railguns, restrike must be eliminated. He describes two promising approaches which are based on demonstrated technology. The near-term solution is some form of circuit arrangement which eliminates current flow in the restrike arc. Both segmented and distributed configurations merit further development, but major issues of electrical and mechanical complexity must be addressed. For the longer term, the development of advanced ceramics coupled with measures to reduce armature power shows promise. Special attention will be required to inject projectiles at a velocity greater than the damage threshold and to perform the plasma armatures to avoid local bore damage. With restrike under control, the only plasma-related limitation will be viscous drag on the armature plasma. Recent MIDI-2 experiments with a hydrogen plasma armature have demonstrated armature velocities in excess of 30 km/s, so armature drag does not appear to be an issue in the 10-20 km/s velocity regime. >
Achievement Gaps in Education

Achievement gaps on international tests in math and science, between American students and their industrialized counterparts have worsened over the last 40 years, that is since the tests were originally administered. On a short-term basis, the achievement gap reflects America’s decline in human capital—and issues related to innovation, creativity and GDP. On a long-term basis, the achievement gaps reflect a decline of the U.S. (and the West) and the rise of the East. School financing and government programs seem to have marginal or secondary effects on school achievement. Excuses for the decline in U.S. test scores are numerous. What seems to count is that a large fraction of the variation in student achievement is accounted for in out-of-school variables, such as the student’s community, home or peer group characteristics. The bottom line: Schools seem to have little effect on reducing social and economic inequality and differences in educational output.
Seizure detection using a self-organizing neural network: validation and comparison with other detection strategies

Abstract Objective : A previously described seizure detection algorithm (CNET) (Gabor, A.J., Leach, R.R. and Dowla, F.U. Automated seizure detection using a self-organizing neural network. Electroenceph. clin. Neurophysiol., 1996, 99: 257–266) was validated with 200 records from 65 patients (4553.8 h of recording) containing 181 seizures. Design and methods : Performance of the algorithm was manifest by its sensitivity ((seizures detected/total seizures)×100) and selectivity (false-positive errors/Hr-FPH). Comparisons with the Monitor detection algorithm (Version 8.0c, Stellate Systems) and audio-transformation (Oxford Medilog) were performed. Results : CNET detected 92.8% of the seizures and had a mean FPH of 1.35±1.35. Monitor detected 74.4% of the seizures and had a mean FPH of 3.02±2.78. Audiotransformation detected all but 3 (98.3%) of the seizures. Selectivity for this detection strategy was not defined. Conclusions : This study not only validates the CNET algorithm, but also the notion that seizures have frequency-amplitude features that are localized in signal space and can be selectively identified as being distinct from other types of EEG patterns. The ear is a specialized frequency-amplitude detector and when the signal is transformed into audio frequency range (audio-transformation), seizures can be detected with better sensitivity as compared to the other strategies examined.
DNA crosslinking, sister-chromatid exchange and specific-locus mutations

Abstract Chinese hamster overy cells were treated with the DNA-crosslinking chemicals, mitomycin C (MMC) and porfiromycin (POR), and their monofunctional derivative decarbamoyl mitomycin C (DCMMC). After exposure, the cells were studied for the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and mutations at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase loc. The frequency of SCEs varied significantly in successive sampling intervals, requiring the weighting of each interval by the percentage of second-divison mitosis in that interval to obtain the mean SCE frequency for each dose. All 3 compounds were potent induceers of SCEs but weakly mutagenic. All 3 chemicals by concentration were approximately equally effective in inducing SCEs or mutations. When the induced SCEs and mutations were com-compared at equal levels of survival, DCMMC was slightly more effective than MMC or POR in inducing SCEs and somewhat less mutagenic. These results indicate that the DNA interstrand crosslink is not the major lesion responsible for the induction of SCE or mutation by these compounds.
A protean protease: MMP-12 fights viruses as a protease and a transcription factor

