cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Algorithm for a Single Machine Scheduling Problem with Sequence Dependent Setup Times and Scheduling Windows

Abstract An enumeration algorithm is presented for solving a scheduling problem similar to the single machine job shop problem with sequence dependent setup times. The scheduling problem differs from the job shop problem in two ways. First, its objective is to select an optimum subset of the available tasks to be performed during a fixed period of time. Secondly, each task scheduled is constrained to occur within its particular scheduling window. The algorithm is currently being used to develop typical observational timelines for a telescope that will be operated in earth orbit. Computational times associated with timeline development are presented.
Effects of the prototype serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist sumatriptan and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist CGRP8–37 on myocardial reactive hyperemic response in conscious dogs

The triptans, serotonin 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor agonists exemplified by sumatriptan, are a mainstay migraine therapy but have class labeling contraindicating their use in patients with coronary artery disease. Triptans constrict human coronary artery in vitro, and there are case reports of myocardial infarction in patients using sumatriptan. However, preclinical studies with sumatriptan in normal dogs have failed to demonstrate effects on resting coronary flow. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonism, exemplified by the prototype CGRP receptor antagonist peptide CGRP(8-37), is a new antimigraine mechanism which also has been reported to have no effect on coronary flow in normal, non-stressed animals. The goal of the present studies was to compare the effects of sumatriptan (10microg/kg/min i.v.) and CGRP(8-37) (30microg/kg/min i.v.) on systemic and coronary hemodynamics in conscious dogs under resting conditions and during myocardial reactive hyperemia following a brief 15s of coronary artery occlusion. Neither CGRP(8-37) nor sumatriptan affected resting coronary flow. However, whereas CGRP(8-37) had no effect on myocardial reactive hyperemic response, sumatriptan reduced peak reactive hyperemic coronary artery blood flow (baseline vs treatment: 75.4+/-12.7 vs 60.0+/-10.3ml/min, P<0.05), reactive hyperemic flow (16.7+/-5.2 vs 11.6+/-3.3ml, P<0.05) and the repayment of coronary blood flow debt following coronary artery occlusion (484+/-76 vs 369+/-57%, P<0.05), indicating an impairment in coronary blood flow reserve. The positive control nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NNA (30mg/kg/30min i.v.) likewise significantly attenuated myocardial reactive hyperemic response. These findings provide evidence for a differentiation between CGRP receptor antagonism and triptan effects on coronary vascular function.
The impact of stress-induced defects on MOS electrostatics and short-channel effects

Abstract This paper investigates the influence of stress-induced oxide-trapped charge and interface traps on the electrostatics of metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) devices and its relation to short-channel effects (SCE). Interface trap and oxide-trapped charge densities are included in the derivation of scaling models that are based on solving Poisson’s equation in the depletion approximation (i.e., in weak inversion) using analytical approximations for the electrostatic potential. The impact of interface traps and oxide-trapped charge on the electrostatic potential profile, scaling, and short-channel effects are modeled analytically and verified with TCAD simulations. The theory and modeling approach is validated through comparisons with the experimental extraction of SCE in n-channel MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) measured before and after hot-carrier stress.
Nerve growth factor-induced reduction in epidermal growth factor responsiveness and epidermal growth factor receptors in PC12 cells: an aspect of cell differentiation.

Abstract The rat pheochromocytoma clone PC12 responds to nerve growth factor through the expression of a number of differentiated neuronal properties. One of the most rapid changes is a large, transient increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase. These cells also show an increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity in response to the mitogen, epidermal growth factor, but do not respond morphologically as they do to nerve growth factor. Specific, high-affinity epidermal growth factor receptors are present on the cells. When the cells are differentiated with nerve growth factor, the response to epidermal growth factor is markedly diminished and there is a marked reduction in the binding of epidermal growth factor to the cells.
An overview to geographic information systems

Abstract Geographic information system (GIS) technology is a rapidly growing and powerful method for managing and analyzing spatial data and information for libraries. This article provides an introduction to GIS basic concepts, reviews the range of GIS usage in libraries, and presents some challenges, strengths, and opportunities for libraries and GIS.
The contribution of cometary dust to the zodiacal cloud

