cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harmonious Design Method for Product Development

With the development of science and technology, harmonious design will be one of the latest trends in modern mechanical products development. Based on the harmonious design method, the well synthesized quality products will be invented. It will have little negative influence on society and the natural environment, and the high utilization rate of resources and the most comprehensive benefits in the full lifecycle from planning, designing, manufacturing, packaging, and discarded. The harmonious state can be obtained between products with political, economic, cultural, legal, scientific, natural and social environments. The harmonious design is investigated from the harmony of design methods; the harmony of product function with performance; and the harmony of product with product, with human, with technology, with society environment and with natural environment. And the evaluation of harmonious degree and management system are studied in this work, too. Based on system engineering and economic, cultural, legal, scientific, natural and social environment factors, the formula of the complete system of products design is established. Therefore, the new vitality and higher market competitiveness of product can be achieved. Not only the design is for human but also for nature, for the harmony of human and nature.
Neuroanatomical mapping of DNA repair and antioxidative responses in mouse brain: Effects of a single dose of MPTP

The primary objective of this study was to map the normal distribution of the base excision enzyme oxyguanosine glycosylase (OGG1) across mouse-brain regions as a prelude to assessing the effects of various neurotoxicants, ranging from highly selective molecules like MPTP to more global toxic agents. This research is based on the hypothesis that regional brain vulnerability to a toxicant is determined, in part, by variation in the intrinsic capacity of cellular populations to successfully repair oxidative DNA damage. After mapping the normal distributions of OGG1 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) across 44 loci dissected from mouse brain, MPTP, a mitochondrial toxicant with selective dopamine (DA) neuron cytotoxicity was used to elicit focal oxidative stress and DNA repair responses. A single dose of MPTP (20mg/kg, i.p.) elicited time- and region-dependent changes in both SOD and OGG1, with early increases in DNA repair and anti-oxidant activities throughout all regions of brain. In some sampled loci, notably the substantia nigra (SN) and hippocampus, the heightened DNA repair and antioxidant responses were not maintained beyond 48h. Other loci from cerebellum, cerebral cortex and pons maintained high levels of activity up to 72h. Levels of dopamine (DA) were decreased significantly at all time points and remained below control levels in nigro-striatal and mesolimbic systems (ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens). Assessment of apoptosis by TUNEL staining revealed a significant increase in number of apoptotic nuclei in the substantia nigra at 72h and not in other loci. The marked degree of apoptosis that became evident in SN at 72h was associated with large decreases in SOD and DNA repair activity at that locus. In conclusion, MPTP elicited global effects on DNA repair and antioxidant activity in all regions of brain, but the most vulnerable loci were unable to maintain elevated DNA repair and antioxidant responses.
Cognitive Processing and Acrophobia: Validating the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire

Abstract Three studies were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of a new scale: the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire (HIQ). This scale was designed to measure height fear-relevant interpretation bias to help assess the relationship between biased interpretations and acrophobia symptoms. Studies 1 ( N = 553) and 2 ( N = 308) established the scale's factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity among two large undergraduate samples. Study 3 ( N = 48) evaluated the predictive validity of the HIQ by examining how well the scale predicted subjective distress and avoidance on actual heights. Factor analysis resulted in four distinct factors, and results suggest that each of the factors, along with the full HIQ, have good reliability and validity. Additionally, the scale predicts subjective distress and avoidance on heights beyond self-reported acrophobia symptoms. Overall, the HIQ shows promise as a new tool to investigate cognitive processing biases in acrophobia.
Choices Versus Choice Sets: A Commuting Spectrum Method for Representing Job--Housing Possibilities

Conclusions in empirical studies of commuting and urban spatial structure depend on the selection of measures for the job-housing relationship. In order to help to develop urban growth strategies based on coherent empirical results, this paper presents a ‘commuting spectrum’ approach as an alternative to existing job–housing relationship measures. With this approach, two hypothetical and extreme commuting possibilities are conceptualized as measures for job–housing relationship and location-choice sets. Simulation in a stylized region and empirical results for Boston and Atlanta indicate that the proposed method can track local and regional aspects of job – housing relationship changes. The revealed association between commuting length and the job–housing relationship is consistent from the perspectives of neighborhood-level comparison, multiyear comparison, and interregion comparison.
Atomistic Simulations of Fatigue Crack Growth in Single Crystal Aluminum

The behaviors of model-I fatigue crack propagation behaviors under different strain cycles in single crystal aluminum have been systematically investigated by molecular dynamic and quasicontinuum method with embedded atom potential. Four different crack orientations: (010)[001], (111)[11-2], (110)[001] and (101)[10-1] are investigated by using the edge-crack model. Different fatigue crack growth mechanisms such as cleavage crack propagation, twinning and dislocation emission are observed. Premature crack surface contact during the unloading path is also observed for the (010)[001] crack, which is consistent with the crack closure hypothesis in the classical fatigue theory. The relationship between local deformation and crack growth kinetics are identified by using crack tip increments and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) profiles at the selected stress cycle. The results show that crack only grows during part of the loading path and no crack growth during the unloading path, which are well in agreement with our previous in-situ SEM observations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Hemorrhage as a complication of percutaneous liver biopsy.

