cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Totalitarianism in the Tropics: Cuba's "Padilla Case" Revisited*

and public confession of the poet Heberto Padilla. The case had international repercussions, breaking up the love affair between “the Cuban Revolution,” i.e., Fidel Castro, and literary figures of international renown who, up to that point, had lent it valuable intellectual and moral support. Drawing on Richard Overy’s The Dictators: Hitler’s Germany, Stalin’s Russia, 3 the analysis highlights parallels between the efforts of these giants of tyranny to control what was written, published, and read in their countries with those exerted by their Caribbean counterpart. I conclude with some observations regarding the nature and operational similarities across totalitarian regimes, however much they differ in stated goals, historical background, and cultural
Microtubule-Microfilament Synergy in the Cytoskeleton

This review describes examples of structural and functional synergy of the microtubule and actin filament cytoskeleton. An analysis of basal body (centriole)-associated fibrillar networks includes studies of ciliated epithelium, neurosensory epithelium, centrosomes, and ciliated protozoa. Microtubule and actin filament interactions in cell division and development are illustrated by centrosome motility, cleavage furrow positioning, centriole migration, nuclear migration, dynamics in the phragmoplast, growth cone motility, syncytial organization, and ring canals. Model systems currently used for studies on organelle transport are described in relation to mitochondrial transport in axons and vesicular transport in polarized epithelium. Evidence that both anterograde and retrograde motors are associated with one organelle is also discussed. The final section reviews proteins that bind both microtubules and actin filaments and are possible regulators of microtubule-microfilament interactions. Regulatory roles for posttranslational modifications, microtubule and microfilament dynamics, and multisubunit complexes are considered.
Breeding Contempt: The History of Coerced Sterilization in the United States

Most closely associated with the Nazis and World War II atrocities, eugenics is sometimes described as a government-orchestrated breeding program, other times as a pseudo-science, and often as the first step leading to genocide. Less frequently it is recognized as a movement having links to the United States. But eugenics does have a history in this country, and Mark A. Largent tells that story by exploring one of its most disturbing aspects, the compulsory sterilization of more than 64,000 Americans. The book begins in the mid-nineteenth century, when American medical doctors began advocating the sterilization of citizens they deemed degenerate. By the turn of the twentieth century, physicians, biologists, and social scientists championed the cause, and lawmakers in two-thirds of the United States enacted laws that required the sterilization of various criminals, mental health patients, epileptics, and syphilitics. The movement lasted well into the latter half of the century, and Largent shows how even today the sentiments that motivated coerced sterilization persist as certain public figures advocate compulsory birth control - such as progesterone shots for male criminals or female welfare recipients - based on the same assumptions and motivations that had brought about thousands of coerced sterilizations decades ago.
Effectiveness of the finite impulse response model in content-based fMRI image retrieval

The thresholded t-map produced by the General Linear Model (GLM) gives an effective summary of activation patterns in functional brain images and is widely used for feature selection in fMRI related classification tasks. As part of a project to build content-based retrieval systems for fMRI images, we have investigated ways to make GLM more adaptive and more robust in dealing with fMRI data from widely differing experiments. In this paper we report on exploration of the Finite Impulse Response model, combined with multiple linear regression, to identify the "locally best Hemodynamic Response Function (HRF) for each voxel" and to simultaneously estimate activation levels corresponding to several stimulus conditions. The goal is to develop a procedure for processing datasets of varying natures. Our experiments show that Finite Impulse Response (FIR) models with a smoothing factor produce better retrieval performance than does the canonical double gamma HRF in terms of retrieval accuracy.
Reliability and Validity of Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) with Proposed Revisions

The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) have been employed internationally since 1992 for the study of temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMD). This diagnostic protocol incorporates a dual system for assessment of TMD for Axis I physical diagnoses as well as Axis II psychological status and pain-related disability. Because the reliability and criterion validity of RDC/TMD had not yet been comprehensively characterised, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded in 2001 the most definitive research to date on the RDC/TMD as a U01 project entitled, 'Research Diagnostic Criteria: Reliability and Validity'. The results of this multi-site collaboration involving the University of Minnesota, the University of Washington, and the University at Buffalo were first reported at a pre-session workshop of the Toronto general session of the International Association of Dental Research on 2 July 2008. Summaries of five reports from this meeting are presented in this paper including: (i) reliability of RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses based on clinical signs and symptoms; (ii) reliability of radiographic interpretations used for RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses; (iii) reliability of self-report data used for RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses; (iv) validity of RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses based on clinical signs and symptoms; and (v) proposed revisions of the RDC/TMD Axis I diagnostic algorithms.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of story listening in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome: evidence for atypical neurodevelopment

