cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PANCA AND CLASSIFICATION RESISTANCE IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS

In comparison with the rheumatic diseases, classification of the inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) has been hampered by the absence of subclinical or serologic markers. The recognition of rheu­ matoid factor and specific antinuclear antigens led to the ability of rheumatologists to separate overlapping clinical syndromes into more predictable disease patterns with thera­ peutic and prognostic implications. To date, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease remain the classic inflammatory bowel diseases with similar epidemiologic patterns and overlapping clinicopathologic features. Nonetheless, clini­ cians are beginning to recognize a wider spectrum of colitides (such as microscopic colitis and collagenous colitis) and heterogeneity within the clinical spectra of ul­ cerative colitis and Crohn's disease based on the location (mucosal extent), pattern of inflammation (fibrostenotic or penetrating Crohn's disease), systemic complications, and response to various therapeutic regimens.P Approximately 20% of patients with idiopathic, chronic "colitis" have inde­ terminate features between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Thus far, the only recognized epidemiologic dis­ tinctions between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the familial (and twin) concordance of disease patterns and the opposite effects of cigarette smoking, which protects against ulcerative colitis and is detrimental to the develop­ ment and prognosis in Crohn's disease. Potential Marker.-The recent identification of a novel, perinuclear pattern of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) associated with ulcerative colitis promised a po­ tential new marker for disease classification and possible prognosis. The original reports by Targan and collaborators (including Mayo investigators) suggested that pANCA might provide a sensitive and specific test to diagnose ulcer­ ative colitis.' distinguish ulcerative colitis from Crohn's dis­ ease and other colitides," and provide a prognostic feature pertaining to the risk of pouchitis after colectomy and ileoanal anastomoses.' Therapeutic Responsiveness.-The article by Sandborn and colleagues in this issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (pages 431 to 436) attempts to use pANCA for further sub­ classification of ulcerative colitis into prognostic categories pertaining to potential response to treatment. Prior series
Control of the Cyclamen Mite on Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait. in Hawaii.

During the spring of 1956, fields of pikake, Jasminum sambac (L) Aitken, in Honolulu were so badly infested (about 90% of the shoots) with cyelamen mite, Steneotarsonemus pallidus (Banks), that there was almost no production of leis from this flower crop. In chemical control experiments conducted during March and April, three spray matcrials—10% endrin wettable powder (WP) at 2 lb. Per 100 gal., 25% parathion WP at 2 lb. per 100 gal., and Metacide emulsifiable concentrate (EC) at 2 qt. Per 100 gal.—effected 40 to 50% control over the cheek on a basis of infested shoots, with concentrations of one-half this. amount for each material giving poorer control. However, parathion and Metacide produced severe phytotoxicity at each concentration, while endrin produced none. During July, endrin EC became available locally, and growers were urged to apply this material at 1 pt. per 100 gal. every 2 to 3 weeks. Complete control of the mite was obtained within 2 months. The continued use of endrin EC has apparently exterminated the mite in all commercial plantings, as infested shoots cannot he found there at present (September 1957). Any ecological factors that may have contributed to the mite’s disappearance remain unknown.
East Germany and Detente: Building Authority after the Wall

The emergence of East Germany as one of Europe's most vocal advocates of East-West detente in the 1980s represented a remarkable political transformation. Prior to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, East Germany had been amongst the most intransigent proponents of the Cold War, largely because of the perceived threat to the domestic authority of its own leadership. Renewed exposure, however, prompted that leadership to regard good relations with the West as integral rather than inimical to its own pursuit of legitimacy. Of interest not only to scholars of communist politics but to all students of East-West affairs, Professor McAdams' study demonstrates both the changing historical significance of the idea of detente, and the way in which non-superpower states can take initially adverse circumstances and turn them into instances of opportunity.
Through Thickness Mechanical Properties of Chemical Vapor Infiltration and Nano‐Infiltration and Transient Eutectic‐Phase Processed SiC/SiC Composites

The through thickness (interlaminar) shear strength and trans-thickness tensile strength of three different nuclear-grade SiC/SiC composites were evaluated at room temperature by the double-notched shear and diametral compression tests, respectively. With increasing densification of the interlaminar matrix region, a transition in failure locations from interlayer to intrafiber bundle was observed, along with significant increases in the value of the interlaminar shear strength. Under trans-thickness tensile loading, cracks were found to propagate easily in the unidirectional composite. The 2D woven composite had a higher trans-thickness tensile strength (38 MPa) because the failure mode involved debonding, fiber pull-out and fiber failure.
A survey of knowledge acquisition techniques and their relevance to managerial problem domains