Abstract Any theory of the origin of the particles that supply the zodiacal cloud must account for two key, well-established observations. These are: (1) the observed plane of symmetry of the cloud; and (2) the observed shape of the cloud, that is, the observed variation of the flux in a given waveband with ecliptic latitude for a given elongation angle. The dynamics of small asteroidal particles appears to account for the first observation (Dermott et al., Chaos, Resonance and Collective Phenomena in the Solar System, pp. 333–347. Kluwer, Dordrecht, 1992). However, asteroidal particles that spiral towards the Sun under the action of drag forces without significant disintegration due to dust-dust collisions do not, on their own, provide an explanation for the observed shape of the cloud, because asteroidal dust models provide insufficient flux at the Earth's ecliptic poles (Dermott et al., Chaos, Resonance and Collective Phenomena in the Solar System, pp. 333–347. Kluwer, Dordrecht, 1992). In an attempt to account for this major diserepancy, the dynamics of cometary particles is investigated. The orbital evolution of 9 μm diameter dust particles that originate from Comet Encke is described. The orbits of 5000 particles are integrated numerically in order to determine their spatial distribution in 1983. All planetary perturbations (except those due to Mercury and Pluto), radiation pressure, Poynting-Robertson drag, and solar wind drag are included in the calculation. The SIMUL code (Dermott et al., Comets to Cosmology, pp. 3–18. Springer, Berlin, 1988) is used to calculate the shapes of several model zodiacal clouds consisting of a range of combinations of cometary and asteroidal particles. By comparing the model results with IRAS observations in the 25 μm waveband, it is shown that the observed shape of the zodiacal cloud can be accounted for by a combination of about 1 4 to 1 3 asteroidal dust and about 3 4 to 2 3 cometary dust. This result is consistent with other work on the structure of the IRAS dust bands and the Earth's resonant ring (Dermott et al., Nature 369, 719–723, 1994; Asteroids, Comets and Meteors, 1993, pp. 127–142. Kluwer, Dordrecht, 1994). It is also consistent with the conclusions of other workers that the cloud must be heterogeneous (Levasseur-Regourd et al., Icarus 86, 264–272, 1990; Origin and Evolution of Interplanetary Dust, pp. 131–138. Kluwer, Japan, 1991).
Structural characterization of natural fiber-reinforced polymeric structural insulated panels for panelized construction:

The primary goal of this article is to study the structural characterization of natural fiber reinforced structural insulated panels (NSIPs) using jute/polypropylene laminates as skin. To this end,...
Model Selection and Forecasting Ability of Theory-Constrained Food Demand Systems

Out-of-sample forecasting of annual U.S. per capita food consumption, applying data from 1923 to 1992, is used as a basis for model selection among the absolute price Rotterdam model, a first-differenced linear approximate almost ideal demand system (FDLA/ALIDS) model, and a first-differenced double-log demand system. Conditional-on-price consumption forecasts derived from elasticities are determined to be superior to direct statistical model forecasts. Models with consumer theory imposed through parametric restrictions provide better forecasts than models with little theory-imposition. For these data, a double-log demand system is a superior forecaster to the Rotterdam model, which is superior to the FDLA/ALIDS model.
Interpreting the judgment of surgical faculty regarding resident competence

Abstract Background. It is reasonable to propose that competence is a multifaceted characteristic defined in part by some minimum level of knowledge and skill. In this study we examined the relationship between surgical faculty's judgment of clinical competence, as measured by a surgical resident objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and the residents' objective performance on the skills being tested. Methods. Fifty-six general surgery residents at all levels of training participated in a 30-station OSCE. At the completion of each station, the faculty proctor made several overall judgments regarding each resident's performance, including a global judgment of competent or not competent. The competence judgment was applied to the objective percentage performance score in three different ways to construct methods for determining competence based solely upon this objective percentage score. Results. The average mean competent score (MCS) across the stations was 61%, and the average mean noncompetent score (MNCS) was 38%. The difference between MCS and MNCS for each station was very consistent. Upper threshold scores above which a judgment of competent was always made, and lower threshold scores below which a judgment of noncompetent was always made were observed. Overall, the average mean and threshold scores for competent and noncompetent groups were remarkably similar. For performance scores in the range between the threshold competent and noncompetent scores at each station, measures other than objective performance on the skills being evaluated determined the judgment of competent or not competent. Conclusions. Empirically determined minimum acceptable standards for objective performance in clinical skills and knowledge appeared to have been subconsciously applied to the competence judgment by the faculty evaluators in this study. Other factors appeared to have become determinate when the objective performance score fell within a range of uncertainty.
A Parametric Study of Fabric Drape

This paper presents a study of the effect of important fabric mechanical properties on drape. The study uses a mathematical modeling technique to simulate fabric drape. Young's modulus in the warp and weft directions, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, and fabric thickness are the parameters studied in this work. Results of the analysis indicate that all of these characteristics have varying degrees of influence on drape. The validity of using experimental values of fabric mechanical characteristics obtained from the Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics is discussed. The most important requirement for obtaining a good simulation is the use of correct values for these parameters, obtained experimentally at conditions similar to drape.
Attractant and repellent signaling conformers of sensory rhodopsin-transducer complexes.

