cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood Brain Barrier Injury in Diabetes: Unrecognized Effects on Brain and Cognition

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder due to the inability properly to metabolize glucose associated with dysregulation of metabolic pathways of lipids and proteins resulting in structural and functional changes of various organ systems. DM has detrimental effects on the vasculature, resulting in the development of various cardiovascular diseases and stemming from microvascular injury. The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized structure protecting the unique microenvironment of the brain. Endothelial cells, connected by junctional complexes and expressing numerous transporters, constitute the main cell type in the BBB. Other components, including pericytes, basement membrane, astrocytes and perivascular macrophages, join endothelial cells to form the neurovascular unit (NVU) and contribute to the proper function and integrity of the BBB. The role of the BBB in the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy and other diabetes-related complications in the central nervous system is apparent. However, the mechanisms, timing and consequences of BBB injury in diabetes are not well understood. The importance of further studies related to barrier dysfunction in diabetes is dictated by its potential involvement in the cognitive demise associated with DM. This review summarizes the impact of DM on BBB/NVU integrity and function leading to neurological and cognitive complications.
Abstract 1941: Cell surface vimentin is a novel marker for CTC detection in neuroblastoma

Among children in the United States, brain cancers now account for most number of cancer-related deaths. Neuroblastomas (NB) and sarcomas account for 13% of all childhood cancers in the United States. Despite significant progress yielding increased 5-year survival, 1250 deaths are expected this year from childhood cancers and cancer incidence has been steadily increasing. One of the key contributors to cancer mortality is tumor metastasis. It is generally believed that CTCs are shed into the circulation from primary tumors and contain unique driver mutations enabling their aggressive phenotype. However, detection of CTCs from NB is difficult as there is no direct method. Our lab has developed a monoclonal antibody targeting vimentin on the cells’ surface. Cell surface vimentin (CSV) is only observed in tumor cells; it remains intracellular in normal cells. We have published data demonstrating the superior specificity and sensitivity of our approach in breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Here, we report direct CTC detection in NB using our CSV mAb. As part of our collaborative effort analyzing NB blood samples from a multicenter Phase II trial, we present novel discoveries regarding treatment of NB with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and its effects on CTC release into the circulation in patients under remission. Among our observations, approximately ~1/3 patients have low or no CTCs while ~1/4 with high numbers of CTC are responding to DFMO treatment. Remaining patients show oscillating CTC numbers. Further, treatment with DFMO showed a statistically significant decline in CTCs after the beginning of therapy. Ongoing work including whole genome analysis can possibly reveal new insight into CTCs’ entering the circulation. These data demonstrate that our CTC capture using CSV is a novel and unique approach for detection in NB. Citation Format: Izhar S. Batth, Heming Li, Giselle Saulnier Sholler, Shulin Li. Cell surface vimentin is a novel marker for CTC detection in neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1941. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1941
Operative approaches to midline tumors.

We have now operated and confirmed 80 tumors of the pineal region. Our experience is that 30 percent of these are benign, encapsulated and can be removed, and that only 30 percent represent germinomas. Another 30 percent are astrocytomas of varying grade. The preferred therapy in the majority of these tumors is radiotherapy and its extent depends upon the analysis of the lumbar spinal fluid. Chemotherapy has been reserved for tumors of the primitive embryonic type.
Dispersion in Homogeneous Estuary Flow

The effects of the transverse variations of velocity on dispersion in oscillatory, estuary flow are investigated. The dispersion coefficient (\iE) is found to depend on a parameter \iT′ = \IT/T\dc\N, in which \iT is the tidal period and \IT\dc\N is a characteristic time for turbulent diffusion. Applying the relationship between \iE and \iT′ to some estuaries, it is concluded that the effects of the transverse variations of velocity may cause \iE to be as much as 10 times greater than it would be if only the vertical variations were considered. However, for continuous injection conditions, this possible increase in \iE appears to cause calculated concentrations to change by only 10% to 15% of the maximum concentration. Thus, under the conditions and assumptions stated in the paper, equations such as Elder’s or Taylor’s may be used to estimate \iE for continuous injections into estuaries. In other cases, it may be desirable to know the transverse distribution of velocity in order to estimate \iE.
Energy Filtering and Quantitative SIMS Analysis of Silicates for Major and Trace Elements

The potential capabilities and usefulness of SIMS analysis in geochemistry including localized analysis of trace elements or of isotopic compositions of trace elements in natural minerals far outweigh existing difficulties. Systematic studies are needed to understand the sputtering/ionization process in polycomponent targets in order to establish procedures for quantitative analysis.
Partnering for Peace: United Nations and African Union Cooperation in Peace and Security