Background Previous studies have documented differences in neural activation during language processing in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) in comparison with typically developing individuals matched for chronological age. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare activation during language processing in young adults with DS to typically developing comparison groups matched for chronological age or mental age. We hypothesised that the pattern of neural activation in the DS cohort would differ when compared with both typically developing cohorts. Method Eleven persons with DS (mean chronological age = 18.3; developmental age range = 4–6 years) and two groups of typically developing individuals matched for chronological (n = 13; mean age = 18.3 years) and developmental (mental) age (n = 12; chronological age range = 4–6 years) completed fMRI scanning during a passive story listening paradigm. Random effects group comparisons were conducted on individual maps of the contrast between activation (story listening) and rest (tone presentation) conditions. Results Robust activation was seen in typically developing groups in regions associated with processing auditory information, including bilateral superior and middle temporal lobe gyri. In contrast, the DS cohort demonstrated atypical spatial distribution of activation in midline frontal and posterior cingulate regions when compared with both typically developing control groups. Random effects group analyses documented reduced magnitude of activation in the DS cohort when compared with both control groups. Conclusions Activation in the DS group differed significantly in magnitude and spatial extent when compared with chronological and mental age-matched typically developing control groups during a story listening task. Results provide additional support for an atypical pattern of functional organisation for language processing in this population.
Newer mechanical devices in the management of acute heart failure

Heart Failure is the only cardiovascular disease diagnosis increasing in prevalence in the United States. Currently there are more than 5 million people diagnosed with heart failure in the United States and that population is increasing exponentially. Clinical trials in advanced pharmacological therapies have shown a significant value in reducing the morbidity and mortality of the disease process. Nevertheless, many patients who are optimally treated with drug therapy continue to progress from asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction to symptomatic and then end-stage heart failure. Beyond drug therapy, devices have begun to make a significant impact on symptoms and clinical outcomes in patients, particularly those with more advanced forms of heart failure. New technologies being investigated include destination and bridge LV assist devices. Due to the invasive nature of these devices a new generation of "less invasive" percutaneous devices are now being studied. These new generation devices offer the promise of improved LV function and an enhanced neurohormonal profile for the failing ventricle, thus improving the quality of life in the ever-burgeoning heart failure population.
Thermodynamic Equilibrium of Domains in a Two-Component Langmuir Monolayer

This paper article outlines the results from a combined experimental and theoretical study on the properties of circular domains in a mixed Langmuir monolayer at thermodynamic equilibrium. The mixed monolayer consisted of a binary mixture of dimyristoyl-phosphatidyl-choline and dihydrochloesterol. A long-term fluorescence microscopy study of these domains was carried out over the course of ∼60 h. Image analysis of the domains over time revealed that the domains ripened slowly with increase in mean domain radius and decrease in domain number density. At the end of the measurement, the domains remained polydisperse, and true thermodynamic equilibrium was not reached. Theoretically, collective thermodynamic equilibrium properties such as mean domain size and size distribution were calculated by combining micelle self-assembly theory and the “equivalent dipole” model for the self-energy of two-dimensional domains. The calculations predicted existence of finite-sized circular domains at equilibrium. This suggests that equilibrium circular monolayer domains of single- or multicomponent lipids with a finite size distribution should form only at very limited experimental conditions. Both the predicted mean domain size and size distribution are strongly affected by line tension and dipole moment density difference. A comparison between the theoretical and experimental results is made.
Optimal scheduling of parallel queues using stochastic flow models

We consider a classic scheduling problem for optimally allocating a resource to multiple competing users and place it in the framework of Stochastic Flow Models (SFMs). We derive Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA) gradient estimators for the average holding cost with respect to resource allocation parameters. These estimators are easily obtained from a sample path of the system without any knowledge of the underlying stochastic process characteristics. Exploiting monotonicity properties of these IPA estimators, we prove the optimality of the well-known cμ-rule for an arbitrary finite number of queues and stochastic processes under non-idling policies and linear holding costs. Further, using the IPA derivative estimates obtained along with a gradient-based optimization algorithm, we find optimal solutions to similar problems with nonlinear holding costs extending current results in the literature.
Direct and homogeneous immunoassay for IgG analyses.