Attractant and repellent signaling conformers of the dual-signaling phototaxis receptor sensory rhodopsin I and its transducer subunit (SRI−HtrI) have recently been distinguished experimentally by ...
Anti-cardiolipin Antibodies in Sera from Patients with Periodontitis

Antiphospholipid antibodies are commonly found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or the antiphospholipid syndrome, and a subset of such antibodies is associated with prothrombotic events such as stroke and with adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal loss. We examined sera from 411 patients who were clinically characterized as to their periodontal disease status for serum levels of β2-glycoprotein I-dependent anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies (anti-CL). The prevalence of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) positive for anti-CL (16.2% and 19.3%, respectively) was greater than that in healthy controls (NP) and localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) patients (6.8% and 3.2%). Patients with these autoantibodies demonstrated increased pocket depth and attachment loss compared with patients lacking the antibodies. Analysis of the data indicates that patients with generalized periodontitis have elevated levels of autoantibodies reactive with phospholi...
Epikeratophakia: existing limitations and future modifications.

The predictability of optical correction has been a problem for all forms of refractive corneal surgery. In epikeratophakia, changes in graft dimensions and surgical technique improved accuracy, but several problems still exist in cryolathing preserved corneal tissue. Preserved corneal tissue is quite oedematous and when frozen on the cryolathe, assumes an irregular shape. A mechanical technique to dehydrate tissue was developed which yields corneal tissue which behaves in a predictable fashion. The use of donor corneal tissue in refractive surgery has certain inherent limitations. There is no way of measuring the power of the lathed corneal lens prior to surgery; the power is a function of the shape the lens will take in vivo. The ability to supply large numbers of donor corneal buttons may be an impractical task should this type of surgery become widely used. The use of alloplastic lenses should overcome most of these difficulties.
Photochemical Reactions in Carbohydrate Synthesis. Conversion of L-Arabinose Into L-Streptose

Abstract A synthesis for L-streptose (1) is described. This synthesis differs from those previously reported in several ways, one of which is the use of photochemical reactions in two important steps. These reactions are part of a sequence leading from L-arabinose (2) to 5-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-β-L-threo-pentofuranos-3-ulose (3). Two other photochemical reactions are considered as a part of the conversion of 3 into L-streptose (1) but neither proved useful. L-Streptose (1) is synthesized from 3 by a sequence of reactions which involves formation of 5-deoxy-l,2-O-isopropylidene-3-C-nitromethyl-β-L-lyxo-furanose (10) and subsequent reaction of 10 with titanium(III) chloride.
Di(p-tert-butylphenyl)-N,N-di-(iso-butyl) carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide and its organotin and uranyl adducts: structural and spectroscopic characterization

The single-crystal structure of the hydrophobic actinide extractant di(p-tert-butylphenyl)-N,N-di-(iso-butyl)carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO, 1) has been determined, as has that of its 1:1 chelate complex with uranyl nitrate (2), its 1:1 monodentate complexes with Ph3SnCl (3) and Me2SnCl2 (4) bonding via the PO group. A 1:1 bidentate complex with Ph2SnCl2 bonding via both PO and CO functionalities (5) was obtained which in solution exhibits a CO Sn bond dissociation to exist as the monodentate isomer coordinating only through the PO group. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure Dependence of Cholesteric Mesophases IV. 17β-Alkyl Substituted Androst-5-en-3β-ols

Abstract The mesomorphic properties as functions of the length of the 17β-alkyl side chain were investigated on selected alkanoates of androst-5-en-3β-ol, pregn-5-en-3β-ol, 20-methylpregn-5-en-3β-ol, 24-norchol-5-en-3β-ol, chol-5-en-3β-ol, 25-methylchol-5-en-3β-ol and 27-norcholest-5-en-3β-ol. The alkanoates studied were generally the acetates and the octadecanoates. We found that only androst-5-en-3β-ol derivatives are unable to form cholesteric mesophases. Monotropic cholesteric mesophases were found in 3β-octadecanoyloxypregn-5-ene and the next three homologues; their corresponding acetates were not mesomorphic. With increasing chain length, starting with 3β-acetoxy-24-methylchol-5-ene, enantiotropic cholesteric mesophases were obtained. Additional smectic mesophases could not be observed. Thus, we could establish that the 17β-alkyl chain of cholesterol can be shortened considerably without impairing the mesomorphic behavior, since a 17β-ethyl group leads already to a cholesteric mesophase. As intermed...
The recognition of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3 by a new binding protein based 25-hydroxyvitamin D assay

