cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3965: Novel biomimetic, interfacing 3D hydrogels to investigate roles of glioblastoma (GBM) niche on GBM progression

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal form of brain tumors with survival rate of 5% after 5 years. In the tumor microenvironment, invading GBM cells experience various ECM transitions at the tumor margin, such as alterations in matrix stiffness. Although conventional three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels have improved upon existing in vitro tumor models, these biomaterial platforms are not capable of separating the migratory GBM population from the bulk of the tumor. In addition, conventional hydrogels can only mimic a single microenvironment property (i.e. stiffness and protein presentation). In this study, we fabricated interfacing hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels using thiol-ene photochemistry to mimic the distinct stiffness conditions of tumor and surrounding tissue as well as the stiffness transition. The novel interfacing model enabled us to isolate invading GBM cells for further in vitro analysis. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis of our xenograft GBM tumors in mice brain demonstrated that GBM tumor is stiffer than surrounding brain tissue. Therefore, mechanical properties of each hydrogel condition were characterized via AFM to confirm similarity of hydrogel stiffness to GBM xenografts and patient-derived, primary GBM cell migration in the HA-hydrogels was investigated. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that invading GBM cells, passing the interface have higher expression of RHAMM and CD44. Our findings suggest that invading GBM cells might have different expression profile and therefore require more thorough analyses using single cell RNA-seq. Citation Format: Alireza Sohrabi, Jesse Liang, Gevick Safarians, Elnaz Guivatchian, Itay Solomon, Stephanie Seidlits. Novel biomimetic, interfacing 3D hydrogels to investigate roles of glioblastoma (GBM) niche on GBM progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3965.
The Watershed Architecture of the Mississippi River Basin

Designers have a three-part responsibility owed to their object of study: to appreciate, to speculate, and to collaborate. This is particularly true for the professional engagement with spaces on t...
Rapid Connectivity Within the Urban and Rural Area

There has been expanded huge development of mass urbanization recently throughout the world, quickening the mobilization of habitants from rural area to the urban area that will eventually cause severe environmental impact on the urban area. We certainly need the development of rapid connectivity within the urban and rural areas to mitigate urban congestion and environment perplexity. For hundreds of years, people have been getting huge interest to live in urban area to conduct their business and job in a reasonable distance which is causing severe congestion of urban area resulting in severe urban mobility condition. Simply if the rapid connectivity is developed by advanced transportation technology within the urban and rural areas, people will be interested to live in rural area while working in urban area. Therefore, in this study a high-speed flying train technology is being proposed to have a rapid and resilience communication within the urban and rural areas to get a relief from the urban congestion where people can reach the urban work area in a reasonable time and come back home in the rural area after work in a convenient time. Simply, a model of 3D k-omega flying train is being developed considering the aerodynamic impact during the takeoff, landing, and flying stage of the train. Considering the application of this technology to design a high-speed flying train would indeed be an advanced invention that will not only facilitate the rapid communication within the urban and rural areas but also significantly mitigate urban congestion.
Molecular genetic analysis of air, water, and soil to detect big brown bats in North America

Abstract Cave-hibernating bats are widespread in North America but are facing precipitous population declines due to the impacts of white-nose syndrome (WNS). It is in winter hibernacula that bats are most vulnerable to the fungus that causes WNS, but the locations of over-wintering sites in western North America are largely unknown. This poses a significant challenge for bat monitoring, disease surveillance, and management efforts at the disease front. To advance initiatives to locate bats on the landscape, we developed real-time PCR assays to detect big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) from environmental DNA samples (eDNA). Three assays were designed, one each for eastern, western, and southern North America, to account for the high intra-specific genetic variability within big brown bats. We demonstrate that these assays can detect bat DNA in environmental samples, including air, water, and soil, and are able to detect target DNA at concentrations as low as 2 copies per reaction. Although the assays are highly sensitive, detections from samples collected in field samples were modest. Our findings suggest that eDNA may provide a much-needed, non-invasive alternative to conventional tools used to detect bats on the landscape but require further research to optimize their field application.
Multivariate analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Port Valdez, Alaska, 1989-2019.

