cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tolerance to heart and kidney grafts induced by nondepleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (RIB 5/2) versus depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (OX-38) with donor antigen administration☆☆☆

Abstract Background . The monoclonal antirat CD4 antibody RIB 5/2 has been shown to modulate the CD4 glycoprotein without eliminating the affected T cells. We have shown that the administration of multiple doses of RIB 5/2 during the peritransplantation period prevents the rejection of rat kidney allografts. Methods . We compared the efficacy of a single intraperitoneal dose of 20 mg/kg RIB 5/2 plus donor antigen (25 × 10 6 spleen cells [SCs]) given by either an intrathymic or an intravenous route with the depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) OX-38 plus antigen 21 days before a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched Lewis (RT1 1 ) to Buffalo (RT1 b ) rat cardiac or renal allograft. By delaying the transplantation for 21 days, recovery from the nonspecific effects of the antibody treatment allowed the demonstration of donor antigen-specific tolerance. Results . OX-38 mAb given with intrathymic SCs induced tolerance to heart but not kidney grafts, whereas OX-38 given with intravenous SCs failed to prolong survival of either heart or renal allografts. In contrast, RIB 5/2 mAb administration, when combined with alloantigen given by either intravenous or intrathymic routes, induced tolerance to heart allografts, whereas only alloantigen given by the intravenous route with RIB 5/2 resulted in tolerance to renal grafts. Conclusions . Concomitant administration of intravenous donor alloantigen and the modulation of CD4 + recipient cells by nondepleting RIB 5/2, rather than elimination of these CD4 + cells with depleting mAb OX-38, is a more potent method for the induction of allograft tolerance.
Validation of an NSP-based (negative selection pattern) gene family identification strategy.

Background: Gene family identification from ESTs can be a valuable resource for analysis of genome evolution but presents unique challenges in organisms for which the entire genome is not yet sequenced. We have developed a novel gene family identification method based on negative selection patterns (NSP) between family members to screen EST-generated contigs. This strategy was tested on five known gene families in Arabidopsis to see if individual paralogs could be identified with accuracy from EST data alone when compared to the actual gene sequences in this fully sequenced genome. Results: The NSP method uniquely identified family members in all the gene families tested. Two members of the FtsH gene family, three members each of the PAL, RF1, and ribosomal L6 gene families, and four members of the CAD gene family were correctly identified. Additionally all ESTs from the representative contigs when checked against MapViewer data successfully identify the gene locus predicted. Conclusion: We demonstrate the effectiveness of the NSP strategy in identifying specific gene family members in Arabidopsis using only EST data and we describe how this strategy can be used to identify many gene families in agronomically important crop species where they are as yet undiscovered.
Distribution and correlates of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in children: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Objective. Serum non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol) is considered a better screening tool than low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in adults because it includes all classes of atherogenic lipoproteins. Although population frequency distribution and clinically useful cutpoints for this variable in adults have been reported recently, such information is lacking in children. Therefore, this study sought to provide population-based data on the distribution and correlates of non-HDL cholesterol in biracial (black–white) children. Methods. The study sample consisted of 2843 5- to 17-year-olds (57% white, 50% female) who participated in a cross-sectional screening of cardiovascular risk factors as part of the Bogalusa Heart Study. Results. Non-HDL cholesterol levels were similar in black and white children, and higher in girls than in boys, especially among the younger (5–11 years) age group. Age was inversely related to both non-HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Body fatness as measured by body mass index and waist circumference was positively associated with non-HDL cholesterol. The magnitude of correlation with triglycerides was relatively higher for non-HDL cholesterol versus LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol showed an inverse relation to HDL cholesterol. In a multivariate analysis, body mass index, age, gender, waist circumference, and cigarette smoking accounted for 7.7% of the variance in non-HDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol levels equivalent to currently recommended LDL cutpoints (110, 130, 160, and 190 mg/dL) for CAD risk assessment were 123, 144, 176, and 207 mg/dL. Conclusion. Population-based data on non-HDL cholesterol are now available for children, which may help improve the CAD risk assessment and intervention.
Facilitating client change: principles based upon the experience of eminent psychotherapists.