UN peacekeeping is ill-equipped for the current peace and security challenges in Africa. The African Union has certain advantages, which it brings to a mutually beneficial partnership with the UN. This chapter argues that the ultimate success of this partnership, however, depends upon African states addressing some significant foreign policy challenges, such as strengthening African solidarity at the AU and the UN and ensuring implementation of AU decisions; harmonizing decision-making processes and aligning strategies between the United Nations and the African Union on the one hand and the African Union and its sub-regional organizations on the other; strengthening the ability of the African Union to deliver on the ground, and resolving the question of funding for African Union Peace Support Operations. Combining the strengths of the two organizations promises to greatly improve the effectiveness of the overall effort, and therefore ensuring that the partnership is a success is a golden opportunity for African states to advance peace and security on the continent.
Granular computing in wineinformatics

Wineinformatics is a novel data science application domain to understand more about wine via wine related datasets, including physicochemical laboratory data and wine reviews. Many interesting works has been done in this novel domain, including predict the wines' score based on the wine expert reviews (in human language format) and wine region estimation. In this paper, Granule computing was applied to Wineinformatics. The information granules are evaluated and found out that the results produced within the information granules surpass the predictive models build on the whole dataset. It suggests that the information granule do have the power to pick up the correlation between wine attributes and wine scores to produce higher quality results. Important attributes are also reported in this paper. It is the first time that the granule computing concept being applied in any wine related experiment or dataset. This paper also enables many possible future works in Wineinformatics.
Deterministic Coupling between Cellular Bioenergetics, Cholesterol Synthesis, Cell Proliferation and Cancer

Extensive studies from my laboratory when considered in context with a broad spectrum of work by others, collectively emphasize that an obligatory coupling occurs between the following metabolic phenomena in rapidly growing cells and tumors: 1. There is an enhanced rate of citrate export from tumor mitochondria, concomitant with a pattern for terminal respiration that is consistent with the operation of a “truncated Krebs cycle”; 2. There is an enhanced precursor carbon flux (from cytoplasmic citrate or acetyl-CoA) through the tumor’s cholesterogenic pathway, the cause of which appears to depend upon two characteristic enzymatic aberrations: the expression, per tumor cell, of a dramatically increased (and persisting) amount of HMGR, and an equally increased activity of ATP-citrate lyase; and, 3. A recently discovered set of acidic, isoprenylated (or terpenylated) phospho-proteins arises in proliferating cells (tumor or “normal”), whose synthesis prior to and during the S-phase of the cell cycle mandates a highly active and continuous formation and utilization of cholesterogenic pathway intermediates, especially those generated in the the segment between mevalonic acid and squalene.
Nutritional Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Pediatric Patients

Dietary therapy is the primary method of treatment of EoE in the pediatric population. The nutritional management of children with EoE is therefore an essential component of care and underscores the important role played by the pediatric nutritionist. Currently, three nutritional or dietary approaches exist for EoE, including guided elimination diets, empiric elimination diets, and total elemental diets. Foods can be selectively eliminated from the diet using either guided removal based on allergy testing or on empiric removal of the most common foods known to cause EoE. Guided food removal utilizes the combined results of both skin prick testing (SPT) and atopy patch testing (APT) to direct dietary therapy. An alternate method is the empiric removal of the most common food allergens (milk, soy, wheat, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts); other foods also noted as common causes include corn, beef, and chicken. Both the guided and empiric methods of food removal have resulted in similar rates of improvement, with normalization of biopsies occurring about 75% of the time. The third method is the total elemental diet that is the replacement of all foods with an elemental formula. This chapter will examine these approaches with emphasis on the nutritional risks, and advantages and disadvantages of each method. A discussion of the role of the registered dietitian in managing the pediatric patient with EoE as well as information on enteral feedings and patient/family education and resources will also be included.
NUMERICAL METHODS FOR SOLVING COUPLED SEMICONDUCTOR EQUATIONS ON A MINICOMPUTER

Publisher Summary A general mathematical model for analyzing currents and fields in semiconductor devices requires three coupled nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations in two dimensions. A general-purpose solver for systems of coupled nonlinear elliptic partial differential equation is used. The numerical framework is linear elements on triangles, with nonuniform triangulations. The nonlinear finite element equations are solved by approximate Newton methods; the linearized equations are solved by sparse Gaussian elimination and by multilevel iteration. For accurate solutions, triangle refinements are generated adaptively. Interactive operation and graphics are essential, both for understanding the solutions and for developing robust solution strategies. This chapter presents the development of the package, which is capable of solving a wide variety of semiconductor device problems. The package analyzes coupled systems of semiconductor equations in two dimensions. The package is hierarchical, consisting of a technology-dependent top level, or driver, which calls a general-purpose elliptic solver. With this organization, the physical model of the system can be changed easily, and the package on problems with known solutions can be tested.
Ideal incompressible fluid

Consider a continuum in some vessel, \(\mathop V\limits^ \circ \). Continuum occupies the entire vessel at the initial instant, t 0. Let us prescribe the initial and the final positions of each point of the continuum
CASTANEDA'S THEORY OF KNOWING