Abstract Sampling was conducted in Port Valdez, the site of the Valdez marine oil terminal where crude oil is loaded onto tankers for ocean shipment, to characterize sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations arising from discharge of treated ballast-water from 1989 to 2019. Sediment PAH concentrations have declined since 1991 due to technological improvements in ballast water treatment processes and reductions in the volume of water treated. Spatial variations are associated with water depth reflecting geological and oceanographic characteristics. Comparisons between uncorrected hydrocarbon (compatible with data from 1989 to 2002) and surrogate-corrected concentrations for 2003–2019 suggest minor influence by corrections on inferences. It appears that if reliable measurements are made, the number of analytes and surrogate corrections have minimal influence for characterizing the directions and strengths of spatial and temporal change like that observed in Port Valdez. At present, PAH concentrations in the study area represent low risk for ecological effects.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for paediatric patients: an unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a useful adjunctive treatment for selected complicated wounds, including severe diabetic lower extremity ulcerations and compromised skin grafts or flaps. The Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery, with its effects extending to delivery of HBOT. During the pandemic, paediatric patients in our geographic region who were referred for HBOT faced challenges as centres temporarily closed or were unprepared to treat younger patients. Our monoplace HBOT centre modified existing practices to allow for treatment of these patients. This study aims to outline the steps necessary to adapting a pre-existing HBOT centre for the safe treatment of paediatric patients. Method A retrospective review was performed to identify patients 18 years of age or younger referred for HBOT during 2020. Patient characteristics, referral indications and HBOT complications were collected. Changes implemented to the HBOT centre to accommodate the treatment of paediatric patients were documented. Results A total of seven paediatric patients were evaluated for HBOT and six were treated. The mean patient age was four years (range: 1-11 years). Referral diagnoses included sudden sensorineural hearing loss, skin flap or graft compromise, and radiation-induced soft tissue necrosis. All patients tolerated HBOT treatment in monoplace chambers without significant complications noted. Enhancements made to our clinical practice to facilitate the safe and effective treatment of paediatric patients included ensuring the availability of acceptable garments for paediatric patients, maintaining uninterrupted patient grounding (in relation to fire safety), and enhancing social support for anxiety reduction. Conclusion The results of our review show that paediatric patients can be safely treated within the monoplace hyperbaric environment.
Chemometric-Guided Approaches for Profiling and Authenticating Botanical Materials

Botanical supplements with broad traditional and medicinal uses represent an area of growing importance for American health management; 25% of U.S. adults use dietary supplements daily and collectively spent over $9.5 billion in 2019 in herbal and botanical supplements alone. To understand how natural products benefit human health and determine potential safety concerns, careful in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are required. However, botanicals are innately complex systems, with complicated compositions that defy many standard analytical approaches and fluctuate based upon a plethora of factors, including genetics, growth conditions, and harvesting/processing procedures. Robust studies rely upon accurate identification of the plant material, and botanicals’ increasing economic and health importance demand reproducible sourcing, as well as assessment of contamination or adulteration. These quality control needs for botanical products remain a significant problem plaguing researchers in academia as well as the supplement industry, thus posing a risk to consumers and possibly rendering clinical data irreproducible and/or irrelevant. Chemometric approaches that analyze the small molecule composition of materials provide a reliable and high-throughput avenue for botanical authentication. This review emphasizes the need for consistent material and provides insight into the roles of various modern chemometric analyses in evaluating and authenticating botanicals, focusing on advanced methodologies, including targeted and untargeted metabolite analysis, as well as the role of multivariate statistical modeling and machine learning in phytochemical characterization. Furthermore, we will discuss how chemometric approaches can be integrated with orthogonal techniques to provide a more robust approach to authentication, and provide directions for future research.
Determining magnetotail reconnection location from polar rain energy dispersion

Abstract An improved algorithm was developed to estimate the polar rain electron path length from the magnetotail X-line to the polar ionosphere using the information of polar rain electron energy-latitude dispersion. Recent particle tracing simulations using APLOPM model (Applied Physics Laboratory – Open-field line particle Precipitation Model) ( Wing et al., 2001 ; Wing and Zhang, 2015 ) indicate that an existing or traditional method underestimates the path length by at least 33%. A new method for estimating electron path length that introduces a new parameter (energy parameter) is proposed. The improved algorithm has been validated using the APLOPM simulation data. By applying the new algorithm to two real events measured by DMSP satellites, we found the polar rain electron path lengths of 67 and 114 R E , (X-lines estimated at X =−54 and −91 R E ), respectively (assuming the distance from the X-line to the Earth is 80% of the electron path length). The associated IMF B z were 1 and –11 nT, respectively for the two events. This is consistent with the expected stretched magnetotail configuration under a strongly southward IMF. The results are also consistent with statistical results of the X-line locations from Geotail measurements.
Cognitive Tests, Constructs, and Content Validity: A commentary on Schmidt ()