Abstract Eminent therapists across psychotherapy meta-orientations were asked to describe the processes by which they facilitate change in psychotherapy. A grounded theory analysis of these interviews was conducted. Safety within the psychotherapeutic relationship was identified as a central element in creating client change to the extent that in-session risk taking was important in that orientation. As well, common processes across orientation in structuring new awareness emerged as a core finding. Patterns were identified in how therapists balanced negotiating the client–therapist relationship while fostering new awareness. Principles based on therapists' common intentions are put forward to guide future research and psychotherapy integration efforts.
Development and testing of a silicone in vitro model of descending aortic dissection

Abstract Background Stanford type B dissection of the descending aorta is a potentially fatal condition that is poorly understood. Limited scientific understanding of the role of current interventional techniques, as well as heterogeneity in the condition, contributes to lack of consensus as to the most effective treatment strategy. This study introduces an anatomically accurate model for investigating aortic dissection in a laboratory setting. Materials and methods A silicone model was fabricated and filled with fluid to mimic human blood. Flow was established, and the model was scanned using a four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging protocol. On analysis, luminal flow rates were quantified by multiplying local velocity by included area. Results The upstream total flow was compared with the sum of the flow in the true and false lumens. The two values were within the margin of error. Furthermore, flow rates matched with the relative areas of each compartment. Conclusions These results validate our model as a novel and unique system that mimics a type B aortic dissection and will allow for more sophisticated analysis of dissection physiology in future studies.
Joint TOA-based sensor synchronization and localization using semidefinite programming

In this paper, asynchronous sensor localization using time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements is studied. Accurate TOA-based localization requires perfect timing synchronization between the source and anchor nodes. In asynchronous networks, the anchor nodes are assumed to be synchronized, while the clock of the source node needs be synchronized with those of the anchor nodes. Although synchronization and localization are typically performed separately, in this work a joint synchronization and localization framework is considered, as it is expected to provide significant improvement over two-step approaches. The clock parameters (clock offset and skew) of the source node are estimated jointly with its location. The corresponding Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) and the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator of the system model are derived. The ML estimator is highly nonlinear and nonconvex which must be solved with computationally complex algorithms. Alternatively, a novel semidefinite programming (SDP) estimator is introduced by relaxing the original ML minimization problem into a convex problem. Computer simulations show that the proposed SDP estimator outperforms other previously proposed estimators.
Prospective validation of clinically important changes in pain severity measured on a visual analog scale.

Abstract Background: In a landmark hypothesis-generating study, Todd et al found that a difference of approximately 13 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 10 to 17 mm) on a visual analog scale (VAS) represented the minimum change in acute pain that was clinically significant in a cohort of trauma patients. Study Objective: We test the hypothesis that the minimum clinically significant change in pain as measured by the VAS in an independent, more heterogeneous validation cohort is approximately 13 mm. Methods: This was a prospective, observational cohort study of adults presenting to 2 urban emergency departments with pain. At 30-minute intervals during a 2-hour period, patients marked a VAS and were asked if their pain was "much less," "a little less," "about the same," "a little more," or "much more." All data were obtained without reference to prior VAS scores. The minimum clinically significant change in pain was defined a priori as the difference in millimeters between the current and immediately preceding VAS scores when "a little more" or "a little less pain" was reported. Results: Ninety-six patients enrolled in the study, providing 332 paired pain measurements. There were 141 paired measurements designated by patients as "a little less" or "a little more" pain. The mean clinically significant difference between consecutive ratings of pain in the combined "little less" or "little more" groups was 13 mm (95% CI 10 to 16 mm). The difference between this finding and that of Todd et al was 0 mm (95% CI –4 to 4 mm). Conclusion: These data are virtually identical to previous findings indicating that a difference of 13 mm on a VAS represents, on average, the minimum change in acute pain that is clinically significant. [Gallagher EJ, Liebman M, Bijur PE. Prospective validation of clinically important changes in pain severity measured on a visual analog scale. Ann Emerg Med. December 2001;38:633-638.]
The influence of personal and environmental factors on professionalism in medical education

Professionalism is a critical quality for physicians to possess. Physician professionalism has received increased attention in recent years, with many authorities suggesting that professionalism is in decline. An understanding of the factors contributing to professionalism may allow the development of more effective approaches to promoting this quality in medical education. We propose a model of personal and environmental factors that contribute to physician professionalism. Personal factors include distress/well-being, individual characteristics, and interpersonal qualities. Environmental factors include institutional culture, formal and informal curricula, and practice characteristics. Promotion of professionalism requires efforts directed at each of these elements. One responsibility of medical education is to foster the development of professionalism among its learners. Both personal and environmental factors play a role in physician professionalism. Accordingly, institutions should consider these factors as efforts to promote physician professionalism evolve.
Detection of type 2-like T-helper cells in hepatitis C virus infection: Implications for hepatitis C virus chronicity

