cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptively Weighted Top-N Recommendation for Organ Matching

Reducing the shortage of organ donations to meet the demands of patients on the waiting list has being a major challenge in organ transplantation. Because of the shortage, organ matching decision is the most critical decision to assign the limited viable organs to the most suitable patients. Currently, organ matching decisions were only made by matching scores calculated via scoring models, which are built by the first principles. However, these models may disagree with the actual post-transplantation matching performance (e.g., patient's post-transplant quality of life (QoL) or graft failure measurements). In this paper, we formulate the organ matching decision-making as a top-N recommendation problem and propose an Adaptively Weighted Top-N Recommendation (AWTR) method. AWTR improves performance of the current scoring models by using limited actual matching performance in historical data set as well as the collected covariates from organ donors and patients. AWTR sacrifices the overall recommendation accuracy by emphasizing the recommendation and ranking accuracy for top-N matched patients. The proposed method is validated in a simulation study, where KAS [60] is used to simulate the organ-patient recommendation response. The results show that our proposed method outperforms seven state-of-the-art top-N recommendation benchmark methods.
Identifying Local Goals Through Clustering

A problem solver that more clearly defines its goals can make better decisions about the activities it should pursue. The problem solver can use the specific attributes of a more well-defined goal to constrain the possible steps leading up to that goal: it can back-propagate the desired characteristics of the goal to formulate a specific sequence of subgoals leading to the solution, and in turn can use these well-defined subgoals as context for determining what actions to take. In short, a goal-directed problem solver can identify and perform actions that lead toward its well-defined long-term goals, whereas a data-driven problem solver takes actions that seem promising based on its current state without any view of the long-term significance of those actions.
Fourth Estate or Mouthpiece? A Game Theoretic Model of the Influence of Foreign Policy on the Domestic Relationship Among Media, Regime Type and Government Respect for Physical Integrity Rights

As we explore the past and anticipate the future in regards to human rights, it is important to consider the momentous changes in communication in general and the media in particular. New media dramatically increases citizens’ access to information and decreases governments’ ability to control the flow of communication. Although human rights NGOs have advocated that access to independent news media would improve government respect for human rights, recent empirical studies have shown this is not always the case. We posit that the ability of the government to control access to information and the presence or absence of democratic characteristics, in particular political competition, have substantial effects on government respect for physical integrity rights. These factors determine the degree to which the government is vulnerable to public pressures. The model developed here includes three equations that encompass the impact of interaction between and among the news media, citizens and government respect for physical integrity rights. The first equation specifies the influences on the news media’s decision whether to perform a ‘watchdog’ role regarding government respect for human rights. The second equation represents public reaction to the news media’s coverage of government respect for human rights. Here access to news media via traditional and new media is an important factor. The third equation represents government respect for physical integrity rights. Solutions to the system of equations are derived for four scenarios: democracy and media freedom both are present, along with either or both being absent. Interesting properties of the anticipated behavior from the government, media and general public are explored through case illustrations.
EOS Aura atmospheric chemistry data products

The Aura satellite (launch July, 2004) contains four instruments (http://aura.usfc. nasa.gov/) for studying the chemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere. The instruments include the High-Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS), Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), and the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES). This presentation discusses the Aura standard data products. Tools for accessing, reading, visualization and analysis of these data are also presented
Systems of random iterative continuous mappings with a common fixed point

A study is made of systems of Lipschitz-continuous mappings which are applied successively on an initial point x/sub 0/ in a closed nonempty complete metric space. All mappings possess the same fixed point x*, and are applied at random with repetitions by choosing a mapping from a finite set of such functions. A lower bound is found on the probability that the system's state after n iterations, x/sub n/, is within a rho -neighborhood of the common fixed point, x*. Conditions are developed that guarantee that the lower bound is (eventually) monotonically increasing in n. >
Variation in the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Gene Cluster CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 and Its Interaction with Recent Tobacco Use Influence Cognitive Flexibility