Percutaneous biopsies of the abdominal solid organs, particularly the liver, are among the most well-established and frequently performed interventional procedures. While offering lower morbidity than open surgical biopsies, these procedures are not risk free and postbiopsy hemorrhage is one of the most frequently encountered complications. Interventionists must therefore be well versed in preprocedure patient optimization, postbiopsy evaluation, and management of hemorrhagic complications.
von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated hemangioblastomas are derived from embryologic multipotent cells.

Background To determine the origin of the neoplastic cell in central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) and its role in tumor formation and distribution, we characterized and differentiated neoplastic cells from hemangioblastomas removed from VHL patients.
Toxicologic studies on 3',4'-dichloropropionanilide.

Abstract Studies on 3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide (DCPA), a selective herbicide, are presented. For rats and dogs the single estimated po LD50 ± SD values are 1384 ± 99 mg/kg and 1217 ± 8 mg/kg, respectively. In subchronic (13 wk) studies in rats on 0, 100, 330, 1000, 3300, 10,000 and 50,000 ppm diets, survival of rats on the 50,000 ppm diet was affected, and at 10,000 and 3300 ppm, growth and feed consumption were depressed. Polychromatophilia was observed in rats on the 1000 and 330 ppm diets; the effect was marked in rats on the 10,000 and 3300 ppm diets. Significant decreases in hemoglobin values were found between controls and the 3 highest diet levels for 13 wk. In a chronic (2 yr) study in rats on 0, 100, 400 and 1600 ppm diets, significant decrease in growth and increase in organ-to-body weights ratio for spleen, liver of females, and testes of rats on the 1600 ppm diet were noted. No dose-related effects were noted on hemograms, except for significant decreases in hemoglobin values for females on the 1600 ppm diet, urinary findings and histopathology. In a 2 yr study in dogs on 0, 100, 600 and 4000 ppm diets, no adverse trends were noted on survival, hematology, urinary findings, liver function tests, organ-to-body weight ratios (with the exception of the heart of dogs on the 4000 ppm diet) and histopathology. However, body weight of dogs on 4000 ppm diets was significantly depressed. In multigeneration studies in rats on 0, 100, 300 and 1000 ppm diets, no apparent deleterious effects or adverse trends were noted. Histopathologic studies on F 3b weanlings revealed no lesions. In summary, this study establishes 400 ppm as the overall apparent no-effect level.
The Role of Buried Hydrogen Bonds in Self-Assembled Mixed Composition Thiols on Au{111}

We have investigated the role of internal functionality in self-assembled monolayers of a family of amide-containing alkanethiol molecules on Au{111} using scanning tunneling microscopy. In addition to van der Waals interactions that are present within n-alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers, hydrogen bonding between adjacent buried amide groups contributes to the stability of the amide-containing molecules on the surface and causes spontaneous phase separation upon coadsorption with an n-alkanethiol. A deposition solution concentration dependence study reveals that this is an observed trend across a range of examined solution compositions. Additionally, hydrogen bonding affects the packing structure of the amide-containing alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers. Although they adopt the same (√3×√3)R30° base lattice as n-alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers, the amide-containing molecules form superlattice structures that are more linear than n-alkanethiol monolayers due to the hydrogen bonds they form...
Distal vein patch with an arteriovenous fistula: a viable option for the patient without autogenous conduit and severe distal occlusive disease.

Background The addition of a distal arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) to improve patency in lower extremity bypass is well described. This report describes a technique of using a distal AVF to enhance a distal vein patch (DVP) in patients without adequate autogenous conduit and who have concomitant severely disadvantaged arterial runoff. Methods A retrospective review from May 2002 to May 2007 analyzed 270 tibial bypasses. DVP-AVF was the conduit in 30 bypass grafts. Patient demographics included 16 men, 14 women, diabetes mellitus (67%), and chronic renal failure (20%). All patients had limb-threatening ischemia manifest as rest pain or tissue loss, with 20 patients referred after failed prior revascularization: 11 failed bypasses, and nine failed endovascular interventions. In each case, the only outflow artery available was an isolated tibial segment or a diseased pedal vessel not ordinarily deemed suitable for bypass. At surgery, a common ostium AVF was created between the outflow tibial artery and corresponding tibial vein before DVP construction. Follow-up was 1 to 24 months, with graft function evaluated by pulse examination and duplex surveillance. Primary patency and limb salvage ± SE were determined by life-table analysis using Rutherford criteria. Results The proximal anastomosis originated from the external iliac (23%), common femoral artery (43%), and superficial femoral artery (33%). Outflow arteries included the anterior tibial (40%), posterior tibial (30%), and peroneal (30%). Venous hypertension in the bypassed limb was noted, but not considered problematic in any patient. Perioperative graft failure occurred in one patient. Six graft failures led to six major amputations (1 above knee; 5 below knee). One patent graft was excised due to infection. Primary patency at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 78.3% ± 6.8%, 78.3% ± 10.5%, 62.6% ± 11.1%, and 62.6% ± 15.6%; limb salvage was 78.7% ± 6.7%, 78.7% ± 10.1%, 78.7% ± 10.1%, and 57.7% ± 12.5%. Conclusion This early experience describes a modification of the DVP technique in patients with threatened limb loss and severely disadvantaged tibial runoff. The addition of an AVF may reduce outflow resistance, thereby contributing to higher flow rates and improved graft patency. Further investigation is warranted because the DVP-AVF technique may result in acceptable graft patency and limb salvage for patients with no other alternative than amputation.
OBSERVATIONS ON A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL THYROID IODINE CONTENT AND THE IODIDE-CONCENTRATING MECHANISM OF THE THYROID GLAND OF THE RAT