One striking clinical feature of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is that more than 50% of patients with acute hepatitis C will develop chronic infection. To investigate its possible mechanisms, we examined the activation of type 2-like T-helper (Th2-like) cells relating to the development of chronicity. Peripheral blood CD4+ T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion in response to a panel of recombinant HCV antigens including core (C22), envelope 1 (E1), E2, nonstructural (NS) protein 4 (C100), fusion protein of NS3 and NS4 (C200), and NS5 were assayed in 17 patients with acute hepatitis C. All six patients with self-limited disease had a significant CD4+ T-cell proliferation to C22, E1, C100, C200, and NS5, running parallel with the antigen-stimulated secretion of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), but not with interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, indicating predominant Th1 responses. Among the remaining 11 patients who developed chronicity, 6, 2, and 9 cases showed a specific CD4+ T-cell response to C22, C100, and C200, respectively, and the responses were significantly lower than those of cases with recovery in terms of stimulation index (SI) (P < .05) and of antigen-stimulated IL-2 and IFN-gamma production. Importantly, IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 responses) were detectable, and C22-specific Th2-like T-cell clones could be generated from patients with chronicity. The data suggested that activation of Th2 responses in acute hepatitis C patients may play a role in the development of chronicity.
A 12-lead patient cable for electrocardiographic exercise testing

Abstract A simple electrocardiographic cable for use with exercise testing has been developed which has proved to have many advantages over commercially available cables used with standard single-channel recorders. It can be adapted easily for multiple channel equipment.
A medium-voltage DC (MVDC) with series active injection for shipboard power system applications

Modern electric ships utilize a medium-voltage zonal dc distribution system to meet the ever increasing power demand while keeping the power density as low as possible. Power electronics building blocks (PEBBs) composed of different DC/AC and DC/DC converters are used to convert the main DC bus voltage to appropriate dc and ac voltage levels suited for the loads in such a system. Due to the fact that most of these power electronic converters present a constant power load (CPL) with negative incremental impedance at the input terminal, the interaction of these converters under different system configurations with the main AC-DC rectifier of the MVDC system might induce voltage oscillations on the main DC-bus. In this paper, a novel method of series active injection on the dc-side is proposed to smooth out disturbances on the main DC-bus. This has resulted in much smoother DC-bus voltage enabling the system to use less amount of passive storage elements on dc-side which is very beneficial to ship's limited onboard space. The simulation results presented verify the operation and functionality of the proposed system.
Inactivation of S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase by 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine

Summary S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase from human red blood cells is inactivated by the naturally occurring metabolite, 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine. Utilizing an 1896-fold purified enzyme preparation, the kinetics of inactivation by 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine were examined and a KI value of 36 μM determined. Neither 5-methylthioribose nor adenine, degradation products of 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine, inactivated the hydrolase, while both S-adenosylhomocysteine and adenosine protected the enzyme from inactivation by 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine. The inactivation of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase by 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine may explain the cell growth inhibitory properties of this nucleoside.
A NEW MEASURE OF COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY

This paper contains a description of a scale to measure cognitive flexibility. In Study 1, 247 participants completed the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, the Communication Flexibility Scale, and the R...
Philosophy, Education and the Corruption of Youth—From Socrates to Islamic Extremists

Abstract Following Aristotle’s description of youth and brief discussion about indoctrination and parrhesia, the article historicizes Socrates’ trial as the intersection of philosophy, education and a teacher’s influence on youth. It explores the historic-political context and how contemporary Athenians might have viewed Socrates and his student’s actions, whereby his teachings were implicated in three coups led by his former students against Athenian democracy, for or which he accepted little or no responsibility. Socrates appears subversively anti-democratic. This provides grounds that challenge the dominant and standard philosophical account of Socrates as one of the great teachers, perhaps the greatest in the Western tradition, and critiques the way philosophy so often presents a de-contextualized and ahistorical picture. Concerns about the influence of education, teachers and indoctrination on youth have existed since ancient times. Currently, many states, especially, but not only, democracies, are c...
Wisdom through adversity: learning and growing in the wake of an error.

Abstract Objective Medical errors are a nearly universal experience for physicians. An error that harms a patient is one of the most difficult experiences that physicians face. Difficult experiences can result in growth. This study investigates how physicians coped positively with having made a serious mistake. This paper describes common elements identified in how physicians coped positively with these difficult circumstances, and the positive ways in which they learned and changed. Methods Physicians were recruited nationally through advertisement and word of mouth. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 61 physicians who had made a serious medical error. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach and constant comparative analysis methodology. Results Our analysis identified five major elements in the process of coping positively with the experience of a serious medical error. These elements included acceptance, stepping in, integration, new narrative and wisdom. Subthemes further detail the content within each element. Conclusion This study provides evidence that the experience of coping with a serious mistake can be formative in a positive way for physicians and provides a “roadmap” for growth through this experience. Practice implications The profession must now seek ways to foster the development of wisdom out of these difficult experiences.
Simple means of augmenting stereoscopic vision

A device is described that increased three-dimensional perception markedly. It is very simple in that the use of two hands is all that is required.
Effects of testing configurations and cell geometries on the performance of a SOFC: A modeling approach

