cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catholic and Jesuit Identity in Higher Education

This study incorporated an instrumental embedded case study design to explore how 15 faculty members and an administrator at one Catholic institution of higher education describe their responsibility to promote the academic mission of Ignatian spirituality. Interviews included Jesuit, Catholic, and non-Catholic faculty, and the president of Holy University. It was determined that participants’ ability to foster Ignatian spirituality was dependent upon their religious beliefs and a willingness to promote values common to Catholic and Jesuit faith traditions, despite facing multiple challenges to fulfilling the academic mission. A conceptual model developed that demonstrated relationships among academic administrators, faculty, and students, and how the interactions influence the ability to foster Ignatian spirituality and preserve a faith-based identity at Holy University. Additional perspectives from members at Holy University and other Jesuit institutions of higher learning need to be explored to develop...
New York City Injection Drug Users' Memories of Syringe-Sharing Patterns and Changes During the Peak of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

In this oral history, 23 injection drug users (IDUs) were interviewed about the mid-1970s to mid-1980s when they could not legally purchase or possess syringes, and the threat of AIDS began to loom large. Several themes emerged, including: abrupt changes in syringe-sharing patterns; the effects of illnesses or deaths of others on their understanding of AIDS; and, racial/ethnic differences in responses to the threat of AIDS. Settings, such as "shooting galleries," helped HIV spread rapidly in the earliest stages of the city's AIDS epidemic. HIV entered the drug scene in the mid-1970s, just when IDUs were shifting from sharing homemade "works" (consisting of steel needles and syringes devised from rubber baby pacifiers and similar sources) among many IDUs to mass produced and distributed plastic, disposable needle and syringe sets. IDUs remember when they first became aware of AIDS and began to adjust their behaviors and social assumptions.
Inhibition of Alternative Complement Pathway Opsonization by Group A Streptococcal M Protein

Group A streptococcal M protein is known to be antiphagocytic; however, the exact basis for this property has not been established. In this study the hypothesis was tested that cell wall--associated M protein inhibits phagocytosis by interfering with bacterial opsonization. Two strains of group A Streptococcus pyogenes, CS44 (M+) and CS64 (an M- variant of CS44), were radiolabeled, and after incubation in serum these organisms were exposed to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Phagocytosis was quantitated by measurement of leukocyte-associated radioactivity. The contributions of complement and of immunoglobulin to streptococcal opsonization were evaluated by use of serum from a variety of sources. The results revealed that the M- strain was efficiently opsonized via the alternative complement pathway in a relative absence of immunoglobulins. In contrast, the M+ strain was poorly opsonized by all sera tested. These findings suggest that streptococcal M protein in some way prevents bacterial opsonization via the alternative complement pathway and that this property of M protein may partly explain its antiphagocytic characteristic.
Copy Number Variation in Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect and a major contributor to mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs throughout the world. Although improvements in surgical advances and cardiac care have increased the lifespan of individuals with CHDs, the underlying etiologies of disease remain elusive and there have been no interventions that decrease disease incidence. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors all influence the development of CHDs, and an improved understanding of causation is a prerequisite for prevention. Genetic causes of CHDs include both structural chromo- some abnormalities and single gene disorders. Copy num- ber variation (CNV), or submicroscopic chromosomal deletions or duplications, has emerged as an important contributor to congenital genetic disorders, including CHDs, and has identified critical dosage sensitive genes important for cardiac development. Common CNVs asso- ciated with highly penetrant CHDs were first identified in genomic disorders such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and Williams-Beuren syndrome. More recently, research investigations and clinical diagnostic testing support a role for CNVs in CHDs with extracardiac abnormalities (ECAs) as well as isolated CHD. It is estimated that CNVs con- tribute to 3-25 % of CHDs with ECAs and 3-10 % of isolated CHDs. While somewhat less clear, new evidence suggests that there is an increase in rare, large, genic CNVs in patients with CHDs, indicating that the overall CNV burden may also be an important factor in disease. As genetic testing for CHDs moves forward, CNVs will play an important role in diagnosis and gene discovery.
Current research on the social and emotional development of gifted and talented students: Good news and future possibilities

A recent summary of research produced by a task force of psychologists and educational researchers associated with the National Association for Gifted Children and the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented indicated that high-ability students are generally at least as well adjusted as any other group of youngsters. This research also found, however, that gifted and talented students can face a number of situations that may constitute sources of risk to their social and emotional development. Some of these issues emerge because of a mismatch with educational environments that are not responsive to the pace and level of gifted students' learning and thinking. Others occur because of unsupportive social, school, or home environments. In this article, current research about the social and emotional development of gifted and talented students is summarized and suggestions are made about strategies to enhance these students' school experiences. Suggestions are provided for assessment and educational programming based on students' strengths and interests that may result in helping talented students realize their potential. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 119–130, 2004.
InterAspect: aspect-oriented instrumentation with GCC