Abstract Background The circulating form of vitamin D, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), is commonly measured in clinical labs to evaluate vitamin D status of an individual. Vitamin D exists in 2 major forms: vitamin D3 and D2. Current methodologies for 25-OHD testing include antibody or vitamin D binding protein based assays, HPLC, and LC-MS. Although most current antibody or vitamin D binding protein based assays claim that they measure 25-OHD3 and 25-OHD2 equally, bias may still exist in the measurement of total 25-OHD when high concentration of 25-OHD2 is present. LC-MS/MS can measure 25-OHD3 and 25-OHD2 separately. We determined the ability of a new competitive protein binding assay (CPBA) to recognize 25-OHD2 and 25-OHD3 by comparing it with an LC-MS/MS method. Methods Seventy-one serum samples were collected and divided into 3 groups according to 25-OHD2 and 25-OHD3 concentrations determined by LC-MS/MS: group A containing only 25-OHD3 (25-OHD2 t -Test. The biases between the two methods were also calculated. Results The correlation analysis between LC-MS/MS (x) and CPBA (y) in the 3 groups are as follows: y = 1.13x − 1.01 (R 2 = 0.65, n = 25) in group A; y = 0.68x + 4.02 (R 2 = 0.76, n = 31) in group B, and y = 0.49x + 6.53 (R 2 = 0.38, n = 15) in group C. In group A, the mean total 25-OHD measured with CPBA was higher than that with LC-MS/MS, while in groups B, CPBA results were lower, but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.476 for group A and 0.059 for group B). In group C, the mean 25-OHD measured with CPBA was lower than that with LC-MS/MS and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The average biases in total 25-OHD concentrations between LC-MS/MS and CPBA were 10.8%, − 23.6%, and − 38.4% for groups A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusions CPBA has a better correlation with LC-MS/MS for samples containing both 25-OHD2 and 25-OHD3 as compared to samples with mainly 25-OHD2 or 25-OHD3 only. However, it measures 25-OHD3 more accurately than 25-OHD2. Compared to LC-MS/MS, CPBA overestimates 25-OHD3, but underestimates 25-OHD2.
A Comparative Study of Pain in Heart Failure and Non-Heart Failure Veterans

Background Progress has been made in addressing pain in specific diseases such as cancer, but less attention has focused on understanding pain in nonmalignant states, including heart failure (HF).
Intelligence and Creativity Are Pretty Similar After All

This article reviews the history of thought on how intelligence and creativity, two individual differences important to teaching and learning, are connected. For decades, intelligence and creativity have been seen as essentially unrelated abilities. Recently, however, new theories, assessment methods, and statistical tools have caused a shift in the field’s consensus. New lines of work on creative thinking strategies, executive cognitive processes and abilities, and cognitive neuroscience have revealed that intelligence and creativity are much more closely linked than the field has thought. The deep connections between these concepts offer opportunities for a more fertile conception of both intelligence and creativity, one that emphasizes similarities between solving problems with right answers and thinking flexibly, critically, and playfully.
Intervalence Electron Transfer in Mixed Valence Diferrocenylpolyenes. Decay Law of the Metal-Metal Coupling with Distance.

A series of diferrocenylpolyenes of general formula Fc(CHCH)nFc with n = 1−6 (Fc = ferrocenyl group) has been prepared and studied from the point of view of intervalence transitions in the mixed valence state. Well-resolved intervalence transitions are observed in dichloromethane upon partial electrolytic oxidation. Comproportionation constants have been determined from redox titration data and in some cases from electrochemical wave splitting. The corrected spectra of the mixed valence species have been deconvoluted to extract the parameters (position, intensity, width) of the intervalence bands, which allowed the determination of the metal−metal coupling (Vab) through the bridging unit using Hush's formula. The decay of Vab with distance is close to an exponential law with an exponent of 0.087 A-1, constituting one of the smallest attenuations reported so far. A small deviation to the exponential law is detected.
A transistorized D-C voltage regulator for direct replacement of carbon-pile regulators

FOR SEVERAL years germanium transistors have been available which are capable of controlling appreciable power. The availability of this versatile component has suggested many new product lines. Considering the temperature, current, and voltage ratings of these devices, one application which suggests itself is the use of a power germanium transistor as the static, power-controlling element in a voltage regulator which could replace the traditional carbon-pile regulator presently being used in conjunction with d-c generators in aircraft and ground-power applications.
Environmental risk factors for Lyme disease identified with geographic information systems.

OBJECTIVES. A geographic information system was used to identify and locate residential environmental risk factors for Lyme disease. METHODS. Data were obtained for 53 environmental variables at the residences of Lyme disease case patients in Baltimore County from 1989 through 1990 and compared with data for randomly selected addresses. A risk model was generated combining the geographic information system with logistic regression analysis. The model was validated by comparing the distribution of cases in 1991 with another group of randomly selected addresses. RESULTS. In crude analyses, 11 environmental variables were associated with Lyme disease. In adjusted analyses, residence in forested areas (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 11.8), on specific soils (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.0, 4.4), and in two regions of the county (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.6, 7.4) (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.0, 7.7) was associated with elevated risk of getting Lyme disease. Residence in highly developed regions was pro...
Fisher's combined p-value for detecting differentially expressed genes using Affymetrix expression arrays