THE maintenance of a gradient for iodide ion between serum and thyroid parenchyma (VanderLaan and VanderLaan, 1947) has been found to be partially dependent upon the presence of thyrotropin (Vander-Laan and Greer, 1950). The greatly enhanced capacity of the thyroid cell for trapping iodide under conditions of thyroid hyperplasia has generally been held a result of increased thyrotropin elaboration by the pituitary; however, recent studies (Halmi et al., 1953) require revision of this concept and indicate that conditions within the thyroid gland alter the response to thyrotropin at least in regard to this function. This paper presents a further inquiry into the iodide-concentrating mechanism of the thyroid gland, especially as it is influenced by factors altering thyroid function. An inverse relationship between thyroid-bound iodine content and iodide-concentrating capacity has been observed even when stimulation by thyrotropin was at a constant level. Immature, albino, male rats were used. Tap water and P...
Cation exchange binding of rubidium and cesium by rat liver cell microsomes

The rubidium and cesium binding characteristics of rat liver cell microsomes were studied by an equilibration, centrifugation and washing procedure. Concentration dependence experiments, in which microsomes were equilibrated in media containing 0 to 400 mM rubidium or cesium chloride at pH 6.9, yielded saturation type adsorption isotherms similar to those previously reported for sodium and potassium. Mass law analysis of the data yielded apparent dissociation constants of 21 × 10−3 eq/liter and 19 × 10−3 eq/liter for rubidium and cesium binding, respectively. The results indicate that cesium is bound slightly more strongly than rubidium, and that both these cations may be bound more strongly than sodium or potassium. The maximum binding capacity at pH 6.9 was approximately 1.3 meq rubidium or cesium/g nitrogen. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium generally associated with the isolated microsomes decreased concomitantly with increasing bound rubidium or cesium, demonstrating the ion exchange nature of the binding. Results of pH-dependence experiments showed that following equilibration of the microsomes in media containing approximately 96 mM rubidium or cesium at various pH values, bound rubidium or cesium was essentially zero at pH less than five, increased sharply between pH 5 and 7, and tended to level off at higher pH. The present results further characterize the cation binding properties of the microsomal material.
"I felt like the angel of death": Role conflicts and moral distress among allied professionals employed by the US cardiovascular implantable electronic device industry

Purpose This study aimed to identify themes associated with role conflicts and moral distress experienced by cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) industry-employed allied professionals (IEAPs) in the clinical setting.
Morphine modulates IL-1 activation of FOS in the rat hypothalamus

Abstract By using FOS proto-oncogene protein as a marker for neuronal activity induced by an extracellular stimulus, we have shown that several hypothalamic nuclei are sites of action for interleukin-1 (IL-1). These nuclei, including the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, have relatively few IL-1 receptors. One of the possibilities for this dysjunction may be that IL-1 acts on receptors other than currently defined IL-1 receptors to induce FOS activation. Acute subcutaneous morphine treatment also increased FOS immunoreactivity in several hypothalamic nuclei including PVN and SON. Taken together, these results suggest the possibility of an interaction between morphine and IL-1 in the hypothalamic PVN and SON. The PVN and SON have been suggested to be involved in a neuroendocrine-immune axis. In this study we examined the effects of chronic morphine on IL-1 activation of FOS. The chronic morphine pretreatment consisted of 2 pellets on the 1st day and 4 pellets on the 2nd day, 75 mg morphine sulfate/pellet. This regimen has been shown to induce a high degree of tolerance and dependence, and it markedly decreased IL-1 activation of c-fos mRNA in the hypothalamus and FOS immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic PVN and SON nuclei. These data suggest that attenuation of IL-1 activation of FOS expression in the hypothalamus may be a mechanism by which morphine tolerance and dependence affects the neuro-endocrine-immune axis.
Individual Differences in the Ability to Fake on Personality Measures