A new antiviral capacity for matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) adds to our expanding understanding of matrix metalloproteinase biology, from matrix remodeling to host defense, in this issue of Nature Medicine (pages 493–502). Marchant et al. show that following viral infection, macrophages secrete MMP-12, which regulates antiviral immunity both as a transcription factor for IκBα, leading to interferon-α (IFN-α) secretion, and later by degrading extracellular IFN-α, resolving inflammation.
Better planning using group support systems

Abstract Recent developments in information technology have enabled executives to use automated systems for strategic planning. One such class of automated support, the Group Decision Support System, is currently being used by several companies in various phases of the planning process. A discussion of the technology and its use is provided here. Further, to show how the systems have aided in the planning process we apply use of the technology to four common planning problems: inappropriate organizational climate, lack of understanding, lack of participation, and lack of communication.
Alignment measurements in collisions of D 2 + with doubly charged projectiles

Abstract We have studied collisions between D 2 + molecular ions and doubly charged projectiles (He 2+ , N 2+ , Ar 2+ ) at keV energies. The purpose of the experiment was to examine how electron capture from a two-center target is affected by the alignment of the internuclear axis with respect to the projectile direction. We are presenting the experimental setup that we used to determine the alignment dependence of electron capture. The results we obtained for all the collision systems studied indicate a strong alignment dependence, favoring capture when the molecular ion is aligned perpendicular to the projectile ion beam.
The C terminus of mouse monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) mediates MCP1 dimerization while blocking its chemotactic potency.

The extracellular protease plasmin cleaves mouse MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) at lysine 104, releasing a 50-amino acid C-terminal domain. The cleavage event increases the chemotactic activity of MCP1 and, by doing so, promotes the progression of excitotoxic injury in the central nervous system in pathological settings. The mechanism through which the cleavage event enhances MCP1-mediated chemoattraction is unknown; to investigate it, we use wild-type and mutant forms of recombinant MCP1. Full-length MCP1 (FL-MCP1) is secreted by cells as a dimer or multimer. We show that a mutant truncated at the C terminus, K104Stop-MCP1, does not dimerize, revealing that the C terminus mediates the interaction. MCP1 interacts with the monocyte/microglia receptor CCR2. The interaction is critical to the function of MCP1 because CCR2−/− microglia do not undergo chemotaxis in response to MCP1 stimulation. We show that stimulation of microglia with FL-MCP1 or K104Stop-MCP1 triggers CCR2 internalization, whereas a mutant form unable to be cleaved at lysine 104 (K104A-MCP1) is relatively ineffective in this assay, suggesting that the C-terminal region interferes with the MCP1-CCR2 interaction. Moreover, FL-MCP1 and K104Stop-MCP1 stimulation leads to activation of Rac1, a small GTPase involved in cell migration. Conversely, MCP1-stimulated microglial migration is blocked by the Rac1 inhibitor, NSC23766, demonstrating the requirement for Rac1 effector pathways in this response. Taken together, we propose a model for MCP1 localization, activation, and function based on the initial presence and then removal of its C terminus, coupled with a requisite downstream signaling pathway from CCR2 stimulation to Rac1 activation.
Role of Heteroauxones in Legume Nodule Formation, Beneficial Host Effects of Nodules, and Soil Fertility

FOLLOWING identification of βindolacetic acid1 as a constituent of ether extracts of cultures of Rhizobium phaseoli in dextrose-bacto-tryptophane and in dextrose-bacto-tryptophane-peptone broths, these crude extracts were tested for auxones by applications to coleoptiles of Avena, and to hypocotyls and internodes of Phaseolus vulgaris, var. Bed Kidney. The tests were strongly positive. Thus far we have been unable to determine whether βindolacetic acid is the only heteroauxone in the preparations because of the scarcity of material.
Talking with Tourists in a Panamanian Creole Village: An Emerging Site of Production

L'A. examine l'impact grandissant du tourisme international sur le choix de la langue et le maintien de la langue dans le village de Old Bank sur l'ile caraibe de Bastimentos. Ayant suggere dans une recherche precedente que le creole anglais de Old Bank coexistait avec l'espagnol langue nationale dans une relation de diglossie, il veut a present montrer comment l'afflux de touristes de langue anglaise sur l'ile peut contribuer au maintien du creole dans le village
Kant’s Transcendental Method and His Theory of Mathematics