We present the InterAspect instrumentation framework for GCC, a widely used compiler infrastructure. The addition of plug-in support in the latest release of GCC makes it an attractive platform for runtime instrumentation, as GCC plug-ins can directly add instrumentation by transforming the compiler's intermediate representation. Such transformations, however, require expert knowledge of GCC internals. InterAspect addresses this situation by allowing instrumentation plug-ins to be developed using the familiar vocabulary of Aspect-Oriented Programming: pointcuts, join points, and advice functions. Moreover, InterAspect uses specific information about each join point in a pointcut, possibly including results of static analysis, to support powerful customized instrumentation. We describe the InterAspect API and present several examples that illustrate its practical utility as a runtime-verification platform. We also introduce a tracecut system that uses InterAspect to construct program monitors that are formally specified as regular expressions.
Achieving electrothermal stability in interconnect metal during ESD pulses

A feedback model of on-chip interconnect metal heating during electrostatic discharge (ESD) pulses predicts a temperature waveform and its stability given a heat source function and a thermoelectric circuit model or thermal impulse response Z(t). The pulse delivery circuit influences those conditions along with materials and layout. Z(t) can be extracted from pre-silicon modeling (e.g., finite element) or from post-silicon transmission line pulse (TLP) response, then applied to any ESD pulse conditions. For metal lines embedded in a patterned matrix of inactive metal lines at adjoining levels, pulses produce temperatures converging to a constant value, so the related time constants allow thermal impedance Z(t) to be deduced and thermal properties of the materials checked.
Pressure- volume- temperature relationships of soy protein isolate/starch plastic

The use of pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) studies in processing of a biodegradable plastic composition made from soy protein isolate and corn starch is described. The ability of PVT measurements to predict the combined effects of pressure, volume, and temperature effects is demonstrated. The results show that the PVT relations of the plastic can be predicted by using a regression analysis similar to the Tait equations of state. A change in slope of the PVT curves was observed at around 80‡C, which is ascribed to the glass-transition process of the plastic. Evidence of onset of thermal degradation of the plastic was observed at ca. 160‡C under 0 to 200 MPa isobaric pressure. This thermal degradation precluded determination of the crystal melting point of the plastic.
Object-image correspondence for curves under central and parallel projections

We present a novel algorithm for deciding whether a given planar curve is an image of a given spatial curve, obtained by a central or a parallel projection with unknown parameters. A straightforward approach to this problem consists of setting up a system of conditions on the projection parameters and then checking whether or not this system has a solution. The computational advantage of the algorithm presented here, in comparison to algorithms based on the straightforward approach, lies in a significant reduction of a number of real parameters that need to be eliminated in order to establish existence or non-existence of a projection that maps a given spatial curve to a given planar curve. Our algorithm is based on projection criteria that reduce the projection problem to a certain modification of the equivalence problem of planar curves under affine and projective transformations. The latter problem is then solved using a separating set of rational differential invariants. A similar approach can be used to solve the projection problem for finite lists of points. The motivation comes from the problem of establishing a correspondence between an object and an image, taken by a camera with unknown position and parameters.
Age and Education Effects on Relationships of Cognitive Test Scores With Brain Structure in Demographically Diverse Older Persons

This study examined how age and education influence the relationship between neuropsychological test scores and brain structure in demographically diverse older adults spanning the range from normal cognition to dementia. A sample of 351 African Americans, 410 Hispanics, and 458 Whites underwent neuropsychological testing. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of total brain, white matter hyperintensity, and hippocampus were available for 79 African Americans, 102 Hispanics, and 134 Whites. The authors used latent variable modeling to examine effects of age, education, and brain volumes on test scores and determine how much variance brain volumes explained in unadjusted and age- and education-adjusted scores. Age adjustment resulted in weaker relationships of test scores with MRI variables; adjustment for ethnicity yielded stronger relationships. Education adjustment increased relationships with MRI variables in the combined sample and Hispanics, made no difference in Whites, but decreased some associations in African Americans. Results suggest that demographic adjustment is beneficial when demographic variables are strongly related to test scores independent of measures of brain structure, but adjustment has negative consequences when effects of demographic characteristics are mediated by brain structure.
Suicide: scientific overview and relevance for trauma care providers

The World Health Organization estimates that in the year 2000, approximately one million people died from suicide worldwide. Over the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60%, with a particularly precipitous rise among young people. The underlying psychology of suicide is complex and individual. However, certain themes emerge from studying individuals who have attempted or completed suicides. This paper will provide an overview of suicide and suicidal behaviour as it relates to trauma practitioners, detailing risk factors, biologic and genetic interactions, and opportunities for prevention and treatment.
Electrochemical bioassay system. Redox measurements of Escherichia coli growth by multichannel analyzer