This commentary discusses a number of issues that build on Schmidt's (International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 20, 1-13 (2012)) perspective on content validity and cognitive tests. First, it elaborates on the relationship between the treatment of content validity in various professional standards and government guidelines. Second, it offers a differing perspective on the definition of ‘construct’ than that taken by Schmidt. Third, it elaborates on the settings in which content validity can and cannot be used to support the use of a given test in the cognitive ability domain.
On Materials Use Training in EFL Teacher Education: Some Reflections

This paper reports on the findings of a case study carried out at Universidad de Antioquia as well as explores training on materials use in our teacher preparation program and its effectiveness in the practicum. The data analyzed suggest that, although teacher educators having new approaches to train future teachers in materials use, they still need to revise the way they include this component in teacher preparation curricula. Training in the use of materials should include their use in settings with limited resources as well as those with greater possibilities in technical and non-technical materials. Lastly, the author raises awareness about the need to include materials use as an issue in local and national EFL teacher education agendas.
Discussion of “Will Harmonizing Accounting Standards Really Harmonize Accounting? Evidence from Non-U.S. Firms Adopting U.S. GAAP”:

Bradshaw and Miller (2007) study a sample of non-U.S. firms that voluntarily adopted U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) during the period from 1980 to 2001. They document that the...
Are Make-Whole Call Provisions Overpriced? Theory and Empirical Evidence

We use a structural model to examine whether make-whole call provisions - a recent yet surprisingly common innovation in corporate debt markets - are fairly priced at origination. The call provision cost is calculated as the callable bond yield minus the equivalent non-callable bond yield, producing an incremental yield attributable to the make-whole call provision. Model parameters are calibrated to match characteristics of the issuing firm, bond, and yield curve at origination for a large sample of recently issued US corporate bonds. Our analysis indicates that while our model successfully captures cross-sectional variation in incrementals yields, observed values are significantly greater than model-generated values. The discrepancy between model-generated and observed incremental yields persists even after we incorporate selected market imperfections that should widen incremental yields. Our conclusion is that make-whole call provisions at origination have been mispriced and that issuing firms have been paying too much for the financial flexibility that the call provision provides.
The effect of diet on growth and survival of first feeding pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus

Summary The Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Program determined propagation of pallid sturgeon as necessary to recover the species. State and federal hatcheries are operating to achieve production goals but until recently those goals were not met. Hatchery mangers identified initiation of larvae to feed as the most critical rearing period and stated that mortality during this period can determine hatchery year class strength. The discontinuation of a commercial diet used at many hatcheries and the variety of diets used at other hatcheries exposed a need for information quantified through analytical research on the effects of different diets on survival and growth of larval pallid sturgeon. In 2007 we evaluated the effects of five diets [Corey High Pro and freeze dried Cyclop-eeze (FDC), Otohime (OTO), BioVita, BioVita and frozen Cyclop-eeze, BioVita and FDC] on larval survival and growth over 60 day. In 2008 we again evaluated five diets (OTO, OTO and FDC, OTO and freeze dried Artemia, OTO and live Artemia, and ARS experimental diet) for 30 day. In 2007, we determined a diet of OTO produced relatively high survival (54%) compared to other stand alone diets and found that supplementing BioVita with FDC improved survival (63%) compared to BioVita alone (14%). In 2008, we determined that OTO supplemented with FDC increased survival (92%) compared to OTO alone (72%). Information from this research may improve the efficiency of propagation by increasing survival and growth and may be beneficial to conservation propagation efforts directed at recovery of the species.
Design Evolution: Implications for Academia and Industry

Design technology has grown over the last thirty years in response to improved programming languages and a rapidly expanding software problem domain. Faced with rapidly developing design approaches, it is vital that a meta-study of design be accomplished periodically in order to keep this growth in perspective. Such a study is necessary to determine how design can be most effectively integrated into undergraduate computer science programs and how design should be taught and applied in industry.
On the retrieval of columnar aerosol mass and CCN concentration by MODIS