A concept involving the use of antibody conjugated with reporter molecules for direct sensing of subtle changes in the local electrostatic environment of an antigen–antibody complex due to the antigen binding is presented. The proposed direct sensing mechanism is studied using the protein A–immunoglobulin G (IgG) complex as the model system. The change in the local electrostatic potential and pH around the protein A–IgG complex is observed by measuring the fluorescence intensity of fluorescein molecules conjugated with protein A before and after the introduction of IgG. Factors affecting the efficiency of our direct sensing mechanism including the conjugation ratio of fluorescein per protein A molecule, Solution conditions, and the amount of protein A–fluorescein conjugate used in the experiment are investigated. The IgG2A concentrations in the cell supernatants are analyzed by using our direct sensing method and then compared with the results obtained from enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The comparisons between our homogeneous assay and heterogeneous ELISA in the analysis time, analysis procedures, cost, and sensitivity are reported and discussed. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Public-Private Partnership in Education: A Ray of Hope for Pakistan

09/22/2011: More than 6,000 schools have been damaged by the floods in Sindh province in September 2011 (CNN, 2011). 09/13/2011: Four children and the driver killed in a hail of bullets and rocket ...
Traditional knowledge of Western herbal medicine and complex systems science

Traditional knowledge of Western herbal medicine (WHM) supports experiential approaches to healing that have evolved over time. This is evident in the use of polyherb formulations comprised of crude plant parts, individually tailored to treat the cause of dysfunction and imbalance by addressing the whole person holistically. The challenge for WHM is to integrate science with traditional knowledge that is a foundation of the practice of WHM. The purpose of this paper is to provide a plausible theoretical hypothesis by applying complex systems science to WHM, illustrating how medicinal plants are complex, adaptive, environmentally interactive systems exhibiting synergy and nonlinear healing causality. This paper explores the conceptual congruence between medicinal plants and humans as complex systems coherently coupled through recurrent interaction. Complex systems science provides the theoretical tenets that explain traditional knowledge of medicinal plants while supporting clinical practice and expanding research and documentation of WHM.
A complete mechanical-property characterization of a single composite specimen: An attempt is made to completely characterize all four independent in-plane mechanical properties for a single unidirectional boron-epoxy laminate using a combination of longitudinal, transverse, shear and flexure tests

For a unidirectional lamina, the in-plane mechanical properties of interest areE11,E22, ν12, ν12 andG12. Only three of the first four listed are independent. The fourth may be calculated from the reciprocal relationshipE11 ν21 =E22 ν12, which results from stiffness-tensor symmetry. Measurement of any four of the five properties listed will completely characterize the in-plane mechanical properties. A longitudinal uniaxial tension test was used to evaluate longitudinal modulus and Poisson's ratio. A modified rail-shear apparatus was designed to measure shear modulus in a rail-shear orientation, as well as a totally constrained transverse modulus in a uniaxial tension test with an orientation transverse to the longest dimension of the specimen. A flexure test was also used to estimate transverse moduli, since the achievement of the totally constrained transverse-modulus measurement was impaired by the variability of load distribution and constraint across the breadth (10-in. length) of the specimen. An apparatus was designed that applied a line loading to the specimen, simply supported on two opposite sides, with the two remaining sides free. The feasibility of this technique was documented by comparing measured values of the transverse modulus and out-of-plane displacement for a [0°]4 specimen to values obtained from the Levy solution for bending of an orthotropic plate.
Database values do not reflect selenium contents of grain, cereals, and other foods grown or purchased in the upper Midwest of the United States

In an effort to establish reliable selenium (Se) values for foods, we have previously reported the variability of Se concentrations in foods commonly available in the upper Midwest. The present report extends this investigation to other foods as well as agricultural commodities, and has compared analyzed values to values predicted by the US Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference 16. Total variation in Se content was 72-fold (11-774 μg Se per 100 g) for wheat flakes, 57-fold (14-803 μg Se per 100 g) for wheat, and 11-fold (19-217 μg Se per 100 g) for beef. The variability between analyzed values and values found in the US Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference 16 were sufficiently large to make database values of little use for diet planning or assessment. These results emphasize that Se concentrations in foods vary, and professionals should be aware of this complication when designing diets with predicted amounts of Se.
The Arithmetic of Differentiation

(1986). The Arithmetic of Differentiation. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 59, No. 5, pp. 275-282.
Two-Dimensional FT-IR Correlation Analysis of the Chemisorption of Nitric Oxide on Pt(100):

In addition to the previously reported vibrational frequencies of NO stretch at 1591-1650 cm-1 and 1770-1800 cm-1 on Pt(100) surface at 300 K, we observed an infrared spectral band centered around 1689-1692 cm-1. With the use of two-dimensional IR correlation analysis, we were able to distinguish the various adsorption sites of NO under the present experimental conditions. The infrared band at 1689-1692 cm-1 developed independently of the band at 1639-1654 cm-1. By varying the pressure of NO and the surface temperature, we were able to demonstrate that the 1689-1692 cm-1 band grows only at higher NO pressure and lower surface temperature.
Low-power MOEMS components for active optical systems