Variants in the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 gene cluster have been associated with nicotine dependence (ND) and ND-related traits. To evaluate a potential underlying mechanism for this association, we investigated the effects of 10 variants in this gene cluster and their interactive effects as a result of recent smoking on cognitive flexibility, a possible mediator of genetic effects in smokers. Cognitive flexibility of 466 European Americans (EAs; 360 current smokers) and 805 African Americans (AAs; 635 current smokers) was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The main effects of variants and haplotypes and their interaction with recent smoking on cognitive flexibility were examined using multivariate analysis of variance and the haplotype analysis program HAPSTAT. In EAs, the major alleles of five variants (CHRNA5-rs3841324–22 bp-insertion-allele, CHRNA5-rs615470-C-allele, CHRNA3-rs6495307-C-allele, CHRNA3-rs2869546-T-allele, and CHRNB4-rs11637890-C-allele) were associated with significantly greater perseverative responses (P=0.003–0.017) and perseverative errors (P=0.004–0.026; recessive effect). Among EAs homozygous for the major alleles of each of these five variants, current smokers made fewer perseverative responses and perseverative errors than did past smokers. Significant interactive effects of four variants (rs3841324, rs615470, rs6495307, and rs2869546) and current smoking on cognitive flexibility were observed (perseverative responses (P=0.010–0.044); perseverative errors (P=0.017–0.050)). However, in AAs, 10 variants in this gene cluster showed no apparent effects on cognitive flexibility. These findings suggest that variation in the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 gene cluster influences cognitive flexibility differentially in AAs and EAs and that current smoking moderates this effect. These findings could account in part for differences in ND risk associated with these variants in AAs and EAs.
The Effect of 17 beta-Estradiol and Estrone on Intermediary Metabolism of the Pyloric Caeca of the Asteroid Luidia clathrata (Say) Maintained under Different Nutritional Regimes

Luidia clathrata were fed either a high or low level of food and injected with estradiol, estrone, or seawater for 16 days. In individuals maintained at a low level of food, the weight of the pyloric caeca decreased in all individuals, regardless of hormone injections. Activities of all enzymes in these individuals were lower than in individuals maintained at a high level of food. In the individuals maintained at a low level of food, the activity of GPDH was higher in the pyloric caeca of individuals injected with estradiol and estrone than in those receiving seawater injections; the activity of 6-PGDH decreased in those injected with estrone. In individuals maintained at a high level of food, the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G–6–PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6–PGDH) were higher in individuals injected with estradiol than in those receiving seawater injections. Activities of glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were not affected. A slight decrease (P<0.1) in the activity of 6–PGDH was seen with injection of estrone. These results suggest that steroids have a role in regulating cellular metabolism in the pyloric caeca, and that nutritional condition influences the response of the pyloric caeca to steroids. In addition, these results indicate that the nutritional condition of the individual directly influences enzyme activities.
A single nucleotide polymorphism in the dopamine receptor D2 gene may be informative for resistance to fescue toxicosis in angus-based cattle.

Fescue toxicosis (FT) reduces beef animal growth and fertility. Animals afflicted with FT typically have decreased circulating prolactin concentrations and thicker summer hair coats. Preliminary experiments examined the informativeness of a novel Dopamine Receptor 2 (DRD2) G/A SNP for resistance to FT. Steers grazed tall fescue containing a toxic (E+) or non-toxic (NTE) strain of endophyte. Decreased serum prolactin concentrations were observed in GG steers in May compared to AA steers when grazing E+ pastures (P < 0.02). In a second study, GG steers had decreased prolactin concentrations (P = 0.004) and increased hair coat scores (P = 0.01) relative to AA steers when grazing E+ pastures. Allele and genotypic frequencies were different (P = 0.016 and 0.026, respectively) between spring-calving and fall-calving herds grazing E+ pastures, such that the A allele and the AA genotype were more prevalent in spring-calving herds, suggesting active selection for the A allele. Regardless of calving season, AA heif...
Interleukin-1β in the hypothalamus potentiates feline defensive rage: role of SEROTONIN-2 receptors

Abstract The neurochemistry of aggression and rage has largely focused on the roles played by neurotransmitters and their receptor mechanisms. In contrast, little attention has been given to the possible functions of other substances. Interleukin-1β is an immune and brain-derived cytokine that is present in the hypothalamus. Functionally, interleukin-1 has been shown to induce the release of serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter known to potently affect aggression and rage behavior. Thus, the goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that interleukin-1β in the medial hypothalamus could modulate defensive rage behavior in the cat. In the first experiment, electrical stimulation of sites in the medial hypothalamus from which defensive rage could be elicited and where microinjections of specific compounds were later placed, facilitated defensive rage elicited from the periaqueductal gray (PAG), thus demonstrating the functional relationship between these two regions. In the second experiment, microinjections of relatively low doses of interleukin-1β into the medial hypothalamus potentiated defensive rage behavior elicited from the midbrain periaqueductal gray in a dose-related manner. In the third experiment, pretreatment with a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, LY-53857, blocked the facilitating effects of interleukin-1β upon defensive rage. These findings reveal for the first time that brain cytokines can dramatically alter aggressive behavior. In particular, interleukin-1β in the medial hypothalamus potentiates defensive rage behavior elicited from the periaqueductal gray in the cat, and the potentiating effects of interleukin-1β on this form of emotional behavior are mediated via a 5-HT2 receptor mechanism.
Corrections to “A Highly Linear 1 GHz 1.3 dB NF CMOS Low-Noise Amplifier With Complementary Transconductance Linearization” [Jun 14 1286-1302]