[1] A parameterization is introduced for the derivation of columnar aerosol mass concentration (AMC) and cloud condensation nucleus concentration (CCNC) from the primary aerosol products of Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The method relies on the scaling between AMC and optical depth with a proportionality constant dependent on MODIS-derived reff, η (contribution of the accumulation mode radiance to the total radiance), ambient RH, and an assumed constant aerosol composition. The CCNC is derived from a parameterization of concentration as a function of the retrieved aerosol volume. By comparing with in situ data, it is shown that retrievals in dry ambient conditions (dust) are improved when using a proportionality constant dependent on reff and η obtained in the same pixel. In high-humidity environments, the improvement in the new method is inconclusive because of the difficulty in accounting for the uneven vertical distribution of relative humidity. Additionally, two detailed comparisons of AMC and CCNC retrieved by the MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) algorithm and the new method are shown. The new method and MAS retrievals of AMC are within the same order of magnitude with respect to the in situ measurements of aerosol mass. However, the proposed method is closer to the in situ measurements than the MODIS retrievals. The retrievals of CCNC are also within the same order of magnitude for both methods. Finally, the new method is applied to an actual MODIS retrieval. Although no in situ data is available for comparison, it is shown that the proposed method yields more credible values than the MODIS retrievals.
The amino acid sequence of the rabbit glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit

The amino acid sequence of the alpha subunit of rabbit (lagomorph) lutropin (lLH) has been determined. Overlapping peptides from trypsin and chymotrypsin digestions were isolated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sequencing was by the dansyl-Edman procedure. Amide placements were established by HPLC analysis of the PTH amino acid derivatives. The proposed sequence of lLH alpha subunit is (asterisks denote carbohydrate attachment sites): This proposed sequence is highly homologous with the porcine, murine, ovine, and bovine glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit sequences. Two unusual proteolytic cleavages were observed: (1) a cleavage by trypsin between Asn-77 and Ala-78, and (2) a cleavage by chymotrypsin between Ala-45 and Arg-46. Similar enzymatic cleavages were previously reported for equine chorionic gonadotropin alpha subunit by Wardet al. and for these sites in the ovine LH alpha subunit by Liuet al. Chymotrypsin cleaved on the carboxyl side of methionine sulfone residues at positions 51 and 75.
Comparison of different ladder models

Using density matrix renormalization group calculations, we compare results obtained for the $t\ensuremath{-}J,$ one-band Hubbard, and three-band Hubbard models of a two-leg CuO ladder. Spin and charge gaps, pair binding energies, and effective pair hoppings are calculated for a wide range of parameters. All three models have an insulating state at a filling corresponding to one hole per Cu site. For physically relevant parameters their spin gaps are similar in size but they exhibit quite different charge gaps. We find that the binding energy of a pair of doped holes is of the order of the undoped ladder spin gap for all three models. The main difference between the models is the size of the effective pair hopping, which is significantly larger in the three-band model with parameters appropriate for CuO materials than in the other two models.
Neurogenic Control of Cerebral Blood Flow in the Baboon. Effects of Alpha Adrenergic Blockade With Phenoxybenzamine on Cerebral Autoregulation and Vasomotor Reactivity to Changes in PaCO2

Cerebral autoregulation was studied in the baboon by increasing and decreasing cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) before and after intravenous administration (1.5 mg per kilogram) of a long-acting alpha adrenergic blocker, phenoxybenzamine (PBZ). Likewise, cerebral vasomotor reactivity to changes of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) was examined before and after PBZ. In order to permit quantitative analysis, cerebral autoregulation (A.I.) and chemical vasomotor reactivity (C.I.) were expressed as indices where A.I.=δCBF/δCPP and C.I.=δCBF/δPaCO2. Following the intravenous injection of PBZ, cerebral autoregulatory vasoconstriction was impaired as CPP was increased. Cerebral vasomotor reactivity to changes in PaCO2 was altered both during hyperventilation hypocapnia (HV) and hypercarbia induced by inhalation of 5% carbon dioxide if alterations of CPP brought about by these procedures were taken into consideration. During hypocapnia C.I. was reduced 30% and during hypercarbia C.I. was increased 10%. It ...
The journey of the Cystic Fibrosis gene

A 3D medical animation that visually describes the role of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator, which is directed by the code dictated by the Cystic Fibrosis gene in chromosome number seven.
Recurrent idiopathic lumbosacral plexopathy