Abstract A two-dimensional electrochemical model including mass and charge transfer has been developed to illustrate the effects of testing configurations and cell geometries on SOFC’s performance. The model is favorably validated by the well agreeable experimental results. It is shown that the separation of anode and cathode overpotential by three-electrode method is essentially impractical for anode-supported SOFCs. It is also found that testing configuration has little effect on cell performance due to the high electrical conductivity in anode. Furthermore, because the effective resistance of electrolyte is lower for asymmetric cells than for symmetric cells, cell performance of a symmetric cell is smaller than that of an asymmetric cell. Discrepancy in cell performance is shown to increase with increasing the thickness of electrolyte or decreasing the cathode radii.
Building Connections Between Terminals with Location Uncertainty Using DNA Nanotubes

While DNA nanostructures designed with 2- and 3-dimensional nanoscale attributes can now be routinely synthesized, we cannot yet assemble structures whose dimensions depend on the particularities of its environment. For example, an important assembly problem of this type is the construction of a wire or tether that connects two terminals when the location of (or distance between) the terminals is unknown or uncertain. Fabricating such assembly by top down methods is challenging as it is not a parallel process and nanometer scale positioning accuracy is required. We propose to develop a bottom-up method for interconnect assembly where chemical tags located at terminals guide interconnect self-assembly.DNA nanotubes, which are 20 nm in diameter and self-assembled from small DNA tiles, are used as connection filaments. We design and construct DNA origami seeds that serve as nanotube nucleation templates to control DNA nanotube assembly. The idea is that by placing DNA origami seeds at the two terminals, two DNA nanotubes would nucleate from the respective seeds, grow longer (by addition of DNA tiles to their growing ends), diffuse until the two growing ends find each other and join to form a continuous single DNA nanotube.We successfully demonstrate that when these seeds are randomly deposited and affixed to passivized glass surfaces, DNA nanotubes grown from these points join together to create point-to-point interconnects with lengths varying from 100 nm up to 10 microns. This autonomous assembly process could potentially be used to connect nanodevices that are either randomly arrayed on a surface or are positioned using low-resolution lithography, and techniques to functionalize DNA could conceivably allow us to construct optical or electronic links between these devices using the DNA nanotube filaments as a scaffold.
Development and aging of n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor expression in the prefrontal/frontal cortex of mice

The present study was designed to determine whether the changes that occur during aging in the expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and two NMDA receptor subunits, zeta1 and epsilon2, are a continuation of developmental processes and whether protein and mRNA expression patterns of the subunits are similar across the lifespan. The prefrontal/frontal cortex of C57BL/6 mice of eight different ages (7-8, 13-15, 30-32, 49-53, and 70-72 days and 4.5, 11, and 25 months of age) were used to examine NMDA-displaceable [(3)H]glutamate binding and mRNA in tissue sections and mRNA and protein from homogenates. The lateral prefrontal/frontal cortex of C57BL/6 mice showed more significant declines in density of agonist binding to NMDA receptors during both development and aging than the medial cortex. Changes in mRNA expression for the epsilon2 subunit across the lifespan appeared to be related to the changes in NMDA receptor binding in the lateral cortex, even though the protein expression of the epsilon2 subunit did not show the same pattern of expression as the mRNA during development. The changes in epsilon2 subunit mRNA expression during adult aging may be a continuation of developmental processes, but there was also evidence that expression levels plateaued during early adulthood. The developmental expression of the zeta1subunit in the prefrontal/frontal cortex was influenced by gender and there was no significant effect of adult aging on either the protein or mRNA expression of this subunit. Determining how the expression of the NMDA receptor and its subunits change throughout the lifespan can help us to better understand the processes affecting the receptor during aging. These results should be useful for designing interventions into the aging process to repair or prevent changes in the NMDA receptor and its associated functions, such as learning and memory.
Primary thrombocytosis in children

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are uncommon disorders in children, for which we have limited understanding of the pathogenesis and optimal management. JAK2 and MPL mutations, while common drivers of myeloproliferative neoplasms in adult patients, are not clearly linked to pediatric disease. Management and clinical outcomes in adults have been well delineated with defined recommendations for risk stratification and treatment. This is not the case for pediatric patients, for whom there is neither a standard approach to workup nor any consensus regarding management. This review will discuss thrombocytosis in children, including causes of thrombocytosis in children, the limited knowledge we have regarding pediatric primary thrombocytosis, and our thoughts on potential risk stratification and management, and future questions to be answered by laboratory research and collaborative clinical study.
Direct scattering probability for channeled ions near dislocations

