cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Timing of Corticosteroid Injections Following Simple Knee Arthroscopy Is Associated With Infection Risk.

Purpose To examine any association between the timing of ipsilateral postoperative corticosteroid injection following simple knee arthroscopy and infection. Methods Private payer (PP) and Medicare (MC) national insurance databases were queried for patients who underwent simple arthroscopic knee procedures. Patients undergoing concomitant open or more complex procedures with grafts were excluded. Patients who underwent ipsilateral corticosteroid injections within 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively were then identified. Postoperative infection within 90 days after the injection was assessed using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology coding and compared using a multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 5,533 patients were identified, including 725 that received an injection within 2 weeks; 1,236 patients within 4 weeks; 1,716 patients within 6 weeks; and 1,856 patients that received an injection within 8 weeks postoperatively. In both the PP and MC datasets, the rate of infection was significantly higher in the 2-week group compared with the 6- (PP: odds ratio [OR] 3.81, P = .012; MC: OR 9.36, P = .001) and 8-week (PP: OR 8.59, P = .003; MC: OR 7.80, P = .001) groups. The rate of infection was also higher in the 4-week group compared with the 6- (PP: OR 2.54, P = .024; MC: OR 8.91, P = .001) and 8-week (PP: OR 5.64, P = .009; MC: OR 7.80, P = .001) groups. There was no difference in infection rates between the 2- and 4-week groups in either dataset (PP: P = .278; MC: P = .861). Conclusions There is a significant association between intra-articular knee corticosteroid injections within 4 weeks of surgery and an increased incidence of postoperative infection in both MC and PP patients after knee arthroscopy compared with patients with steroid injections more than 4 weeks postoperatively and matched controls who did not receive injections. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Congressional Administration of Foreign Affairs

Longstanding debates over the allocation of foreign affairs power between Congress and the President have reached a stalemate. Wherever the formal line between Congress and the President’s powers is drawn, it is well established that, as a functional matter, even in times of great discord between the two branches, the President wields immense power when he acts in the name of foreign policy or national security. And yet, while scholarship focuses on the accretion of power in the presidency, presidential primacy is not the end of the story. The fact that the President usually “wins” in foreign affairs does not mean that the position the President ultimately chooses to take is preordained. Questions of foreign policy and national security engage diverse components of the executive branch bureaucracy, which have overlapping jurisdictions and often conflicting biases and priorities. And yet they must arrive at one executive branch position. Thus the process of decisionmaking, the weight accorded the position of any given decisionmaker, the context in which the decision is made—together these shape the ultimate position the President takes. This Article explores and critiques the foreign policy role Congress can—and does—play in structuring and rearranging the relative powers of those internal actors, and the processes they take to reach their decisions, in order to influence and even direct the President’s ultimate position. Having yielded much of the ground on substance, Congress has an opportunity for a second bite at the apple, and may influence the policy directions of the presidency by manipulating its internal workings. There are risks to deploying “process controls,” as I term these measures, in lieu of direct substantive engagement, but I argue that Congress can and should use these tools more instrumentally to influence the course of foreign policy in areas where it is otherwise unlikely to assert itself as a coequal branch and necessary check on presidential power.
Side Effects, Self-Management Activities, and Adherence to Oral Anticancer Agents

Purpose There are growing concerns about patients' adherence to oral anticancer agents (OAAs), and the need for patients to engage in self-management of OAA-related side effects. We assessed associations among adherence, severity of side effects, and effectiveness of self-management of side effects in patients taking capecitabine. Methods Adherence to capecitabine at 6 weeks was measured by the Medication Event Monitoring System among 50 patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Severity of side effects related to capecitabine and effectiveness of self-management of side effects were captured using the Modified Self-Care Diary at the time of enrollment and weekly for 6 weeks. Spearman's correlation, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and multiple linear regression were conducted, p Results Overall mean adherence rate was 85.4±14.1%. Adherence rate was not significantly correlated to the mean severity of total side effects at any time point and was correlated with the mean effectiveness of self-management of total side effects only at week 2 (rho=0.29, p=0.04). However, adherence rate was associated with the mean severity of one specific side effect, diarrhea, at 6 weeks (rho=0.36, p=0.01) and marginally correlated to the mean effectiveness of self-management of diarrhea at 6 weeks (rho=0.28, p=0.05). Mean severity of diarrhea at 6 weeks was an independent predictor of adherence rate (b=4.97, p=0.01), with the control of age (b=0.52, p=0.002), number of outpatient medications (b=1.12, p=0.007), health literacy (b=2.53, p=0.04), diagnosis of colorectal cancer (b=11.6, p=0.03), and capecitabine in combination with other chemotherapies (b=16.8, p=0.001) in the model. Conclusion This pilot study suggests ongoing examination of both severity and effectiveness of self-management of side effects in future studies of adherence to OAAs is merited. There is a need for future studies with larger sample sizes that explore the complex relationships among adherence, severity of side effects, and effectiveness of self-management of side effects in OAA therapy.
Anytime Computation and Control for Autonomous Systems