Abstract A conceptual contingency model matching the characteristics of knowledge acquisition (KA) methodologies to several decision types is proposed. KA methodologies are divided into three categories: knowledge engineer-driven, expert-driven, and machine-driven. To evaluate current KA methodologies, a framework is proposed by addressing the nature of knowledge and problem domains. Different methodologies in each category are described and evaluated for their ability to support various kinds of problem domain and the types of knowledge they are designed to elicit. A contingency model mapping these methodologies to Mintzberg's managerial decision categories is developed. Implications of the proposed model and future research directions are addressed.
Cauchy-characteristic evolution of Einstein-Klein-Gordon systems: The black hole regime

The Cauchy+characteristic matching (CCM) problem for the scalar wave equation is investigated in the background geometry of a Schwarzschild black hole. Previously reported work developed the CCM framework for the coupled Einstein-Klein-Gordon system of equations, assuming a regular center of symmetry. Here, the time evolution after the formation of a black hole is pursued, using a CCM formulation of the governing equations perturbed around the Schwarzschild background. An extension of the matching scheme allows for arbitrary matching boundary motion across the coordinate grid. As a proof of concept, the late time behavior of the dynamics of the scalar field is explored. The power-law tails in both the timelike and null infinity limits are verified.
Discussion of Montiel and Belo: Nonviolent Democratic Transitions Within a Peace Psychology Framework

In addition to being the bloodiest century in human history, the 20th century was distinguished by many large-scale nonviolent movements that successfully toppled oppressive regimes, often in the f...
Evidence of Positive Selection on a Class I ADH Locus

The alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) family of enzymes catalyzes the reversible oxidation of alcohol to acetaldehyde. Seven ADH genes exist in a segment of ∼370 kb on 4q21. Products of the three class I ADH genes that share 95% sequence identity are believed to play the major role in the first step of ethanol metabolism. Because the common belief that selection has operated at the ADH1B*47His allele in East Asian populations lacks direct biological or statistical evidence, we used genomic data to test the hypothesis. Data consisted of 54 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the ADH clusters in a global sampling of 42 populations. Both the Fst statistic and the long-range haplotype (LRH) test provided positive evidence of selection in several East Asian populations. The ADH1B Arg47His functional polymorphism has the highest Fst of the 54 SNPs in the ADH cluster, and it is significantly above the mean Fst of 382 presumably neutral sites tested on the same 42 population samples. The LRH test that uses cores including that site and extending on both sides also gives significant evidence of positive selection in some East Asian populations for a specific haplotype carrying the ADH1B*47His allele. Interestingly, this haplotype is present at a high frequency in only some East Asian populations, whereas the specific allele also exists in other East Asian populations and in the Near East and Europe but does not show evidence of selection with use of the LRH test. Although the ADH1B*47His allele conveys a well-confirmed protection against alcoholism, that modern phenotypic manifestation does not easily translate into a positive selective force, and the nature of that selective force, in the past and/or currently, remains speculative.
The determination of polymers in fats and oils

Fats and fatty acids are polymerized by oxidative or thermal processes. Structures have been deduced by using a number of chemical and physical techniques. General methods applicable to the analysis of polymerized oils include determinations of acetone number, iodine value (I.V.), molecular weight, dielectric constant, viscosity, and refractive index. Monomers, dimers, and trimers are separated generally by molecular distillation. In addition, urea fractionation and a number of chromatographic techniques are useful for the detection of monomers, dimers, and polymers.
From "race psychology" to "studies in prejudice": some observations on the thematic reversal in social psychology.

In 1920, most psychologists believed in the existence of mental differences between races; by 1940, they were searching for the sources of “irrational prejudice.” In a few decades, a dramatic reversal of the dominant paradigm for the study of groups and group relations had occurred. Although this shift can be seen as a victory of objective-empirical research, there were other contributing factors: passage of the Immigration Restriction Law of 1924, which shifted the political problem from justification of differential exclusion to conflict resolution in this country; the influx of ethnics into the originally rather lily-white profession of psychology; the Great Depression and the leftward shift among psychologists; and finally, the need to unite the country against a dangerous enemy proclaiming racial superiority.
Purification and characterization of carbonic anhydrase from Pisum sativum

Abstract A soluble enzyme with carbonic anhydrase activity was isolated from pea leaves and purified 200-fold by ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme behaved as a single component in analytical polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis at pH 8·9. Its molecular weight was 194,000 as determined by gel filtration and analytical ultracentrifugation. When the enzyme was electrophorized in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, a molecular weight of 30,000 was observed. The specific activity for the dehydration reaction was approximately 1000 U/mg protein at 20° and the Km was 30 mM. The enzymatic activity was inhibited by acetazolamide, p-chloromercuribenzoate and o-iodosobenzoate. No esterase activity was detected with p-nitrophenyl acetate as the substrate. The amino acid composition of the enzyme has been determined. Neutron activation analysis indicated the presence of zinc in the ratio of six moles of zinc per one mole of enzyme.
The Effect of a Plastic Coating of Shell Eggs on Changes Which Occur During Storage and Cooking