Abstract A simple analytical model is offered to estimate the probability of direct scattering from crystal atoms in regions close to a dislocation. The model is based on previous analytical and computer calculations for dechanneling due to dislocations. The results predict that the direct scattering probability (i.e. number of scattering centers) should be proportional to the energy of the channeled ions. Experimental verification of this prediction is discussed as well as the consequences for channeling experiments with heteroepitaxial thin films.
Evidence-Based Practice with Families of Chronically Ill Children: A Critical Literature Review

A chronically ill child is financially, emotionally, and physically demanding on the family system. Although researchers have identified a plethora of risks, stressors, and needs of the families with a chronically ill child, there is a scarceness of evidence-based interventions in the existing literature. The purpose of the authors in this study was to critically analyze current treatment and identify the gaps in the available research. Findings revealed that there is a lack of support for empirically tested interventions that can help parents, siblings, and families of chronically ill children. The issues raised within this literature review bring attention to the need for shifts in research from exploratory to evidence based in order to successfully achieve more effective care.
Oxygen consumption, thermal conductance, and torpor in the California pocket mouse Perognathus californicus†

Non-torpid P. californicus have body temperatures which increase slightly as ambient temperature increases from 5° to 35°C. Their minimum oxygen consumption fits Newton's law of cooling, since minimum thermal conductance below thermal neutrality is virtually constant at 0.19 ml O2 (gm hr °C)−1. There is a thermal neutral point at 32.5° rather than a thermal neutral zone. Oxygen consumption at the thermal neutral point is 0.97 ml O2 (gm hr)−1. Maximum thermal conductance, measured at 35°, is 0.37 ml O2 (gm hr °C)−1. Evaporative water loss accounts for 5 and 15% of the value of minimum and maximum thermal conductance, respectively. Minimum oxygen consumption of mice in torpor is continuously dependent on body temperature from thermal neutrality to deep torpor. Q10 values are between 1.6 and 3.2. The thermal conductance of torpid mice at ambient temperature below 30° is 0.19 ml O2 (gm hr °C)−1 which is identical to the minimum thermal conductance of non-torpid mice. Torpid mice at an ambient temperature of 30° have thermal conductance values between 0.23 and 0.40 ml O2 (gm hr °C)−1 depending on their posture. Maximum oxygen consumption is linearly related to body temperature. At a normal body temperature of 38°, it is 11.6 ml O2 (gm hr)−1 which is no greater than that of similar sized mammals which do not enter torpor. Although P. californicus consistently enters into and arouses from torpor at ambient temperatures of 15° to 30°, the torpor cycle is severely disturbed at temperatures between 10° and 12°. At these temperatures mice show irregular temporal patterns of torpor, do not enter torpor completely, and cannot arouse from torpor if body temperature falls below 15°. Observations on the behavior of torpid and non-torpid P. californicus at various ambient temperatures are included in this report.
On the unique determination of the cyclotomic numbers for galois fields and galois domains

Abstract Let p be a prime, pα=ef+1 and suppose that x is a generator of GF(pα). Then the cyclotomic number (i, j) is defined to be the number of ordered pairs s, t such that xes+i+x0=xet+j for 0≤s, t≤f−1. We show that, for e=3, 4, and 6, the cyclotomic numbers are well determined by a unique representation of pα in terms of a particular binary quadratic form s2+Dt2, and, for e=8, by two such forms. This will imply that the cyclotomic numbers for GD(pα qβ) in the corresponding cases are well determined, since these numbers are functions of the above representations of pα and qβ.
How Children Learn to Organize Their Speech Gestures: Further Evidence From Fricative-Vowel Syllables

Previous studies with fricative-vowel (FV) syllables have shown that the difference in overall spectrum between fricatives is less in children’s speech than in that of adults, but that fricative no...
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEFT VENTRICULAR AND LEFT ATRIAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC DIAMETERS IN NORMAL CHILDREN

Since the entire stroke volume traverses each cardiac chamber in normal subjects, a study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of left atrial (LA) to left ventricular (LV) size. Thus, echocardiograms were performed in the standard fashion in 40 school children (ages 5-6 years) without evidence of heart disease. LV diastolic dimension (LVD) was measured at the onset of the QRS complex of the EKG in a sector of the LV containing the mitral valve echoes. LA dimension (LAD) on echo was obtained at the period of maximal anterior excursion of the arotic root in an ultrasound plane containing the aortic leaflets. All measurements were computed for several cardiac cycles. Results were follows: LVD=3.49 cm (0.406), LAD 2.15 cm (0.35) and LVD/LAD=1.635 (0.029). These results show that there is a narrow range in normal values for LVD and LAD and there is a stable ratio between these two chamber diameters. Alterations in the ratio from the normal range on echogram may suggest pathology, even though the individual chamber diameters are within their own normal values. (Sponsor: Eli Gold)
Multi-parameter model reduction in multi-scale convective systems