In the above paper(B.-K. Kim, D. Im, J. Choi, and K. Lee, “A highly linear 1 GHz 1.3 dB NF CMOS low-noise amplifier with complementary transconductance linearization,” IEEE J. Solid-State Circuits, vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 1286–1302, Jun. 2014), a list of articles that should have been included as references are presented.
Seven Interventions with the Flatlands: Archaeology and its Modes of Engagement Contributions from the WAC-6 Session, “Experience, Modes of Engagement, Archaeology”

This volume is the product of the WAC-6 session, “Experience, Modes of Engagement, Archaeology”, which was part of the conference theme, “Archaeological Theory? Legacies, Burdens, and Futures.” The following contributions embrace emergent, analog, and paper-based media and move on from the worn observation that these media can be important tools towards active interventions that demonstrate how they affect practice and theory when employed critically and reflexively. This introduction orients the focus of the volume through a discussion and case study that place theoretical emphasis on experiences documented through multimedia. Important questions are raised throughout concerning: archaeology and digital representation, the creation and destruction of archaeological information, authenticity in representations, the construction of archaeologists’ identities, and the non-linearity of archaeological practice. The studies in this volume approach archaeology through the lens of experience and multimedia engagement. In doing so they blend or altogether question the traditionally divided realms of theory and practice. Consequently, these contributions work with the interrelated agendas of the present between media ecologies and archaeology, and the changing pace and character of archaeology in the 21st century.
Oxidative stress-induced up-regulation of the chloride channel and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger during cataractogenesis in diabetic rats.

Abstract We have determined the abundance of the chloride channel, ClC-3, and Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger proteins in isolated rat lens cortex fiber cells by immunofluorescence method using polyclonal anti-ClC-3 antibodies and monoclonal antibodies against the canine cardiac Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger protein. These proteins were also quantified in the lens cortex of streptozotocin-injected rats by Western blots. Also, mRNA for ClC-3 was determined by Northern blot analysis. The isolated rat lens cortical fibers expressed basal levels of ClC-3 and Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger proteins. As compared to controls, the ClC-3 protein in the lens cortex of diabetic rats (blood glucose>400 mg%) increased by 2.5-fold in 7 days and 4.5-fold in 14 days. However, the ClC-3 protein decreased to near-normal values in 40 days. The changes in ClC-3 mRNA closely followed the protein levels. Similarly, as compared to controls, on Day 7, the Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger protein in the diabetic rat lens cortex increased by 3.5-fold and on Day14 by 5.5-fold. Subsequently, it decreased to control levels on Day 40. Treatment with the antioxidant, Trolox (2 mg/kg body weight), prevented the initial increase in ClC-3 and Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger proteins. The up-regulation of ClC-3 and Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger proteins during the early stages of diabetes and its prevention by antioxidants suggests that the proteins regulating ion transport may have a pathophysiological role in the development of diabetic cataracts.
Kinematic synthesis of fiber reinforced soft actuators in parallel combinations

Complex controlled motions, flexible surfaces, and minimal moving mass all drive the need for soft robots using fiber reinforced elastomer enclosures (FREEs) in a parallel configuration. This paper addresses the challenge of synthesizing a design with desired kinematics, as only small portions of the entire design space have been previously investigated. A systematic characterization of the kinematic freedom, constraint, and actuation directions of all circumferentially and longitudinally repeating fiber topologies is determined. The parallel kinematics is mapped for the combinations of actuators by determining the sets of mobilities necessary in the constituent members for all possible output motions. The kinematics of all possible parallel combinations for pairs and triangular triplets of FREEs are mapped. A graphical user interface (GUI) is presented, which allows a user to input a kinematic specification and generate all feasible FREE sets and their respective kinematics. With the entire design space mapped and easily accessible, a range of possible applications across a span of kinematic requirements becomes readily attainable. A case study is performed to verify the ability of the GUI to determine feasible FREE sets for a pick-and-place manipulator task.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A mechanism of ion production in secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract A mechanism of ion production from sub-monolayers of organics adsorbed on a surface is proposed. This mechanism is used to explain why preformed ions are observed with greater abundance than other types of secondary ions in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Primarily, the production of positively charged ions is emphasized, but the mechanisms proposed are just as applicable to negatively charged ions. From an understanding of these mechanisms, one can optimize the production of ions and thereby increase the sensitivity of the SIMS analysis.
A 9-psec differential lens-less digital-to-impulse radiator with a programmable delay line in silicon

In this paper, a lens-less digital-to-impulse radiator is implemented that radiates impulses with EIRP of 10dBm and a record pulse-width of shorter than 9psec using an on-chip differential inverted cone antenna. It is shown that the starting time of the radiated impulses can be locked to the edge of the input trigger with high timing accuracy. A digitally programmable delay line is implemented and used at the input of the radiator. The delay line has a resolution step of 150fs and a dynamic range of 400ps. It is shown that by programming the delay line, the starting time of the radiated impulses in the air can be controlled.
Some methods for generating solutions to the Korteweg–de Vries equation

Abstract The constraint equation which must hold for the reciprocal of a known solution for the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation to be a solution itself is derived. These reciprocal solutions are required to satisfy a differential equation which is in fact a Painleve equation. A differential constraint is also derived which allows the product of two solutions of the KdV equation to be a new solution as well.
Sling transection of urethra: a rare complication.