This study provides a partial test of the model of faking proposed by McFarland and Ryan (2000) by examining the degree to which self-monitoring, knowledge of the constructs being measured, job familiarity, and openness to ideas account for variance in ability to fake on a personality measure. Undergraduates (N = 342) completed a modified version of the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised under both honest and faking instructions. In addition, some participants were asked to “fake good” and others were asked to fake toward the requirements of a specific job (i.e., accountant). Consistent with prior research, the fake good manipulation was found to increase scores on 8 of the 9 personality variables. In contrast, the fake accountant manipulation resulted in a personality profile consistent with a priori hypotheses in which some personality scores were significantly increased whereas others were significantly decreased. Results also revealed that the individual difference variables explained a significant por...
Networking & connectivity at the University of Cincinnati

This presentation will attempt to present, in a summarized fashion, networking as it exists at the University of Cincinnati. Emphasis will be placed on meeting connectivity goals as well as meeting design goals which will permit migration to emerging international standards.
Acousto-optic null steering processor

The Acousto-Optic Null Steering Processor (AONSP) is an acousto-electro-optic implementation of a radar multiple sidelobe canceler (MSLC) addressing wideband jamming and multipath. The flowdown of requirements from adaptive canceler performance to hardware configuration is the subject of this paper. The development program is sponsored by DARPA and Rome Laboratory.
Early Cover Spalling in High-Strength Concrete Columns

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318-02 provisions for stress block parameters were derived using normal-strength concrete column tests. Azizinamini et al. in 1994, Ibrahim and MacGregor in 1996, Bayrak in 1999 have reported that the use of current ACI stress block parameters results in estimations that are not conservative for high-strength concrete column sections. This was mainly attributed to the early cover spalling in high-strength concrete columns. In this paper, a numerical procedure for simulating premature cover spalling in high-strength concrete columns (66 MPa<\if′\dc<140 MPa) is presented. The proposed method for nominal moment capacity calculation employs rectangular stress block parameters and an analytically derived strength reduction parameter to integrate the effect of early cover spalling into the design process. Although the proposed method for moment capacity calculation is analytically derived, its results are validated with the experimental data from 224 column tests reported in the literature. Twenty-four of the 224 tests were conducted by Bayrak as part of a comprehensive research program in which the behavior of reinforced concrete columns was studied and provided the motivation for the research reported here. ACI 318-02 provisions for stress block parameters are critically examined using the experimental data from 224 tests. It is concluded that the ACI stress block parameters do not result in conservative estimations for the moment capacity of high-strength concrete column sections failing in compression. However, the proposed technique results in conservative estimations of strength for high-strength concrete column designs as well as normal strength concrete column designs.
Toward an integrative perspective on sexual selection and men's masculinity

Cameron E, Day T, Rowe L. 2003. Sexual conflict and indirect benefits. J Evol Biol. 16:1055–1060. Eizaguirre C, Yeates SE, Lenz TL, Kalbe M, Milinski M. 2009. MHCbased mate choice combines good genes and maintenance of MHC polymorphism. Mol Ecol. 18:3316–3329. Kirkpatrick M, Barton NH. 1997. The strength of indirect selection on female mating preferences. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 94:1282–1286. Kokko H, Brooks R, Jennions MD, Morley J. 2003. The evolution of mate choice and mating biases. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 270:653–664. Mitchell-Olds T, Willis JH, Goldstein DB. 2007. Which evolutionary processes influence natural genetic variation for phenotypic traits? Nat Rev Genet. 8:845–856. Pound N, Penton-Voak IS, Surridge AK. 2009. Testosterone responses to competition in men are related to facial masculinity. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 276:153–159. Puurtinen M, Ketola T, Kotiaho JS. 2009. The good-genes and compatible-genes benefits of mate choice. Am Nat. 174: 741–752. Rowe L, Houle D. 1996. The lek paradox and the capture of genetic variance by condition dependent traits. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 263:1415–1421. Scott IML, Clark AP, Boothroyd LG, Penton-Voak IS. 2012. Do men’s faces really signal heritable immunocompetence? Behav Ecol. 24:579–589. Woelfing B, Traulsen A, Milinski M, Boehm T. 2009. Does intra-individual major histocompatibility complex diversity keep a golden mean? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 364:117–128.
Identification and conformational significance of amide group vibrational modes contributing to the near-infrared spectra of lactams of trans and mixed configuration

Abstract After identifying relevant fundamental vibrational bands in the infrared, amide group overtone and combination vibrational modes contributing to the near-i.r. absorption spectra of a series of lactams of trans and of mixed cis and trans conformation have been elucidated. Experimental studies reveal that the spectral behavior of the trans lactams (11- through 13-membered rings) parallels that for trans open-chain secondary amides more closely than that for small-ring, cis lactams. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of near-i.r. spectrometry to serve as a probe for the conformation of the secondary amide grouping. In addition, a (ν NH + δ NH ) combination band found in the spectra of both conformational classes of lactam may be able to distinguish between cyclic and acyclic secondary amide groupings. These spectral characteristics are sufficiently distinctive that evidence for both cyclic cis and trans components is readily discerned in the near-i.r. spectra of 2-azacyclononanone, a lactam of mixed conformation.
A comprehensive analysis of household transportation expenditures relative to other goods and services: an application to United States consumer expenditure data