The correct and timely completion of the sensing and action loop is of utmost importance in safety critical autonomous systems. Crucial to the performance of this feedback control loop are the computation time and accuracy of the estimator which produces state estimates used by the controller. These state estimators often use computationally expensive perception algorithms like visual feature tracking. With on-board computers on autonomous robots being computationally limited, the computation time of such an estimation algorithm can at times be high enough to result in poor control performance. We develop a framework for codesign of anytime estimation and robust control algorithms, taking into account computation delays and estimation inaccuracies. This is achieved by constructing an anytime estimator from an off-the-shelf perception-based estimation algorithm and obtaining a trade-off curve for its computation time versus estimation error. This is used in the design of a robust predictive control algorithm that at run-time decides a contract, or operation mode, for the estimator in addition to controlling the dynamical system to meet its control objectives at a reduced computation energy cost. This codesign provides a mechanism through which the controller can use the tradeoff curve to reduce estimation delay at the cost of higher inaccuracy, while guaranteeing satisfaction of control objectives. Experiments on a hexrotor platform running a visual-based algorithm for state estimation show how our method results in up to a 10% improvement in control performance while simultaneously saving 5%–6% in computation energy as compared to a method that does not leverage the codesign.
Microsurgical techniques for achieving gross total resection of ependymomas of the fourth ventricle

Ependymomas arising from the ventricular surface present a major challenge to achieving a complete operative extirpation when located in the fourth ventricle given the presence of significant adherence to the floor of the same. Overzealous dissection and removal of a tumor from this zone may precipitate potentially catastrophic neurological deficits attributable to cranial nucleopathies and cranial neuropathies. Consequently, the classic neurosurgical teaching has advised attempted gross total resection, leaving adherent residual in the floor of the fourth ventricle, in order to prevent the development of major cranial nucleopathies and cranial neuropathies. Following surgical tumoral extirpation, residual tumor is adjuvantly stereotactically irradiated. Authors have consequently developed novel neurophysiologically guided microsurgical techniques designed to remove adherent tumor from the fourth ventricular floor. These strategies have successfully and consistently facilitated gross total resection and improved clinical outcomes in patients harboring ependymomas of the fourth ventricle. We discuss and evaluate the innovation in microsurgical strategies developed to achieve complete operative extirpation of tumoral adherence to the floor of the fourth ventricle.
Supporting evidence from optical coherence tomography for shortening dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stents implantation

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is required for coronary artery disease treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation. Shortening DAPT duration would be beneficial for patients with high ble...
Perioperative Cardiovascular Management

The cardiologist is frequently called upon to assist in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease in the perioperative setting. Questions surrounding risk stratification and management, appropriate diagnostic testing, management of cardiovascular medications, and coronary revascularization, among others, are germane to the optimal management of such patients. In general, the approach to management, and indications for diagnostics and therapies, are the same as if the patient were not proceeding to surgery. The cardiovascular consultant must be prepared to approach this scenario and its questions in a systematic and evidence-based fashion.
Conjecture on the Design of Helical Proteins.

In an important advance in our understanding of protein folding, Wolynes and Onuchic found that the frustration ratio, T_f/T_s, for funneled energy landscapes is T_f/T_s ∼1.6. In our recent work on four heme proteins, we showed that when a protein unfolds from the native state to an early unfolded state, the degree of departure is characterized by a ratio f ∼1.6, where f is a measure of the elongation of n-residue segments of the polypeptide chain. Our analysis, which accounts for this apparent similarity in calculated signatures, is based on a logistic-map model of unfolding. We offer an important take home for the de novo protein synthesis community: in order to increase the probability of obtaining good quality crystals, nearest-neighbor repulsive interactions between adjacent residues (or sequences of residues) in the polypeptide chain must be propagated correctly.
Flexibility and partnerships perceived as supportive of dual hazard response: COVID-19 and heat related illness, Summer 2020.