Common postoperative complications associated with suburethral sling procedures include voiding disorders and urinary retention, de novo development of detrusor instability, sling graft rejection and, rarely, erosion of the graft into the urethra. The authors present a case of a late postoperative complication of polytetrafluoroethylene graft erosion and partial transection of the urethra, with resultant acute urinary retention. A 50-year-old patient presented with acute urethral outflow obstruction due to sling graft erosion into the urethra nearly 2 years after she underwent a curative sling procedure for recurrent genuine stress incontinence. After relieving the acute urinary retention by inserting a suprapulic catheter under ultrasound guidance, the sling graft was accessed and removed. The urethral defect was repaired successfully. At follow-up 5 months later, the patient was continent subjectively and by urodynamic criteria, with no voiding abnormalities. Although erosion of the sling graft into the urethra and transection of this structure is a rare complication after a sling procedure, it should be considered in the patient who experiences progressive voiding difficulties, has transvaginal urinary leakage, and/or cannot be catheterized transurethrally. Expedient relief of the urinary retention and outflow obstruction is necessary, as well as careful surgical reconstruction of the urethra. To minimize the development of this complication we recommend plication of paraurethral connective tissue in the midline beneath the sling graft, and placement of minimal tension on the sling.
Experimental study of clay deformability in terms of initial fabric and soil-water potential

The energy of a clay-water system can be expressed as a function of its characteristic water retention curve, which represents the relationship between its water content and its total soil-water potential or soil-suction, where the latter is the difference between the free energy of the water in the soil and that of pure water in a free surface condition. Hence, the work required to remove an infinitesimal quantity of water from the soil is a measure of the combined effects of the forces holding the water in the soil, and, with the exception of cementation bonds, it can be considered to include implicitly the effects of the fundamental interaction forces that influence the deformation characteristics of the soil. The total soil-water potential of a soil varies with its water content, mineralogy, solutes present in the pore water, and soil fabric, as well as other parameters of the system. Soil fabric is taken herein to represent the geometrical arrangement of clay particles and their associated interparticle distances. This work is directed toward providing some indication of (a) the effect of fabric on the soil-water potential of a kaolinite clay and (b) the relationship between initial soil-water potential and the deformation characteristics of the soil.
Efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics against meningitis after craniotomy: a meta-analysis.

Objective Although prophylactic antibiotics have been shown by randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to help prevent deep infection after craniotomies, recent reports have suggested that antibiotics are not effective in preventing postcraniotomy meningitis. Methods Data on meningitis as an end point from RCTs on prophylactic antibiotics for craniotomies were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. Results Six prospective randomized trials or trial subgroups enrolling 1729 patients or operations were identified. Antibiotics reduced postoperative infection rates in five of the six RCTs; no trial individually showed a statistically significant benefit from antibiotics. The pooled odds ratio for meningitis with antibiotic treatment in the six RCTs was 0.43 (95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.92; P = 0.03). Subgroup analyses showed no detectable difference in antibiotic efficacy if antibiotics, with or without gram- negative coverage, were used or if the trial was single or double blinded. A sensitivity analysis showed modest dependence of the results of the analysis on the specific definition of postoperative meningitis used in interpreting trial results. Conclusion Prophylactic antibiotics administered before craniotomy reduce rates of postoperative meningitis by approximately one-half, a statistically and clinically significant benefit.
Experimental Investigation of Annular Wing Aerodynamics

A low-speed wind-tunnel investigation was conducted to explore the behavior of annular (ring) wings. Effects of aspect ratio as well as gap were investigated. Ring wings using a low Reynolds number Eppler section and a NACA 0012 profile were manufactured and tested. Measurements were recorded using a six-component sting balance. Experimental and theoretical trend comparisons were effected using a vortex-lattice code. The experimental results indicate wing efficiency factors well above 1 are achievable. The effect of gap was to increase the wing lift-curve slope as well as efficiency. The large increases in aerodynamic efficiency were generally mitigated by the significant minimum drag coefficient. Pitching moment characteristics were unfavorable and were dominated by dissimilar stall behavior between the upper and lower wing sections.
What Really Drives Chemical Reactions on Contact Charged Surfaces