This paper proposes a multiple discrete continuous nested extreme value (MDCNEV) model to analyze household expenditures for transportation-related items in relation to a host of other consumption categories. The model system presented in this paper is capable of providing a comprehensive assessment of how household consumption patterns (including savings) would be impacted by increases in fuel prices or any other household expense. The MDCNEV model presented in this paper is estimated on disaggregate consumption data from the 2002 Consumer Expenditure Survey data of the United States. Model estimation results show that a host of household and personal socio-economic, demographic, and location variables affect the proportion of monetary resources that households allocate to various consumption categories. Sensitivity analysis conducted using the model demonstrates the applicability of the model for quantifying consumption adjustment patterns in response to rising fuel prices. It is found that households adjust their food consumption, vehicular purchases, and savings rates in the short run. In the long term, adjustments are also made to housing choices (expenses), calling for the need to ensure that fuel price effects are adequately reflected in integrated microsimulation models of land use and travel.
Mathematical models of the monolith catalytic converter: Part II. Application to automobile exhaust

Calculations are done for a series of mathematical models for a monolith catalytic converter to oxidize carbon monoxide in automobile exhaust. Phenomena studied include axial conduction in the wall, diffusion and conduction in the gas in a transverse direction perpendicular to the flow direction, multiple steady states, and transients giving wall temperatures exceeding the adiabatic temperature.
Decaying vacuum energy and deflationary cosmology in open and closed universes

We consider a nonsingular deflationary cosmological model with a decaying vacuum energy density in universes of arbitrary spatial curvature. Irrespective of the value of k, the models are characterized by an arbitrary time scale ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{I}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ which determines the initial temperature of the universe and the largest value of the vacuum energy density, the slow decay of which generates all the presently observed matter energy of the Universe. If ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{I}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ is of the order of the Planck time, the models begin with the Planck temperature and the present day value of the cosmological constant satisfies ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{I}}$/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{0}$\ensuremath{\simeq}${10}^{118}$ as theoretically suggested. It is also shown that all models allow a density parameter ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}_{0}$2/3 and that the age of the Universe is large enough to agree with observations even with the high value of ${\mathit{H}}_{0}$ suggested by recent measurements. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Semantic Clustering for a Functional Text Classification Task

We describe a semantic clustering method designed to address shortcomings in the common bag-of-words document representation for functional semantic classification tasks. The method uses WordNet-based distance metrics to construct a similarity matrix, and expectation maximization to find and represent clusters of semantically-related terms. Using these clusters as features for machine learning helps maintain performance across distinct, domain-specific vocabularies while reducing the size of the document representation. We present promising results along these lines, and evaluate several algorithms and parameters that influence machine learning performance. We discuss limitations of the study and future work for optimizing and evaluating the method.
Mutations in intracellular loops 1 and 3 lead to misfolding of human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) that can be rescued by cyclosporine A, which reduces its association with chaperone Hsp70.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP binding cassette transporter that effluxes a variety of structurally diverse compounds including anticancer drugs. Computational models of human P-gp in the apo- and nucleotide-bound conformation show that the adenine group of ATP forms hydrogen bonds with the conserved Asp-164 and Asp-805 in intracellular loops 1 and 3, respectively, which are located at the interface between the nucleotide binding domains and transmembrane domains. We investigated the role of Asp-164 and Asp-805 residues by substituting them with cysteine in a cysteine-less background. It was observed that the D164C/D805C mutant, when expressed in HeLa cells, led to misprocessing of P-gp, which thus failed to transport the drug substrates. The misfolded protein could be rescued to the cell surface by growing the cells at a lower temperature (27 °C) or by treatment with substrates (cyclosporine A, FK506), modulators (tariquidar), or small corrector molecules. We also show that short term (4–6 h) treatment with 15 μm cyclosporine A or FK506 rescues the pre-formed immature protein trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum in an immunophilin-independent pathway. The intracellularly trapped misprocessed protein associates more with chaperone Hsp70, and the treatment with cyclosporine A reduces the association of mutant P-gp, thus allowing it to be trafficked to the cell surface. The function of rescued cell surface mutant P-gp is similar to that of wild-type protein. These data demonstrate that the Asp-164 and Asp-805 residues are not important for ATP binding, as proposed earlier, but are critical for proper folding and maturation of a functional transporter.
Reliability and Validity of Composite Scores from the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery in Adults