Abstract The redox responses to growth of Escherichia coli , including potential changes with and without current drain, peak current and coulombic output as a function of electrode surface area, and the lag time from inoculation to mid-peak potential have been determined. Excellent reproducibility was established for replicate experiments under the uniform conditions prevailing in a multichannel electrochemical analyzer with automatic data acquisition. Bacterial generation of hydrogen from glucose followed by oxidation on the Pt anode appears to be the major electrode reaction. Concurrent measurements of absorbance and glucose consumption have been made. The following rate constants were obtained from kinetic studies: k (glucose consumption), k ( E. coli growth), k (potential), k (current) and k (hydrogen generation). Further characterization of this bioelectrochemical system was derived from the studies of increasing concentrations of glucose, E. coli adsorption to anode, simulating redox responses with gaseous hydrogen and peroxide inhibition of the redox potential. Thus redox responses and kinetics measured in an E. coli fuel cell can be used to compare dose responses to agents and conditions that affect bacterial growth and environmental health.
Perturbations of midlatitude subionospheric VLF signals associated with lower ionospheric disturbances during major geomagnetic storms

[1] We examine the effects on the midlatitude ionospheric D region of the 7 April 2000 storm and the “Halloween storm” of late October 2003 by means of the associated perturbations of several subionospheric VLF signals propagating in both the northern and southern hemispheres. We use VLF nighttime data from the Holographic Array for Ionospheric/Lightning Research (HAIL), located in the United States (L = 2–3), as well as data from Palmer Station, Antarctica (L = 2.4). On 7 April 2000, a ∼5 dB depression in VLF amplitudes is observed at multiple HAIL stations, with a depression onset that occurs later for VLF signal paths at lower latitudes. On both 7 April 2000 and 31 October 2003, fluctuations in the amplitude of the VLF signals are first observed in the premidnight sector and persist through the end of the data-recording period (dawn). The frequency content of the fluctuations is predominantly in the 0.01 to 0.02 Hz range but extends up to ∼0.03 Hz. Increases in the energetic electron flux in the loss cone as measured by the NOAA-POES satellites are observed on both 7 April 2000 and 31 October 2003. We suggest that both the signal depressions and subsequent fluctuations are associated with variations in the precipitation flux of energetic electrons onto the upper atmosphere. Auroral activity patterns based on data from the NOAA-POES satellites show that the equatorward edge of the auroral oval expanded equatorward to lower L shells (L < 3) during both geomagnetic storms. Using the auoral activity patterns and multiple VLF/LF signal paths, we provide evidence that the fluctuations and the signal depression coincide with the equatorward edge of the auroral oval extending over the perturbed VLF/LF Great Circle Paths. Quantitative modeling of subionospheric VLF wave propagation incorporating energetic electron flux measurements (and the associated altitude profiles of secondary ionization) yields results consistent with the variations in the VLF signal amplitude observed.
Thermogravimetric Analysis of Clay and Clay-Like Minerals

The thermogravimetric method offers a new approach to the study of clay and clay-like minerals as well as other minerals and compounds that gain or lose weight upon heating. This method is complementary to differential thermal analysis, which records energy gains or losses upon heating. Thermogravimetric curves for clay and clay-like minerals are presented and correlated with curves obtained by the differential thermal method. The apparatus, procedures, limitations, and application of the method are described and illustrated.
690 THE INCREASED FREQUENCY OF HENOCH SHOENLEIN PURPURA IN FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by periodic attacks of fever and serositis, particularly peritonitis and synovitis. The disease is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene and primarily affects Sephardic Jews, Arabs, Turks and Armenians. Duing the period 1970-1979 we observed seven children with FMF who developed Henoch-Shoenlein purpura (HSP). During this period 0.16% of 2140 pediatric admissions per year were due to HSP. From a pediatric FMF population of 70 patients an average of 23 (33%) were admitted annually and one (4.3%) had HSP each year. Pertinent clinical features at the time of HSP - age range 3-13 years (mean 7 years) males: females 5:2. All patients had non thrombocytopenic purpura, arthritis or arthlagia and fever. Five patients (70%) had diffuse abdominal pain and two boys had testicular pain and swelling. Four patients (56%) had hematuria and one proteinuria, only. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate ranged from 50-150 mm/hr (mean 88) and fibrinogen 208-660 mg/dl (mean 373 mg/dl). The duration of hospitalization ranged from 13-150 days (mean 51 days). The association of FMF and HSP, two diseases of unknown etiology may provide new avenues of study in these diseases.
Current distribution in the cylindrical source plane-electrode configuration