This paper has a dual aim. On the one hand, it is a part of a larger attempt to understand the nature of Kant’s ideas of transcendental method and transcendental knowledge and their implications, for instance, the question as to what the objects of transcendental knowledge are. On the other hand, I am outlining once again what I take to be the true argumentative structure of Kant’s doctrines of the mathematical method, space, time, and the forms of inner and outer sense. The link between the two is that on my interpretation Kant’s theory of mathematics offers an excellent example of the applications of his transcendental method. Moreover, after having recently defended my construal of Kant’s views on mathematical reasoning and their foundation on historical and textual grounds, it may be in order to try to vindicate it in another way, to wit, by relating it to the overall nature of Kant’s philosophy, including his idea of transcendental knowledge. I suspect that this may be a better way of convincing my colleagues than nitty-gritty analyses of Kantian texts. At the same time, this approach offers me a chance of indicating some of the consequences of my results concerning Kant’s theory of mathematics for the rest of his philosophy. It turns out that the observations we can make in pursuing this line of thought have also interesting consequences for our contemporary thought in the philosophy of logic and mathematics.
The composition, propagation and acceleration of energetic solar particles: A review of United States research 1979–1982

The present review has the objective to cover major developments in American research related to solar energetic particles, both observational and theoretical, taking into account the period from late 1978 to late 1982. It is pointed out that particular progress has been made in the area of solar energetic particle composition with respect to elemental, isotopic, and the distribution of charge states. This progress is primarily the result of improved instrumentation available at a time of higher solar activity. An important aspect of solar particle studies is to understand the propagation of particles from the vicinity of the sun through interplanetary space to wherever the observing instruments are located. Almost all mathematical models for the transport of solar cosmic rays are derived in some sense from the same general Boltzmann or Vlasov equations. Attention is also given to advances related to an understanding of coronal propagation, and acceleration and injection processes.
Time variability of pore water chemistry in recent carbonate sediments, Devil's Hole, Harrington Sound, Bermuda

Chemical analyses of pore waters from recent marine carbonate sediments, Devil's Hole, Harrington Sound, Bermuda, have been obtained at intervals over a four year period. Interstitial waters were systematically analyzed for pH, titration alkalinity, dissolved sulfides, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ or Cl−. Additional analyses on some cores included SO42−, PO43−, dissolved CH4 and N2, and C:N:H ratios in the detrital organic material. The following general trends with depth (to ∼ 1 m) are observed: (1) major cations show little or no change; (2) pH decreases; (3) alkalinity, sulfides, NH4+ and PO43− increase; (4) dissolved CH4 is consistently low. The chemical changes with depth can be modelled theoretically and are consistent with experimental data. Significant seasonal changes in pore water chemistry are observed. The data suggest an annual exchange between the pore waters (to a depth of ∼ 1 m) and the overlying water of Harrington Sound; the exchange occurs between August and January. The nutrient flux out of the sediments during this process may be a major factor in the plankton ecology of Harrington Sound.
Can consumers’ willingness to pay incentivize adoption of environmental impact reducing technologies in meat animal production?

Abstract This study develops a model estimating consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental meat attributes and uses a multi-objective nutritional optimizer to explore the extent to which WTP can offset on-farm costs of reducing water use. Data for the WTP model are sourced from a literature survey of the Agricola and Google Scholar databases yielding 46 studies estimating WTP for pure and impure (organic, grass-fed, natural) environmental meat attributes. Bayesian analysis is used to estimate 3 models varying in independent variables. Models are evaluated by the correlation coefficient (R2), root mean squared error of prediction (RMSPE) and posterior model probability. The most probable model is then used to estimate a confidence range of WTP for pure environmental beef. Impure environmental labels result in higher WTP than pure labels. Non-hypothetical WTP for pure environmental labeling for North American consumers ranges from 6.7% to 32.6%. A case study is conducted to identify the expected reduction in water use that can be funded from capturing WTP through labeling. A multi-objective nutritional optimizer is used to identify ideal management of beef cattle to reduce whole-system water use in three regions of the United States. Cost increases from management are varied over the predicted range in WTP and combined with the probability of a consumer purchasing beef at each WTP value to identify the theoretical effect on expected environmental impact reduction. A 10% premium is the ideal WTP, resulting in water use reductions between 24.4 L and 41.4 L.
Minimizing oxidative stress by gene delivery of superoxide dismutase accelerates regeneration after transplantation of reduced‐size livers in the rat