ABSTRACT IN RECENT years, various methods of treating eggs have been proposed to reduce loss of carbon dioxide and of moisture and to present a barrier to microorganisms. Any such treatment is most effective when applied to eggs soon after being laid. Thus, for practical purposes, any plastic sealing dip must be easily prepared and used, must dry quickly and form a thin film of relatively low softening point. Yushok and Romanoff (1949) suggested such dips. Use could be made of them on a poultry farm to treat eggs a few hours after being laid. PROCEDURE For each of the five replicates 30 dozen eggs were obtained from a large poultry farm within 24 hours of being laid. The hens producing the eggs were year old White Leghorns and were fed equal weights of grain, whole corn and oats, and of mash. The mash formula was: 265 lbs. ground corn, 250 . . .
IBM InfoSphere streams: event processing for a smarter planet

Data volumes are expected to double every two years over the next decade. The global economic slowdown is resulting in organizations seeking to become more nimble with their operations and more innovative with their decisions. In the face of exploding data volumes and shrinking batch time windows, these organizations are struggling to make 'true' real-time decisions and gain a competitive advantage. Existing tools and technologies that aid decision making, first require data to be recorded on storage devices and run queries after the recording to detect actionable insights. Savvy organizations are fast-realizing that the time lost in this process leads to missed opportunities that might make the difference between success and failure.
Hydraphile Synthetic Channel Compounds: Models for Transmembrane, Cation-conducting Transporters

Abstract A family of novel cation-conducting, transmembtane channels has been designed and characterized. A number of functional channels are described along with an account of channel conformation and how the compounds are positioned in the phospholipid bilayer.
Sulfur isotopic systematics in alteration assemblages in martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001

Abstract ALH84001 is a coarse-grained, clastic orthopyroxenite meteorite related to the SNC meteorite group ( s hergottites, n akhlites, C hassigny). Superimposed upon the orthopyroxene-dominant igneous mineral assemblage is a hydrothermal signature. This hydrothermal overprint consists of carbonate assemblages occurring in spheroidal aggregates and fine-grained carbonate-sulfide vug-filling. The sulfide in this assemblage has been identified as pyrite, an unusual sulfide in meteorites. Previously, Burgess et al. (1989) reported a bulk δ 34 S for a SNC group meteorite (Shergotty) of −0.5 ± 1.5‰. Here, we report the first martian δ 34 S values from individual sulfide grains. Using newly developed ion microprobe techniques, we were able to determine δ 34 S of the pyrite in ALH84001 with a 1 a precision of better than ±0.5‰. The δ 34 S values for the pyrite range from +4.8 to +7.8‰. Within the stated uncertainties, the pyrite from ALH84001 exhibits a real variability in δ 34 S in this alteration assemblage. In addition, these sulfides are demonstrably enriched in 34 S relative to Canon Diablo troilite and sulfides from most other meteorites. This signature implies that the planetary body represented by ALH84001 experienced processes capable of fractionating sulphur isotopes and that hydrothermal conditions changed during pyrite precipitation (T, pH, fluid composition, etc.). The fractionated signature of the sulphur in the pyrite is most likely attributed to either conditions of pyrite precipitation (low temperature, reduced (low f o 2 ) and moderately alkaline (pH > 8) environment) or enrichment of fluids in 34 S by surface processes (weathering or impact processes) prior to precipitation. These new data are not consistent with the pyrite recording either biogenic activity or atmospheric fractionation of sulphur through nonthermal escape mechanisms or oxidation processes. This study also demonstrates the usefulness of ion microprobe measurements of sulphur isotopes in constraining conditions on other planetary bodies.
Ductile fracture initiation and propagation modeling using damage plasticity theory

Abstract Ductile fracture is often considered as the consequences of the accumulation of plastic damage. This paper is concerned with the application of a recently developed damage plasticity theory incorporates the pressure sensitivity and the Lode angle dependence into a nonlinear damage rule and the material deterioration. The ductile damaging process is calculated through the so-called “cylindrical decomposition” method. The constitutive equations are discussed and numerically implemented. An experimental and numerical investigation for three-point bending tests is reported for aluminum alloy 2024-T351. Crack initiation and propagation in compact tension specimens are also studied numerically. These simulation results show good agreement with experiments. The present model can successfully predict slant fracture as well as the formation of shear lips.
Integrated microfluidic platform for oral diagnostics.