There are a number of instances in the operation of electric apparatus in which the physical situation may be approximated by a configuration in which a plane electrode conducts current which is received from or delivered to a cylindrical conducting path normal to its surface. Among these instances the most familiar examples are cases in which the conducting path is an ionized column resulting from sparkover (breakdown) of a solid, liquid, or gaseous dielectric between conductors, or the process of arc formation by the separation of initially juxtaposed conducting surfaces between which current is flowing. Typical situations correspond to circumstances accompanying insulation failures in apparatus, relay contact ���breaks,��� circuit-breaker operations, and to the sparkover phenomena utilized in electric spark machining.1���2 In each of these situations craters are formed on the electrode surface. Considerable attention3���5 has been given to the phenomena of crater formation for obvious reasons. Formation of the craters has been attributed to various causes1,5,6 and, indeed, the predominant cause may vary, depending on conditions of current formation, duration and magnitude, and on current-density distribution in the ionized column. In at least one range of physically realizable circumstances current density beneath the surface has been demonstrated3 to be significant in determining the depth of crater formed by a particular discharge. The relationship demonstrated was of a qualitative character only, however, owing to the lack of quantitative knowledge concerning both transient and steady-state subsurface current distribution. This paper describes the results of an analytical study of current distribution under appropriate conditions. In this study steady-state current distribution was determined from work by others on an analogous problem in hydrodynamics.7,8 Transient current distribution was determined by a solution which is described in some detail in the Appendix.
Histone octamer function in vivo: mutations in the dimer–tetramer interfaces disrupt both gene activation and repression

Within the core histone octamer each histone H4 interacts with each H2A-H2B dimer subunit through two binding surfaces. Tyrosines play a central role in these interactions with H4 tyrosines 72 and 88 contacting one H2A-H2B dimer subunit, and tyrosine 98 contacting the other. To investigate the roles of these interactions in vivo, we made site-directed amino acid substitutions at each of these tyrosine residues. Elimination of either set of interactions is lethal, suggesting that binding of the tetramer to both dimers is essential. Temperature-sensitive mutants were obtained through single amino acid substitutions at each of the tyrosines. The mutants show both strong positive and negative effects on transcription. Positive effects include Spt- and Sin-phenotypes resulting from mutations at each of the three tyrosines. One allele has a strong negative effect on the expression of genes essential for the G1 cell cycle transition. At restrictive temperature, mutant cells fail to express the CLN1, CLN2, SWI4 and SWI6 genes, and have reduced levels of CLN3 mRNA. These results demonstrate the critical role of histone dimer-tetramer interactions in vivo, and define their essential role in the expression of genes regulating G1 cell cycle progression.
Assessment of diel emergence in Culicoides variipennis.

In northeastern Colorado, Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) exhibited a bimodal diel periodicity of adult emergence. The principal peak of activity followed sunset; a 2nd peak occurred 3–5 h after sunrise; and there was little or no activity between these periods. In the hour following sunset more males emerged than females (60% of total); in the morning sexes emerged in equal numbers. Emergence traps were modified to alleviate moisture and gas accumulation. A method for trap placement was devised that limited the temperature differential after 1 h to no more than 1°C between substrate exposed to direct sunlight and substrate beneath the trap.
Flat-top narrow-band spectral response obtained from cascaded resonant grating reflection filters.

Cascaded identical resonant grating reflection filters are shown to exhibit flattened spectral responses when the individual filter elements are cascaded π out of phase. Off resonance, the net response of a cascaded arrangement is given approximately by the sum of the individual filter responses. Cascading filters π out of phase thus result in a reduction in the off-resonance reflection levels and correspondingly an increase in the spectral bandpass ratio. The spectral bandpass ratio is a figure of merit used to gauge the flatness of a response and is defined as the ratio of the linewidth at an efficiency of 90% to the linewidth at an efficiency of 10%. Cascading two and three filters in this manner results in respective increases in the spectral bandpass ratio of three times and more than five times that of a single filter.
Mercury suppression of a potassium current in human B lymphocytes

Mercury is a recognized environmental toxin. Several organ systems are targeted by this substance and impairment of immune function is known to result from exposure to mercury. Using the patch clamp technique in the whole cell configuration on resting human B lymphocytes we have identified an outward potassium current and studied the effects of mercury on this current. We present data that demonstrate: (i) the absence of inward currents; (ii) a time and voltage dependent outward current with a threshold of -40 mV and reversal potential near EK+; (iii) blocking of this current by TEA (tetraethylammonium chloride) in a dose dependent manner; (iv) a slow time course for recovery from inactivation of this outwardly rectifying K+ current and, (v) the diminution and final block of this potassium current by mercury. These data supplement the findings from our laboratories that demonstrate inhibitory effects on B cell activation by mercury. We propose that the movement of potassium ions across the B cell membrane, an event presumed to be one of the first signals in the mitogenic process, is a target of mercury toxicity.
The dilemma of midline destructive lesions: a case series and diagnostic review