Transplantation of reduced-size livers may lead to a hypermetabolic state and increased production of oxygen radicals. Since oxygen radicals may cause liver injury and impair liver regeneration, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in reduced-size livers (RSL) would accelerate regeneration and reduce injury in a rat model of transplantation of RSL. Donor rats were infected with adenoviruses either expressing SOD1 (Ad.SOD1) or beta-galactosidase (Ad.lacZ). Livers were harvested 72 hours later, reduced to 45% of weight, and transplanted. After transplantation, hepatic SOD activity, graft survival, histopathology, AST/ALT release, and bilirubin were examined. Regeneration was evaluated by BrdU-staining, graft weight, and expression of cyclin D1 and p21. In Ad.SOD1-treated livergrafts, SOD activity increased three-fold compared to controls. Survival was dramatically increased in recipients of Ad.SOD1-RSL (100% vs. 20% in Ad.lacZ-RSL), and peak levels of AST/ALT and bilirubin levels were reduced by 75% and 87.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). In histological sections, hepatocyte necrosis decreased from 24% after Ad.lacZ-treatment to 6% after Ad.SOD1-treatment (P <0.001). Regeneration was also accelerated after Ad.SOD1-treatment as demonstrated by an increase of BrdU-stained cells 24 hours after reperfusion and increased liver weight after 1 week. In conclusion, overexpression of SOD1 in RSL prevents primary non-function of reduced-size liver grafts and accelerates liver regeneration.
What is the role of the clinical laboratory in the new ACC/AHA guidelines for the treatment of blood cholesterol in adults?

Recently, a panel of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released guidelines for the treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in adults.1,2 Essentially, it identified four statin benefit groups: (1) individuals with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), (2) individuals with primary elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) higher than 190 mg/dL, (3) individuals aged 40 to 75 years with diabetes with an LDL-C between 70 and 189 mg/dL, and (4) individuals without clinical ASCVD or diabetes aged 40 to 75 years with an LDL-C from 70 to 189 mg/dL and an estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk of 7.5% or higher. In addition to these four groups, the panel simplified therapy into high-intensity statin therapy (ie, >50% reduction in LDL-C) and moderate-intensity statin therapy (ie, 30%–49% reduction in LDL-C). The major focus on percent reduction of LDL-C as the goal is a dramatic departure from LDL-C targets previously recommended by the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), with LDL-C goals of less than 70 mg/dL, less than 100 mg/dL, and less than 130 mg/dL depending on risk.3,4 Hence, it is generally believed that lipid testing after initiation of statin therapy is not advised.5 However, this is clearly not true. A careful review of the guideline reveals that in patients who are not receiving statin therapy, the panel recommends a fasting lipid panel prior to the initiation of statin therapy comprising total …
Synthesis of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene from vinylidene fluoride☆

Abstract 3,3,3-Trifluoropropene is obtained under mild conditions via 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl acetate or 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl methyl ether as key intermediates. The intermediates were prepared by conjugate addition of FCH2OR (R = COCH3, CH3) generated in situ from HF, paraformaldehyde and HOR to vinylidene fluoride.
Factors underlying short sales

Abstract The short sale process has emerged as the most common alternative to the traditional foreclosure process in the recent mortgage crisis. This paper examines the factors that affect the liquidation outcome between these two ways of disposing the housing asset. We find that better quality borrowers such as those with higher credit scores and with full documentation status are more likely to prefer and obtain approval of short sales, involvement of mortgage insurance firms and second lien holders reduces short sales, and that state foreclosure laws such as longer foreclosure delay and the statutory right of redemption reduce short sales. The results have implications for ostensibly borrower-friendly measures promoted by governmental entities.
Performance of the CogState computerized battery in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging

Abstract Introduction The feasibility and validity of brief computerized cognitive batteries at the population-level are unknown. Methods Nondemented participants (n = 1660, age 50–97 years) in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging completed the computerized CogState battery and standard neuropsychological battery. The correlation between tests was examined and comparisons between CogState performance on the personal computer (PC) and iPad (n = 331), and in the clinic vs. at home (n = 194), were assessed. Results We obtained valid data on greater than 97% of participants on each test. Correlations between the CogState and neuropsychological tests ranged from −0.462 to 0.531. Although absolute differences between the PC and iPad were small and participants preferred the iPad, performance on the PC was faster. Participants performed faster on Detection, One Card Learning, and One Back at home compared with the clinic. Discussion The computerized CogState battery, especially the iPad, was feasible, acceptable, and valid in the population.
Abstract IA8: Genetic approaches to cancer

Breast cancer is a collection of diseases with distinct clinical behaviors and underlying genetic causes. We have searched genetically for genes that have cancer relevant phenotypes including genes that alter cellular proliferation, cellular transformation, cell survival, cellular senescence, and genes that are essential for the proliferation of cancer cells. We have approached this by the generation of libraries of shRNAs for loss of function experiments and libraries of ORFs for gain of function experiments. We will discuss these technologies and how they can be applied to the functional dissection of genes important for breast cancer. Citation Format: Nicole L. Solimini, Andrea L. Bredemeyer, Mamie Z. Li, Rameen Beroukhim, Matthew Meyerson, Stephen J. Elledge, Natalya N. Pavlova, Qikai Xu, Craig H. Mermel, Anthony C. Liang, Michael R. Schlabach, Ji Luo, Anna E. Burrows, Anthony N. Anselmo. Genetic approaches to cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chemical Systems Biology: Assembling and Interrogating Computational Models of the Cancer Cell by Chemical Perturbations; 2012 Jun 27-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(13 Suppl):Abstract nr IA8.
Barriers to Successful Implementation of STEM Education

The implementation of STEM education in schools across the globe is to prepare the future workforce with strong scientific and mathematical backgrounds to enhance skills development across STEM disciplines. However, for STEM education to achieve its goals and objectives, addressing the barriers to STEM education should start by fixing the problems at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels; the grassroots and potential feeders to colleges and universities. Since many nations including the United States of America is in dire need of the workforce with adequate preparation in science and mathematics to help address the nation’s economy that is in shambles, the barriers to its successful implementation should be identified and addressed. In this paper, (a) the definition of STEM education and (b) some barriers to successful implementation of STEM education are discussed and elaborated.
Towards digital microfluidic circuits: creating, transporting, cutting and merging liquid droplets by electrowetting-based actuation

This paper reports a breakthrough in our quest for digital microfluidic circuits - full completion of all four fundamental microfluidic operations: (1) creating, (2) transporting, (3) cutting, and (4) merging of liquid droplets, based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) actuation. All the operations were achieved with 25 V/sub DC/ lower than EWOD actuation voltages previously reported. We also report conditions to reduce the driving voltage even further and conditions to drive a droplet as fast as 250 mm/s.
PspA Family Fusion Proteins Delivered by Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Extend and Enhance Protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is highly immunogenic and can induce a protective immune response against pneumococcal infection. PspA is divided into two major families based on serological variability: family 1 and family 2. To provide broad protection, PspA proteins from pneumococcal strains Rx1 (family 1) and EF5668 (family 2) were combined to form two PspA fusion proteins, PspA/Rx1-EF5668 and PspA/EF5668-Rx1. Each protein was fused to a type II secretion signal and delivered by a recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine (RASV). Both PspA/Rx1-EF5668 and PspA/EF5668-Rx1 were synthesized in the RASV and secreted into the periplasm and supernatant. The fusion proteins reacted strongly with both anti-PspA/Rx1 and anti-PspA/EF5668 antisera. Oral immunization of BALB/c mice with RASV synthesizing either PspA fusion protein elicited serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and mucosal IgA responses against both families of PspA. Analysis of IgG isotypes (IgG2a and IgG1) indicated a strong Th1 bias to the immune responses to both proteins. Sera from mice immunized with RASV synthesizing PspA/Rx1-EF5668 bound to the surface and directed C3 complement deposition on representative strains from all five PspA clades. Immunization with RASV synthesizing either protein protected mice against intraperitoneal challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae WU2 strain (family 1), intravenous challenge with S. pneumoniae 3JYP2670 strain (family 2), and intranasal challenge with S. pneumoniae A66.1 (family 1). The PspA/Rx1-EF5668 protein elicited significantly greater protection than PspA/EF5668-Rx1, PspA/Rx1, or PspA/EF5668. These results indicate an RASV synthesizing a PspA fusion protein representing both PspA families constitutes an effective antipneumococcal vaccine, extending and enhancing protection against multiple strains of S. pneumoniae.
Electrical Impedance Tomographic Methods for Sensing Strain Fields and Crack Damage in Cementitious Structures