Although it is known that contact-electrified polymers can drive chemical reactions, the origin of this phenomenon remains poorly understood. To date, it has been accepted that this effect is due to excess electrons developed on negatively charged surfaces and to the subsequent transfer of these electrons to the reactants in solution. The present study demonstrates that this view is incorrect and, in reality, the reactions are driven by mechanoradicals created during polymer–polymer contact.
The Marginalization of State Crime in Introductory Textbooks on Criminology

This article reviews how introductory textbooks on criminology, geared toward the American market, have disproportionately ignored the subject matter of state crime. The authors present both qualitative and quantitative empirical evidence of coverage given to crimes of the state from leading introductory textbooks, and then pose several questions for future research that could provide answers as to why this is the case. Ross and Rothe then contacted the authors of these books to request feedback on their decision-making processes used for content inclusion and/or exclusion; specifically why their texts offered only limited coverage on state crime. The authors conclude that market dynamics, coupled with professional intransigence, has contributed to this state of affairs.
Fact and fiction in the discovery of Sir Cyril Burt's flaws

Although there is still controversy over whether British educational psychologist Sir Cyril Hurt committed fraud in his famous studies of the intelligence of separated twins, most agree that his data have no scientific merit. The flaws which produced this judgment were first noted by Leon Kamin, an animal researcher. Evidence suggests that this revelation by an “outsider” was embarrassing to some psychometric specialists who had revered Burl's work as the best of its kind, so they attempted to deprive Kamin of credit for the discovery. This episode raises a disturbing question–whether research results which agree with established beliefs of professionals in a field are held to the usual standards of science.
Family communication patterns and the conflict styles young adults use with their fathers

Researchers consistently assert that conflict behaviors are likely to begin at an early age and that learned patterns may carry into later life. This survey research with 211 undergraduate students at two universities tests the possibility that family communication environments establish relational schemata that steer individuals toward different cognitive foci and different interpretations about conflicts. Results show that family communication patterns between fathers and their young adult children were linked to conflict styles that college students reportedly use with their fathers. Implications for theory development, conflict management and further research are discussed.
Prevalences of intimate partner violence in a representative U.S. Air Force sample.

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious health concern, but little is known about prevalence of IPV in the armed forces, as military members cope with the pressures of long-standing operations. Furthermore, previous prevalence studies have been plagued by definitional issues; most studies have focused on acts of aggression without consideration of impact (clinically significant [CS] IPV). This is the first large-scale study to examine prevalences of IPV, CS-IPV, and clinically significant emotional abuse (CS-EA) for men and women. Method: A United States Air Force-wide anonymous survey was administered across 82 bases in 2006 (N = 42,744) to assess IPV, CS-IPV, and CS-EA. Results: The adjusted prevalence of CS-IPV perpetration was 4.66% for men and 3.54% for women. Prevalences of IPV perpetration were 12.90% for men and 15.14% for women. CS-EA victimization was 6.00% for men and 8.50% for women. Sociodemographic differences in risk for violence were found for gender, race/ethnicity, pay grade, religious faith, marital status, and career type even after controlling for other demographic variables. Conclusions: Partner maltreatment is widespread in military (and civilian) samples. Men were more likely to perpetrate CS-IPV, whereas women were more likely to perpetrate IPV. Specific demographic risk factors were identified for different types of partner maltreatment (e.g., lower rank predicted higher risk for both perpetration and victimization across men and women). Other sociodemographic differences varied across severity (IPV vs. CS-IPV) and across gender. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
A study of two-level interference in neutron cross sections

Abstract Interference between resonances in neutron cross sections has been studied using the two-level approximation. Use has been made of the mathematical connection between the R -matrix and the Kapur-Peierls theories which provides two sets of resonance parameters for each cross-section allowing an improved measure of the effects of interference. The mathematical properties of the cross section when the resonance widths are large compared to the spacing have also been obtained.
Medium corrections to inelastic π+/π− cross section ratios

Abstract We show that an effective δ-N interaction, constrained by elastic pion scattering and by the observed π + /gp − ratios for proton knock-out near the 3−3 resonance, modifies isospin mixing coefficients extracted from the π + /π − cross section ratio to nuclear particle-hole states.
An investigation of cerebral edema and injury volume assessments for controlled cortical impact injury.