Abstract Background Midline destructive lesions (MDLs) of the nose are a diagnostic dilemma due to an extensive differential diagnosis and vague presenting signs and symptoms. Etiologies may be neoplastic, autoimmune, traumatic, infectious, or unknown. Study Design Case series and review of the literature were done. Methods Medical records of 8 patients presenting with an MDL were reviewed. Results Each patient received nasal endoscopy, computed tomography scan of the sinuses, laboratory workup, culture (aerobes, anaerobes, fungus, and acid-fast bacilli), and biopsy with flow cytometry. Laboratory tests included complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, angiotensin-converting enzyme, antineutrophil antibodies, rheumatoid factor, anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies, Epstein-Barr virus antibodies, coccidiomycosis serology, HIV antibodies, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption, classic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, proteinase 3, and myeloperoxidase. Choice of diagnostic study was individualized for each patient. Two patients were diagnosed with natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, 2 were diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis, and 4 remained idiopathic, despite the extensive workup. A diagnostic algorithm to aid in the approach to MDLs is presented. Conclusions The diagnosis of MDLs remains difficult but is aided by a systematic approach and familiarity with multiple diagnostic techniques. It is imperative to take multiple tissue specimens from various sites, send them fresh, and communicate suspicion of lymphoma. Despite diagnostic advances and improved understanding of the diseases underlying MDLs, an etiology is often not identified.
Knowledge management at NASA-Kennedy Space Center

This case study describes some of the technical and socio-structural Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives at one of the best-known knowledge-based organisations: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Kennedy Space Center (NASA-KSC). The recent economic environment of diminishing budgets and consequent downsizing, coupled with the increasing work complexity, provides a compelling business case as to why KM is increasingly important for this organisation. The case explores the business reasons why NASA-KSC concluded it was important to develop Expert Seeker, an expertise locator KM system. The development process as well as the underlying system's architecture is discussed. Finally, barriers to effective KM as well as a view into the future of KM are also presented.
Removal of volatile trace organics from wastewater by overland flow land treatment

Abstract A prototype overland flow land treatment system was studied to determine its effectiveness in reducing the levels of volatile trace organics in municipal wastewater. Chlorinated primary wastewater, water collected from the surface at various points downslope and runoff were analyzed by GC/MS using a purge and trap sampler. Results indicated that efficient removal of a number of volatile substances including chloroform and toluene can be achieved by this method of treatment. Loss of these substances was found to follow first order kinetics. The observed behavior is consistent with a volatilization process.
Insulin receptors of isolated glomeruli

Abstract 1. 1. To investigate a possible action of insulin on the glomerulus, the binding of [125I]insulin to isolated glomeruli prepared from rat kidney was examined. When incubated at 22°C, [125I]insulin binding proceeded with time and reached a steady state at 45 min at which time non-specific binding was less than 25% of total binding. 2. 2. This binding was specific to insulin in that other hormonal agents known to act on the glomerulus were without effects on the binding. Increasing concentrations of non-labelled insulin displaced [125Ijinsulin binding in a dose-dependent fashion. Scatchard plot of data was curvilinear. 3. 3. The addition of excess non-labeled insulin to the glomeruli preincubated with [125I]insulin resulted in a rapid dissociation ofapprox 70% of bound [125I]insulin. 4. 4. Insulin decreased the increments in glomerular cyclic AMP levels by epinephrine and by prostaglandin E2, but not those by histamine. 5. 5. The autoradiographic studies demonstrated the presence of insulin binding primarily on the surface of the endothelium and epithelium. 6. 6. These data showed the presence of specific insulin receptors in the glomeruli, probably in the endothelium and epithelium, and that insulin action may be, at least in part, through modulation of glomerular cyclic AMP concentrations. 7. 7. Such action of insulin may underlie the alteration in glomerular ultrafiltration and the development of characteristic glomerular lesions in diabetes mellitus, a disease in which insulin deficiency or tissue resistance to insulin exists.
Treatment Outcomes of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A 4-Year, Retrospective Single-Center Review

The treatment and outcomes of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are not well described in neurosurgery patients. This study reviewed the treatment for HIT in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients, and compared outcomes in patients with isolated HIT (iHIT) and HIT with thrombotic syndrome (HITTS). Adult patients with SAH discharged from the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System from 2006 to 2009 were included if they had at least one positive HIT antibody test. Patients were categorized with either iHIT or HITTS based on documented evidence of thrombosis. The primary outcome was the incidence of new thromboses prior to discharge. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of major bleeding, new thromboses up to 3 months after discharge, or hospice/death. Patients having any secondary outcome were defined as having a “poor treatment-related effect”. A total of 176 patients were screened and 30 patients met inclusion criteria. Eighteen patients (60 %) were categorized with iHIT and 12 (40 %) with HITTS. Twelve patients (67 %) with iHIT received prophylaxis with fondaparinux and nine patients (75 %) with HITTS were treated with argatroban. There were no differences in the primary (11 vs. 25 %, p = 0.364) or secondary outcomes in the iHIT group versus the HITTS group. Patients with iHIT had a 5.5 % incidence of “poor treatment-related effects” compared to a 33.3 % incidence in patients with HITTS (p = 0.024). SAH patients with iHIT and HITTS did not differ in the incidence of new thromboses, incidence of hemorrhage, or hospice/death. Patients with iHIT had fewer “poor treatment-related effects” than HITTS patients.
Optical Ceramics: The Promise for a New Technology for High-Power Lasers and Nuclear Radiation Detection

We will present the benefits offered by transparent polycrystalline materials for high-power laser and efficient nuclear detector applications over single-crystal and glass-based technologies. The current challenges in transparent ceramic fabrication will also be discussed.
Evidence that the IL-6/IL-6 soluble receptor cytokine system plays a role in the increased skeletal sensitivity to PTH in estrogen-deficient women.