The eventual widespread insertion of microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS) into the marketplace rests fundamentally on the ability to produce viable components that maximize optical performance while minimizing power consumption and size. Active control of surface topology allows for one component to perform multiple functions, thus reducing cost and complexity. Based on the patented MEMS compound grating (MCG), extension of the research at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at the University of Albany, New York, to novel designs, materials, and fabrication methods yielded low-power, high-performance prototypes. The main focus of this work is on the development of a polymer version (including a sacrificial layer, in some designs) of the MCG, which allows for ease of fabrication and a reduced electrostatic actuation voltage. Following a system design effort, several generations of the component are fabricated to optimize the process flow. Component metrology, electromechanical characterization, and initial results of optical tests are reported. A second example presented is the design and prototype fabrication of a spring micrograting using a customized SOI process. This highly flexible component builds on the MCG concept and yields an order of magnitude reduction in actuation voltage.
A nonparametric assessment of model adequacy based on Kullback-Leibler divergence

A discrepancy measure to assess model fitness against a nonparametric alternative is proposed. First, a Polya tree prior is constructed so that the centering distribution is the null. Second, the prior is updated in the light of data to obtain the posterior centering distribution as the alternative. Third, a Kullback-Leibler divergence type of test statistic is derived to assess the discrepancy between the two centering distributions. The properties of the test statistic are derived, and a power comparison with several well-known test statistics is conducted. The use of the test statistic is illustrated using network traffic data.
The role of the diffusion of oxygen in the ignition of a coal stockpile in confined storage

Abstract This paper deals with the spontaneous combustibility and ignition behaviour of coal stored in confined spaces. The geometry, in which the stockpile is sealed on all sides except the top, which is exposed to the ambient conditions, is of interest in the transport of coals in barges or in rail cars. The role of oxygen diffusion as the cause of self-heating of coal is re-examined. In previous work, it was concluded that the diffusion in a one-dimensional stockpile can lead to a maximum temperature rise of ∼80 K; this conclusion is shown to be a consequence of the unrealistic boundary conditions imposed on the oxygen and energy balance equations. Simple calculations, with more realistic boundary conditions which reflect that the resistance to heat transfer may lie at the interface between the pile and the ambient, lead to a maximum possible temperature rise of ∼2150 K. Mathematical models are developed, assuming that the pile is isothermal, to determine the influence of various parameters—coal reactivity, stockpile dimensions and ambient conditions—on ignition behaviour. In particular, it is shown that storage of coal in this configuration is, at best, conditionally safe. Based on the calculations, methods which may be implemented to suppress spontaneous combustibility in confined storage are discussed. Application of the model is illustrated by detailed calculations pertinent to the transport of coal in barges or in rail cars.
Raman scattering and high resolution electron microscopy studies of metal-organic chemical vapor deposition-tungsten disulfide thin films

Abstract Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using tungsten hexacarbonyl (W(CO) 6 ) and H 2 S as precursors was employed to prepare tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) thin films on Si substrates. Various degrees of preferred orientation as characterized by the WS 2 crystallites with their basal planes grown parallel to the substrate ( c (=)) and non-parallel to the substrate ( c (∥)) were obtained. Raman scattering was applied to study the effects of preferred orientation in WS 2 thin films on the Raman processes. As the fraction of c (∥) crystallites increases in the thin film structure, a large second order Raman peak appeared on a shoulder of the A 1g mode to the lower wavenumbers. Based on the analysis previously provided (C. Sourisseau, F. Cruege, M. Fouassier, Chem. Phys. 150 (1991) 281), this peak was characterized by two phonon-coupling originating from longitudinal acoustic (LA) and transverse acoustic (TA) phonons at the K point of the Brillouin zone. Cross-section high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) revealed that the WS 2 thin films grew with c (=) near the interface, followed by the formation of non-parallel crystallite ( c (∥)) co-mixing with c (=). Transition from c (=) to c (∥) in the microstructure occurred smoothly, showing curvature in the lattice image. Occurrence of the localized curvature in the thin film microstructure seems to be responsible for the enhancement of the two phonon-coupling process.
Instabilities with reduced frictional drag in the rotating channel flow of dilute polymer solutions

A numerical investigation is conducted on secondary flows and roll-cell instabilities in the laminar channel flow of dilute polymer solutions subjected to a steady spanwise rotation. Finite difference calculations of the full nonlinear equations of motion for a Maxwell fluid and a Rivlin-Ericksen fluid of the second grade are presented which indicate that there is a double-vortex secondary flow at weak and rapid rotation rates with an instability in the form of longitudinal roll cells at intermediate rotation rates (regimes analogous to those for a Newtonian fluid). However, for a given physical pressure gradient and rotation rate, the introduction of a minute amount of a polymeric additive to a Newtonian fluid so that the Weissenberg number is of the order of 10−5 has a stabilizing effect on rotating channel flow and gives rise to secondary flows with a substantially reduced frictional drag. Comparisions with previously conducted experimental and analytical studies are made along with a brief discussion of potential applications to the field of polymeric drag reduction.
Sweet potato for biomass