Objectives To understand how health departments implemented the response to the dual hazards of Heat Related Illness (HRI) and COVID-19 in Summer 2020. Methods We interviewed five health jurisdictions with a Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) Framework HRI project to understand impacts to organizational roles and preparedness activities, capacity to respond to the heat season, challenges experienced with resources and personnel, and how partners influenced their capacity to respond to dual hazards. Results Health jurisdictions working in both heat preparedness and on the COVID-19 response highlighted three components as integral to maintaining public health capacity throughout the pandemic: 1) adapting to changing roles and responsibilities, 2) building and strengthening inter-organizational partnerships, and 3) maintaining flexibility through cross-training as themes to maintain the public health capacity throughout the pandemic. Conclusions With impacts of the changing climate, including resultant extreme events with subsequent public health impacts, simultaneous responses are likely to arise again in the future. Developing cross-training programs, fostering flexibility and adaptability within the workforce, and building and sustaining external partnerships can support health departments anticipating the need to respond to simultaneous public health hazards in the future.
Acoustic behavior of the damselfish Dascyllus albisella: behavioral and geographic variation

Behavioral and geographic variation in animal communication has been well-studied in insects, frogs, birds, and mammals, but little is known about variation in fishes. We used underwater audio-video recordings of the behavior and associated sounds produced by the domino damselfish, Dascyllus albisella, at Johnston Atoll and Hawaii, which are separated by 1000 km, to study behavioral and geographic variation in communication sounds. Males produced pulsed sounds during the courtship behavior known as the signal jump, visiting by females (during pseudospawning), mating, aggression to heterospecifics and conspecifics, and nest preparation. Females made only aggressive sounds. The following features of the sounds were measured: number of pulses, pulse rate, pulse duration, inter-pulse interval, dominant frequency, and frequency envelope. The only difference between visiting and mating sounds was a small difference in pulse duration. Two types of aggressive sounds were produced, pops and chirps. Pops contained only one or two pulses and were more commonly made towards heterospecifics than conspecifics. Aggressive chirps had between 3–11 pulses and were made most often towards conspecifics. The pulse rate of aggressive chirps was faster than signal jump sounds. The only difference in signal jump sounds made by males from Johnston Atoll and Hawaii, was a small difference in pulse duration, which was likely due to differences in the depths of the recording environment and not in the sounds produced.
The Giordano Bruno Practice

The educational practice of Giordano Bruno University is to use cyber-technology and active-learning teaching methods to deliver low cost, on-demand higher education. The result will be the empowerment of women and men who historically have not had access to this means of enhancing capability and self esteem.
Manufacturing output and labor productivity: Further evidence for the United States☆

Abstract Formulating the so-called Verdoorn's law in terms of cointegration and Granger-causality between manufacturing output and labor productivity, quaterly U.S. data for 1950–1988 are used to test the pattern implied by the law. Evidence is lacking to support the predicted pattern.
An Expert Database System For The Overland Search Problem

This paper describes a heuristic expert database system to solve the overland search problem. The task in this problem is to find the best path between two points on a geographic map. In our system the map is represented by a set of disjoint adjacent polygons. The cost of moving between two points within the same polygon is proportional to the distance between the two points. The map is stored in an INGRES relational database.
The RNA splicing factor hSlu7 is required for correct 3′ splice-site choice

The production of correctly spliced messenger RNA requires two catalytic splicing steps. During step II, exon 1 attacks an adenine-guanine (AG) dinucleotide at the 3' splice site. This AG is usually located between 18 and 40 nucleotides downstream from the branch site, and closer AGs are skipped in favour of AGs located more optimally downstream. At present, little is understood about how the correct AG is distinguished from other AGs. Here we describe a metazoan splicing factor (hSlu7) that is required for selection of the correct AG. In the absence of hSlu7, use of the correct AG is suppressed and incorrect AGs are activated. We investigated this loss of fidelity by analysing spliceosomes assembled in the absence of hSlu7. These studies reveal that exon 1 is loosely associated with these spliceosomes. Thus, the improperly held exon cannot access the correct AG, but can attack other AGs indiscriminately. We conclude that hSlu7 is required to hold exon 1 tightly within the spliceosome for attack on a prespecified AG.
Morphology of Bacteriophage-Like Particles from Fusobacterium symbiosum

Abstract The morphology of bacteriophage-like particles from the strict anaerobe Fusobacterium symbiosum is described. Attempts to demonstrate plaque formation on the host strain of F. symbiosum and other related species were unsuccessful.
Quantitative analysis of cholesterol in 5 to 20 μl of plasma

A gas–liquid chromatographic micromethod for quantitation of cholesterol in 20 μl of plasma was developed using 5α-cholestane as an internal standard, saponification with tetramethylammonium hydroxide–isopropanol, and extraction with tetrachloroethylene–methyl butyrate. Cholesterol levels in plasma samples were calculated by comparing cholesterol–cholestane peak height ratios with those of preassayed reference plasma. Over a plasma cholesterol range of 44 to 468 mg/100 ml, the gas–liquid chromatographic micromethod and the automated ferric chloride colorimetric method gave nearly identical results (r = 0.99) in duplicate aliquots of 131 plasma samples.
Lumboatrial shunt in a patient with Crouzon syndrome complicated by pseudotumor cerebri.