Cement-based composites (for example, concrete) are brittle materials that crack when loaded in tension. Current strategies for crack detection are primarily based upon visual inspection by an inspector; such approaches are labor-intensive and expensive. Direly needed are sensors that can be included within a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for automated quantification of crack damage. This study explores the use of cementitious materials as their own sensor platform capable of measuring mechanical behavior under loading. Fundamentally, this self-sensing functionality will be based upon electro-mechanical properties. First, the piezoresistivity of cementitious composites is quantified so as to establish the material as a multifunctional system capable of self-sensing. Second, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is proposed for measuring internal strain fields using only electrical measurements taken along the boundary of the structural element. An inherent advantage of EIT is that it is a distributed sensing approach offering measurement of strain fields across 2D or 3D. Furthermore, the approach is well suited for imaging cracks which appear as conductivity reductions in EIT-derived conductivity maps. Finally, to validate the accuracy of the EIT technique, it is applied to fiber reinforced cementitious composite elements loaded by axial tension-compression cycles and 3-point bending.
Staging resection and reconstruction with temporary wound VAC coverage in a case of giant cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast

Introduction Cystosarcoma phyllodes (CP) is a rare breast tumor occurring most often in females in their fifth decade. While usually benign, some CP tumors exhibit aggressive growth patterns and extensively invade chest wall structures; resecting these tumors to negative surgical margins can be challenging. We present a case of malignant CP involving the chest wall where using a negative pressure vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system after resection enabled complete histopathologic margin assessment prior to reconstruction. This is the first known report of staged breast tumor resection and reconstruction with interim VAC coverage.
Race and gender differences in cord blood lipoproteins

Race and gender differences in lipoproteins and apolipoproteins have repeatedly been demonstrated in adults. The same disparities have been observed in children of different race and gender, implying that these differences may be influenced by genetic factors. To further explore this hypothesis, cord blood concentrations of both lipoproteins and apolipoproteins were examined in black and white neonates of both sexes. Results were controlled for the observed effects of gestational age and growth parameters. Similar patterns of lipoprotein differences to those observed in adults and children were also detected between black and white, and between male and female neonates. These findings support the concept that the aetiology of the difference in lipoprotein concentration observed between race and gender groups includes a significant genetic component.
Ultrafast pulse shaping and applications

Programmable optical pulse shaping, allowing generation of nearly arbitrarily shaped ultrafast optical waveforms, is reviewed. After outlining the fundamentals, new directions in pulse shaping and selected applications are discussed.
Surveillance for lesions of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in US cattle.