Estrogen-deficient women show increased skeletal sensitivity to the resorbing actions of PTH. The basis for this effect is not known. To examine the influence of estrogen deficiency on PTH-induced proresorptive cytokine production in humans, the response of five young women to a 36-h infusion of (1–34)human PTH (hPTH) was studied. PTH induced significant increases in circulating levels of IL-6 (mean values, T0→T36 h; 2.2→19.2 pg/ml), IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR; 29.8→67.2 ng/ml), urine N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) (38.6→148 nm bone collagen equivalent/mm creatinine) and serum calcium (2.12→2.62 mmol/liter). To examine the impact of hormonal status on this response, PTH infusions were next undertaken in seven estrogen-deficient and seven estrogen-treated postmenopausal women. When compared with estrogen-treated women, and correcting for differences in baseline values, estrogen-deficient women demonstrated an exaggerated increase in circulating levels of IL-6 (5.0→31.7 vs. 3.2→14.4 pg/ml; P = 0....
AMERICAN INDIAN SUICIDE AND HOMICIDE RATES AND UNEMPLOYMENT

From 1955–1987, American suicide and homicide rates were associated with unemployment rates in a correlational analysis, whereas American Indian suicide and homicide rates were not.
The Linguistic Annotation Framework: a standard for annotation interchange and merging

This paper overviews the International Standards Organization---Linguistic Annotation Framework (ISO---LAF) developed in ISO TC37 SC4. We describe the XML serialization of ISO---LAF, the Graph Annotation Format (GrAF) and discuss the rationale behind the various decisions that were made in determining the standard. We describe the structure of the GrAF headers in detail and provide multiple examples of GrAF representation for text and multi-media. Finally, we discuss the next steps for standardization of interchange formats for linguistic annotations.
MEMS Rotary Engine Power System

This work presents a project overview and recent research results for the MEMS Rotary Engine Power System project at the Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center of the University of California at Berkeley. The research motivation for the project is the high specific energy density of hydrocarbon fuels. When compared with the energy density of batteries, hydrocarbon fuels may have as much as 20x more energy. However, the technical challenge is the conversion of hydrocarbon fuel to electricity in an efficient and clean micro engine. A 12.9 mm diameter Wankel engine will be shown that has already generated 4 Watts of power at 9300rpm. In addition, the 1mm and 2.4 mm Wankel engines that BSAC is developing for power generation at the microscale will be discussed. The project goal is to develop electrical power output of 90milliwatts from the 2.4 mm engine. Prototype engine components have already been fabricated and these will be described. The integrated generator design concept utilizes a nickel-iron alloy electroplated in the engine rotor poles, so that the engine rotor also serves as the generator rotor.
Abstract C50: Down-regulation of Bcl2 sensitizes radiation resistance prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation.

Radiation therapy (RT) is an important treatment for primary prostate cancer (PCa). However, intermediate and high risk patients can relapse and recurrent disease can be resistant to RT. Bcl2 is one of the critical regulators of apoptotic cell death. Previously, we selected from the DU145 cell line (DU) a subset of cells (DUIR) that survive fractionated high dose ionizing radiation (IR) in vitro. In the current work, we have identified Bcl2 as an important regulator that determines IR resistance and IR-induced aggressiveness in PrCa cells. DUIR has undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as defined by reduced E-cadherin and enhanced vimentin expression. DUIR cells display higher levels of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1), neuron specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin B, resembling a neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype. DUIR survives better than DU when exposed to IR (6-10 Gy) or to zinc-directed toxins, and DUIR grows faster in response graded levels of serum or NT. NTR1 antagonist (SR48692) blocks the response to NT. NT stimulation reduces apoptosis while SR486923 enhances apoptosis in DUIR cells exposed to IR. The expression level of Bcl2 is dramatically higher in DUIR than in DU. To assess the role of Bcl2 in the ability of cells to survive IR, we generated stable cell lines using lentivirus caring Bcl2 specific shRNA. Down-regulation of Bcl2 sensitized the cells to IR, as shown by decreased proliferation, decreased clonogenicity, increased apoptosis (cleaved PARP and caspase 3/7 activity), and increased DNA breakage (γ-H2AX foci), as compared to control cells. Our study indicates that PCa cells that survive high dose IR display an aggressive phenotype characterized by NE and EMT features with resistance to IR or drug induced cell death. The up-regulation of Bcl2 plays an important role in cell survival following IR. These findings define a mechanism of cellular resistance to IR therapy and they suggest that strategies aimed to limit the effects of Bcl2 could be beneficial. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):C50. Citation Format: Tao Wang, Robert E. Carraway, Joshua Briggs, Huazhen Chen, Thomas J. FitzGerald. Down-regulation of Bcl2 sensitizes radiation resistance prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C50.
The reaction of several protein hormones with periodate.