Abstract A 25-year-old man with Crouzon syndrome complicated by pseudotumor cerebri and multiple shunt failures presented with progressive back and neck pain, intermittent headaches, and associated vomiting secondary to shunt infection. Due to his previous history of repeated failure of both ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting procedures, the decision was made to place a lumboatrial (LA) shunt via an approach through the internal jugular vein. The procedure was uncomplicated and the man’s symptoms were relieved. Despite significant improvement, the LA shunt limited his exercise tolerance, and as an avid runner and weight lifter, he requested reconversion back to an LP shunt. At a follow-up of 20 months, he continued to do well both clinically and radiographically. This case report summarizes the successful placement and use of an LA shunt for the treatment of intracranial hypertension in the setting of Crouzon syndrome.
Dynamic Testing of an Inflatable Structure Under Thermal Vacuum Conditions

The Marshall Space Flight Center's Space Transportation Programs Office is responsible for the development and demonstration of advanced launch vehicle and propulsion technologies. One of these advanced propulsion concepts being pursued is solar thermal propulsion. This concept employs a concentrated beam of sunlight to heat a working fluid within a solar thermal engine. Expansion of the fluid would provide thrust at an increased specific impulse. One way to concentrate the sun's light to a specific point in the engine cavity is to use a fresnel lens that is supported by an inflatable structure. Such propulsion systems could provide an inexpensive way of transferring and maintaining satellites to upper stage orbit trajectories. This paper describes the test hardware, procedures, and non-contacting measurement methodologies used to determine the modal characteristics of an inflatable concentrator under the thermal-vacuum conditions of space. These characteristics were necessary to identify for validation of a finite element model to be used for developing the spacecraft's pointing and control system.
A Conserved Val to Ile Switch near the Heme Pocket of Animal and Bacterial Nitric-oxide Synthases Helps Determine Their Distinct Catalytic Profiles

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) release from nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) is largely dependent on the dissociation of an enzyme ferric heme-NO product complex (FeIIINO). Although the NOS-like protein from Bacillus subtilis (bsNOS) generates FeIIINO from the reaction intermediate N-hydroxy-l-arginine (NOHA), its NO dissociation is about 20-fold slower than in mammalian NOSs. Crystal structures suggest that a conserved Val to Ile switch near the heme pocket of bsNOS might determine its kinetic profile. To test this we generated complementary mutations in the mouse inducible NOS oxygenase domain (iNOSoxy, V346I) and in bsNOS (I224V) and characterized the kinetics and extent of their NO synthesis from NOHA and their NO-binding kinetics. The mutations did not greatly alter binding of Arg, (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin, or alter the electronic properties of the heme or various heme-ligand complexes. Stopped-flow spectroscopy was used to study heme transitions during single turnover NOHA reactions. I224V bsNOS displayed three heme transitions involving four species as typically occurs in wild-type NOS, the beginning ferrous enzyme, a ferrous-dioxy (FeIIO2) intermediate, FeIIINO, and an ending ferric enzyme. The rate of each transition was increased relative to wild-type bsNOS, with FeIIINO dissociation being 3.6 times faster. In V346I iNOSoxy we consecutively observed the beginning ferrous, FeIIO2, a mixture of FeIIINO and ferric heme species, and ending ferric enzyme. The rate of each transition was decreased relative to wild-type iNOSoxy, with the FeIIINO dissociation being 3 times slower. An independent measure of NO binding kinetics confirmed that V346I iNOSoxy has slower NO binding and dissociation than wild-type. Citrulline production by both mutants was only slightly lower than wild-type enzymes, indicating good coupling. Our data suggest that a greater shielding of the heme pocket caused by the Val/Ile switch slows down NO synthesis and NO release in NOS, and thus identifies a structural basis for regulating these kinetic variables.
Different Modes of Inhibitor Binding to Prolyl Hydroxylase by Combined Use of X-ray Crystallography and NMR Spectroscopy of Paramagnetic Complexes

In aqueous solution, azaquinolone inhibitors bind to prolyl 4-hydroxylase in two different orientations, as first detected by 19F spectroscopy. This contrasts with the crystallographic structure wh...
Keynote Address Elemental And Compound Semiconductor Devices Today And Beyond: Influence Of Advanced Epitaxial Processes