This study describes psychometric properties of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) Composite Scores in an adult sample. The NIHTB-CB was designed for use in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials for ages 3 to 85. A total of 268 self-described healthy adults were recruited at four university-based sites, using stratified sampling guidelines to target demographic variability for age (20-85 years), gender, education, and ethnicity. The NIHTB-CB contains seven computer-based instruments assessing five cognitive sub-domains: Language, Executive Function, Episodic Memory, Processing Speed, and Working Memory. Participants completed the NIHTB-CB, corresponding gold standard validation measures selected to tap the same cognitive abilities, and sociodemographic questionnaires. Three Composite Scores were derived for both the NIHTB-CB and gold standard batteries: "Crystallized Cognition Composite," "Fluid Cognition Composite," and "Total Cognition Composite" scores. NIHTB Composite Scores showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas=0.84 Crystallized, 0.83 Fluid, 0.77 Total), excellent test-retest reliability (r: 0.86-0.92), strong convergent (r: 0.78-0.90) and discriminant (r: 0.19-0.39) validities versus gold standard composites, and expected age effects (r=0.18 crystallized, r=-0.68 fluid, r=-0.26 total). Significant relationships with self-reported prior school difficulties and current health status, employment, and presence of a disability provided evidence of external validity. The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Scores have excellent reliability and validity, suggesting they can be used effectively in epidemiologic and clinical studies.
MEMS actuators and micropositioners for integrated micro-optics

Silicon micromachining technology has opened up many new possibilities in implementing optical and optoelectronic systems in micro scale. It offers unparalleled capabilities in extending the functionality of optical devices and the miniaturization of optical systems. Movable structures, microactuators, micropositioners and micro-optical elements can be monolithically integrated on the same substrate-using batch processing technologies. In this paper, we report the recent progresses in developing of MEMS actuators and micropositioners based on silicon surface micromachining technology. In particular, free-space fiber optic switches and micro-XYZ stages will be discussed. A 2 X 2 free- space fiber optic switch consist of an out-of-plane micromirror driven by integrated scratch device actuators (SDA), and a build-in balancing spring. A fall time and a rise time of 15 ms and 6 ms have been achieved, respectively. In addition, a self-assembled micro-XYZ stage, hybrid-integrated with a 300 micrometers micro-ball lens has been demonstrated for active alignment in the free-space Si micro-optical bench. We have achieved up to 100 micrometers in all three independent axes for the micro ball lens with integrated SDAs that have a step resolution of 27 nm. This novel device can be used for dynamic tracking and alignment between fiber/fiber and fiber/laser free-space optical interconnects, with increased efficiency and vibration stability.
On redefining the optimal least squares filter under floating point operations

A novel solution on approximation to the least squares filter problem under floating point arithmetic is presented for a linear stochastic model.
The role of other orientation in organizational citizenship behavior

This article draws on social exchange theory and the theory of other orientation to examine how job satisfaction and individual differences are related to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Previous research specifying a direct effect for individual differences on OCB has yielded disappointing results. In contrast, this study examines the moderating role of individual differences in the relationship between job satisfaction and OCB. As hypothesized, results show a weaker relationship between job satisfaction and OCB for persons who are higher in other orientation. We discuss the theoretical implications of this finding and directions for future research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tapered rib adiabatic following fiber couplers in etched GaAs materials for monolithic spot-size transformation

Design details and demonstration data are presented for an (Al,Ga)As monolithic tapered rib waveguide achieving modal spot-size transformation. The tapered rib adiabatic following fiber coupler structure (TRAFFIC) achieves two-dimensional (2-D) expansion of the output optical mode of single-transverse-mode semiconductor waveguide modulators and lasers using a one-dimensional (1-D) taper between noncritical initial and final taper widths which are compatible with optical lithographic techniques. Measurements are presented of total mode expansion losses between /spl sim/1.5-2.0 dB and semiconductor to single-mode-fiber waveguide coupling losses of /spl sim/0.5-1.0 dB for doped pin optical-modulator-type waveguides using the TRAFFIC waveguide. A semiconductor laser with a TRAFFIC tapered-rib mode-expansion section and measured coupling loss between the laser output and single-mode fiber of only 0.9 dB is described. Finally, a TRAFFIC Spot-size transformer for undoped waveguide modulators with total mode expansion losses of 1.84 dB and excellent modal behavior at 1.32-/spl mu/m wavelength is presented. The TRAFFiC structure is particularly well suited for integration with both active and passive etched rib waveguide devices. Fabrication is relatively simple, requiring only patterning and etching of the tapered waveguide and uniform-width outer mesa waveguide without any epitaxial regrowth.
Cleavage of von Willebrand factor by ADAMTS-13 on endothelial cells

When histamine-stimulated endothelial cells are perfused with platelets in buffer, the platelets form long beads-on-a-string structures on the surface of the cells. The strands connecting the platelets are composed of ultralarge multimers of von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) and can be rapidly cleaved when perfused with normal plasma or purified ADAMTS-13 metalloprotease, but not with plasma from patients with either congenital or acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). These ULVWF strings anchor to the surface of the endothelial cell at least partly through P-selectin, as their formation is prevented by either soluble P-selectin or P-selectin antibodies. They are also able to support the attachment of beads coated with ADAMTS-13. The metalloprotease binds to both the A1 and A3 domains of VWF, the latter with higher affinity. This attachment docks the enzyme close to its substrate site within the A2 domain. We propose that attachment of newly released ULVWF to the endothelial cell surface facilitates its cleavage by ADAMTS-13 by allowing tensile force to be applied to the A2 domain, thereby exposing the ADAMTS-13 cleavage site.
Endovascular management of atherosclerotic renovascular disease: early results following primary intervention.