Abstract A new Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) based reduced order modeling approach for temperature field calculation in multi-scale convective systems is presented. Using POD modes for the entire domain, the energy equation is solved only at the most important scales via Galerkin projection to have an efficient and accurate enough model for design. Comparing with Computational Fluid Dynamics/Heat Transfer simulation shows that the method can predict the temperature field at the rack scale of a sample air-cooled data center with the average error norm of ∼6% for different sets of design parameters, while it can be up to ∼250 times faster.
Public's Approach to Surrogate Consent for Dementia Research: Cautious Pragmatism

Objectives To describe how members of the older general public deliberate with one another in finding solutions to the dilemma of involving persons with decisional incapacity in dementia research. Design, setting, and participants One hundred sixty persons age 50 years and older who participated in an all-day deliberative democracy session on the ethics of surrogate consent for dementia research. The deliberative democracy day consisted of both extensive, interactive education with experts in clinical research and ethics, as well as small group deliberations. Measurements Audiotaped small group deliberations were transcribed and analyzed and the main thematic elements were coded. Results During deliberation, participants acknowledged the limitations of advanced research directives and discussed ways to improve their use. Although there was consensus about the necessity of surrogate consent, the participants recognized potential pitfalls and looked for ways to safeguard the process. Participants supporting surrogate consent for research emphasized societal and individual benefits, the importance of assent, and trust in surrogates and the oversight system. Other participants felt that the high risk of some research scenarios was not sufficiently offset by benefits to patients or society. Conclusions Members of the older general public are able to make use of in-depth education and peer deliberation to provide reasoned and informed opinions on the ethical use of surrogate consent for dementia research. The public's approach to surrogate consent is one of cautious pragmatism: an overall trust in science and future surrogates with awareness of the potential pitfalls, suggesting that their trust cannot be taken for granted.
Phytoextraction of Selected Metals by the First and Second Growth Seasons OFSpartina Alterniflora

Continued studies on the use of the plant Spartina alterniflora for the removal of selected metals (copper, chromium, iron, lead, and zinc) in soils are presented. Results showed that at a second harvest, at approximately 11 months after a first harvest, there was a definite trend with increased time in the accumulation of the metals both in the roots, e.g., in the control from 3.30 (first harvest) to 9.8 ppm (second harvest), for lead, spiked from 21 (first harvest) to 87 ppm (second harvest) for chromium, and 6969 (first harvest) for 8228 ppm (second harvest) for iron in the real soil of Bayou d'Inde in southwest Louisiana and in the above portion of the plant, e.g., in the control from 2.67 (first harvest) to 5.5 ppm (second harvest), for lead, spiked from 5 (first harvest) to 35 ppm (second harvest) for chromium, 13 (first harvest) for 23 ppm (second harvest) for copper in the real soil of Bayou d'Inde. It was also noted that the amount or concentration of metal in soil (control, spiked, and real soil...
Role of technology in strategic management

Abstract The accelerating pace of technological change has made technology a major strategic factor for many organizations. Some firms respond defensively, seeing technology as a problem, while others through strategic use of technology gain permanent advantage. The engineering function typically contains the bulk of the firm's technological expertise, yet engineers and engineering managers are seldom directly involved in strategic analysis. Strategy typically trickles down to engineering in the form of technological problems demanding solutions. This weak linkage between engineering activities and strategic thinking is far from optimal, and in the current turbulent technological environment it can even endanger the firm's survival. The linkage can be strengthened, but it requires behavioral and managerial changes at the top of the firm and at the engineering level. First, both levels must understand the concepts of strategic management and commit to implementing them. Then the strategic nature of technology must be understood, including the limitations and potential traps of technology-based strategies. Finally, creative opportunities for considering technology strategically must be made available at the engineering level, and both design engineers and engineering managers must be rewarded for their strategic contributions.
Terra firma--a journey from migrant farm labor to neurosurgery.

When he was 19 years old, Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa was an illegal immigrant farm worker. Today, he is a neurosurgeon and researcher. In this essay, he describes his journey from farm labor to neurosurgery. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa discusses his motivation for becoming a physician after immigrating to the United States, as well as U.S. attitudes toward immigrants and their health care needs. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa is an assistant professor of neurosurgery and oncology and director of the brain-tumor stem-cell laboratory at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore.
On the complexity of a family of generalized matching problems

Abstract We consider a family of generalized matching problems called k-feasible matching (k-RM) problems, where k ϵ {1,2,3,…} ∪ {∞}. We show each k-FM problem to be NP-complete even for very restricted cases. We develop a dynamic programming algorithm that solves in polynomial time the k-FM problem for graphs with width bounded by 2k. We also show that for any subset S of {1,2,…} ∪ {∞}, there is a set D of problem instances such that for k in S the k-FM problem is NP-complete on D, while for k not in S the k-FM problem is polynomially solvable on D.
Measuring Skewness with Respect to the Mode