This paper attempts to describe the advances of epitaxy of elemental and compound semiconductors and their impact on new physics, effects and applications of new devices. The impact of the recent epitaxy on material research is truly revolutionary. However, the scope is too immense to cover in a limited space and time. In lieu of the detailed descriptions of the epitaxial processes, I will try to highlight the most important substances of the advance. Several examples of newly discovered effects and new devices based on the artificially structured materials that are made possible by the advanced epitaxial techniques will be presented. These examples are by no mean exclusive and many other important ones are inadvertent omitted owing to the limited space and preferential interests of the author. Finally, some on-going research efforts as well as possible directions of further development of thin film epitaxy are discussed.
Social Reactions, Self-Blame and Problem Drinking in Adult Sexual Assault Survivors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test a model of the relations of social reactions to sexual assault disclosure, self-blame and problem drinking. This is the first study to investigate whether type of self-blame has different relationships with social reactions and problem drinking in a large, diverse sample of sexually assaulted women. These relationships are important to investigate in order to identify specific targets for treatment and intervention with sexual assault victims and their social networks. METHOD: Community-residing female sexual assault survivors (N = 1863) in a large metropolitan area completed a mail survey about sexual assault, social reactions to disclosure, self-blame attributions, and problem drinking symptoms. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling showed that characterological self-blame mediated the effect of negative social reactions on drinking, but behavioral self-blame did not function as a mediator. A second model showed unique relationships of specific positive and negative social reactions to drinking through characterological and behavioral self-blame. CONCLUSIONS: Characterological self-blame needs to be targeted in treatment and intervention with survivors, as it appears to be a key mechanism through which social reactions may influence recovery. Secondary prevention with informal social networks should educate people about social reactions to avoid negative reactions and promote those that are helpful, so people can better respond to survivors' sexual assault disclosures and improve recovery. Language: en
Reduction of liver Fas expression by an antisense oligonucleotide protects mice from fulminant hepatitis

Aberrant apoptosis-mediated cell death is believed to result in a number of different human diseases. For example, excessive apoptosis in the liver can result in fulminant and autoimmune forms of hepatitis. We have explored the possibility that inhibition of Fas expression in mice would reduce the severity of fulminant hepatitis. To do this, we have developed a chemically modified 2'-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl antisense oligonucleotide (ISIS 22023) inhibitor of mouse Fas expression. In tissue culture, this oligonucleotide induced a reduction in Fas mRNA expression that was both concentration- and sequence-specific. In Balb/c mice, dosing with ISIS 22023 reduced Fas mRNA and protein expressions in liver by 90%. The ID50 for this response was 8-10 mg kg-1 daily dosing, and the reduction was highly dependent on oligonucleotide sequence, oligonucleotide concentration in liver, and treatment time. Pretreatment with ISIS 22023 completely protected mice from fulminant hepatitis induced by agonistic Fas antibody, by a mechanism entirely consistent with an oligonucleotide antisense mechanism of action. In addition, oligonucleotide-mediated suppression of Fas expression reduced the severity of acetaminophen-mediated fulminant hepatitis, but was without effect on concanavalin A-mediated hepatitis. Our results demonstrate that 2'-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl containing antisense oligonucleotides targeting Fas can exert in vivo pharmacological activity in liver, and suggest that oligonucleotide inhibitors of Fas may be useful in the treatment of human liver disease.
A statistical approach in using cDNA array analysis to determine modest changes in gene expression in several brain regions after neurotoxic insult.

: Modest changes in gene expression of three-fold or less might be expected after mild to moderate neurotoxic exposure to classes of compounds, such as the substituted amphetamines, or at time points that are weeks after more severe neurotoxic exposures. When many genes appear to change expression by less than two-fold, it is crucial to run several pairs of arrays and use statistical analysis to determine which genes are really changing. This limits the number of genes that have to undergo the time consuming task of performing RT-PCR to validate change in expression levels. We describe here methods for statistically determining which genes are being expressed above background levels. These methods are used to compare expression differences among the striatum, parietal cortex, posterior lateral amygdaloid nucleus, and substantia nigra brain regions, all of which differ significantly in their gene expression profiles. In these comparisons, it was possible to distinguish differences among hundreds of genes with manageable estimated false discovery rates. The effect of amphetamine treatment on gene expression in posterior lateral amygdaloid nucleus was also evaluated. The expression data indicate that many genes have changed, but in this case it is more difficult to separate affected genes from false positives. The optimum list has 50 genes, of which 32% are expected to be false positives.
GR46611 potentiates 5-HT1A receptor-mediated locomotor activity in the guinea pig.