Objective This retrospective review examines periprocedural morbidity and early functional responses to primary renal artery angioplasty and stenting (RA-PTAS) for patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease (RVD). Methods Consecutive patients undergoing primary RA-PTAS for hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic RVD with hypertension and/or ischemic nephropathy were identified from a prospectively maintained registry. Hypertension responses were determined based on pre- and post-intervention blood pressure measurements and medication requirements. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used to determine renal function responses. Both hypertension and renal function responses were assessed at least three weeks after RA-PTAS. Stepwise multivariable regression analysis was used to examine associations between blood pressure and renal function responses to RA-PTAS and select clinical variables. Results One-hundred ten primary RA-PTAS were performed on 99 patients with atherosclerotic RVD with a mean angiographic diameter-reducing stenosis of 79.2 ± 12.9%. All patients had hypertension (mean of 3.4 ± 1.3 antihypertensive agents). Mean pre-intervention eGFR was 49.9 ± 22.7 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , and 74 patients had a pre-intervention eGFR 2 . The technical success rate for RA-PTAS was 94.5%. The periprocedural complication rate was 5.5%; there were no periprocedural deaths. Statistically significant decreases in mean systolic blood pressure (161.3 ± 25.2 vs. 148.5 ± 25.2 post-intervention, P P P = .009) were observed. Assessed categorically, hypertension response to RA-PTAS was cured in 1.1%, improved in 20.5%, and unchanged in 78.4%. Categorical eGFR response to RA-PTAS was improved in 27.7%, unchanged in 65.1%, and worsened in 7.2%. Multivariable stepwise regression revealed associations between pre- and post-intervention systolic blood pressure ( P P P P = .0589). Conclusion Primary RA-PTAS for atherosclerotic RVD was associated with low peri-procedural morbidity and mortality but only modest early improvements in blood pressure and renal function. Results from ongoing prospective trials are needed to assess the long term outcomes associated with RA-PTAS and clarify its role in the management of atherosclerotic RVD.
Relation of early pleural effusion after pediatric open heart surgery to cardiopulmonary bypass time and systemic inflammation as measured by serum interleukin-6

myocardial necrosis. Circulation 1982;66:342–354. 14. Wincker P, Britto C, Borges Pereira JB, Cardoso MA, Oelemann W, Morel CM. Use of amplified polymerase chain reaction procedure to detect Trypanosoma cruzi in blood samples from chonic chagasic patients in a rural endemic area. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1994;15:771–774. 15. Britto C, Cardoso MA, Monteiro Vanni CM, Hasslocher-Moreno A, Xavier SS, Oelemann W, Santoro A, Pirmez C, Morel CM, Wincker P. Polymerase chain reaction detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in human blood samples as a tool for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. Parasitology 1995;110:241–247. 16. Salomone OA, Juri D, Omelianuk MO, Sembaj A, Aguerri AM, Carriazo C, Moreno Barral J, Madoery RJ. Prevalence of circulating Trypanosoma cruzi detected by Polimerase Chain Reaction in patients with Chagas’ cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 2000;85:1274–1276. 17. Andrade ZA, Andrade SG, Correa R, Sadigursky M, Ferrans VJ. Myocardial changes in acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection: ultraestructural evidence of immune damage and the role of microangiopathy. Am J Pathol 1994;144:1403– 1411. 18. Guarda E, Katwa LC, Myers PR, Tyagi SC, Weber KT. Effects of endothelins on collagen turnover in cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiovasc Res 1993;27:2130–2134. 19. Hocher B, George I, Rebstock J, Bauch A, Schwarz A, Neumayer HH, Bauer C. Endothelin system-dependent cardiac remodeling in renovascular hypertension. Hypertension 1999;33:816–822. 20. Dashwood MR, Thomas PK. Neurovascular (125I)-ET-1 binding sites on human peripheral nerve. Endothelium 1997;5:119–123.
Variations in EEG discharges predict ADHD severity within individual Smith-Lemli-Opitz patients

Objective: We sought to examine the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) as well as the relationship between interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and within-subject variations in attentional symptom severity. Methods: In the context of a clinical trial for SLOS, we performed cross-sectional and repeated-measure observational studies of the relationship between EEG findings and cognitive/behavioral factors on 23 children (aged 4–17 years). EEGs were reviewed for clinical abnormalities, including IEDs, by readers blinded to participants9 behavioral symptoms. Between-group differences in baseline characteristics of participants with and without IEDs were analyzed. Within-subject analyses examined the association between the presence of IEDs and changes in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Results: Of 85 EEGs, 43 (51%) were abnormal, predominantly because of IEDs. Only one subject had documented clinical seizures. IEDs clustered in 13 subjects (57%), whereas 9 subjects (39%) had EEGs consistently free of IEDs. While there were no significant group differences in sex, age, intellectual disability, language level, or baseline ADHD symptoms, autistic symptoms tended to be more prevalent in the “IED” group (according to Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2 criteria). Within individuals, the presence of IEDs on a particular EEG predicted, on average, a 27% increase in ADHD symptom severity. Conclusions: Epileptiform discharges are common in SLOS, despite a relatively low prevalence of epilepsy. Fluctuations in the presence of epileptiform discharges within individual children with a developmental disability syndrome may be associated with fluctuations in ADHD symptomatology, even in the absence of clinical seizures.
Genetic requirements for Staphylococcus aureus abscess formation and persistence in host tissues