Currently, most tests of differential gene expression using Affymetrix expression array data are performed using expression summary values representing each probe set on a microarray. Recently testing methods have been proposed which incorporate probe level information. We propose a new approach that uses Fisher's method of combining evidence from multiple sources of information. Specifically, we combine p-values from probe level tests of significance. The combined p method and other competing methods were compared using three spike-in datasets (where probe sets corresponding differentially spiked transcripts are known) and array data from a biological study validated with qRT-PCR. Based on power and false discovery rates computed for the spike-in datasets, we demonstrate that the combined p method compares favorably with other methods. We find that probe level testing methods select many of the same genes as differentially expressed. We illustrate the use of the combined p method for diagnostic purposes using examples. Combined p is a promising alternative to existing methods of testing for differential gene expression. In addition, the combined p method is particularly well suited as a diagnostic tool for exploratory analysis of microarray data.
Experimental study of contouring accuracy for CNC machines executing curved paths with constant and curvature-dependent feedrates

Experiments to measure and improve the contouring accuracy of CNC machines executing curved paths with strong curvature and variations of curvature at high feedrates are reported, using P and PI controllers with a wide range of gains. The experiments are based on test curves exhibiting (a) a steady increase of curvature; (b) a periodic curvature variation between fixed minima and maxima; and (c) a sudden ''spike'' in the curvature profile. For the P controller, the curvature-dependent feedrate yields a diminution of the contour error by up to an order of magnitude, compared to constant feedrate. The curvature-dependent feedrate appears to be most advantageous in situations exemplified by case (c), since it affords a dramatic suppression of local contour error with a modest increase in traversal time. Moreover, the improvement in contour accuracy is relatively insensitive to the P gain. The results are less predictable when the curvature-dependent feedrate is used in conjunction with PI control, because of its more ''active'' response to the excitation arising from the varying path geometry and feedrate.
Characterization of high critical temperature superconducting wires

Abstract Improvements in the current transport properties of high critical temperature superconductors would be facilitated by a quantitative description of the relationship between current capacity and superconductor microstructures. In this study, three types of silver–Bi2212 tapes were characterized in terms of critical current density and various microstructural features. Tapes given melt processing treatments were found to have a higher critical current density, larger apparent Bi2212 grain size, and stronger c-axis texture compared to the results of a lower temperature treatment. A comparison of (001) pole figure data and current transport measurements indicated that a 3-fold increase in the c-axis angular spread corresponded to an order of magnitude drop in critical current density.
Health effects classification and its role in the derivation of minimal risk levels: Immunological effects

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) derives health-based guidance values known as minimal risk levels (MRLs). By definition, an MRL is a substance-specific estimate of the daily human exposure to a substance that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse, noncancer effects over a specified duration of exposure. MRLs are preferentially derived from human studies, if available, or from the most sensitive animal species and the endpoint that is most relevant for humans. To date, the agency has derived 346 MRLs. Fifteen MRLs were derived for 11 different chemicals where the database has identified the immune system as the most sensitive target of toxicity. The chemicals include benzene, chlorfenvinphos, endosulfan, heptachlor, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, dibutyl tin, tributyl tin, PCBs, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and 2,4-dichlorophenol. The agency's rationale for classification of immunological endpoints is discussed and a brief description given of the critical studies selected for MRL development using immune system endpoints.
Sensitivity analysis for validating expert opinion as to ideal data set criteria for transport modeling

Environmental fate modeling results are often used in risk assessment without adequately considering uncertainty in exposure predictions. Sensitivity analysis is fundamental to model validation and error prediction since sensitive model input parameters account for the largest variance in model prediction. Once identified, sensitive model input parameters can be used to propagate parametric uncertainty in numerical predictions. Output sensitivity to variation in input code sequences was investigated for the pesticide root zone model (PRZM 3) using Plackett-Burman analysis for six runoff and leaching data sets. The analysis utilized an incomplete block factorial design with even parameter weighting and uniform proportional input perturbation. Timing and duration of key period rainfall were assumed a priori to be dominant sensitive inputs. Thus, meteorological data were fixed, allowing identification of additional input components contributing to model sensitivity. Results validated expert modeler assumptions concerning parameters most critical for model validation. For leaching data sets, the application rate, soil bulk density (an indicator of available water-holding capacity), chemical partition coefficient, and pesticide degradation rates were commonly the most sensitive inputs. For runoff data sets, the in-crop runoff curve number was the most significant input governing pesticide loss in runoff and erosion flux. The chemical partition coefficient, soil and foliar decay rates, and soil bulk density were also common sensitive components for runoff predictions. These commonly observed sensitive components for runoff and leaching prediction need to be carefully considered in the design and conduct of relevant field studies, modeling assessment of such studies, and future improvements in algorithms for environmental transport modeling.
Edgeworth expansions for the conditional distributions in logistic regression models