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in 1980 and 1981 to determine the root and plant top yield of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)) grown on a sandy soil. Cultivars ‘GaTG-3’, ‘Morado’, ‘Rojo Blanco’, ‘Travis’ and ‘White Star’ were evaluated at 2 harvest times. Mean starch yields from ‘GaTG-3’ at 105-15 days (7·2 t ha −1 ) and at 210-30 days (9·6 t ha −1 ) during two seasons were higher than from the other cultivars. With an increase in the growth period from 105-15 to 210-30 days the mean starch yield increased from 4·6 to 7·3 t ha −1 but the starch concentration of all cultivars decreased significantly during the same period.
Characterization of matrix variate normal distributions

Abstract In this paper, it is shown that two random matrices have a joint matrix variate normal distribution if, conditioning each one on the other, the resulting distributions satisfy certain conditions. A general result involving more than two matrices is also proved.
Thermographic Imaging And Computer Image Processing Of Defects In Building Materials

An image processing system has been coupled to both a thermographic and a video camera to quantify defects from images of building materials. Several applications to building materials are presented including the detection of delaminations in single-ply roofing membrane seams, the characterization of the extent of corrosion under pigmented organic coatings on metallic substrates, the determination of the roughness of a sand-blasted metallic substrate, and the determination of the porosity in hardened cement paste.
Piezoelectric active sensing techniques for damage detection on wind turbine blades

This paper presents the performance of a variety of structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, based on the use of piezoelectric active sensors, to determine the structural integrity of a 9m CX-100 wind turbine blade (developed by Sandia National Laboratory). First, the dynamic characterization of a CX-100 blade is performed using piezoelectric transducers, where the results are compared to those by conventional accelerometers. Several SHM techniques, including Lamb wave propagations, frequency response functions, and time series based methods are then utilized to analyze the condition of the wind turbine blade. The main focus of this research is to assess and construct a performance matrix to compare the performance of each method in identifying incipient damage, with a special consideration given the issues related to field deployment. Experiments are conducted on a stationary, full length CX-100 wind turbine blade. This examination is a precursor for planned full-scale fatigue testing of the blade and subsequent tests to be performed on an operational CX-100 Rotor Blade to be flown in the field.
Study of BDNF Transcytosis in Hippocampal Neurons

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, plays important roles in neuron survival, development and synaptic efficacy. It is believed that exogenous BDNF binding to TrkB activates three major signaling pathways: MAPK, PI3K and PLC-gamma. One important issue under these regulation mechanisms is whether and how BDNF is transported into neurons and its intracellular translocation. Furthermore, whether such exogenous BDNF is released and taken up by another neuron and involved in neuron to neuron communication has not been studied. In this work, BDNF conjugated to quantum dot is traced after it is taken by hippocampal neurons. A compartmentalized microfluidic device has been designed to separate axons and dendrites from each other. By applying Qdot-BDNF only to the axon chamber and observing some Qdot-BDNF leaving from the dendrite chamber, it is clearly proved that BDNF up-taken from the axon terminal can be translocated all the way to dendrites. Qdot-BDNF entering and leaving the soma has also been directly observed. Whether BDNF is released from the axon or dendrite terminal is under investigation. It is hoped that at the end of this work, an overall picture of the whole regulation cycle of exogenous BDNF and whether its role as a chemical communicator through the neuronal network can be clearly shown.
Miniature Electrical Stimulator for Hemorrhage Control

Noncompressible hemorrhage is currently the most common cause of preventable death in battlefield and in civilian trauma injuries. Tourniquets, specialized wound dressings, and hemorrhage-inhibiting biomaterials are not sufficiently effective in arrest of noncompressible hemorrhage and often cause collateral tissue damage. An effective, easy-to-use, portable device is needed to reduce blood loss in trauma patients immediately following injury and to maintain hemorrhage control up to several hours—until the injured is evacuated to a medical facility. We developed a miniature electrical stimulator to induce vascular constriction and, thereby, reduce hemorrhage. Vasoconstriction of the rat femoral arteries and veins was studied with pulse durations in the range of 1 μs to 10 ms and repetition rate of 10 Hz. Pulse amplitude of 20 V, duration of 1 ms, and repetition rate of 10 Hz were found sufficient to induce rapid constriction down to 31 ± 2% of the initial diameter, which could be maintained throughout a two-hour treatment. Within one minute following treatment termination the artery dilated back to 88 ± 3% of the initial diameter, providing rapid restoration of blood perfusion. Histology indicated no damage to the vessel wall and endothelium seven days after stimulation. The same treatment reduced the blood loss following complete femoral artery resection by 68 ± 11%, compared to untreated vessels. Very low power consumption during stimulation (<10 mW per 1.6 mm electrode) allows miniaturization of the stimulator for portable battery-powered operation in the field to control the blood loss following vascular trauma.
Nerve growth factor induces protein-tyrosine phosphorylation