Recurrent idiopathic lumbosacral plexopathy has rarely been reported in the literature. The present report describes a 59-year-old man presenting with recurrent episodes of acute leg pain, followed by weakness. After each episode, symptoms progressed for several months before peaking. Thereafter, gradual recovery ensued. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed primarily a patchy pattern of denervation in the distribution of part of the lumbosacral plexus, sparing the paraspinal muscles. Extensive evaluations for an underlying cause were unrevealing. Thus, these episodes are suggestive of recurrent idiopathic lumbosacral plexopathy, and the present case is compared with previous cases reported in the literature.
The Pursuit of College in Adulthood: Reclaiming Past Selves or Constructing New?

This study examines the identity processes that are implicated when adults return to college, including the possibility that they may be reclaiming past selves from adolescence or constructing new selves at this particular juncture. In this study, 70 nontraditional-aged community college students were surveyed about their educational pathways, with a focus on their career and educational plans and actions when finishing high school through the current time. In addition, a diverse subset (n = 14) was interviewed. Results suggested four identity processes, two that involved past career selves from adolescence when constructing future pursuits (reclaim past, reject past before constructing new) and two that did not (construct new, expand current). Participants with prior college experience as adolescents were more likely to report well-developed past selves, but they more frequently rejected rather than reclaimed due to lack of perceived feasibility. Future research involving adult identity development is discussed.
Association Between Increased Estrogen Status and Increased Fibrinolytic Potential in the Framingham Offspring Study

Background Although extensive evidence indicates that estrogen is responsible for the markedly decreased cardiovascular risk of premenopausal women, the mechanism through which estrogen might exert...
β-Subunit of the Ostα-Ostβ organic solute transporter is required not only for heterodimerization and trafficking but also for function.

The organic solute transporter, Ost/Slc51, is composed of two distinct proteins that must heterodimerize to generate transport activity, but the role of the individual subunits in mediating transport activity is unknown. The present study identified regions in Ostβ required for heterodimerization with Ostα, trafficking of the Ostα-Ostβ complex to the plasma membrane, and bile acid transport activity in HEK293 cells. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis revealed that a 25-amino acid peptide containing the Ostβ transmembrane (TM) domain heterodimerized with Ostα, although the resulting complex failed to reach the plasma membrane and generate cellular [3H]taurocholate transport activity. Deletion of the single TM domain of Ostβ abolished interaction with Ostα, demonstrating that the TM segment is necessary and sufficient for formation of a heteromeric complex with Ostα. Mutation of the highly conserved tryptophan-asparagine sequence within the TM domain of Ostβ to alanines did not prevent cell surface trafficking, but abolished transport activity. Removal of the N-terminal 27 amino acids of Ostβ resulted in a transporter complex that reached the plasma membrane and exhibited transport activity at 30 °C. Complete deletion of the C terminus of Ostβ abolished [3H]taurocholate transport activity, but reinsertion of two native arginines immediately C-terminal to the TM domain rescued this defect. These positively charged residues establish the correct Nexo/Ccyt topology of the peptide, in accordance with the positive inside rule. Together, the results demonstrate that Ostβ is required for both proper trafficking of Ostα and formation of the functional transport unit, and identify specific residues of Ostβ critical for these processes.
Consumer protection in energy field

The paper presents the result of research on the complex problems of consumer protection rights, through a detailed investigation on specific issues of the energy sector and by having recourse to an in-depth analysis of the theoretical aspects, of the instruments and scientific methods applicable in the field. The research is based on the analysis of relevant literature, covering a wide range of publications, magazines, books in the field, academic publications, as well as primary and specific legislation. I have chosen to combine the theoretical aspects with empirical methodology, using different research methods: external observation, questionnaires, document analysis, and the comparative method. The paper has as main objectives the presentation of the current situation in the protection of household consumers, the consumers of electricity and natural gas from Romania and the identification of the degree of knowledge of these rights in the relations between these consumers and the energy supplier. There are analyzed, in this regard, the relationships between them, highlighting the perception of consumers on the services offered by the suppliers, the possible ways to diminish the vulnerability of some categories of consumers and a way to ensure the real protection of household consumers.
Incidence and significance of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak in endoscopic pituitary surgery using intrathecal fluorescein.