While continuing to think deeply and write tumultuously on topics in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, action theory, ethics, metaphilosophy,…, Hector CastaŇeda has found time over the years to compose a significant body of material on knowledge and epistemic justification.1 It culminates (to date) in his imposing paper (1980), in which he presents “a tentative analysis of knowledge that p” (p. 226), embedded within a more general “contribution to basic epistemology and to the philosophy of cognitive language” (p. 193). His approach departs in several useful ways from current orthodoxies in epistemology. In our study of his theory of knowing we shall concentrate on this paper, adverting to others where appropriate.2
Mathematical Modeling, Dynamics Analysis and Control of Carnivorous Plants

The focus of this chapter is to analyze the sensing and actuating mechanism of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) by developing a control model to explain these phenomena. The mathematical model captures the dynamic responses of the flytrap in different environmental conditions. In addition, this model emphasizes the existence of the threshold accumulation of the trigger signal and the semi-closed state, which are largely ignored in other models. Furthermore, a biomimetic robot was constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of the mathematical model. While the robot serves as a prototype to demonstrate the control model, future applications using this control could aid microsensors and microgrippers to reduce false alarms. In summary, this chapter uses the Venus flytrap as an example to illustrate the integration between biology, theoretical modeling, and engineering. Such integration and inspiration from the natural world will significantly contribute to advances in these various disciplines.
Representation of Clifford Algebras

In Sect. 4.5, we discussed the representation of an algebra and its significance in physical applications. This significance is doubled in the case of the Clifford algebras because of their relation with the Dirac equation, which describes a relativistic spin-\({{\frac{1}{2}}}\) fundamental particle such as a lepton or a quark. With the representation of Lie groups and Lie algebras behind us, we can now tackle the important topic of the representation of Clifford algebras.
Effects of Inert and Energetic Nanoparticles on Burning Liquid Ethanol Droplets

ABSTRACTThe effect of nanoscale energetic aluminum (nAl) and inert silicon dioxide (nSiO2) particulate additives on ethanol droplet combustion was studied under atmospheric conditions. Three differ...
Submodularity issues in value-of-information-based sensor placement

Abstract The value of information represents a rational metric for guiding the optimization of sensing efforts to support infrastructure system management under uncertainty. Unfortunately, this metric lacks the property of submodularity. Submodularity can be intuitively understood as a diminishing returns property, whereby the incremental benefit of a specific measurement is higher when the set of other available measures is smaller. Metrics which exhibit this property can be optimized using efficient greedy approaches, with certain guarantees on the near-optimality of the results. In this paper, we examine the issue of submodularity related to the optimization of sensor monitoring schemes using the value of information metric. We illustrate how greedy optimization approaches using value of information can lead to sub-optimal solutions for sensing in certain situations. We also examine how one potential heuristic approach involving a submodular surrogate metric (e.g. the conditional entropy) might be used to avoid some of these shortcomings.
Eutectic melt crystallization of L10-FePt

Herein, we report the eutectic growth control of ordered L10-FePt, which directs the nucleation, growth and crystallization of FePt sheets in a single-step reaction. The nature of eutectic crystallization at the eutectic point suggests its role as a high-temperature solvent, exhibiting an advantage in the scale-up production of metastable alloys.
Women's Affordability, Access, and Preventive Care After the Affordable Care Act.

Introduction Women historically have had difficulty maintaining health insurance, obtaining preventive care, and affording care. The objectives of this study were to describe changes in insurance affordability, healthcare access, and preventive care for women of different income levels after implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Methods This was a difference-in-differences analysis of data about U.S. women aged 19–64years from the National Health Interview Survey. This study examined self-reported insurance affordability, access to health care, and preventive services. Changes before (2010–2013) and after (2014–2017) the Affordable Care Act insurance expansions were compared by income (≤138% federal poverty level vs≥400% federal poverty level). Multivariate difference-in-differences analyses adjusting for demographics were expressed as risk differences. Results The sample represented an estimated 41,106,929 women. After the Affordable Care Act, women with incomes ≤138% federal poverty level, compared with ≥400% federal poverty level, had less difficulty finding affordable insurance (adjusted difference-in-differences: –27.18, 95% CI= –36.37, –18.00); were more likely to have seen/talked to a doctor in 12 months (adjusted difference-in-differences: 3.08, 95% CI=1.29, 4.87), had blood pressure screening (adjusted difference-in-differences: 3.27, 95% CI=1.94, 4.60), cholesterol screening (adjusted difference-in-differences: 5.05, 95% CI=2.45, 7.64), and mammograms (adjusted difference-in-differences: 6.87, 95% CI=3.94, 9.79). Conclusions After implementation of the Affordable Care Act, women in all income groups, especially the lowest, reported greater affordability of coverage, access to health care, and receipt of preventive services. Efforts to alter the Affordable Care Act should consider the impact of policy changes on women's health and preventive care.
Partial Molar Volume of the Hydrated Electron.