In October 1987, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was described in Great Britain as a novel disease of cattle with neurologic lesions comparable to those of scrapie in sheep and other spongiform encephalopathies of animals and humans. Cases in adult cattle occurred with increasing frequency primarily in southern England during the next several months, and there are approximately 600 new cases each week in Great Britain? Epidemiologic studies incriminated the feeding of rations containing ruminant-derived protein, especially to calves. The prolonged incubation period was similar to that observed in scrapie. The presence in the United States of scrapie and other animal spongiform encephalopathies (transmissible mink encephalopathy and chronic wasting disease of mule deer and elk) provided impetus to survey US cattle for lesions of BSE. A cooperative project between the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Science and Technology, National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), and the Iowa State University, Department of Veterinary Pathology, was initiated in May 1990 with the goal of examining brain specimens from 250 suspect cattle. Beginning in May 1990, formalin-fixed brain specimens or microscope slides from BSE-suspect cattle were requested, and in April 1991, the project was expanded to include referred cases submitted for rabies examination and found not to be rabies. The criteria used to classify cases as BSE suspects are cattle that (1) are ≥2 years old, (2) have documented signs of neurologic disease, and (3) have received protein supplement as a substantial part of the ration. Specimens are shipped to the NVSL, Ames, Iowa, in standard cartons via US Postal Service or commercial transport systems. Fixed brain specimens are referred to the Iowa State University, Department of Veterinary Pathology, for further processing. Blocks of tissue from 12 areas, if available, are selected as follows: frontal cortex, corpus striatum, temporal cortex, optic chiasm, occipital cortex with hippocampus, thalamus, mesencephalon, pons, cerebellum, rostra1 medulla, obex, and caudal medulla. Tissue blocks are processed by routine methods, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 8 μm, mounted on glass microscope slides, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Special stains, such as Brown-Hopps Gram stain, luxol fast blue-cresyl echt violet, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, are used as needed. Evaluation of the morphology is based on light microscopy.
Trajectory generation for four wheeled omnidirectional vehicles

This paper describes an algorithm to calculate near-optimal minimum time trajectories for omnidirectional vehicles, which can be used as part of a high-level path planner. The basis is an optimal control algorithm with relaxations to reduce the required computational effort. It takes limited friction and vehicle dynamics into account, as encountered in high-performance omnidirectional vehicles. The algorithm is written with modest computational resources in mind, so that it is possible to control an omnidirectional vehicle in real time in a fast paced environment.
Needle Biopsy for Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Quality Metric for Breast Surgical Practice

Thus,PNBrepresentsanimportant transition in breast cancer management of speciﬁc in-terest to surgeons.Surgical biopsy was the “gold standard” for breast diagnosisbefore the early 1990s, when most patients with breast cancerpresentedwithclinicalsymptomsandwerereferredtosurgeonsfordiagnostic work-up. The growth in the rate of mammographicscreening in the 1980s signiﬁcantly increased the number of non-palpable breast lesions that required diagnostic work-up. Im-proved methods for tissue sampling were needed to alleviate thegrowing numbers of surgical biopsies that require cumbersomewire localization operations and to simplify biopsy of palpablelesions in the ofﬁce using only local anesthetic.Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was the ﬁrst percutaneousneedle sampling technique introduced as an alternative to surgical exci-sional or incisional biopsy.
Use of the Frank-Starling mechanism during exercise is linked to exercise-induced changes in arterial load

Effective arterial elastance(EA) is a measure of the net arterial load imposed on the heart that integrates the effects of heart rate(HR), peripheral vascular resistance(PVR), and total arterial compliance(TAC) and is a modulator of cardiac performance. To what extent the change in EA during exercise impacts on cardiac performance and aerobic capacity is unknown. We examined EA and its relationship with cardiovascular performance in 352 healthy subjects. Subjects underwent rest and exercise gated scans to measure cardiac volumes and to derive EA[end-systolic pressure/stroke volume index(SV)], PVR[MAP/(SV*HR)], and TAC(SV/pulse pressure). EA varied with exercise intensity: the ΔEA between rest and peak exercise along with its determinants, differed among individuals and ranged from −44% to +149%, and was independent of age and sex. Individuals were separated into 3 groups based on their ΔEAI. Individuals with the largest increase in ΔEA(group 3;ΔEA≥0.98 mmHg.m2/ml) had the smallest reduction in PVR, the greatest reduction in TAC and a similar increase in HR vs. group 1(ΔEA<0.22 mmHg.m2/ml). Furthermore, group 3 had a reduction in end-diastolic volume, and a blunted increase in SV(80%), and cardiac output(27%), during exercise vs. group 1. Despite limitations in the Frank-Starling mechanism and cardiac function, peak aerobic capacity did not differ by group because arterial-venous oxygen difference was greater in group 3 vs. 1. Thus the change in arterial load during exercise has important effects on the Frank-Starling mechanism and cardiac performance but not on exercise capacity. These findings provide interesting insights into the dynamic cardiovascular alterations during exercise.
Hexagonal boron nitride epitaxial layers as neutron detector materials