Abstract 5-HT1B/D receptor agonists such as GR46611 (3-[3-(2-Dimethylaminoethyl)-H-indol-5-yl]-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)acrylamide) are known to lower body temperature in guinea pigs. Although stimulation of their functional analogs in rats, the 5-HT1B receptor induces hyperlocomotion, this effect has yet to be demonstrated with 5-HT1B/D receptor agonists in the guinea pig. Previous studies have shown that 5-HT1A agonists increase locomotor activity in guinea pigs. The current study set out to examine the effects of 5-HT1B/D receptor stimulation on locomotor activity in the guinea pig and to examine the interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B/D receptor stimulation on locomotor activity in that species. The full agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, 8-OH-DPAT (R(+)-8-Hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin HBr) dose-dependently increased locomotor activity in guinea pigs (0.3–1.25 mg kg−1 s.c.), as to a lesser extent, did the partial agonist, buspirone (8-[4-[4-(2-Pyramidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione HCl) (5.0–20.0 mg kg−1 s.c.). The 5-HT1B/D receptor agonist GR46611 had no effect on locomotor activity in guinea pigs at doses up to 40 mg kg−1 s.c. 8-OH-DPAT-induced behavioural activation was reversed by the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (N-[-2-[4-(-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(pyrinidyl) cyclo hexanocarboxamide trihydro-chloride), with a minimum effective dose of 0.006 mg kg−1, but not by the 5-HT1B/D receptor antagonist GR127935 (2′-methyl-4-(5-methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid [4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)phenyl]-amide) (0.25–1.0 mg kg−1). GR46611, at doses that were without effect given alone (0.5–2.5 mg kg−1), significantly enhanced the locomotor response to subthreshold doses of 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 mg kg−1) and buspirone (10 mg kg−1). The effect of GR46611 on 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperactivity was reversed by pretreatment with GR127935 and with WAY 100635 indicating that activation of both receptors was required for the expression of locomotor hyperactivity. These findings suggest that activation of 5-HT1B/D receptors alone may not stimulate locomotor activity but it does potentiate the locomotion induced by 5-HT1A receptor stimulation in guinea pigs.
Calculated elastic constants of wide band gap semiconductor thin films with a hexagonal crystal structure for stress problems

Abstract The Young's modulus, E, and Poisson's ratio, v, can be used for theoretical calculation or experimental determination of residual stresses arising during the growth of wide band gap semiconductor thin films. In this paper, a generalized expression for v and E (1−v) for the hexagonal closed packed (hcp) structure common to wide band gap semiconductors has been given for the first time. In addition, the specific expressions for E, v, and E (1−v) are given for directions within the c and r planes in the hcp structure. These elastic constants are found to be invariant within the c plane but not within the r plane. Numerical values for these elastic constants are computed and listed for 6H-SiC, Al2O3, and AlN.
Fear of Narrative: Revisiting the Bartholomae-Elbow Debate through the Figure of the Writing Teacher in Contemporary American Fiction

It is my contention that David Bartholomae and Peter Elbow's well-known discussion in the late 1980s and early 1990s—sometimes referred to as their “debate”—is still a text of central importance in the field of composition studies, one that speaks to timeless questions of narrative and pedagogy in the writing classroom. Indeed, rich representations of writing teachers in contemporary fiction remind us that Bartholomae and Elbow were articulating a crucial theoretical divide, not just in comp theory but in American higher education.
Burn-induced increase in atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in skeletal muscle is glucocorticoid independent but downregulated by IGF-I

The present study determined whether thermal injury increases the expression of the ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligases referred to as muscle ring finger (MuRF)-1 and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx; aka atrogin-1), which are muscle specific and responsible for the increased protein breakdown observed in other catabolic conditions. After 48 h of burn injury (40% total body surface area full-thickness scald burn) gastrocnemius weight was reduced, and this change was associated with an increased mRNA abundance for atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 (3.1- to 8-fold, respectively). Similarly, burn increased polyUb mRNA content in the gastrocnemius twofold. In contrast, there was no burn-induced atrophy of the soleus and no significant change in atrogin-1, MuRF-1, or polyUb mRNA. Burns also did not alter E3 ligase expression in heart. Four hours after administration of the anabolic agent insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I to burned rats, the mRNA content of atrogin-1 and polyUb in gastrocnemius had returned to control values and the elevation in MuRF-1 was reduced 50%. In contrast, leucine did not alter E3 ligase expression. In a separate study, in vivo administration of the proteasome inhibitor Velcade prevented burn-induced loss of muscle mass determined at 48 h. Finally, administration of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-486 did not prevent burn-induced atrophy of the gastrocnemius or the associated elevation in atrogin-1, MuRF-1, or polyUb. In summary, the acute muscle wasting accompanying thermal injury is associated with a glucocorticoid-independent increase in the expression of several Ub E3 ligases that can be downregulated by IGF-I.
Role of Anisotropic Interactions in Protein Crystallization

We have studied a simple model colloidal fluid to assess the role of anisotropic interactions in crystallization process when the interaction potential is short ranged compared with the size of the molecule, which is the case for the effective interaction between protein molecules in aqueous solutions. Using Monte Carlo simulations we have calculated the phase diagrams of soft dumbbell systems with different anisotropic interactions. It is shown that the anisotropic interactions change the phase behavior not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. By exploiting the anisotropic interactions in the crystallization process additional avenues for the search of optimal crystallization conditions are discussed.
NEAR-OPTIMAL-TIME PATH PLANNING IN CAD-GUIDED PART DIMENSIONAL INSPECTION

Abstract A CAD-guided vision sensor planning system is developed in our lab. To improve the efficiency of the inspection system, the path planning problem is rendered as a Traveling Salesman Problem(TSP). A new approach is developed to solve the TSP into its sub-optimality quickly. First, viewpoints are clustered into several groups. Second, clustered Traveling Salesman Problem is solved by favoring the inter-group paths. Experimental results on real parts show that the proposed approach is effective.
Vision assisted NC milling path generation