Objective The true rate of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (iCSF) leak during pituitary surgery is not well known because small iCSF leaks are easily missed. Our objective is to determine the rate and significance of iCSF leak in endoscopic pituitary surgery with intrathecal (IT) fluorescein administration and determine factors predictive of iCSF leak. Methods IT fluorescein was administered in 203 consecutive endoscopic, endonasal pituitary surgeries. The rate of iCSF leak was noted prospectively and correlated with tumor diameter and volume, gross total resection, and the learning curve. Postoperative CSF leak rate, complications, and nasoseptal flap utility were also investigated. Results The rate of iCSF leak was 61% overall, 44% for tumors 3 compared to 68% for those ≥1.5 cm 3 ( P P 2 cm, the introduction of nasoseptal flap reduced the rate of postoperative CSF leak from 5.6% to 1.4%. We did not find any complications clearly related with the use of IT fluorescein. Conclusion The rate of iCSF leak during endoscopic pituitary surgery using IT fluorescein is higher than previously reported. Tumor diameter and volume are best predictors of the risk of iCSF leak. Based on this knowledge and a closure algorithm that includes a lumbar drain and nasoseptal flap for larger tumors (>2.5 cm), we can conclude that the postoperative CSF leak rate remains exceptionally low, particularly once the learning curve is overcome.
Formulation of the machine cell grouping problem with capacity and material movement constraints

Abstract Cellular manufacturing systems have gained significant research attention in recent years because of their inherent ability to spur productivity. Classical cellular manufacturing literature has concerned itself with the problem of identifying appropriate machinepart groups. This paper proposes a mixed-integer nonlinear programming formulation model for the machine layout problem in cellular manufacturing. The objective of the formulation is to minimize a surrogate-weighted cost of intercellular material movement under capacity and part requirement constraints. A heuristic solution method is proposed, and a numerical example is presented to illustrate the model and demonstrate the solution improvement.
Growth and characterization of NpN heterojunction bipolar transistors with In0.03Ga0.97N and In0.05Ga0.95N bases

The material and device characteristics of InGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are examined. Two structures with different p-In x Ga 1―x N base region compositions, x In =0.03 and 0.05, are presented in a comparative study. The higher indium content base is expected to provide improvements in device performance via its higher p-type doping efficiency and lower bulk resistivity. However, the DC gain for both devices is the same at ∼37. The tradeoffs involved with using higher indium composition in the base for NpN HBTs are investigated by atomic force microscopy, Hall-effect measurement, and device characterization.
Effect of small-volume resuscitation on intracranial pressure and related cerebral variables

Background: Head injury outcome is adversely affected by the presence of hypotension. Therapies directed at rapidly correcting hypotension may improve outcome. Methods: In two separate studies, we investigated small-volume resuscitation (4 mL/kg) using Ringer's lactate, hypertonic saline and dextran, and diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin in a porcine model of cryogenic brain injury and shock. Results: Small-volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline and dextran and diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin significantly improved mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure compared with Ringer's lactate. These data suggest that small-volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline and dextran or diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin may effectively limit or prevent secondary ischemic brain injury after head injury and shock.
A Comprehensive Study of FN Degradation for Driver MOSFETs in Nonvolatile Memory Circuit

A degradation mode by FN stress is investigated comprehensively. We demonstrate that this degradation really occurs in driver MOSFETs in actual circuits after E/W operation. We also exhibit that this degradation has strong correlation with total injected gate and substrate current and propose a hot-hole induced degradation mechanism.
New and evolving concepts in CT for abdominal vascular imaging.

Various strategies for improving image quality and patient safety in CT angiography of the abdomen are described, with emphasis on principles and applications of novel technologies such as dual-energy CT for analysis of vascular disease.
Faith Matters: Christianity, Islam, and Global Politics

The Sacred and Sovereign: Religion and International Politics. Edited by John D. Carlson, Erik C. Owens. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2003. 312 pp., $26.95 (ISBN 0-878-40908-4). For students of religion and society, the overarching thesis of The Sacred and Sovereign is a familiar truism. Cognizant of the role that organized religion has played in global politics over the past five centuries, many of us simply assume that the international political arena cannot be fully comprehended without considering its embedded religious dimensions. However, Western academia is still heavily influenced by the now discredited secularization theory and by social scientists who want nothing to do with religion, wishing it would disappear from the public realm if not from the private. In this conflicted milieu, John Carlson and Erik Owens's The Sacred and Sovereign seeks to challenge established wisdom about the relationship between religion and international politics. With contributions from an impressively eclectic group of scholars, this thought-provoking volume uses the timely springboards of the September 11 attacks, the …
Balanced differential phase-shift keying detector performance: an analytical study.