The action of periodate on FSH, ICSH, TSH, growth hormone, HCG and PMSG has been investigated. With the exception of growth hormone, all the other hormones show markedly diminished activity after treatment with periodate. Additional information is presented on the effect of oxidation with periodate on the biological activities of β-corticotropin and lactogenic hormone. It is suggested that periodate be employed to decrease the TSH and ICSH activities in growth hormone preparations; these activities arise from contaminants in such preparations. Finally, it has been shown that periodatetreatcd growth hormone is still capable of partially maintaining the adrenal weights of rats that have undergone hypophysectomy.
Energy losses of solar cosmic rays in interplanetary space

A simple model of solar cosmic ray propagation which includes diffusion, convection, and energy loss by adiabatic deceleration is studied. A Monte Carlo technique is employed to investigate the variation of mean particle energy in the interplanetary medium after the impulsive release of mono-energetic particles at the Sun. At 1 AU typical energy losses are 43% at 20 h and 64% at 60 h after particle release for a diffusion coefficient κ(r)=κ 0rβ with β=+1/2 and κ0=1.33 × 1021 cm2 s−1. When κ 0 in this model is reduced by a factor of 4, the energy loss is greater by a factor of 2 at 60 h after particle release. When β is increased, the energy losses are greater. Using the model parameters above, an increase in solar wind speed from 300 to 600 km s−-1 gives rise to energy losses that are greater again by factor of 2 at a time of 60 h. Results are compared with an observation by Murray et al. (1971) of a ‘knee’ in the energy spectrum of solar protons. It is not considered likely that the change in the energy of the knee with time requires, in addition to adiabatic deceleration, another energy change process which acts to increase the energy of particles.
Pediatric appendicitis: The prevalence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon presentation and its association with clinical outcomes

Abstract Introduction To our knowledge, the prevalence of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in pediatric patients with appendicitis has not been previously investigated. Our specific aim was to determine the prevalence of SIRS at the time of presentation of pediatric patients with appendicitis. Additionally, we sought to determine if the presence of SIRS had any value in predicting their clinical outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients (age Results This study consisted of 212 patients. The definition of SIRS was met in 66 patients (31.1%). Thirty of the 66 (45.6%) patients with SIRS had/developed an abscess versus 28 (19.2%) of those without SIRS (P Conclusion Our study found a 31.1% prevalence of SIRS in pediatric patients presenting with appendicitis. Our results suggest these patients with SIRS have a significantly higher risk of having/developing an intraabdominal abscess (RR, 2.4; 95% CI: 1.6–3.6) and significantly longer LOS.
The N -soliton of the focusing nonlinear SchrÖdinger equation for N large

We present a detailed analysis of the solution of the focusing nonlinear Schrodinger equation with initial condition (x,0) = N sech(x) in the limit N ! 1. We begin by presenting new and more accurate numerical reconstructions of the N-soliton by inverse scattering (numerical linear algebra) for N = 5, 10, 20, and 40. We then recast the inverse-scattering problem as a Riemann-Hilbert problem and provide a rigorous asymptotic analysis of this problem in the large-N limit. For those (x,t) where results have been obtained by other authors, we improve the error estimates from O(N 1/3 ) to O(N 1 ). We also analyze the Fourier power spectrum in this regime and relate the results to the optical phenomenon of supercontinuum generation. We then study the N-soliton for values of (x,t) where analysis has not been carried out before, and we uncover new phenomena. The main discovery of this paper is the mathematical mechanism for a secondary caustic (phase transition), which turns out to differ from the mechanism that generates the primary caustic. The mechanism for the generation of the secondary caustic depends essentially on the discrete nature of the spectrum for the N-soliton, and more significantly, cannot be recovered from an analysis of an ostensibly similar Riemann-Hilbert problem in the conditions of which a certain formal continuum limit is taken on an ad hoc basis.
Requirement of a Dynein Light Chain in TGFβ/Smad3 Signaling