The partial molar volume of the hydrated electron was investigated with pulse radiolysis and transient absorption by measuring the pressure dependence of the equilibrium constant for e–aq + NH4+ ⇔ ...
Congress Finally Passes Carried Interest Legislation, But is it Enough?

ABSTRACT After numerous failed previous attempts to enact legislation taxing “carried interest” income attributable to services as compensation income versus capital gains, Congress enacted Section...
Pediatric-Based Therapy for Young Adults with Newly Diagnosed Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Abstract 2037 Poster Board II-14 Adolescents 14 to 21 years of age with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved outcomes if treated on pediatric chemotherapy regimens as opposed to adult regimens. Young adults with ALL may also benefit from chemotherapy modeled after pediatric regimens, though toxicities may be limiting. We report on 48 young adult patients between the ages of 12 to 40 years with de novo Philadelphia chromosome negative ALL treated with the augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM) chemotherapy regimen. All patients have completed at least the initial 28 days of therapy (induction) consisting of high dose prednisone, pegylated asparaginase (PEG-asp), vincristine, daunorubicin and intrathecal treatments. The median age of the group was 20 yrs (14-36); 40 patients had pre-B ALL and 8 T-ALL, No infectious deaths were observed during induction. 45 (95%) patients achieved a remission by 29 days and 2 achieved remission after a 2 week extension of induction. One patient was refractory to therapy. 39 (81%) patients achieved a morphological marrow remission (<5% blasts) by day 15 of treatment (rapid early responders). Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessed by flow cytometry was negative at the end of induction for 30 (62%), positive in 10 (21%), suspicious in 6 (12%) and not available for 2 patients. In the 41 patients who completed 12 weeks of therapy, MRD was negative in 35 (85%) and positive in 6 (15%). 7 (15%) patients have relapsed or have refractory disease; 1 patient died in CR. Admission for fever of unknown origin with neutropenia occurred in 10 (21%) patients, an additional 10 (21%) patients had documented infections. Grade III-IV hepatic toxicity has been prominent: 22 (45%) increased transaminase, 14 (29%) hyperbilirubinemia. 9 (19%) patients had allergic reactions to PEG-asp, and 10 (21%) had thrombotic events. The majority of grade III-IV adverse events have been reversible. The median complete remission duration is 57 weeks (range 5-143). The overall survival at two years is 82%. In summary, this pediatric-based regimen for young adults with ALL effectively induces remission, both by morphology and by flow cytometry. Toxicity has been significant, but mostly transient and tolerable. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of this regimen in young adults with ALL. Disclosures: Rytting: Enzon: Speakers Bureau. Jabbour: Bristol-Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau.
Krygier and Selznick and the Rule of Law

During the same period that Martin Krygier published several of his most important articles on the rule of law, he was also at work on an ambitious interpretation of the social theory of the U.S. sociologist, Philip Selznick (1919–2010). In the resulting volume, Philip Selznick: Ideals in the World (2012), Krygier generously acknowledged Selznick’s influence on his own intellectual development and emphasized the importance of Selznick’s treatment of the rule of law. My essay considers Krygier and Selznick’s distinctive commitments to studying the rule of law as both moral ideal and social institution shaped by extralegal forces. Following a brief survey of Selznick’s contributions, I consider elements of commonality and contrast in their common concern to recognize the limits and vindicate the promise of the rule of law.
Testing for Normality

A FORTRAN computer program is presented that performs a simple test for normality based on the fact that the mean and variance of a sample are independent if and only if the underlying population is normal. The program provides the approximate descripti..
Utility of Blood Cultures and Empiric Antibiotics in Febrile Pediatric Hemophilia Patients With Central Venous Access Devices.

Background Children with hemophilia frequently require long-term central venous access devices (CVADs) for regular infusion of factor products. Hemophilia patients are not immunocompromised, but the presence and use of CVADs are associated with infections including bacteremia. Currently, the utility of blood cultures in evaluation of the febrile hemophilia patient with an indwelling CVAD is unknown, nor is optimal empiric antibiotic use. Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of febrile immunocompetent hemophilia patients with CVADs presenting to a large academic urban pediatric emergency department from 1995 to 2017. We used a natural language processing electronic search, followed by manual chart review to construct the cohort. We analyzed rate of pathogen recovery from cultures of blood in subgroups of hemophilia patients, the pathogen profile, and the reported pathogen susceptibilities to ceftriaxone. Results Natural language processing electronic search identified 181 visits for fever among hemophilia patients with indwelling CVADs of which 147 cases from 44 unique patients met study criteria. Cultures of blood were positive in 56 (38%) of 147 patients (95% confidence interval, 30%-47%). Seventeen different organisms were isolated (10 pathogens and 7 possible pathogens) with Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species as the most common. Thirty-four percent of isolates were reported as susceptible to ceftriaxone. Positive blood cultures were more common in cases involving patients with inhibitors (n = 71) versus those without (n = 76), odds ratio, 7.4 (95% confidence interval, 3.5-15.9). This was observed irrespective of hemophilia type. Conclusions Febrile immunocompetent hemophilia patients with indwelling CVADs have high rates of bacteremia. Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be targeted to anticipated pathogens and take into consideration local susceptibility patterns for Staphylococcus aureus.
The Ethical Import of Value Attribution