A simple explanation of the observed ≈3 dB advantage of differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) balanced detection over the intensity-modulated directly detected (IM-DD) type detection that can be easily used for system engineering purposes is presented. A Gaussian approximation is used to describe the tails of the detected noisy random signals leading to an analytical explanation of the observed ≈3 dB advantage of DPSK balanced detection over the IM-DD type detection.
A Comparative Politics of Gender Symposium Introduction: Comparative Politics and the Logics of a Comparative Politics of Gender

This symposium is the culmination of work that began in October 2007, when fourteen scholars from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States convened at Case Western Reserve University to participate in the research conference Toward a Comparative Politics of Gender: Advancing the Discipline along Interdisciplinary Boundaries. The conference was funded by a Presidential Initiative Grant from the University and further supported by an ACES grant. Dr. Gregory Eastwood made available the Library of the Inamori Center for Ethnics and Excellence for our conference meetings. Many thanks to Linda Gilmore, Tonae Bolton-Dove, Gail Papay, Shelley White, and Sharon Skowronski for their expert administrative support. Professors Dorothy Miller (Women's Studies), Rosalind Simson (Philosophy, Law and Women's Studies), and Kelly McMann (Political Science and International Studies) served as discussants of the conference papers. To Theda Skocpol, who presented remarks at the opening dinner of the conference, and to the scholars who participated in the CPG conference and whose contributions are included in this symposium, I offer my deepest appreciation and gratitude.What do we mean by a comparative politics of gender? How would a comparative politics of gender advance our understanding of politics generally? What would it take to develop a gendered comparative political analysis? In the essays that follow, Teri Caraway, Louise Chappell, Leslie Schwindt-Bayer, and Aili Mari Tripp elaborate their understandings of a comparative politics of gender. Five additional essays focus specifically on issues of democratization (Lisa Baldez, Georgina Waylen), political institutions and representation (Mili Caul Kittilson, Mona Lena Krook), and comparative sex equality policies (Mala Htun and Laurel Weldon). In this introductory essay, I discuss what I mean by “gender” in the context of comparative politics. Briefly enumerating the advantages of comparative politics as a subfield for a gendered analysis of political phenomena, I discuss how a comparative politics of gender can serve to advance our understanding of politics generally, and I provide an example of subfield research—the study of political violence—where gender as a metaconcept may be particularly useful. I conclude by considering what it would mean to our study of gender and of comparative politics to place gender as a central concept in comparative political research and to move to a comparative politics of gender.
Overview of chemical sampling techniques

Although many of the ideas for sampling the chemical microenvironment of the brain were present, at least in nascent form, three decades ago or more, the last 10 years have witnessed a particularly spectacular surge of development, refinement, and use. We are now able to measure virtually any endogenous brain chemical in vivo at commendable levels of sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. The long-dreamt-of goal of being able to correlate neurochemical events with ongoing behavior and/or presentation of salient environmental cues and stimuli has already been largely achieved. Further refinements of existing techniques may well lead to levels of analysis inconceivable even a few years ago. The implications for theory-building and hypothesis-testing are enormous, particularly within such essentially virgin domains as behavioral neuroscience and biological psychiatry. These are truly exciting times.
Spin diffusion in a Heisenberg spin glass

Abstract Using a combination of analytic and Monte Carlo techniques we obtain estimates for the spin diffusion constant and spin conductivity in a classical simple cubic Heisenberg spin glass which has a Gaussian distribution of exchange interactions between nearest neighbors.
Modeling, measurement, and 3-D equilibrium reconstruction of the bootstrap current in the Helically Symmetric Experiment