Edgeworth expansions are derived for conditional distributions of sufficient statistics as well as conditional maximum likelihood estimators of log odds ratios in logistic regression models assuming that the risk factors are not almost equally distanced. Expansions are given in several special cases. Similar results are obtained for models with polytomous outcomes.
Theoretical study of oxocyclohexadienylidene isomers: Electronic structures and molecular properties

The molecular properties and electronic structures for three isomers of oxocyclohexadienylidene were investigated using multiconfiguration SCF (MCSCF) wave functions. The ground electronic states of the ortho and para isomers are the open shell triplet, whereas the meta isomer has a singlet ground state with significant open shell character. The structural features of the ground states of all three isomers are close to the quinoid type structure. Several molecular properties such as the electron spin density, electron affinity (EA), acidity and bond dissociation energy for the three isomers and/or their corresponding radicals are also considered and are compared with experimental values. In particular, the MCSCF(8,8)/6-31+G* electron spin densities for both ortho and para isomers are very close to the experimental values of the phenoxyl radical.
Comparison of transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography for diagnosis of right-sided cardiac lesions.

Abstract Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an established method for the evaluation of cardiac or paracardiac structural abnormalities such as tumors, vegetations and thrombi. 1–4 Cardiac structural resolution can be limited with TTE owing to anatomic interference. With transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), regions of the heart previously difficult to visualize are now readily studied. These regions include the vena cavae, right ventricular outflow tract, pulmonic valve and pulmonary trunk. The usefulness of TEE as compared with TTE in assessing right-sided cardiac pathology has not been clearly determined. We compared both techniques with the objectives of studying their diagnostic ability for the evaluation of right-sided cardiac lesions, and comparing data obtained with those from other confirmatory techniques.
Friedreich’s Ataxia: A Neuronal Point of View on the Oxidative Stress Hypothesis

A prominent feature of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the neurodegeneration of the central and peripheral nervous systems, but little information is available about the mechanisms leading to neuronal damage in this pathology. Currently, no treatments delay, prevent, or reverse the inexorable decline that occurs in this condition. Evidence of oxidative damage has been demonstrated in Friedreich's ataxia, and this damage has been proposed as the origin of the disease. Nevertheless, the role of oxidative stress in FRDA remains debatable. The lack of direct evidence of reactive oxygen species overproduction in FRDA cells and tissues and the failure of exogenous antioxidants to rescue FRDA phenotypes questions the role of oxidative stress in this pathology. For example, the antioxidant "idebenone" ameliorates cardiomyopathy in FRDA patients, but this therapy does not improve neurodegeneration. To date, no known pharmacological treatment with antioxidant properties cures or delays FRDA neuropathology. This review reports and discusses the evidence of oxidative stress in FRDA and focuses on the existing knowledge of the apparent ineffectiveness of antioxidants for the treatment of neuronal damage.
Weight function method for interface cracks in anisotropic bimaterials

This paper extends the Bueckner-Rice weight function method to interface crack problems in anisotropic bimaterials. This method allows one to use a known crack solution to determine any other solutions for the same geometry. It is shown that, other than a different moduli matrix, the interface weight function relation is formally identical to that in the homogeneous case, and many existing results for homogeneous crack analysis can be directly applied to the interface crack problem. For collinear cracks between two elastic half-spaces satisfying a non-oscillatory condition, a correspondence principle is established so that an anisotropic crack solution could be obtained by simply ‘vectorizing’ the corresponding isotropic solution.
Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Dopaminergic Neurons to Evaluate Candidate Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutic Agents in MPP+ and Rotenone Models

To begin to develop a high-throughput assay system to evaluate potential small-molecule therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), we have performed a low-throughput assay with a small number of compounds using human pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons. We first evaluated the role of 44 compounds known to work in rodent systems in a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) assay in a 96-well format using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay as a readout for neuroprotection. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor was used as a positive control because of its well-documented neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons, and two concentrations of each drug were tested. Of 44 compounds screened, 16 showed a neuroprotective effect at one or both dosages tested. A dose-response curve of a subset of the 16 positives was established in the MPP(+) model. In addition, we validated neuroprotective effects of these compounds in a rotenone-induced dopaminergic neuronal cell death, another established model for PD. Our human primary dopaminergic neuron-based assays provide a platform for rapid screening and/or validation of potential neuroprotective agents in PD treatment using patient-specific cells and show the importance of using human cells for such assays.
High-temperature expansion for the Coulomb lattice

It is shown that the high-temperature expansion for the Coulomb lattice is Tr exp{−βH} = αβ−3/2[1 − C1β + C2β2 − C3β5/2 + O(β3logβ)]. C1 and C2 are the usual Korteweg-de Vries constants of motion. C3 reflects the local singularity of the Coulomb potential and is absent for smooth periodic fields. C3 turns out to be independent of the details of the potential.
Inflammatory breast carcinoma and noninflammatory locally advanced breast carcinoma: distinct clinicopathologic entities?