Are our human values—ethical values included—subjective and do they lie entirely “in the eye of the beholder”? Actually, there are good reasons for thinking that this is not in fact the case. And to see why this is so, one does best to begin with looking at the idea of what valuation is all about.
Isolation of Sag?I, a new Hae?III isoschizomer from Streptococcus agalactiae

A new HaeIII isochizomer from Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated by a single-step purification method. The highly active restriction endonuclease, SagI, was free of nonspecific nuclease activity and was suitable for use in molecular biology procedures. The rapid isolation procedure may be applicable for the recovery of other restriction endonucleases from bacteria.
Introducing an optoplasmonic amplifier operating in visible range and generating raman signal internally with injection seeding

Resonant propagation of light is important for building novel light source and chip-scale optical interconnects. Here, we introduced an optoplasmonic amplifier which is operating in the visible range and generating Raman signal internally with injection seeding. We introduced the microspheres as a chain with different arrangements such as – single sphere; two spheres with equal and unequal sizes; three spheres with equal sizes and multi spheres with different sizes. We analyzed the effect of excitation and polarization with respect to different spheres and position of excitation. We noticed a shift of mode position with respect to different sizes of microspheres. We also had different kind of underlying substrates such as silicon nanopillar, polymer nanopillar, pyramid polymer and nanohole polymer and investigate the effect of these substrates on various chains of microspheres.
Mathematical Modeling in the Elementary Grades: Developing and Testing an Assessment

Mathematical modeling is a high-leverage topic, critical for college and career readiness, participation in STEM education, and civic engagement. Mathematical modeling involves connecting real-world situations, phenomenon, and/or data with mathematical models, and in this way applies across various STEM disciplines, including mathematics, engineering, and science. Although research has begun to explore mathematical modeling instruction in the elementary grades, questions remain about how to assess student learning at the elementary level. We addressed this need by designing an assessment of mathematical modeling competencies for students in grades 3 through 5. Informed by international research, our assessment includes a hybrid structure to assess mathematical modeling competencies holistically (as students engage in the complete modeling process) and atomistically (as students engage in different components of the modeling process, including making sense of phenomena and real-world situations, setting up and operating on mathematical models, and interpreting results in relation to the real-world context). We conducted student interviews, followed by two rounds of pilot testing to inform item development and ensure acceptable psychometric properties. The final assessment included 13 items (9 multiple choice, 3 open-response, and 1 complete modeling task). We describe our assessment development process, and provide sample assessment items and detailed coding rubrics. We summarize quantitative analyses which established high reliability and low standard error for our assessment, supporting its use for grades 3 to 5. Implications of our framework and assessment for mathematical modeling instruction and future research on STEM learning are discussed.
Mary, Queen of Scots

"Scholars now have Warnicke to use as their chief one volume study of Mary" Julian Goodare, University of Edinburgh In this biography of one of the most intriguing figures of early modern European history, Retha Warnicke, widely regarded as a leading historian on Tudor queenship, offers a fresh interpretation of the life of Mary Stuart, popularly known as Mary Queen of Scots. Setting Mary's life within the context of the cultural and intellectual climate of the time and bringing to life the realities of being a female monarch in the sixteenth century, Warnicke also examines Mary's three marriages, her constant ill health and her role in numerous plots and conspiracies. Placing Mary within the context of early modern gender relations, Warnicke reveals the challenges that faced her and the forces that worked to destroy her. This highly readable and fascinating study will pour fresh light on the much-debated life of a central figure of the sixteenth century, providing a new interpretation of Mary Stuart's impact on politics, gender and nationhood in the Tudor era.
Interstate Allocations in GRS

This chapter analyzes how errors in data affect the distribution of GRS funds below the state level. The substate formulas are described in great detail (§5.2), and notation (§5.3) is developed to permit rigorous analysis of the approximate means, variances, and covariances of errors in the substate allocations. Analysis is complicated because the substate allocations must be determined by an iterative algorithm. Since iterative allocation formulas are not uncommon the analytic approach taken should be useful for studying other allocation programs as well.
Effects of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid based gel on the healing of open wounds in dogs.