Abstract CAD/CAM software are an interrelated mesh of computer programming systems that serve to monitor, process and control the flow of manufacturing data. Modern day techniques rely extensively on the integration of standards like the initial graphics exchange specification (IGES) with automated path planning modules. The intent of such an integration is to maintain the system as generic as possible. Integration of the various aspects of manufacturing systems provides total automation of the system. A machine vision system was used to generate the NC code to face mill any planar polygonal part. The vision system helps to capture the image of the face of a polygonal object. This image is decoded into edges and vertices by performing computations in software, based on simple image processing rules. Then the software passes the control to a path planning module. This module selects the most efficient tool path and generates the part program to face mill the part. This paper presents a detailed description of the algorithm developed along with its application environment.
Structural evolution at low temperature of formamide modified silica xerogels

Abstract The effects of formamide, acid and base catalysts on the behavior of thin films of silica xerogels during low temperature heat treatments are described. It was found that formamide facilitates removal of pore liquor from gels. This characteristic is lost when the sample is prepared with an acid catalyst and/or heated above 170°C. More pore liquor and silanol groups are retained at high temperature in acid catalyzed gels compared to base catalyzed gels. Oxidation products (formaldehyde and formates) are chemisorbed on the gel surface after removal of formamide, that is above 170°C.
Degenerative aortic stenosis

#### Summary points Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular lesion in Europe and North America. It primarily presents as calcific aortic stenosis in 2-7% of the population aged >65 years.1 About 80% of adult patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis are male. As 1-2% of the population is born with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve and populations are ageing, aortic stenosis is becoming more common. By 2020, about 3.5 million people in England are expected to have aortic sclerosis and 150 000 will have severe aortic stenosis.2 Here we provide an overview to help diagnosis and a summary of the management of AS and its sequelae. Many of the points made in this review are based on randomised controlled trials. However, observational studies and the guideline recommendations of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology and of the European Society of Cardiology are also included to provide comprehensive overviews that are beyond the scope of this article. The most common cause of aortic stenosis in adults is calcification of a normal trileaflet (fig 1⇓). Calcific aortic stenosis is thought to be a degenerative process that shares many features with coronary artery disease, such as lipid accumulation, …
Fusion as a future energy source to alleviate environmental concerns

Summary form only given. Near-term D-T fusion plants still involve considerable radioactive waste handling and also suffer poor thermal efficiency. The ultimate goal is to achieve advanced fuel fusion in order to improve both situations. The long time scale currently anticipated for fusion power is frequently viewed as a major disadvantage-its benefits might be too late to reverse the undesired environmental trends. There are several fusion concepts, however, that potentially offer a good confinement for advanced fuels, and also, due to their relatively small size, make near-term development potentially feasible. Approaches that fall into this category include inertial-electrostatic confinement and the field-reversed configuration. In addition to electrical production, efficient H/sub 2/ generation also appears possible and offers added flexibility. A potential 'fast-track' plan to use these concepts to rapidly develop advanced fuel fusion has been considered.
Target localization accuracy and multiple target localization: Tradeoff in MIMO radars

This paper undertakes the study of localization performance of multiple targets in coherent MIMO radar systems with widely spread elements. MIMO radar systems with coherent processing and a single target were shown to benefit from a coherency and spatial advantages. The first is proportional to the ratio of the signal carrier frequency to the effective bandwidth, while the latter provides a gain proportional to the product of the number of transmitting and receiving sensors. In the current study, the model in extended to the estimation accuracy of multiple targets. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for the multiple targets localization problem is derived and analyzed. The localization is shown to benefit from coherency advantage. The tradeoff between target localization accuracy and the number of targets that can be localized is shown to be incorporated in the spatial advantage term. An increase in the number of targets to be localized exposes the system to increased mutual interferences. This tradeoff depends on the geometric footprint of both the sensors and the targets, and the relative positions of the two. Numerical analysis of some special cases offers an insight to the mutual relation between a given deployment of radars and targets and the spatial advantage it presents.
Sequence stratigraphy hierarchy and the accommodation succession method

We propose a framework for the hierarchy of sedimentary units observed in stratigraphic data that is based entirely on the geometric relationship of the strata. This framework of geometries is assumed to result from repeated successions of accommodation creation and sediment fill (here named accommodation succession). We have modified existing hierarchal frameworks to describe depositional units resulting from accommodation successions of varying magnitude and duration, across a depositional profile. Each full succession consists of component partial succession sets that are, sequentially, lowstand—progradation to aggradational; transgressive—retrogradation; and highstand—aggradation to progradation to degradation. The terms “highstand” and “lowstand” as originally defined to label systems tracts relative to a shelf edge, and with an implied relationship between sea level and systems tracts, have been the root of confusion. We propose that these terms be used in the strict sense of the original definition, because their meaning has been lost when applied to the many depositional settings and high-resolution data sets to which the concepts of sequence stratigraphy are now applied. We propose that the concept of accommodation succession stacking be used in the interpretation of stratigraphic data within a hierarchal framework of depositional sequences, sequence sets, and composite sequences. This will allow an interpreter to accurately categorize observations, provide a basis for predictions away from control points, and develop a framework that allows revisions as higher-resolution data become available.
Dietary fiber differentially alters cellular fatty acid-binding protein expression in exfoliated colonocytes during tumor development.