Abstract There are several measures employed to quantify the degree of skewness of a distribution. These have been based on the expectations or medians of the distributions considered. In 1964, van Zwet showed that all the standardized odd central moments of order 3 or higher maintained the convex or c-ordering of distributions that he introduced. This ordering has been widely accepted as appropriate for ordering two distributions in relation to skewness. More recently, measures based on the medians have been shown to honor the convex ordering. The measure of skewness (μ – M) / [sgrave] where μ, [sgrave], and M are, respectively, the expectation, standard deviation, and mode of the distribution was initially proposed by Karl Pearson. It unfortunately does not maintain the convex ordering. Here we introduce a measure based on the mode of a distribution that maintains the c-ordering. For many classes of right-skewed distributions, it is easily computed as a function of the shape parameter of the family and ...
John W. Draper's Position in Science

IN NATURE of Sept. 24 the interesting Calendar of Discovery and Invention states that the first astronomical photographs were made in 1840 by John W. Draper, using daguerreotype plates; also that Draper's last great photographic achievement was a record of the nebula in Orion, made on Sept. 30, 1880, and that attempts at improving on this first effort were cut short by Draper's death. Here, at New York University, where Draper was a member of the faculty during the productive years of his life, we were gratified to see this appreciative note about him. In the interest of accuracy, however, it should be stated that the photographs of the great nebula in Orion were obtained by Draper's son, Henry, who was in his own right the leader of stellar photography in America. The photograph made on Sept. 30, 1880, was given 57 minutes of exposure. In March 1881 a better photograph was made by Henry Draper from an exposure of 104 minutes, and on Mar. 14, 1882 (more than two months after the death of John W. Draper), a remarkably successful exposure of 137 minutes was made, which showed stars of the 14.7 magnitude of Pogson's scale—stars invisible to the eye. Henry Draper also obtained many excellent photographs of the spectrum of the nebula in Orion. Unfortunately, Henry Draper died suddenly on Nov. 20 of the same year at the age of forty-five.
ACE inhibitors and diabetic nephropathy

Nineteen-ninety-three was a banner year for the demonstration of beneficial effects of interventions on outcomes in patients with diabetes and, in particular, with diabetic nephropathy. The Collaborative Study Group studying the effects of treatment with angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on the progression of diabetic nephropathy reported strongly positive results (1), hard on the heels of the publication of the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) (2).
Arthroscopic capsular plication for posterior shoulder instability

Seventeen patients with recurrent posterior shoulder instability underwent posterior capsular plication with or without suture anchors, between 1990 and 1992. Minimum 2-year follow-up was available for 14 patients (average, 33 months; range, 24 to 45 months). The etiology involved trauma in 9 cases, recurrent microtrauma in 4 cases, and no trauma in 1 case. Posterior capsular laxity was present in all 14 cases and was believed to be the primary pathology, although 12 patients showed some form of labral pathology. The patients were interviewed and assessed in six categories: pain, strength, function, stability, range-of-motion, and satisfaction. Twelve patients had excellent results and 2 had fair results. Nine of 10 patients who participate in recreational or competitive athletics reported full return to their preinjury level of function in their respective sports. There was one recurrence of posterior shoulder instability which was remedied with a second arthroscopic posterior capsular reconstruction. All 14 patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery, and no complications were noted. Capsular plication is a promising technique in the treatment of recurrent posterior shoulder instability.
User adaptation and long-run evolution in online communities

This paper focuses on analyzing the interactions emerging between users in online communities. Network utility maximization and other methods are not effective when the communities are composed of intelligent and self-interested users (multimedia social communities, social networks etc.), because the interests of the individual users may be in conflict. In our prior work, we propose to design protocols in a stationary community to provide users incentives to voluntarily operate according to pre-determined social norms and provide services. In this paper, we extend the study to analyze the interactions of self-interested users under a social norm in an online community of finite population, where the stationary property of the community does not hold. To optimize their long-term performance based on their knowledge, users adapt strategies to play their best response by solving individual stochastic control problems. Understanding the evolution of a community provides protocol designers guidelines for designing social norms in which no user will have the incentive to adapt and deviate from the prescribed protocol, which in turn encourages cooperative behavior among users and achieves the optimal social welfare of the community.
Diffusion of Innovations Theory: A Unifying Framework for HIV Peer Education

Peer education programs are a popular approach to preventing HIV infection among adolescents. While the programs show promise for effectively preventing HIV among the peers who are provided education, little evaluation research has been conducted to determine if the peer educators themselves experience knowledge, attitude, and behavior changes. A review of evaluation literature of adolescent peer educator outcomes reveals the importance of the following best practice themes: recruitment and selection, peer educator training, education curriculum development, and a theoretical base for programs. A peer education model that incorporates diffusion of innovations theory and simultaneously addresses these themes is proposed.
Synchronous-flux generator