Abstract When the sympathetic nerve-like cell line PC12 is exposed to nerve growth factor (NGF), there is a rapid and transient phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in cellular proteins, as demonstrated by immunoblotting of cell extracts with high-affinity polyclonal antibodies specific for phosphotyrosine residues. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), which does not cause the morphological differentiation of PC12 cells that is produced by NGF, also induces protein-tyrosine phosphorylation. The methyltransferase inhibitor, 5'-methylthioadenosine, which is known to block the NGF-mediated morphological differentiation of PC12 cells, also inhibits the induction of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation by NGF. 5'-Methylthioadenosine has no effect, however, on EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in cellular proteins. In addition, low temperature markedly slows the rate of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation stimulated by NGF, but it has no effect on the time course of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation induced by EGF. These data suggest that NGF and EGF induce protein-tyrosine phosphorylation in PC12 cells by different mechanisms.
Engaging the Dental Workforce in Disaster Mitigation to Improve Recovery and Response

Natural disasters may strike quickly and without warning and cause long-term health consequences beyond the immediate loss of lives and property. Dental professionals have a social responsibility to participate in community emergency preparedness planning and response to mitigate prolonged recovery of the dental care infrastructure in the affected areas. Public health and emergency management agencies should plan for access to emergent dental care as part of a multidisciplinary local emergency response to mitigate the impact of devastation on the primary oral health needs of persons in the affected geographic areas. State dental associations should work with government agencies and emergency management groups to increase awareness of the importance for collaborative emergency response health services in the aftermath of natural disasters.
37 Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency in Patients with Axial-flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

graphic criteria: 1) pre-VAD implantation, 2) post-implantation, 3) longterm follow-up (238 184 days). Post-operative RV dysfunction was medically managed. Results: A significant improvement in TR resulted following VAD implantation (p 0.005) and was sustained long-term (p 0.005). Improvements in RV function were not immediately apparent, but improved significantly long-term following continuous flow VAD implantation (p 0.01). Significant improvements in mean pulmonary artery pressure (28 9 vs. 26 6 mmHg, p 0.01) and right ventricular stroke work index (5.9 3.3 vs 7.0 3.5 gm-m/m2/beat, p 0.05) were evident post-VAD implantation. 91% of patients were discharged (ICU LOS 8.4 7.4 days; hospital LOS 29 17 days). Conclusions: TR may be managed non-operatively during continuous flow VAD implantation. Severity of functional TR and RV dysfunction appear to improve following continuous flow VAD implantation.
SU-E-T-385: Accelerated Beam Delivery with MLC Gaps in IMRT Fields.

Purpose: By default, the 4‐mm wide leaf‐pairs of the Elekta Beam ModulatorMLC not used for field shaping are moved to under the primary collimator to minimize the leakage dose. The trade‐off is the increased beam delivery time in the case of IMRT. This study examines the dosimetric impact and improved delivery efficiency by allowing the unused leaf‐pair as 2mm gap to stay within the PTV aperture during beam‐on. Methods: The capability of the treatment planning system (Pinnacle) in modeling the central and off‐axis dose through 2mm MLC gaps, respectively, was investigated. EBT film measurement performed in a solid water phantom was compared with the computed dose. For two representative IMRT cases, the dosimetric features of treatment plans generated with and without MLC gaps in the field were compared. Similarly, the delivery times for 13 IMRT cases with and without MLC gaps were compared. Results: The peak dose of the leaf gap computed with Pinnacle was dependent on dose grid resolution. The difference between a 0.5mm and 2mm dose grid was about 16.5% for 6MV and 15MV beam respectively. Using a 0.5mm dose grid, the maximum difference between measured and calculated dose was < 1% for a central axis gap, and < 3% for an off‐axis gap. The maximum dose through a 2mm×4mm leaf gap was estimated < 10cGy for a typical IMRT plan. DVH comparison showed an increase of target dose up to 2% for the IMRT plans with gap, with minimal dose change to all critical structures. For the 13 IMRT cases, the beam delivery times were reduced by 27+/−9.7%, from 8.7+/−4.5 minutes to 6.5+/−4.0 minutes. Conclusions: The beam delivery is accelerated by utilizing minimal gaps in the IMRT fields. The increased dose to the target is acceptable and is minimal to all critical structures.
The subordinated debt alternative to Basel II