While many point-of-care (POC) diagnostic methods have been developed for blood-borne analytes, development of saliva-based POC diagnostics is in its infancy. We have developed a portable microfluidic device for detection of potential biomarkers of periodontal disease in saliva. The device performs rapid microfluidic chip-based immunoassays (<3–10 min) with low sample volume requirements (10 μL) and appreciable sensitivity (nM–pM). Our microfluidic method facilitates hands-free saliva analysis by integrating sample pretreatment (filtering, enrichment, mixing) with electrophoretic immunoassays to quickly measure analyte concentrations in minimally pretreated saliva samples. The microfluidic chip has been integrated with miniaturized electronics, optical elements, such as diode lasers, fluid-handling components, and data acquisition software to develop a portable, self-contained device. The device and methods are being tested by detecting potential biomarkers in saliva samples from patients diagnosed with periodontal disease. Our microchip-based analysis can readily be extended to detection of biomarkers of other diseases, both oral and systemic, in saliva and other oral fluids.
Self-Concept and African-American Student Achievement: Related Issues of Ethics, Power and Privilege:

School-aged children spend most of their daytime hours in school. Therefore, the school is in a strategic and powerful position to influence the development of their self-concept, self-image, self-worth and self-esteem. Academic success attributes most to positive school effects. But for too many African-American learners, school is a setting of limited achievement. Pre-existing structures within the educational system impede academic achievement and contribute to low self-concept.In the early part of the twentieth century, educational and social structures and practices in the United States were established according to the belief systems of powerful decision-makers. Many now entrenched practices fail to promote the full potential of African-American students. As a result, many African-American students are misplaced, mislabeled and channeled into special education and other lower academic tracks. Responsible, ethical behavior requires change. This article explores the psychosocial and educational dynami...
Design and Development of Polymer-Based Separations: Dual Mechanism Bifunctional Polymers as a New Category of Metal Ion Complexing Agents with Enhanced Ionic Recognition

Abstract A new series of ionic polymers has been synthesized with unique applications to separations science, in general, and metal ion separations, in particular. The unifying concept underlying these polymers is that specificity in molecular or ionic separations is most readily brought about by multifunctional substrates which can participate in multipoint interactions. The dual mechanism bifunctional polymers form a new category of synthetic multifunctional substrates with enhanced molecular/ionic recognition. These polymers are synthesized with two groups on a given support network each of which operates by a different mechanism. One mechanism is relatively aspecific and its primary purpose is to allow the solution species access to the highly specific recognition mechanism. The principal application has been to selective metal ion separations from aqueous solutions. The dual mechanism bifunctional polymers (DMBP's) are divided into three classes. In each case, ion exchange is the access mechanism whi...
Alkali Metal Modification of the Mo(100) Reconstruction

LEED studies reveal that the clean Mo(100) surface reconstruction is modified by small amounts of adsorbed K or Na in such a way that the long-range order is maintained but the surface periodicity changes continuously with coverage. The long-range order is also maintained with the adsorption of small amounts of Li, but no periodicity changes are observed. These findings are discussed in relation to driving mechanisms proposed for the clean reconstruction. Although the changes might be attributed to charge-density-wave formation in a qualitative sense, this mechanism appears unable to provide an explanation for the detailed behavior. On the other hand, it appears possible to describe the observed sequence of structures in terms of a local bonding model that includes alkali atom repulsions.
Racial/Ethnic differences in poststroke rehabilitation outcomes.

Background. Significant racial and ethnic disparities in stroke incidence, severity, and morbidity have been consistently reported; however, less is known about potential differences in poststroke rehabilitation outcomes. Objective. To examine racial and ethnic differences in poststroke rehabilitation outcomes. Methods. We completed an in-depth search of Medline and several major journals dedicated to publishing research articles on stroke, rehabilitation, and racial-ethnic patterns of disease over a 10-year period (2003–2012). We identified studies that reported rehabilitation outcomes and the race or ethnicity of at least two groups. Results. 17 studies involving 429,108 stroke survivors met inclusion criteria for the review. The majority (94%) of studies examined outcomes between Blacks and Whites. Of those studies examining outcomes between Blacks and Whites, 59% showed that Blacks were generally less likely to achieve equivalent functional improvement following rehabilitation. Blacks were more likely to experience lower FIM gain or change scores (range: 1–60%) and more likely to have lower efficiency scores (range: 5–16%) than Whites. Conclusions. Black stroke survivors appear to generally achieve poorer functional outcomes than White stroke survivors. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the precise magnitude of these differences, whether they go beyond chance, and the underlying contributory mechanisms.
A Dynamical Propensity Rule for Transitions in Chemical Reactions

A new dynamical propensity rule for transitions of a system crossing the barrier from one potential minimum to one another is derived from dynamical system theory. The rule is based on the existence of a no-return dividing hypersurface in the system's phase space in the vicinity of saddles of the multidimensional potential surface of a strongly coupled, chaotic system. We present numerical evidence of the rule's validity by applying it to the rearrangements of a cluster of six argon atoms.
Modulation of Cardiac Growth and Development by HOP, an Unusual Homeodomain Protein