A new type of generator is described, the output frequency, phase angle, and torque angle of which are independent of the shaft speed. The generator is automatically in synchronism with the system voltage, and the breakers can be opened and closed without any synchronizing equipment.
Surface reactions and bulk diffusion of U overlayers on Pd

Abstract Thin layers of U on polycrystalline Pd and Pd(100) have been prepared by magnetron sputter deposition at room temperature. Mode of growth, annealing-induced surface rearrangement, bulk diffusion, reactivity towards CO and O2, and surface electronic structure have been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV photoelectron spectroscopy. At low coverages the U 5f electrons are localized and the reactivity is suppressed up to the point where CO dissociation becomes and activated process. The U stays on the top surface where it is atomically dispersed. At higher coverages U becomes reactive as shown by the spontaneous UPd interdiffusion and the dissociation of CO. O2 always reacts with the surface oxidizing U to UO2 and annealing always triggers diffusion of U into Pd. Two types of diffusion are observed: one at temperatures below 250 °C which results in UPd surface compound formation and one at temperatures above 300 °C, which is associated with bulk diffusion of U.
Relation of ADRB1, CYP2D6, and UGT1A1 Polymorphisms With Dose of, and Response to, Carvedilol or Metoprolol Therapy in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

The response to β blockers in patients with heart failure could be associated with the genotype of drug-metabolizing enzymes and/or drug targets. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether specific genetic polymorphisms in ADRB1 (encoding the β1-adrenergic receptor), CYP2D6, and UGT1A1 correlated with dose of, or response to, metoprolol or carvedilol treatment in patients with heart failure. A cohort of patients with heart failure (n = 93), characterized as responders or nonresponders to metoprolol (n = 19) or carvedilol (n = 74) therapy, was retrospectively identified. Individual genotyping was performed for a panel of polymorphisms in the ADRB1, CYP2D6, and UGT1A1 genes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the genotype to the metoprolol or carvedilol response status and dose. A nonresponse was identified in 10 of 19 patients taking metoprolol and 32 of 74 patients taking carvedilol. None of the polymorphisms in ADRB1, CYP2D6, and UGT1A1 were associated with a response or nonresponse. However, a significant relation between the carvedilol (but not metoprolol) dose and the ADRB1 and CYP2D6 genotype was observed. Patients homozygous for the ADRB1 389Gly variant or who were CYP2D6 poor metabolizers achieved a significantly higher dose of carvedilol (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). In conclusion, polymorphisms in ADRB1, CYP2D6, and UGT1A1 were not associated with a response to metoprolol or carvedilol therapy in our cohort of patients with heart failure. The ADRB1 and CYP2D6 genotype, alone and in haplotype, were significantly associated with the dose of carvedilol.
Collaborative Strategy Consulting Services Model and Framework for Small and Medium Business in Emerging Market

Strategy consulting services are a high-end knowledge-intensive business. Consulting service providers (CSPs) regard them as vital business because they can lead to additional business and sales opportunities. However, because of dramatic growth in the small and medium business (SMB) market in the emerging market and because of how labor intensive the current consulting services model is, it is becoming increasingly challenging to offer strategy consulting services. This paper proposes a collaborative consulting services model and framework in a service ecosystem consisting of CSPs, local business partners (BPs), and SMBs. This consulting service model is enabled by an Web-based consulting services platform. The integrated platform framework and key technical components are presented in the paper.
Food, sex and predators: animal personality persists with multidimensional plasticity across complex environments

The payoffs of an individual's behaviour vary with changing environmental conditions. Animals often modify their behaviours according to those environmental conditions (i.e. plasticity), but also retain consistent individual differences across environmental change (i.e. personality). These patterns of behavioural variation are often measured with respect to a single environmental variable, which raises the question of how individuals respond to change in combinations of environmental variables, and whether individual differences in behaviour persist across change in multiple variables. Furthermore, an individual's amount of plasticity in response to a change in one environmental variable may or may not be repeatable across change in a second environmental variable. To answer these questions, we experimentally manipulated combinations of mating, foraging and predation risk to determine their effect on the antipredator behaviour of male Belding's ground squirrels, Urocitellus beldingi. We found that the combination of environmental variables had an interactive effect on antipredator behaviour, but among-individual variation persisted along with within-individual variation in behaviour. The plasticity of squirrels' responses to change in one environmental variable, such as change in antipredator behaviour from high to low predation risk, was repeatable when measured in a mating environment and foraging environment, and vice versa. These results demonstrate patterns of behavioural variation across complex environments such as animals encounter in nature, and point towards the benefit of addressing greater environmental complexity in studies of animal behaviour.