Abstract Basel II attempts to eliminate incentives for regulatory capital arbitrage and align capital regulation with best practices in credit risk management. Despite the imposition of very heavy compliance costs, it is unlikely to succeed in achieving either goal. This paper describes an alternative approach, based on mandatory issues of subordinated debt, which makes use of market discipline to achieve these goals at much lower cost.
Monetary policy implications of volatility linkages among long-term interest rates

This paper investigates the implications for monetary policy from the increasing integration of capital markets using interest rates. The methodology is a multivariate EGARCH model, which captures the spillover mechanism across markets. The results indicate that since 1990 there have been stronger volatility linkages among markets. Evidence that globalization has influenced the behavior of interest rates is suggested from the way disturbances in a market spill over to other markets, thereby affecting the monetary policy conduct in all markets. As investors now have more information about global bonds, their concerted actions generate more volatility as they continuously rebalance their portfolios.
Multidesigns for Graph-Pairs of Order 4 and 5

The graph decomposition problem is well known. We say a subgraph G divides K m if the edges of K m can be partitioned into copies of G. Such a partition is called a G-decomposition or G-design. The graph multidecomposition problem is a variation of the above. By a graph-pair of order t, we mean two non-isomorphic graphs G and H on t non-isolated vertices for which G∪H≅K t for some integer t≥4. Given a graph-pair (G,H), if the edges of K m can be partitioned into copies of G and H with at least one copy of G and one copy of H, we say (G,H) divides K m . We will refer to this partition as a (G,H)-multidecomposition. In this paper, we consider the existence of multidecompositions for several graph-pairs. For the pairs (G,H) which satisfy G∪H≅K 4 or K 5, we completely determine the values of m for which K m admits a (G,H)-multidecomposition. When K m does not admit a (G,H)-multidecomposition, we instead find a maximum multipacking and a minimum multicovering. A multidesign is a multidecomposition, a maximum multipacking, or a minimum multicovering.
Restoration of termination by RNA polymerase mutations is rho allele-specific☆

Abstract Mutations have been isolated which restore transcription termination at the termination signal at the end of the trp operon, ttrp, in a strain with a defective rho protein. The class of such mutations analyzed here is located in or close to the rpoBC operon, which encodes the β and β′ subunits of RNA polymerase. In a strain with one particular rho mutation, all mutant RNA polymerases restore termination at ttrp to the same degree, while in a strain carrying a different rho mutation, one mutant RNA polymerase restores termination to a much greater degree than do the other mutant polymerases. This rho allele specificity of the RNA polymerase mutations suggests that there may be a physical interaction between rho and RNA polymerase at rho-dependent termination sites of Escherichia coli. Alternative explanations for these results are discussed.
Antitumor activity of combretastatin-A4 phosphate, a natural product tubulin inhibitor.

The tubulin-binding natural product combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) was tested for antitumor activity against fresh human tumors in vitro and 2 mouse tumors, both in vitro and in vivo. In colony forming assays using 10% fetal bovine serum, CA-4 was inhibitory in 27/40 human ovary cancers with a mean IC50 of 3.18 μg/mL for a 1-hour exposure (n = 35 specimens) and 0.27 μg/mL for a continuous exposure to CA-4 for 11–14 days (n = 5 specimens). Murine B-16 melanoma and P-388 leukemia were also highly sensitive to CA-4 in vitro with an identical IC50 value of 0.0007 μg/mL for continuous drug exposure for 8 days. Comparable in vitro cell culture studies performed in serum concentrations higher than 10%, revealed a significant loss of cytotoxic potency. Using the same reversed-phase HPLC technique as developed for paclitaxel, CA-4 was shown to bind to serum proteins (≥30,000 mw) > 99% and to albumin approximately 70%. CA-4 was only marginally active (25% increased lifespan) in DBA/2 mice bearing P-388 leukemia who were given doses of 100 mg/kg IP on either days, 1, 5 and 9 (p = 0.075 by Wilcoxon analysis) or on consecutive days 1–9 (p = 0.19 compared to control). A higher IP dose of 150 mg/kg on days 1, 5 and 9 did not delay subcutaneous B-16 melanoma tumor growth in C57/Bl mice. These findings demonstrate a substantial loss of antitumor efficacy for CA-4 in physiologic serum concentrations in vitro. No consistent antitumor activity was observed in two murine tumor models in vivo.
Human Capital Issues in the Use of Information Technology in Education

Local technological applications and their implications for human capital depend not only on the local environment, but also on successively larger social structures. In a world with a complex international division of labor, events in distant countries now intimately affect the nation, states, cities, and social institutions. Indeed, the long-term effects of the chaotic world economy of the 1970s still ripple through the United States. They impact the national output, national indebtedness, the shift from federal to local responsibilities, and the overbureaucratization and fast-paced technology of the megainstitutions where livelihoods are made and the quality of life is determined. The authors elaborate these themes, working from the most macroscopic or global level to the most microscopic or local level of social organization, and tie their discussion to data on international-, national-, and state-level trends. The authors explore a single but representative local case, which documents the impact of t...
Leukocytes in the cervix: a quantitative evaluation of cervicitis.