Purpose: Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) and noninflammatory locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC) are both associated with poor prognosis; however, whether they are distinct clinicopathologic entities remains controversial. Materials and Methods: To determine whether IBC and LABC were different, we compared tumor characteristics, prognosis, and age-specific incidence rate patterns in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results program. An age of 50 years served as a surrogate marker for menopause. Results: Younger age at diagnosis, poorer tumor grade, and negative estrogen receptors (ERs) were more predictive of IBC (n = 2,237) than of LABC (n = 7,985). Breast carcinoma survival was worse for patients with IBC than for those with LABC (log-rank test, P < .0001). Age-specific incidence rates for IBC increased until 50 years and then flattened, whereas rates for LABC increased for all ages. When rates for LABC were stratified by estrogen receptor–positive (ERP) and –negative (ERN) expression, ra...
Normal tissue complication probability modeling of acute hematologic toxicity in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

Purpose To identify dosimetric parameters that correlate with acute hematologic toxicity (HT) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods and Materials We analyzed 33 patients receiving CRT. Pelvic bone (PBM) was contoured for each patient and divided into subsites: ilium, lower pelvis (LP), and lumbosacral spine (LSS). The volume of each region receiving at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 Gy was calculated. Endpoints included grade ≥3 HT (HT3+) and hematologic event (HE), defined as any grade ≥2 HT with a modification in chemotherapy dose. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) was evaluated with the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman (LKB) model. Logistic regression was used to test associations between HT and dosimetric/clinical parameters. Results Nine patients experienced HT3+ and 15 patients experienced HE. Constrained optimization of the LKB model for HT3+ yielded the parameters m = 0.175, n = 1, and TD 50 = 32 Gy. With this model, mean PBM doses of 25 Gy, 27.5 Gy, and 31 Gy result in a 10%, 20%, and 40% risk of HT3+, respectively. Compared with patients with mean PBM dose of p = 0.005). Several low-dose radiation parameters ( i.e. , PBM-V10) were associated with the development of HT3+ and HE. No association was found with the ilium, LP, or clinical factors. Conclusions LKB modeling confirms the expectation that PBM acts like a parallel organ, implying that the mean dose to the organ is a useful predictor for toxicity. Low-dose radiation to the PBM was also associated with clinically significant HT. Keeping the mean PBM dose
The Relationship between Afrocentric Values and Racial Identity Attitudes: Validation of the Belief Systems Analysis Scale on African American College Students:

The Belief Systems Analysis Scale (BSAS) was administered to 171 African American college students attending Black studies classes at a predominantly White institution to provide further evidence o...
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors as Adjunctive Therapy in the Management of Systolic Heart Failure

Objective:To review the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the treatment of patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF).Data Sources:Literature was retrieved through MEDLINE (1966-September 2011) and EMBASE (1980-September 2011), using the medical subject heading terms heart failure and phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Focus was placed on multidose trials of patients with systolic HF, because of these trials’ greater strength of clinical evidence.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language, peer-reviewed publications were analyzed for relevance. Studies appropriate to the objective were evaluated, including 4 multidose trials investigating the effect of sildenafil on cardiovascular function.Data Synthesis:In patients with New York Heart Association class II or III HF, treatment with sildenafil was associated with improvements in cardiac index, right ventricular ejection fraction, and other markers of cardiovascular funct...
Ventricular reconditioning and pump explantation in patients supported by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices

Background The potential for myocardial reconditioning and device explantation after long-term continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support presents an opportunity to delay or avoid transplantation in select patients. Methods Thirty of 657 patients with end-stage heart failure supported with continuous-flow LVADs were assessed for device explantation. Each patient underwent an individualized process of weaning focused on principles of ventricular unloading, gradual reconditioning, and transition to medical therapy. Results After varying reconditioning periods, 27 patients (16 men, 11 women; age, 39 ± 12 years) underwent LVAD explant, and 3 patients (2 men, 1 woman; age, 22 ± 6 years) were evaluated for explantation but could not be weaned. The duration of LVAD support was 533 ± 424 days (range, 42–1,937 days) for the explant cohort and 1,097 ± 424 days (range, 643–1,483) for the non-explant cohort. The LV end-diastolic dimension, LV ejection fraction, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, and cardiac index in the explant cohort were significantly improved at explantation (all, p Conclusions The potential for recovery of native LV function after long-term continuous-flow LVAD support should encourage a more aggressive approach to ventricular reconditioning with the goal of device explantation and a return to medical management, particularly in young patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Introduction to rodent cardiac imaging.