Abstract Using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model, our laboratory compared edema in contralateral and ipsilateral regions to help clarify conflicting reports of contralateral edema and for enhanced assessment and interpretation of CCI injury pathophysiology. This investigation examined regional edema in response to graded injury severities over time with regards to tissue damage. Prior to injury rats were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine (1:1). CCI injury parameters were set at 4.0 m/s and 120 to 130 ms. Rats were randomized to receive moderate or severe injuries set at 2.0 and 3.0 mm depths, respectively. Cerebral edema and injury volume were examined separately following euthanasia with pentobarbital. Cerebral edema was measured using the wet–dry weight technique at 24 or 48 h after injury. Sham animals underwent all surgical procedures except the impact injury. Injury volume was quantified using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining at 24 h or 7 days after injury. The results of this investigation confirm that cerebral edema is absent in the uninjured, contralateral hemisphere after moderate and severe CCI injury. There were regional differences in cerebral edema formation in the hemisphere ipsilateral to injury that were dependent on injury severity and the length of time after injury. Tissue damage was reduced over 7 days following moderate CCI injury. Conclusions: (1) the absence of edema in the contralateral hemisphere allows it to serve as a valid control for edema formation, (2) misrepresenting injury volume because of edema continues to be a problem for evaluating CCI injury and treatment efficacy, and (3) reduced injury volume over 7 days following CCI injury suggests tissue recovery after initial dysfunction.
A rapid method for the purification of rod outer segment disk membranes.

Abstract Rod outer segment disk membranes have been isolated in high yield by a simple step float procedure; these appear to be free of extraneous membrane contamination as determined by a variety of assays. The time required to isolate high purity photoreceptor membranes is less than 6 hr.
Characterization and modeling of humidity-dependence of IPMC sensing dynamics

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have intrinsic actuation and sensing capabilities, and they need hydration to operate. For an IPMC sensor operating in air, the water content in the polymer varies with the humidity level of the ambient environment, which leads to its strong humidity-dependent sensing behavior. However, the study of this behavior has been very limited. In this paper, the influence of environmental humidity on IPMC sensors is characterized and modeled from a physical perspective. Specifically, a cantilevered IPMC beam is excited mechanically at its base inside a custom-built humidity chamber, where the humidity is feedback-controlled by activating/deactivating a humidifier or a dehumidifier properly. We first obtain the empirical frequency responses of the sensor under different humidity levels, with the IPMC base displacement as input and the tip displacement and short-circuit current as outputs. Based on physics-based model for a given humidity level, we then curve-fit the measured frequency responses to identify the humidity-dependent physical parameters, including Young’s modulus and strain-rate damping coefficient for the mechanical properties, and ionic diffusivity for the mechanoelectrical dynamics. These parameters show a clear trend of change with the humidity. By fitting the identified parameters at a set of test humidity levels, the humidity-dependence of the physical parameters is captured with polynomial functions, which are then plugged into the physics-based model for IPMC sensors to predict the sensing output under other humidity conditions. The latter humidity-dependent model is further validated with experiments.
The soluble epoxide hydrolase as a pharmaceutical target for pain management.

ISSN 1758-1869 10.2217/PMT.11.47 © 2011 Future Medicine Ltd Pain Manage. (2011) 1(5), 383–386 A newly characterized drug target, the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), offers hope for developing new agents for the control of both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Although over 70% of the pharmaceuticals used worldwide are based on targets in the arachidonate cascade (including, among others, aspirin, cyclooxygenase [COX-2 inhibitors [COXIBs], NSAIDs, and blockers of the lipoxygenase 5 pathway), the cytochrome P450 branch of the cascade has been little studied and is currently the target of no pharmaceutical agents (Figure 1). Several P450 enzymes are involved in the production of both proand anti-inflammatory derivatives of arachidonic acid and of particular relevance to this editorial are the epoxides of arachidonic acid, also known as epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). EETs and other fatty acid epoxides are increasingly recognized as anti-inflammatory mediators acting directly to reduce NF-kB nuclear translocation but also to reduce a variety of inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2 which are induced in inflammation. It has proven difficult to modulate the P450s selectively in vivo with pharmaceuticals. However, the anti-inf lammatory EETs and other fatty acid epoxides are rapidly metabolized by a single enzyme known as the sEH (Figure 1). The resulting diols are far more polar and quickly move out of tissues into circulation. In most cases they are less biologically active than the epoxides, but in some cases the diols are actually proinf lammatory. Thus inhibitors of the sEH will stabilize the antiinflammatory EETs, and they have been evaluated in rodent models for a variety of inflammation-driven processes including cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, renal inflammation and fibrosis in addition to other indications [1]. There are a variety of small molecule transition state mimics available capable of inhibiting the human sEH in the low nanoto pico-molar concentration. Some of these inhibitors have good topical and oral availability and good pharmacokinetics including the sEH inhibitor shown in Figure 2. These compounds show good target engagement in vivo as demonstrated by their ability to stabilize and thus increase blood levels of epoxidized fatty acids while decreasing the concentrations of the corresponding diols [2]. The sEH inhibitors have been shown to reduce inf lammation with greater potency than NSAIDs in a number of
Effect of millimeter waves on survival of UVC-exposed Escherichia coli