Abstract We investigated the utility of noninvasive technology utilizing feces containing exfoliated colonocytes to determine whether changes in fecal fatty acid‐binding proteins have predictive value in monitoring the neoplastic process. Ninety male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two dietary fiber sources (wheat bran or oat bran) and two treatment groups (injection with a carcinogen, azoxymethane, or saline). Fresh fecal samples were collected at Week 16 postinjection, and tumor frequency was determined at Week 36 of the study. Semiquantitative “mimic”; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to quantitate the expression of liver fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP), intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein (i‐FABP), and acyl CoA‐binding protein (ACBP) mRNA in fecal samples to establish their prognostic value. Rats fed wheat bran diets had a lower incidence of tumors (p < 0.05). There was no effect of carcinogen injection or tumor...
Tomography for properties of materials that bend rays: a tutorial

When tomography is performed with electromagnetic or acoustical radiation, refraction may cause sufficient bending of the probing rays that ordinary reconstruction algorithms, which are based on the assumption of straight rays, do not yield accurate results. The resulting problem of reconstructing the refractive-index distribution of an object from time of flight or optical path length data is nonlinear. Various approaches to solving this problem approximately have been proposed and subjected to modest numerical studies. These include iterative algorithms and techniques based on linearized inverse scattering theory. One exception is the case of axisymmetric objects for which an exact solution is known.
Pathways to Prevention: Improving Nonresident African American Fathers' Parenting Skills and Behaviors to Reduce Sons' Aggression

This study describes a test of the Fathers and Sons Program for increasing intentions to avoid violence and reducing aggressive behaviors in 8- to 12-year-old African American boys by enhancing the parenting skills satisfaction and parenting behaviors of their nonresident fathers. The study included 158 intervention and 129 comparison group families. Structural equation model results indicated that the intervention was effective for improving fathers' parenting skills satisfaction, which was positively associated with sons' satisfaction with paternal engagement. Sons' paternal engagement satisfaction was positively associated with their intentions to avoid violence. Although aggressive behaviors were lower for comparison group sons, the intervention effectively reduced sons' aggressive behaviors indirectly by enhancing fathers' parenting behaviors. Support for family-centered youth violence prevention efforts is discussed.
Process improvement measures to accurately identify reprocessed endoscopes ready-for-use in a surgical services department

ISSUE: Infection following endoscopic procedures remains a possibility if reprocessing between patients is incomplete or inadequate. In a busy surgical services department where movable carts are used to hang scopes before and after use, quality control measures are needed to minimize risk. After a patient exposure incident occurred in a surgical department of a large teaching facility, process improvement measures were developed. The incident involved a gastroscope left on a cart after use, having been pre-cleaned with an enzymatic solution and sterile water flush and having had exterior surfaces wiped down. The scope was subsequently used on a second patient. PROJECT: Following the aforementioned incident, endoscope technicians took responsibility for the process improvement initiative. Specifically, guidelines were established that focused on cleaning and restocking of endoscopy carts. Upon procedure completion, endoscope technicians are contacted to physically remove the scope from the procedure suite for reprocessing. A color-coded tag system was developed to differentiate endoscopes that have been used and require reprocessing (red) from those that are clean, disinfected, and ready-to-use (green). The red tag contains verbal warnings and reminders for starting the cleaning process. The green tag states the scope is clean with information about other content items on the cart. The technician must verify the tag placement by writing his or her initials and date of reprocessing on the tag following delivery. RESULTS: The initial incident did not result in cross-transmission of infectious organisms, notably HIV, HBV, and HCV, as the culprit endoscope had been pre-cleaned, flushed, and wiped down prior to its re-use. However, several “near misses” had occurred in the same department prior to the reported incident, which necessitated involvement of infection control and risk management. During the 6 months this new process has been in place, no further incidents or near misses have been reported. LESSONS LEARNED: Performing endoscopic procedures in a busy surgical services department requires collaboration between physicians, nurses, endoscopic technicians, and infection control to prevent contaminated endoscopes from being used between patients. Directly involving the endoscope technicians and using a color-coded tag system is one example of a successful quality assurance plan to prevent cross-transmission between patients and improve patient safety.