We have discovered an unusual homeodomain protein, called HOP, which is comprised simply of a homeodomain. HOP is highly expressed in the developing heart where its expression is dependent on the cardiac-restricted homeodomain protein Nkx2.5. HOP does not bind DNA and acts as an antagonist of serum response factor (SRF), which regulates the opposing processes of proliferation and myogenesis. Mice homozygous for a HOP null allele segregate into two phenotypic classes characterized by an excess or deficiency of cardiac myocytes. We propose that HOP modulates SRF activity during heart development; its absence results in an imbalance between cardiomyocyte proliferation and differentiation with consequent abnormalities in cardiac morphogenesis.
NEST SURVIVAL ESTIMATION: A REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVES TO THE MAYFIELD ESTIMATOR

Abstract Reliable estimates of nest survival are essential for assessing strategies for avian conservation. We review the history of modifications and alternatives for estimating nest survival, with a focus on four techniques: apparent nest success, the Mayfield estimator, the Stanley method, and program MARK. The widely used Mayfield method avoids the known positive bias inherent in apparent nest success by estimating daily survival rates using the number of exposure days, eliminating the need to monitor nests from initiation. Concerns that some of Mayfield's assumptions were restrictive stimulated the development of new techniques. Stanley's method allows for calculation of stage-specific daily survival rates when transition and failure dates are unknown, and eliminates Mayfield's assumption that failure occurred midway through the nest-check interval. Program MARK obviates Mayfield's assumption of constant daily survival within nesting stages and evaluates variation in nest survival as a function of bi...
Monte Carlo Simulations of Fluid Phase Transitions in Micropores: Hysteresis and Van Der Waals-Type Loops

We report the results of the Monte Carlo simulation study of the fluid phase transitions in micropores. The Gibbs, Canonical, and Grand Canonical ensembles were employed to obtain the adsorption isotherms of the Lennard-Jones nitrogen in carbon slit micropores at 77.4 K. It is shown for the first time that depending on the choice of the parameters of the Monte Carlo simulations, such as the number of particles in the simulation cells, the sampling from the Gibbs ensemble may supply either van der Waals-type or hysteresis loops in the phase transition zones. The existence of these loops is confirmed by independent sampling from the Canonical ensemble using Widom method of test particles. The Grand Canonical ensemble simulations always produce hysteresis loops within the phase transition zone. Outside the phase transition zones, sampling from all three ensembles yield essentially identical isotherms.
Adults’ Perceptions of Knowledge Construction as Participants in Nonformal World Affairs Programs An Interpretive Study

The purpose of this interpretive research study was to explore how adult learners perceive they construct knowledge in connection to their participation in nonformal world affairs programs. The study context involved the exploration of 12 adult learners’ perceptions of their knowledge construction as participants in world affairs programs held in an urban setting in the United States including the changing global order, the Katyn massacre, and Russia. The three main themes drawn from the study include the dynamic learning process, influencers of knowledge construction, and individual experiences as connectors in the learning process. These themes broaden an understanding of the continuum of adult learners’ perceived knowledge construction within nonformal education and free-choice learning frameworks, areas that can inform world affairs adult education and program planning.
Real parameter uncertainty and phase information in the robust control of flexible structures

Real parameter uncertainty and phase information play a key role in the analysis and synthesis of robust controllers for lightly damped flexible structures. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of these issues on structural control, their interrelationship, and their manifestation within the analysis and synthesis of feedback systems. The discussion is illustrated by examining robust controllers designed for the ACES structure at Marshall Space Flight Center. These controllers were designed by means of the maximum entropy generalized linear quadratic Gaussian methodology. >
Let's make a deal: Quality and availability of second-stage information as a catalyst for change

The Monty Hall Problem (MHP), a process of two-stage decision making, was presented in atypical form via a custom software game. Differing from the normal three-box MHP, the game added one additional box on-screen for each game—culminating on game 23 with 25 on-screen boxes to initially choose from. A total of 108 participants played 23 games (trials) in one of four conditions; (1) “Vanish” condition—all non-winning boxes totally removed from the screen; (2) “Empty” condition—all non-winning boxes remain on-screen, but with an “empty” label on them; (3) “Steroids” condition—all non-winning boxes removed from the screen, with initially chosen box becoming 25% larger; (4) “Steroids2” condition—all non-winning boxes removed from the screen, box not currently chosen becomes 25% larger. Results indicate second-stage on-screen presence of boxes influences switching; with their absence having the opposite effect. Size manipulation appears to elicit demand characteristics resulting in indeterminate influence.
Increased Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity in Heterozygous Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 Knock-Out Mice

Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful psychostimulant that is increasingly abused worldwide. Although it is commonly accepted that the dopaminergic system and oxidation of dopamine (DA) play pivotal roles in the neurotoxicity produced by this phenylethylamine, the primary source of DA responsible for this effect has remained elusive. In this study, we used mice heterozygous for vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2 +/− mice) to determine whether impaired vesicular function alters the effects of METH. METH-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity was increased in striatum of VMAT2 +/− mice compared with wild-type mice as revealed by a more consistent DA and metabolite depletion and a greater decrease in dopamine transporter expression. Interestingly, increased METH neurotoxicity in VMAT2 +/− mice was accompanied by less pronounced increase in extracellular DA and indices of free radical formation compared with wild-type mice. These results indicate that disruption of vesicular monoamine transport potentiates METH-induced neurotoxicity in vivo and point, albeit indirectly, to a greater contribution of intraneuronal DA redistribution rather than extraneuronal overflow on mediating this effect.
Quantification of protein metabolism in vivo for skin, wound, and muscle in severe burn patients.

Background: In response to injury, muscle catabolism can be extensive, and in theory, the wound consumes amino acids to support healing. The purpose of this study is to assess a technique by which in vivo protein kinetics of muscle, wound, and normal skin can be quantified in burn-injured patients. Methods: Study protocol consisting of infusion of d5 phenylalanine; biopsies of skeletal muscle, skin, and donor-site wound on the leg; quantification of blood flow to total leg, wound, and skin; and sequential blood sampling from the femoral artery and vein. Five-compartment modeling was used to quantify the rates of protein synthesis, breakdown, and phenylalanine transport between muscle, wound, and skin. Results: The study results demonstrated a net release of phenylalanine from muscle yet a net consumption of phenylalanine by the wound. Compared with skin, the wound had a substantially increased rate of protein synthesis and a reduced rate of protein breakdown (p < .01). Transport rates into and out of musc...
Perioperative hemodynamic monitoring

Hemodynamic monitoring is the cornerstone of perioperative anesthetic monitoring. In the unconscious patient, hemodynamic monitoring not only provides information relating to cardiac output, volume status and ultimately tissue perfusion, but also indicates depth of anesthesia and adequacy of pain control. In the 21st century the anesthesiologist has an array of devices to choose from. No single device provides a complete assessment of hemodynamic status, and the use of all devices in every situation is neither practical nor appropriate. This article aims to provide the reader with an overview of the devices currently available, and the information they provide, to assist anesthesiologists in the selection of the most appropriate devices for any given situation.
A Case for White-box Testing Using Declarative Specifications Poster Abstract

Software testing, the most commonly used technique for validating the quality of software, is a labor intensive process, and typically accounts for about half the total cost of software development and maintenance. Automating testing not only reduces the cost of producing software but also increases the reliability of modern software. White-box testing and black-box testing are two commonly used techniques that have complementary strengths. White-box testing uses the internal structures (such as control flow or data flow) of programs. Black-box uses an external interface. Automated approaches to black-box testing make extensive use of specifications, e.g., to specify test inputs or test oracles. In unit testing of object-oriented code, preconditions, which define constraints on legal method inputs, and postconditions, which define expected behavior and outputs, form an integral part of specifications.
Liberal Democratic Torture

Liberal democracies have long practised torture, but should they ever permit their officials to torture (and, if so, when?), how should their citizens think and talk about it, and how should the law treat it? Is it just another instance of ‘dirty hands’ in politics? If it averts some terrible harm, can resorting to it be seen as choosing the ‘lesser evil’? What, then, is torture? The ‘torture memos’ of the Bush administration's legal advisers are reviewed and their attempt to narrow its definition criticized, as is Judge Posner's attempt to confine it to physical coercion. Attempts to evade the questions above (on the grounds that torture is never effective in averting disaster) are rejected. It is suggested that torture, unlike other cases of dirty hands considered, cannot be rendered liberal-democratically accountable, in the sense that it will sometimes be legitimate and, when not, punished, because its practice cannot be publicly recognized without undermining both the democratic and liberal components of liberal democracy. This suggestion is supported by adducing a ‘Durkheimian argument’ to the effect that our institutions and customs have been so penetrated by core elements of an egalitarian ‘religion of individualism’ that violating them threatens a kind of ‘moral disintegration’. This, it is argued, requires liberal democracies to reject the very idea of a scale that can allow comparison of the benefits against the costs of torturing. The absolute prohibition serves to maintain inhibitions, though these are currently being eroded by the fear of terrorism.
On the convergence of the estimated posterior density weighted algorithm

Sufficient conditions are established for the convergence of the algorithm when applied to the problem of radar imaging as suggested by D.L. Snyder and H.J. Whitehouse (1985), and the problem of enhancement of nonstationary spectrum estimators based on L. Cohen's (1966) class of time-frequency distributions, as proposed by L.B. White (1989). In the latter case, a regularization step must be included to ensure good behavior. The sufficient conditions may always be met in practice. >
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Carnitine Deficiency