Bacterial cells of the strain Escherichia coli K12 were exposed to millimeter electromagnetic waves (mm waves) with and without additional exposure to ultraviolet light {lambda} = 254 nm (UVC). The mm waves were produced by a medical microwave generator emitting a 4-GHz-wide band around a 61 GHz center frequency and delivering an irradiation of 1mW/cm{sup 2} and a standard absorption rate (SAR) of 84 W/kg to the bacteria. Exposure to the mm waves alone for up to 30 minutes did not change the survival rate of bacteria. Exposure to mm waves followed by UVC irradiation also did not alter the number of surviving E. coli cells in comparison to UVC-treated controls. When mm waves were applied after the UVC exposure, a dose-dependent increase of up to 30% in the survival of E. coli was observed compared to UVC + sham-irradiated bacteria. Because sham controls and experimental samples were maintained under the same thermal conditions, the effect is not likely to be due to heating, although the possibility of nonuniform distribution of microwave heating in different layers of irradiated bacterial suspension cannot be ruled out. The mechanism for this effect appears to involve certain DNA repair systems that act as cellularmore » targets for mm waves.« less
An observational analysis of behavior in depressed preschoolers: further validation of early-onset depression.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate whether higher levels of negative and lower levels of positive behaviors could be observed in a sample of depressed preschoolers. Support for the validity of preschool depression is now available; however, objective evidence of negative behaviors among depressed preschoolers is needed. Method A structured observational parent-child interaction task was conducted. The behaviors of 152 preschoolers (ages 3.0-5.6) in three study groups (depressed, disruptive, and healthy) were examined with further analyses of depressed subgroups based on severity and comorbidity. Results Anhedonically depressed preschoolers emerged as demonstrating less enthusiasm, more avoidance, more noncompliance, and having a more negative overall experience than healthy controls. This more severe and proposed melancholic anhedonic subgroup also displayed less enthusiasm than nonanhedonically depressed preschoolers. Furthermore, the "pure" anhedonic depressed preschoolers without disruptive comorbidity emerged as the only depressed subgroup that was significantly distinguishable from healthy preschoolers. Conclusions Findings provide the first objective evidence of more negative and fewer positive behaviors among depressed preschoolers. Notably, the finding that anhedonically depressed preschoolers demonstrated significantly less enthusiasm than those with nonanhedonic depression provides the first objective evidence of the manifestation of anhedonia, a key sign of preschool depression. The implications of the finding that the "pure" anhedonic depressed subgroup without disruptive comorbidity was most distinguishable from comparison groups are explored.
Simulation of transient electrochemical impedance spectroscopy due to water uptake or oxide growth

Coatings are often employed to prevent, or at least delay, corrosion of a metallic substrate. The topcoat is often also intended to be a barrier to environmental moisture and any entrained, corrosive ions reaching the substrate. The protective ability of a coating system is very well monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy since it can measure changes as the protective coatings deteriorate, as they absorb water and as they permit the substrate to corrode. Infiltration of water and ions into the coating can also be measured by EIS to deduce approximate water uptake. EIS analysis in coating systems is often predicated on the system being stable over the timeframe of the spectral measurement, which if taken from 100 kHz to 0.01 Hz, or even 0.001 Hz, may take as long as an hour, or more. EIS measurement is most often accomplished by the use of an aqueous electrolyte solution as the electrical contact at the top of the coating, with the metallic substrate used as the other electrical contact. The ingress of aqueous solution is likely to result in time-dependent dielectric or chemical changes to the coating/substrate system. This work shows how these changes, during the spectral measurement period, produce a Bode plot that has a slope of magnitude slightly less than 1. This capacitive response to non-steady state water uptake is commonly characterized by a constant phase element (CPE) in an equivalent circuit model for the material, and equations developed here can be used to deduce the diffusion coefficient based on the CPE.
Thermally conductive dielectrics for insulated metal core cards

Abstract Two thermally conductive dielectrics were evaluated for fabrication of double-sided power regulator cards. Both physical and mechanical properties were determined as a function of temperature and fed into a finite element model. Substrate B, a rubber-modified epoxy, exhibited a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and higher T g than substrate A, a cycloaliphatic epoxy dielectric. Substrate A cohesively delaminated following solder shock whereas substrate B exhibited no evidence of cracking. The finite element model correctly predicted the region of highest stress in the cross section of plated through holes of test vehicles built from either substrate.
Hepatitis C, cryoglobulinemia, and cutaneous vasculitis associated with unusual and serious manifestations.