Abstract Objective: To quantify the numbers of leukocytes in the normal cervix and relate these numbers to the diagnosis of cervicitis. Methods: Isolated cell suspensions were prepared from cervical tissue recovered at hysterectomy from 37 women who had no obvious cervical disease. The percentages of CD45 + cells (leukocytes) in these preparations were determined using immunofluorescence-based flow cytometric analysis. These percentages were compared with the pathologist’s assessment of cervicitis. Results: Leukocytes were present in all cervical samples tested. For endocervical samples, the mean (± standard error of the mean [SEM]) percentage of CD45 + cells was 12.4 ± 1.9% of cells in patients with a diagnosis of cervicitis ( n = 16) and 9.1 ± 1.1% in patients without cervicitis ( n = 17). For ectocervical samples, the mean (± SEM) percentage was 14.8 ± 3.0% in those with cervicitis ( n = 16) and 9.5 ± 1.6% in those without cervicitis ( n = 19). The differences between samples from patients with cervicitis and those without cervicitis were not statistically significant at the .05 level. Intra- and interassay variabilities were 5.7 ± 1.2% and 7.3 ± 1.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates there is a resident population of leukocytes in the cervix. Leukocyte number did not relate clearly and consistently to the diagnosis of cervicitis made by the pathologist. We suggest that the resident population of leukocytes, in the absence of other indicators of infection, may confuse determinations of cervicitis.
On the choice of subject populations for research in neurobehavioral toxicology.

The choice of experimental subjects for research in neurobehavioral toxicology influences the questions that may be asked and the generality of findings obtained. In particular, the relative merits of “random bred” animals, heterogeneous stocks, selected lines, and inbred strains are discussed. Several aspects of genetic‐environmental coaction that may influence data are described, and general issues for their analyses discussed.
Fault Modelling for Hierarchical Fault Diagnosis and Prognosis

Fault modeling, which is the determination of the effects of a fault on a system, is an effective way for conducting failure analysis and fault diagnosis for complex system. One of the major challenges of fault modeling in complex systems is the ability to model the effects of component-level faults on the system. This paper develops a simulation-based methodology for failure analysis through modeling component-level fault effect on the system level, with application to electric vehicle powertrains. To investigate how a component fault such as short circuit in a power switch or open circuit in a motor winding affects the vehicle system, this paper develops a detailed simulator which allows us to see system and subsystem failure behaviors by incorporating fault models in the system. This fault modeling process provides useful knowledge for designing a reliable and robust fault diagnosis and prognosis procedures for electrified powertrains.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Effects of Social Stories on Prosocial Behavior of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Social Stories™ are a popular intervention for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but little research on Social Stories has been conducted with this population. This study investigated the effects of Social Stories on prosocial behavior of three preschool children with ASD in an inclusive setting. An ABAB design was used for two participants, while an ABACBC was used for the third. Social Stories increased appropriate behavior and decreased inappropriate behavior for two participants. The addition of verbal prompts (condition C) was necessary to increase appropriate behavior for the third participant. Maintenance probes were conducted to assess whether stories became imbedded in classroom routines. Results are discussed in relation to applications, study limitations, and areas for future research.
A training program in portable fluoroscopy for the detection of glass in soft tissues.

Objectives: The role of emergency department (ED) bedside fluoroscopy is incompletely defined. One potential application is the evaluation of glass foreign bodies (GFBs). We studied the effect of a training intervention on the ability of emergency physicians to detect GFBs in an established chicken leg model. We also studied performance one week after training. Methods: Assessment of this teaching intervention involved nine emergency medicine residents with minimal prior hands-on fluoroscopy experience. Zero, one, or two clear glass shards no larger than 1.0 mm in any dimension were inserted into fresh chicken legs. Each subject scanned 12 to 15 legs without being given any feedback to determine baseline accuracy. Next, 27 to 30 more legs were immediately scanned with feedback given after each response. Subjects scanned 15 more legs one week later without feedback as follow-up. Data were analyzed using mixed-model analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.40 and 0.61, respectively. At follow-up, sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. Subjects were significantly more accurate during training and follow-up than at baseline. This level of proficiency reached during training was maintained and continued to improve one week later. Conclusions: Emergency medicine residents previously inexperienced in fluoroscopy may, through a brief training intervention, acquire the skill to accurately detect small pieces of glass in a chicken leg model, and maintain proficiency one week later. Further studies of emergency department fluoroscopy in GFB management in humans are warranted.