Objective To compare effects of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) based gel (CMHA-S) to a standard wound management protocol on the healing of acute, full-thickness wounds in dogs. Study Design A prospective, controlled, experimental study. Animals Purpose-bred, adult, female beagles (n = 10). Methods Two 2 × 2 cm wounds were surgically created bilaterally on the trunk of each dog and each side randomized to treatment (CMHA-S) or control (CON) groups. Total and open wound areas were measured with digital image planimetry at 15 time points. From these data, percent contraction and percent epithelialization were calculated. Tissue biopsies were obtained at 6 time points and histologic features were scored. Results Total wound area was significantly larger and percent contraction was significantly less in CMHA-S compared to CON wounds at all data points between days 9 and 18. At day 25, and for the remainder of the study, CMHA-S wounds were smaller and contracted more than CON wounds, reaching significance at day 32. Percent epithelialization was significantly less in CMHA-S compared to CON wounds at all data points after day 11. Histologically, fibroblastic cellular infiltration was significantly higher in CMHA-S wounds at day 21. Conclusions CMHA-S wounds healed more slowly than CON wounds. This HA-based gel is not indicated in acute, full-thickness skin wounds in dogs as administered in this study. However, treatment may be beneficial in the mid-to-late repair stage of healing, or if scar minimization is desired. Further studies to evaluate the effects of the CMHA-S gel on canine wounds are indicated.
Clotrimazole treatment for prevention of oral candidiasis in patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy: Results of a double-blind study

Fungal infections have become an increasing cause of morbidity in patients with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. Oral candidiasis is prone to develop in these patients, and there is also a risk of the development of esophageal Candida infection. Clotrimazole troches have been previously reported to be effective in the treatment of documented oral Candida infection. This report documents a double-blind controlled study in 30 patients with acute leukemia in which the effectiveness of clotrimazole troches in preventing oropharyngeal candidiasis was assessed. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg troches of clotrimazole or a placebo three times per day. Mucosal scrapings were obtained weekly and examined directly by smear and culture. There were 28 evaluable patients. Of 12 patients with oral Candida infection, 11 were taking placebo and one received clotrimazole (p = 0.0002). Clotrimazole is effective in preventing oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Decision Strategies to Reduce Teenage and Young Adult Deaths in the United States

This article uses decision analysis concepts and techniques to address an extremely important problem to any family with children, namely, how to avoid the tragic death of a child during the high-risk ages of 15-24. Descriptively, our analysis indicates that of the 35,000 annual deaths among this age group in the United States, approximately 20,000 could be avoided if individuals chose readily available alternatives for decisions relating to these deaths. Prescriptively, we develop a decision framework for parents and a child to both identify and proactively pursue decisions that can lower that child's exposure to life-threatening risks and positively alter decisions when facing such risks. Applying this framework for parents and the youth themselves, we illustrate the logic and process of generating proactive alternatives with numerous examples that each could pursue to lower these life-threatening risks and possibly avoid a tragic premature death, and discuss some public policy implications of our findings.
Performance of PENTRANTM 3-D Parallel Particle Transport Code on the IBM SP2 and PCTRAN Cluster

This paper discusses the algorithm and performance of a 3-D parallel particle transport code system, PENTRAN™ (Parallel Environment Neutral-particle TRANsport). This code has been developed in F90 using the MPI library. Performance of the code is measured on an IBM SP2 and a PC cluster. Detailed analysis is performed for a sample problem, and the code is used for determination of radiation field in a real-life BWR (Boiling Water Reactor). Using 48 IBM-SP2 processors with 256 Mbytes memory each, we have solved this large problem in ~12 hours, obtaining a detailed energy-dependent flux distribution.
A Minimal Architecture for Human Journeys to Mars

Abstract Proposed architectures for human journeys to Mars need to take note of the two competing constraints of an executable program: the annual NASA human spaceflight budget will likely remain constrained (possibly growing with inflation), and going to Mars and landing on Mars need to happen within the interest horizon of the various stakeholders, including the public. In this article we describe a stepwise approach for human journeys to Mars using a minimal architecture. We refer to this architecture as minimal because it would minimize large new development efforts and rely largely on elements currently being developed or planned by NASA, such as SLS, Orion, a deep space habitat, and a 100-kWe-class SEP tug. In the architecture proposed here, human missions to Mars would begin with a crewed landing on Phobos in 2033, followed by a short-stay landing on Mars in 2039, and continue with a one-year stay in 2043. Each mission campaign would build on previous campaigns, leaving a legacy and new capabilitie...
Peak-current programmed dynamic current distribution control for converters connected in parallel

A current mode control scheme for load sharing power converter systems with dynamic current distribution is proposed. These converters may be driven by different sources and possess different power ratings. With this control feature, the system is able to dynamically distribute the total output current among the power converters according to these ratings. Converters with higher power ratings will deliver larger portions of the total output current. The current distribution control algorithm and the system stability are described and analyzed in detail. These analyses and descriptions are confirmed with computer simulation results. >
A Survey of 2D Face Databases

Face recognition is one of the most active research topics in computer vision due to its potential applications in access control, authentication systems, law enforcement, human-machine interfaces, etc. Along with the development of face recognition algorithms, numerous face databases have been collected for face recognition evaluation. However, many of these databases are tailored to specific testing conditions. In this survey paper, an overview of the currently available 2D face databases is described explaining the conditions researchers can test in each database. Additionally, the potential for future work is discussed.
Role of cytochrome P450 in the oxidation of glycerol by reconstituted systems and microsomes.