Hepatitis C viral infection is currently the leading cause of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. It also is a major predisposing factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that approximately 1–2% of patients with hepatitis C infection have nonhepatic manifestations that are protean in nature. In this report, we describe six unusual cases of nonhepatic manifestations: abdominal vasculitis in two, peripheral neuropathy in two, and one patient each with central nervous system vasculitis and necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis. All patients had cutaneous vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia. None of our patients had cirrhosis, yet three of the six patients died. Because of the severe manifestations, aggressive therapy was instituted with interferon, immunosuppressive medications, i.v. immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis. Our report underscores the importance of recognizing nonhepatic manifestations in patients with hepatitis C infection that may be associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I After Myocardial Infarction Treated With Spinal Cord Stimulation

Objective A rare case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) type I after myocardial infarction (MI) and significant comorbid illness with few treatment options for pain control was successfully managed with the placement of a spinal cord stimulator (SCS). Case Report A 44-year old man presented with left upper extremity burning pain after MI. His past medical history included insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, oxygen-dependent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and recent coronary revascularization surgery. His pain was presumed to be related to his MI and a clinical diagnosis of CRPS type I (or reflex sympathetic dystrophy) was made. Facing limited medical and less invasive options for his pain relief, he underwent a spinal cord stimulation trial with excellent response. He had more than 70% pain relief from the spinal cord stimulation at the last follow-up, 2 years later. Conclusion CRPS type I after MI can be difficult to treat because of other comorbid illnesses. SCS can be a safe and effective mode of therapy for patients facing limited treatment options.
Experiences with Using Assessment Based, Double-Loop Learning to Improve Engineering Student's Design Skills

The problem with traditional engineering education revolves around the use of stove-pipe curricula, using passive lectures and cookbook laboratories with pre-determined results. Real-world engineering is open-ended and team-oriented requiring active participation. This paper describes a proof of concept study focused on the efficacy of assessment based double loop learning aimed at improving engineering student's design skills. Our study began by examining student's present design skills over all 4 years of the electrical engineering (ELE) and computer engineering (CPE) curriculums. During the second year of the study, junior engineering students are provided with a new open-ended design course where students use design process assessments to improve upon their use of sound design practice, thereby improving their outcomes in design.
Parenteral nutrition utilization: evaluation of an educational protocol and consult service.

A two part study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational protocol and consult service on parenteral nutrition (PN) utilization. Forty-one patient admissions were evaluated retrospectively and nine prospectively. Average length of hospital stay and number of days on PN were decreased significantly (p less than .05). Frequency of adverse effects were also decreased significantly (p less than .05). A positive trend toward selection of patients for enteral rather than PN was evidenced. Utilization of already available manpower and financial resources by this modified approach should contribute toward reducing costs and hazards of PN therapy, particularly for smaller hospitals with both limited requirements and resources, as well as for teaching institutions.
The First Person in Antislavery Literature: John Woolman, his Clothes and his Journal

In his lifetime John Woolman (1720–1772) drew attention to himself with his unusual behavior, his expressive demeanor and his clothes. He sought to become a ‘sign’ directing others toward a way of life without exploitation or slavery. After his death and the publication of his journal, he was celebrated as the most important figure in the campaign to turn the Quakers against slaveholding. Woolman's self-presentation, contemporary responses to him, and the posthumous commemoration of him provide an indication of the power and significance of personal narrative within Quakerism and in antislavery politics in Britain and America.
Novel use of atrial overdrive pacing to rapidly differentiate junctional tachycardia from atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Background Distinguishing between junctional tachycardia (JT) and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is essential to minimize unnecessary catheter ablation and the risk of heart block during treatment of AVNRT. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the tachycardia response to atrial overdrive pacing at a cycle length (CL) slightly shorter than tachycardia CL can differentiate between JT and AVNRT. We hypothesized that atrial overdrive pacing would transiently suppress JT but would entrain AVNRT. Methods Twenty-one patients in whom AVNRT was induced and atrial overdrive pacing during either AVNRT or JT was attempted were included in the study. We predicted that, upon cessation of atrial overdrive pacing, an atrial-His-His-atrial (AHHA) response would identify JT and an atrial-His-atrial (AHA) response would identify AVNRT. Results A total of 8 JT and 21 typical AVNRT were induced. Atrial overdrive pacing was attempted in all cases of JT and in 16 cases of AVNRT. An AHHA response was observed in 100% (8/8) of JT cases. In 2 cases of AVNRT, atrial overdrive pacing repetitively terminated the tachycardia. In the remaining patients with AVNRT, an AHA response was observed in 100% (14/14) of cases. When a response was able to be elicited, atrial overdrive pacing was 100% sensitive and 100% specific for differentiating JT from AVNRT. Conclusion Atrial overdrive pacing during tachycardia can rapidly differentiate JT from AVNRT, which can improve the safety and efficiency of catheter ablation of these arrhythmias.