This study was designed to study the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy in animals with longstanding (6 months) diabetes mellitus. Male Wistar rats were made diabetic by the injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) intraperitoneal at 6 months of age. Myocardial contractility was evaluated at 1 year of age by an echocardiogram. Blood was collected at that time to measure blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c as an indicator of metabolic control. Serum carnitine was also measured on the same sample to evaluate the availability of this substance so essential for fatty acid metabolism in the myocardium. Myocardial anatomy was evaluated by both light and electron microscopy after the animals had diabetes for 6 months. It was found that the left ventricular volume was greater at the end of systole and diastole. There was the suggestion of left ventricular fractional shortening and calculated reduced ejection fraction indicating decreased contractility consistent with cardiomyopathy. The hearts had no evidence of coronary vascular occlusion, and the serum cholesterol was normal. Myocardial ultrastructure revealed abnormal-appearing mitochondria consistent with carnitine deficiency. Serum and myocardial carnitine levels in the animals with diabetes and reduced myocardial function were low. Carnitine levels and metabolism could be important in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Comparison of the recoveries of Escherichia coli and total coliforms from drinking water by the MI agar method and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved membrane filter method.

Drinking water regulations under the Final Coliform Rule require that total coliform-positive drinking water samples be examined for the presence of Escherichia coli or fecal coliforms. The current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved membrane filter (MF) method for E. coli requires two media, an MF transfer, and a total incubation time of 28 h. A newly developed MF method, the MI agar method, containing indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronide and 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside for the simultaneous detection of E. coli and total coliforms, respectively, by means of their specific enzyme reactions, was compared with the approved method by the use of wastewater-spiked tap water samples. Overall, weighted analysis of variance (significance level, 0.05) showed that the new medium recoveries of total coliforms and E. coli were significantly higher than those of mEndo agar and nutrient agar plus MUG (4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide), respectively, and the background counts were significantly lower than those of mEndo agar (< 5%). Generally, the tap water source, overall chlorine level, wastewater source, granular activated carbon treatment of the tap water, and method of grouping data by E. coli count for statistical analysis did not affect the performance of the new medium.
Accountability in smart grids

A feasible architectural framework for the smart grid in home areas is provided based on the latest NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S.) smart grid interoperability standards (release 1.0). In this paper, we propose an accountable communication protocol using this architecture with certain reasonable assumptions. Analysis results indicate that our design makes all power loads in home areas accountable.
Evolution of enzyme cascades from embryonic development to blood coagulation

Recent delineation of the serine protease cascade controlling dorsal-ventral patterning during Drosophila embryogenesis allows this cascade to be compared with those controlling clotting and complement in vertebrates and invertebrates. The identification of discrete markers of serine protease evolution has made it possible to reconstruct the probable chronology of enzyme evolution and to gain new insights into functional linkages among the cascades. Here, it is proposed that a single ancestral developmental/immunity cascade gave rise to the protostome and deuterostome developmental, clotting and complement cascades. Extensive similarities suggest that these cascades were built by adding enzymes from the bottom of the cascade up and from similar macromolecular building blocks.
Controlling atomic motion with optical dipole potentials

Summary form only given. We report recent results and progress on the use of optical dipole potentials for quantum state preparation in the study of quantum chaos in mixed phase space, and for detection and feedback control ol atomic motion.
The Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein in Circadian Rhythmicity and Memory Consolidation

The control of new protein synthesis provides a means to locally regulate the availability of synaptic components necessary for dynamic neuronal processes. The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding translational regulator, is a key player mediating appropriate synaptic protein synthesis in response to neuronal activity levels. Loss of FMRP causes fragile X syndrome (FraX), the most commonly inherited form of mental retardation and autism spectrum disorders. FraX-associated translational dysregulation causes wide-ranging neurological deficits including severe impairments of biological rhythms, learning processes, and memory consolidation. Dysfunction in cytoskeletal regulation and synaptic scaffolding disrupts neuronal architecture and functional synaptic connectivity. The understanding of this devastating disease and the implementation of meaningful treatment strategies require a thorough exploration of the temporal and spatial requirements for FMRP in establishing and maintaining neural circuit function.
Combined magneto- and opto-fluidic assembly of colloidal chains of controllable length (Presentation Recording)