Staphylococcus aureus infections are associated with abscess formation and bacterial persistence; however, the genes that enable this lifestyle are not known. We show here that following intravenous infection of mice, S. aureus disseminates rapidly into organ tissues and elicits abscess lesions that develop over weeks but cannot be cleared by the host. Staphylococci grow as communities at the center of abscess lesions and are enclosed by pseudocapsules, separating the pathogen from immune cells. By testing insertional variants in genes for cell wall-anchored surface proteins, we are able to infer the stage at which these molecules function. Fibrinogen-binding proteins ClfA and ClfB are required during the early phase of staphylococcal dissemination. The heme scavenging factors IsdA and IsdB, as well as SdrD and protein A, are necessary for abscess formation. Envelope-associated proteins, Emp and Eap, are either required for abscess formation or contribute to persistence. Fluorescence microscopy revealed Eap deposition within the pseudocapsule, whereas Emp was localized within staphylococcal abscess communities. Antibodies directed against envelope-associated proteins generated vaccine protection against staphylococcal abscess formation. Thus, staphylococci employ envelope proteins at discrete stages of a developmental program that enables abscess formation and bacterial persistence in host tissues.
Needs assessment of palliative care education in gynecologic oncology fellowship: we're not teaching what we think is most important.

Abstract Objectives We sought to characterize gynecologic oncology fellowship directors' perspectives on (1) inclusion of palliative care (PC) topics in current fellowship curricula, (2) relative importance of PC topics and (3) interest in new PC curricular materials. Methods An electronic survey was distributed to fellowship directors, assessing current teaching of 16 PC topics meeting ABOG/ASCO objectives, relative importance of PC topics and interest in new PC curricular materials. Descriptive and correlative statistics were used. Results Response rate was 63% (29/46). 100% of programs had coverage of some PC topic in didactics in the past year and 48% (14/29) have either a required or elective PC rotation. Only 14% (4/29) have a written PC curriculum. Rates of explicit teaching of PC topics ranged from 36% (fatigue) to 93% (nausea). Four of the top five most important PC topics for fellowship education were communication topics. There was no correlation between topics most frequently taught and those considered most important ( r s =0.11, p =0.69). All fellowship directors would consider using new PC curricular materials. Educational modalities of greatest interest include example teaching cases and PowerPoint slides. Conclusions Gynecologic oncology fellowship directors prioritize communication topics as the most important PC topics for fellows to learn. There is no correlation between which PC topics are currently being taught and which are considered most important. Interest in new PC curricular materials is high, representing an opportunity for curricular development and dissemination. Future efforts should address identification of optimal methods for teaching communication to gynecologic oncology fellows.
Software productivity measurement

Productivity is a crucial concern for most organizations. This is especially true for software development organizations. Although the term productivity is widely used, the difficulty of defining it leads to serious problems in productivity measurement. This paper will attempt to survey some current productivity measures for software development organizations and discuss their deficiencies. A theoretical productivity model that overcomes these deficiencies will also be presented. A practical productivity measure that exceeds current measures by including a quality component will also be described. Although this measure is only a small improvement over contemporary measures, it is a promising step in the direction of better productivity measurement.
Changes In Mental Health Financing Since 1971: Implications For Policymakers And Patients

The aggregate share that total mental health spending claims of national income has been stable over the past thirty-five years. This stability is a consequence of immense change—new organizational...
Subdural and epidural empyemas: MR imaging

The MR images of six patients with extraaxial empyemas (five subdural and four epidural) were reviewed and compared with CT scans. MR demonstrated convexity and interhemispheric collections, which were mildly hyperintense relative to CSF and hypointense relative to white matter on short TR pulse sequences and hyperintense relative to CSF and white matter on long TR pulse sequences, allowing distinction from sterile effusions and most chronic hematomas. A hypointense rim, representing displaced dura, was depicted at the interface between the lesion and brain in epidural empyemas, a feature absent in subdural empyemas. Inflammation-induced parenchymal abnormalities, including edema, mass effect, and reversible cortical hyperintensity, were well depicted on MR imaging. MR was superior to CT in demonstrating the presence, nature, and extent of these lesions in all cases. Because early and accurate diagnosis will significantly improve the prognosis of these serious infections, MR is preferred to CT for patients in whom an acute intracranial infection is suspected.