Abstract Micro-strip metal–semiconductor–metal detectors for thermal neutron sensing were fabricated from hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) epilayers synthesized by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. Experimental measurements indicated that the thermal neutron absorption coefficient and length of natural hBN epilayers are about 0.00361 μm−1 and 277 μm, respectively. A continuous irradiation with a thermal neutron beam generated an appreciable current response in hBN detectors, corresponding to an effective conversion efficiency approaching ∼80% for absorbed neutrons. Our results indicate that hBN semiconductors would enable the development of essentially ideal solid-state thermal neutron detectors in which both neutron capture and carrier collection are accomplished in the same hBN semiconductor. These solid-state detectors have the potential to replace 3He gas detectors, which faces the very serious issue of 3He gas shortage.
STRESS CONCENTRATIONS IN A RECTANGULAR PLATE WITH CIRCULAR PERFORATIONS ALONG ITS TWO BONDED EDGES AND SUBJECTED TO RESTRAINED SHRINKAGE

Two-dimensional photoelasticity is used for minimising stress concentration associated with a fillet present at the end of a solid propellant rocket grain subjected to restrained shrinkage. For this purpose, successive holes were added along the bonded interface of case and propellant, but no decrease was obtained. The photoelastic method used illustrates two uncommon techniques of interest to experimental stress analysts: (1) restrained shrinkage loading and (2) a parametric stress-analysis solution obtained with a single model.
STRESS TRANSMISSION IN THE LUNG: Pathways from Organ to Molecule

Gas exchange, the primary function of the lung, can come about only with the application of physical forces on the macroscale and their transmission to the scale of small airway, small blood vessel, and alveolus, where they serve to distend and stabilize structures that would otherwise collapse. The pathway for force transmission then continues down to the level of cell, nucleus, and molecule; moreover, to lesser or greater degrees most cell types that are resident in the lung have the ability to generate contractile forces. At these smallest scales, physical forces serve to distend the cytoskeleton, drive cytoskeletal remodeling, expose cryptic binding domains, and ultimately modulate reaction rates and gene expression. Importantly, evidence has now accumulated suggesting that multiscale phenomena span these scales and govern integrative lung behavior.
Verified systems by composition from verified components

This paper presents an approach to integration of model checking into component-based development of software systems. This approach assists in development of highly reliable component-based software systems and reduces the complexity of verifying these systems by utilizing their compositional structures. Temporal properties of a software component are specified, verified, and packaged with the component. Selection of a component for reuse considers not only its functionality but also its temporal properties. When a component is composed from other components, a property of the component is verified on an abstraction of the component. The abstraction is constructed from environment assumptions of the component and verified properties of its sub-components. A general component model that enables component verification is defined. Component verification is discussed in the context of the instantiation of the general component model on an Asynchronous Interleaving Message-passing computation model. This approach has been applied to improve reliability of instances of TinyOS, a component-based run-time system for networked sensors. A case study on TinyOS is included, which illustrates the applicability of this approach, the detection of a bug, and the reduction in model checking complexity.
Lending a Hand Social Regulation of the Neural Response to Threat

Social contact promotes enhanced health and well-being, likely as a function of the social regulation of emotional responding in the face of various life stressors. For this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, 16 married women were subjected to the threat of electric shock while holding their husband's hand, the hand of an anonymous male experimenter, or no hand at all. Results indicated a pervasive attenuation of activation in the neural systems supporting emotional and behavioral threat responses when the women held their husband's hand. A more limited attenuation of activation in these systems occurred when they held the hand of a stranger. Most strikingly, the effects of spousal hand-holding on neural threat responses varied as a function of marital quality, with higher marital quality predicting less threat-related neural activation in the right anterior insula, superior frontal gyrus, and hypothalamus during spousal, but not stranger, hand-holding.