Because of their unique characteristics, colloids have been used to investigate the fundamental physics of soft materials including both equilibrium phase behavior and kinetic processes. Unlike atoms, colloidal sizes can be conveniently tailored and are typically large enough to be probed individually with interaction strengths and effective ranges that can be modulated over several orders of magnitude. Despite these significant advantages, only relatively simple colloidal models such as spheres have been created; such systems in turn assemble into crystals of fairly limited symmetry, precluding the study of problems associated with complex structure. To push towards the synthesis of more complicated colloidal molecules, we use combined applied magnetic and anisotropic optical fields to fabricate colloidal chains. By integrating these induced forces within microfluidic channels and in flow, we grow colloidal chains one particle at one time, mimicking step-growth polymerization. The key advantage of this method is the ability to precisely control chain length and sequence, both essential for studies of self-assembly. In this, chain length is determined by a balance between the hydrodynamic shear stress, applied magnetic field, and the optical forces applied. Once a desired chain length is achieved, we fix the assembly in situ via the use of thiol-functionalized magnetic beads and a functionalized polyethylene glycol crosslinker. With the ability to perform directed assembly and irreversible fixation in flow, a route to the high-throughput synthesis of colloidal molecules can be achieved.
Active C4 Electrodes for Local Field Potential Recording Applications

Extracellular neural recording, with multi-electrode arrays (MEAs), is a powerful method used to study neural function at the network level. However, in a high density array, it can be costly and time consuming to integrate the active circuit with the expensive electrodes. In this paper, we present a 4 mm × 4 mm neural recording integrated circuit (IC) chip, utilizing IBM C4 bumps as recording electrodes, which enable a seamless active chip and electrode integration. The IC chip was designed and fabricated in a 0.13 μm BiCMOS process for both in vitro and in vivo applications. It has an input-referred noise of 4.6 μV rms for the bandwidth of 10 Hz to 10 kHz and a power dissipation of 11.25 mW at 2.5 V, or 43.9 μW per input channel. This prototype is scalable for implementing larger number and higher density electrode arrays. To validate the functionality of the chip, electrical testing results and acute in vivo recordings from a rat barrel cortex are presented.
A multiple-purpose simulation-based inventory optimization system: applied to a large detergent company in China

In this paper, we introduce a practical simulation system to analyze a real inventory system of a top 3 detergent manufacturer in China. The simulation system has been actively executed to support weekly inventory policy decision making since online. We detail how we simulate the client's finished product inventory at its manufacturing sites and warehouses. We concentrate on describing its structure, as well as its applications. We also demonstrate how to apply this simulation system to obtain an optimized policy to manage the stock keeping unit (SKU) level inventory through numeric experiments.
Quantifying Impact of Chromosome Copy Number on Recombination in Escherichia coli.

The ability to precisely and efficiently recombineer synthetic DNA into organisms of interest in a quantitative manner is a key requirement in genome engineering. Even though considerable effort has gone into the characterization of recombination in Escherichia coli, there is still substantial variability in reported recombination efficiencies. We hypothesized that this observed variability could, in part, be explained by the variability in chromosome copy number as well as the location of the replication forks relative to the recombination site. During rapid growth, E. coli cells may contain several pairs of open replication forks. While recombineered forks are resolving and segregating within the population, changes in apparent recombineering efficiency should be observed. In the case of dominant phenotypes, we predicted and then experimentally confirmed that the apparent recombination efficiency declined during recovery until complete segregation of recombineered and wild-type genomes had occurred. We ...
Change trend of poor eyesight among primary and middle school students in Fengxian District of Shanghai from 1999-2010

[Objective]To understand and master the prevalence status and change trend of poor eyesight among primary and middle school students in Fengxian District of Shanghai,provide a scientific basis for developing the preventive measures of poor eyesight in adolescents. [Methods]The monitoring data of eyesight status in primary and middle school students in Fengxian District during 1999-2010 were analyzed statistically. [Results]During 1999-2010,the average incidence rate of poor eyesight among primary and middle school students in Fengxian District was 40.41%.The incidence rate of poor eyesight increased from 32.27% in 1999 to 42.89% in 2010,which showed an obvious rising trend.The incidence rate of poor eyesight in junior middle school students was higher than that in primary school students,the incidence rate in senior middle school students was higher than that in junior middle school students,the incidence rate in girls was higher than that in boys,and the differences were significant(P0.01). [Conclusion]The status of poor eyesight among primary and middle school students in Fengxian District has become increasingly serious,so it is no time to delay to strengthen the prevention and treatment of poor eyesight among students.Meanwhile,the comprehensive measures should be carried out,society,schools,parents and students must cooperate with each other.
Note on the use of nitrogen mustard in rheumatoid arthritis with consideration of the similarity of its effect to that of cortisone and ACTH.

1. Six patients with active rheumatoid arthritis showed prompt, but transient, improvement after the administration of nitrogen mustard. 2. Nitrogen mustard produces depletion of the cholesterol esters and ascorbic acid of the adrenal cortex in the experimental animal. 3. ACTH produces depletion of the cholesterol esters and ascorbic acid of the adrenal cortex. 4. Further investigation to determine the efficacy of nitrogen mustard in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is indicated.