Glycerol can be oxidized by rat liver microsomes to formaldehyde in a reaction that requires the production of reactive oxygen intermediates. Studies with inhibitors, antibodies, and reconstituted systems with purified cytochrome P4502E1 were carried out to evaluate whether P450 was required for glycerol oxidation. A purified system containing phospholipid, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, P4502E1, and NADPH oxidized glycerol to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde production was dependent on NADPH, reductase, and P450, but not phospholipid. Formaldehyde production was inhibited by substrates and ligands for P4502E1, as well as by anti-pyrazole P4502E1 IgG. The oxidation of glycerol by the reconstituted system was sensitive to catalase, desferrioxamine, and EDTA but not to superoxide dismutase or mannitol, indicating a role for H2O2 plus non-heme iron, but not superoxide or hydroxyl radical in the overall glycerol oxidation pathway. The requirement for reactive oxygen intermediates for glycerol oxidation is in cont...
6-N,N-Dimethylamino-2,3-naphthalimide: A New Environment-Sensitive Fluorescent Probe in δ- and μ-Selective Opioid Peptides

A new environment-sensitive fluorophore, 6-N,N-(dimethylamino)-2,3-naphthalimide (6DMN) was introduced in the δ-selective opioid peptide agonist H-Dmt-Tic-Glu-NH2 and in the μ-selective opioid peptide agonist endomorphin-2 (H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2). Environment-sensitive fluorophores are a special class of chromophores that generally exhibit a low quantum yield in aqueous solution but become highly fluorescent in nonpolar solvents or when bound to hydrophobic sites in proteins or membranes. New fluorescent δ-selective irreversible antagonists (H-Dmt-Tic-Glu-NH-(CH2)5-CO-Dap(6DMN)-NH2 (1) and H-Dmt-Tic-Glu-Dap(6DMN)-NH2 (2)) were identified as potential fluorescent probes showing good properties for use in studies of distribution and internalization of δ receptors by confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Evaluation of the Compact High-Field Orbitrap for Top-Down Proteomics of Human Cells

Mass spectrometry based proteomics generally seeks to identify and fully characterize protein species with high accuracy and throughput. Recent improvements in protein separation have greatly expanded the capacity of Top Down Proteomics (TDP) to identify a large number of intact proteins. To date, TDP has been most tightly associated with Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. Here, we couple the improved separations to a Fourier-Transform instrument based not on ICR but using the Orbitrap Elite mass analyzer. Application of this platform to H1299 human lung cancer cells resulted in the unambiguous identification of 690 unique proteins and over 2000 proteoforms identified from proteins with intact masses 500 identifications) in an Orbitrap mass spectrometer and exemplifies an accessible platform for whole protein mass spectrometry.
Monocular pattern-shift visual evoked potentials in hemispheric strokes.

Abstract Monocular pattern-shift visual evoked potentials were obtained in (i) 33 patients with unilateral non-hemorrhagic hemispheric infarction (age 50–79 years; 23 males, 10 females), (ii) 21 age- and sex-matched patient controls (control group or CGI) with no remote or recent stroke, normal neurological examination and similar incidence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and heart disease, and (iii) 21 age- and sex-matched healthy elderly community volunteers (CGII). Subjects with history of glaucoma, cataracts, other media opacities or symptomatic retinal lesions were not considered or included in any of the 3 study groups. In addition, all subjects in each of the 3 groups had a normal ocular and fundoscopic examination. The mean interocular P100 latency difference in the stroke group was significantly greater than that in CGI or II ( P P P P Evidence of anterior visual pathway dysfunction was thus elicited in the stroke population using the technique.
Modeling of Patient-Specific Fontan Physiology From MRI Images for CFD Testing of a Cavopulmonary Assist Device

Single ventricle heart disease is a congenital condition characterized by the inoperability of one ventricle of an infant’s heart. Those suffering from this condition face a series of palliative surgeries called the Fontan procedure, which bypasses the non-functional ventricle by creating a total cavopulmonary connection, or TCPC. This TCPC forms from the anastomosis of the superior and inferior vena cavae (SVC, IVC) to the left and right pulmonary arteries (LPA, RPA), thus allowing systemic blood flow to bypass the heart and flow passively to the lungs. The Fontan procedure creates this junction with three surgeries separated by months or years.© 2011 ASME
The Medical-Psychiatric Coordinating Physician–Led Model: Team-Based Treatment for Complex Patients