Imaging is a noninvasive complement to traditional methods (such as histology) in rodent cardiac studies. Assessments of structure and function are possible with ultrasound, microcomputed tomography (microCT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Cardiac imaging in the rodent poses a challenge because of the size of the animal and its rapid heart rate. Each aspect in the process of rodent cardiac imaging—animal preparation, choice of anesthetic, selection of gating method, image acquisition, and image interpretation and measurement—requires careful consideration to optimize image quality and to ensure accurate and reproducible data collection. Factors in animal preparation that can affect cardiac imaging are the choice of anesthesia regime (injected or inhaled), intubated or free-breathing animals, physiological monitoring (ECG, respiration, and temperature), and animal restraint. Each will vary depending on the method of imaging and the length of the study. Gating strategies, prospective or retrospective, reduce physiological motion artifacts and isolate specific time points in the cardiac cycle (i.e., end-diastole and endsystole) where measurements are taken. This article includes a simple explanation of the physics of ultrasound, microCT, and MR to describe how images are generated. Subsequent sections provide reviews of animal preparation, image acquisition, and measurement techniques in each modality specific to assessing cardiac functions such as ejection fraction, fractional shortening, stroke volume, cardiac output, and left ventricular mass. The discussion also includes the advantages and disadvantages of the different imaging modalities. With the use of ultrasound, microCT, and MR, it is possible to create 2-, 3-, and 4-dimensional views to characterize the structure and function of the rodent heart.
The Sovereignty of Good Will

The period since 1914 may come to be known as the time when the average man became important. During that period, it has seemed at times as if civilization was threatened by the very ramifications of its successes. The abundant talents of the men mainly responsible for those successes, the specialists, have seemed to yield in the end nothing but sterility. They have given us the instruments of a more generous life, but we have found that they carnnot give us more than the instruments. The achievement of that life appears, more than ever, to hang upon the ability of the plain citizen to discern and deal with the issues posed by the complexities of modern life. This is one reason why Abraham Lincoln, more than any other of the American heroes, holds increasing significance for our time. For Lincoln exemplifies completely the capacity for growth of the ordinary man.
Historical Analysis in Pediatric Psychology: From Gaining Access to Leading

Objective To provide a historical analysis of professional growth and the legacy of early challenges to the development of the field of pediatric psychology. Method More than 40 years of professional experience and consideration of published work provided the basis for this article. Results Challenges to the future of pediatric psychology that date back to the origins of the field include foundational challenges involving medical authority and administrative control as well as models of medical practice in pediatric hospital settings. These influences limited opportunities for program leadership and independent funding of clinical services, constrained interorganizational organization, and led to an underemphasis of prevention and primary care in clinical practice, research, and training. Conclusion Transformative future growth in pediatric psychology will necessitate innovative strategies that address continuing professional challenges with roots in the field’s early history. This article presents a historical analysis of the origins and continuing impact of salient challenges on the professional growth of the field of pediatric psychology. In the formative years of the field (1970–1980), pediatric psychologists faced the challenges of gaining access to clinical care and research populations and developing a professional identity. They also needed to manage contextual constraints such as medical authority and administrative control and prevailing models of medical practice. The continuing impact of these early constraints on clinical practice, program development, and leadership is described. This historical analysis suggests future directions to transform the future of pediatric psychology through promotion of unifying activities, interprofessional organizational collaboration, enhancing the economic viability of clinical practice, expanding the scope of prevention and public health agendas, enhancing capacity and competency in primary care clinical services and research, promoting innovation and leadership, and developing systematic data on programs, work force trends, and funding models.
TM-06MYC AND MYCN DISRUPTION OF THE MOLECULAR CLOCK IN CANCER CELLS

Cancer cells are known to have a metabolic advantage, but it is not known whether the circadian clock, which couples metabolic and cell cycles, restrains cancer cell metabolism and growth. We report that the deregulated expression of the MYC or MYCN oncogene disrupts the molecular clock by inducing NR1D1 (Rev-erbα) to diminish expression and dampen oscillation of ARNTL (Bmal1) that could be rescued by knockdown of Rev-erb. The expression of Rev-erbα is highly correlated with MYC expression in human B cell lymphoma, human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, murine hepatocellular carcinoma cells and human neuroblastoma cells. MYC or MYCN directly upregulates Rev-erbα expression by binding to its promoter. Suppression of Rev-erbα diminished hepatocellular cancer cell growth, illustrating Rev-erbα's role in MYC-induced tumorigenesis. Furthermore, Rev-erbα expression is a predictor of poor clinical outcome for human neuroblastoma and correlates with MYCN expression. Our results demonstrate an unsuspected link between oncogenic transformation and circadian arrhythmia, which may be metabolically advantageous for cancer cells. Having observed that Myc and N-Myc disrupt circadian rhythm in tumor cells, suggesting a therapeutic opportunity could exist in the window between circadian regulation of the ebb-and-flow of normal cell metabolism and the sustained, not oscillate non-circadian cancer metabolism. The understanding of these basic mechanisms from our work should lead to better cancer treatment strategies that reduce side effects and increase effectiveness.