We have previously reported that the dynein light chain (DLC) km23-1 is required for Smad2-dependent TGFs signaling. Here we describe another member of the km23/DYNLRB/LC7/robl family of DLCs, termed km23-2, which is also involved in TGFβ signaling. We show not only that TGFβ stimulates the interaction of km23-2 (DYNLRB2) with TGFβ receptor II (TβRII), but also that TGFβ regulates the interaction between km23-2 and endogenous TβRII in vivo. In addition, TGFβ treatment causes km23-2 phosphorylation, whereas a kinase-deficient form of TβRII prevents km23-2 phosphorylation. In contrast to the km23-1 isoform, blockade of km23-2 expression using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) decreased key TGFβ/Smad3-specific responses, including the induction of both plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) gene expression and p21 protein expression. Blockade of km23-1 expression had no effect on these two major TGFβ/Smad3 responses under similar conditions. Further, km23-2 was required for TGFβ stimulation of Smad3-dependent Smad-binding element (SBE)2-Luc transcriptional activity, but not for TGFβ stimulation of Smad2-dependent activin responsive element (ARE)-Lux transcriptional activity. In order to assess the mechanisms underlying the preferential stimulation of Smad3- vs. Smad2-specific TGFβ responses, immunoprecipitation (IP)/blot analyses were performed, which demonstrate that TGFβ stimulated preferential complex formation of km23-2 with Smad3, relative to Smad2. Collectively, our findings indicate that km23-2 is required for Smad3-dependent TGFβ signaling. More importantly, we demonstrate that km23-2 has functions in TGFβ signaling that are distinct from those for km23-1. This is the first report to describe a differential requirement for unique isoforms of a specific DLC family in Smad-specific TGFβ signaling.
Imaging Properties of Multimode Photonic Crystal Waveguides and Waveguide Arrays

Light propagation in multimode photonic crystal (PC) waveguides and in arrays of single-mode PC waveguides is analyzed. The dispersion relations of the modes traveling along these devices explain the numerically observed formation of single and multiple copies of the input beam. As the analogous devices constructed in a standard planar geometry, the proposed PC devices can be employed as filters and demultiplexers. The use of PC structures, where the light is truly confined by the stopband, adds the valuable benefit of a dramatic reduction of the overall geometrical dimensions
Home Is Where the Heart Is: Do Blood Transfusions Belong There Too?

Blood transfusions performed outside of the hospital (OOH), particularly those in the patient's home, require special attention to reduce the added risk of being at an increased distance from emergency medical care. The situation must be carefully evaluated to be sure that the added risk is minimal and is balanced by substantial benefit to the patient. Consideration should be given in advance as to which patients will be eligible for OOH transfusions and what criteria must be met for the location of the transfusion. When blood transfusions are performed in the home, a second adult should be available to be able to assist the transfusionist and to monitor the patient after the transfusionist leaves. A facility engaged in OOH transfusions must adhere to all regulations and should establish quality assurance measures concerning this OOH transfusion practice. An OOH blood transfusion program must address these and other issues before the first patient is enrolled.
Physics-Based Constraints in the Forward Modeling Analysis of Time-Correlated Image Data

The forward-model approach has been shown to produce accurate model reconstructions of scientific measurements for single-time image data. Here we extend the approach to a series of images that are correlated in time using the physics-based constraints that are often available with scientific imaging. The constraints are implemented through a representational bias in the model and, owing to the smooth nature of the physics evolution in the specified model, provide an effective temporal regularization. Unlike more general temporal regularization techniques, this restricts the space of solutions to those that are physically realizable. We explore the performance of this approach on a simple radiographic imaging problem of a simulated object evolving in time. We demonstrate that the constrained simultaneous analysis of the image sequence outperforms the independent forward modeling analysis over a range of degrees of freedom in the physics constraints, including when the physics model is under-constrained. Further, this approach outperforms the independent analysis over a large range of signal-to-noise ratios.
The maximum factor queue length batching scheme for video-on-demand systems

In a video-on-demand environment, batching of video requests is often used to reduce I/O demand and improve throughput. Since viewers may defect if they experience long waits, a good video scheduling policy needs to consider not only the batch size but also the viewer defection probabilities and wait times. Two conventional scheduling policies for batching are the first-come-first-served (FCFS) policy, which schedules the video with the longest waiting request, and the maximum queue length-(MQL) policy, which selects the video with the maximum number of waiting requests. Neither of these policies leads to entirely satisfactory results. MQL tends to be too aggressive in scheduling popular videos by considering only the queue length to maximize batch size, while FCFS has the opposite effect by completely ignoring the queue length and focusing on arrival time to reduce defection. In this paper, we introduce the notion of factored queue length and propose a batching policy that schedules the video with the maximum factored queue length. We refer to this as the MFQL policy. The factored queue length is obtained by weighting each video queue length with a factor which is biased against the more popular videos. An optimization problem is formulated to solve for the best weighting factors for the various videos. We also consider MFQL implementation issues. A simulation is developed to compare the proposed MFQL variants with FCFS and MQL. Our study shows that MFQL yields excellent empirical results in terms of standard performance measures such as average latency time, defection rates, and fairness.