Objective We propose a patient care model involving psychiatrist-led multispecialty teams for treatment of the most treatment-refractory segment of "complex" outpatients. We call the psychiatrist taking this leadership role the Medical-Psychiatric Coordinating Physician. Method The authors conducted a pilot study for this treatment model with 52 office-based outpatient cases each involving complex patients, and each with at least 2 major treatment failures. They followed these patients empirically for at least 18 months. Outcomes examined included Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale; Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; and Health Related Quality of Life-14 scores (HRQOL-14, modified), in association with a comprehensive treatment review. Results Comprehensive treatment review indicated sustained improvement in at least 2 of 4 clinical dimensions (utilization, treatment adherence, symptomatology, and quality of life) in 44 of 52 patients. Included were Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores that improved significantly from 26.27 ± 7.5 to 18.13 ± 5.74 ( p p p p Conclusions The Medical-Psychiatric Coordinating Physician–led multispecialty team method may be advantageous for the ongoing outpatient treatment of management-intensive, complex patients. We offer this model as having a place among the available integrated care models for the treatment of comorbid psychiatric-systemic medical illness.
Informational Bases of Responses to Intention and Expectation Questions: A Comparison between Volitional Behavior and Behavioral Goals

Abstract A content analysis was conducted among American undergraduates to examine the informational bases of responses to intention and expectation (self-prediction) questions for primarily volitional behavior (e.g., writing a letter) and for behavioral goals (e.g., weight loss). The results replicated previous findings that revealed significant differences between the informational bases of responses to intention versus expectation items. They also demonstrated that both intention and expectation subjects were more likely to base their responses to such items on the categories of attitudes, normative beliefs, and past behavior when attempting to predict volitional behavior. When attempting to predict goal attainment, intention and expectation subjects reported relying more on behavioral belief and personal disposition information. The manner in which information may impact the predictive validity of responses to intention and expectation items is discussed.
In-pile densification of intergranular porosity in oxide fuels

Abstract A model has been developed to predict intergranular densification. The model treats densification due to both thermal diffusion of point defects and pore destruction due to fission fragment passage through the pores. The model has been programmed and that program has been combined with the previously reported swelling and gas release program. Comparisons were made between the model predictions and swelling data of Freshley et al. and Banks on UO 2 and data on ThO 2 obtained by Waldman and Spahr. Comparisons were also made between the model and pore closure data on UO 2 obtained by Ross.
MALE GAMETES OF ATRACTOMORPHA ECHINATA HOFFMAN (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

Many naked gametes are produced in each fusiform, male gametangium of Atractomorpha echinata Hoffman and are liberated through irregularly shaped pores in the gametangial wall. They are typically biflagellate, pyriform or fusiform in shape, 6-11 μm long, and only a few micrometers wide. A mature male gamete is characterized by: (i) a nucleus with condensed chromatin and no nucleoli, (ii) a reduced, starch filled chloroplast occupying a posterior position, and (iii) a cup shaped eyespot consisting of a single layer of plastoglobuli. The flagellar apparatus includes two types of flagellar roots alternating in a cruciate pattern. One type consists of two microtubules, while the other consists of microtubules of varying number, usually eight or nine, but rarely as many as eleven. The paired basal bodies are connected anteriorly by a broad, striated distal fiber; there is no dense apical cap as reported in Sphaeroplea sperm. A unique structure, consisting of three layers of small subunits (6–8 nm diameter) arranged in a paracrystalline array, is positioned beneath each basal body. Based on the structure of its male gametes, Atractomorpha clearly demonstrates affinity with the chlorophycean rather than the ulvaphycean line of evolution. Moreover, if phylogenetic affinities for the Sphaeropleaceae are to be sought among other groups of green algae, the Chlorococcales appears the most promising candidate.
Reassessing the Decline of Presidential Coattails: U. S. House Elections from 1952-80

Few propositions in the congressional election literature generate as much consensus as the argument that presidential coattails have had a decreasing impact upon the electoral strength of congressional candidates. As we argue here, however, the basis for such a claim rests on inadequate supporting evidence. Sometimes the analytical perspective adopted by coattail studies has led the analysts astray: improper inferences about the strength of coattails have been made from findings of greater split-ticket voting by individual voters, or the researcher has concentrated too narrowly on the influence of the presidential race on House wins or losses alone. On the other hand, scholars taking the more appropriate perspective of the congressional candidate's election margin unfortunately have drawn conclusions about coattail change through reliance on faulty measurement strategies. Our own analysis of House races from 1952-80 leads us to challenge the conventional wisdom; we find that the district presidential vot...
Rotationally invariant Fresnel lens-encoded circular harmonic binary phase-only filters

Binary phase-only circular harmonic filters show an angular dependence on the rotational orientation of the input object, which can be removed by encoding a Fresnel lens onto the filter. Theoretical and experimental results are presented using these filters written onto the magnetooptic spatial light modulator.
Profit Maximization Problem

This business problem for microeconomic students might be used as part of a problem set or as a take-home exam. It highlights the importance of marginal analysis, and the implications of the fact that rational individuals will undertake the most cost-effective measures first.