The bootstrap current for three electron cyclotron resonance heated plasma scenarios in a quasihelically symmetric stellarator (the Helically Symmetric Experiment) are analyzed and compared to a neoclassical transport code PENTA. The three conditions correspond to 50 kW input power with a resonance that is off-axis, 50 kW on-axis heating and 100 kW on-axis heating. When the heating location was moved from off-axis to on-axis with 50 kW heating power, the stored energy and the extrapolated steady-state current were both observed to increase. When the on-axis heating power was increased from 50 kW to 100 kW, the stored energy continued to increase while the bootstrap current slightly decreased. This trend is qualitatively in agreement with the calculations which indicate that a large positive electric field for the 100 kW case was driving the current negative in a small region close to the magnetic axis and accounting for the decrease in the total integrated current. This trend in the calculations is only observed to occur when momentum conservation between particle species is included. Without momentum conservation, the calculated bootstrap current increases monotonically. We show that the magnitude of the bootstrap current as calculated by PENTA agrees better with the experiment when momentum conservation between plasma species is included in the calculation. The total current was observed in all cases to flow in a direction to unwind the transform, unlike in a tokamak in which the bootstrap current adds to the transform. The 3-D inductive response of the plasma is simulated to predict the evolution of the current profile during the discharge. The 3-D equilibrium reconstruction code V3FIT is used to reconstruct profiles of the plasma pressure and current constrained by measurements with a set of magnetic diagnostics. The reconstructed profiles are consistent with the measured plasma pressure profile and the simulated current profile when the reconstruction is constrained by the measured data from a diagnostic array that is internal to the vacuum chamber.
Diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders.

This article touches on four current areas of controversy in the field of the personality disorders — definition, etiology, assessment, and treatment. There is a tremendous amount of disability, personal distress, and public health expense as a result of the personality disorders. We are seeing steady progress in each of these areas. The implications of this progress are enormous, and the interest in this area is widespread, not just among psychiatric health professionals or among patients and their families and friends, but also among the public at large.
T cell responses to the structural polypeptides of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

The identification of antigens recognized by T cell responses has become fundamental for developing effective immunizations against viral infections. Lymphocyte proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection have been demonstrated. However, the polypeptide specificity of T cell responses to PRRSV is unknown. To identify the PRRSV polypeptides recognized by porcine lymphocytes two approaches were employed. First polypeptides of purified virions were separated by SDS-PAGE and particle suspensions obtained from nitrocellulose blots were used as antigens. Second, the polypeptides encoded by ORFs 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the strain VR-2 332 were expressed as fusion proteins with a histidine tag in mammalian cells, using vaccinia virus as expression system. Significant antigen-specific proliferation responses to the matrix and envelope proteins from purified virions were obtained. This finding was supported by specific and dose-dependent proliferation responses to the recombinant polypeptides encoded by ORF2, 5 and 6 detected in virus-infected but not in control pigs. These results demonstrate that T-cell responses can be detected to individual PRRSV polypeptides. The greater response to the product of ORF6 than to the other PRRSV polypeptides indicates that the viral matrix polypeptide may have a major role in cellular immunity.
Six-fold coordinated carbon dioxide VI

Under standard conditions, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a simple molecular gas and an important atmospheric constituent, whereas silicon dioxide (SiO2) is a covalent solid, and one of the fundamental minerals of the planet. The remarkable dissimilarity between these two group IV oxides is diminished at higher pressures and temperatures as CO2 transforms to a series of solid phases, from simple molecular to a fully covalent extended-solid V, structurally analogous to SiO2 tridymite. Here, we present the discovery of an extended-solid phase of CO2: a six-fold coordinated stishovite-like phase VI, obtained by isothermal compression of associated CO2-II (refs 1,2) above 50 GPa at 530–650 K. Together with the previously reported CO2-V (refs 3–5) and a-carbonia6, this extended phase indicates a fundamental similarity between CO2 (a prototypical molecular solid) and SiO2 (one of Earth’s fundamental building blocks). We present a phase diagram with a limited stability domain for molecular CO2-I, and suggest that the conversion to extended-network solids above 40–50 GPa occurs via intermediate phases II (refs 1,2), III (refs 7,8) and IV (refs 9,10). The crystal structure of phase VI suggests strong disorder along the c axis in stishovite-like P42/m n m, with carbon atoms manifesting an average six-fold coordination within the framework of s p3 hybridization.
Growth and physical properties of melt textured (Gd,Y)Ba2Cu3Ox

Abstract Melt textured samples grown from mixtures of GdBa 2 Cu 3 O x with Y 2 BaCuO x , and from GdBa 2 Cu 3 O x with Gd 2 BaCuO x , were successfully grown in air using the top seeding method employing NdBa 2 Cu 3 O x seed crystals. For GdBa 2 Cu 3 O x /Y 2 BaCuO x , the superconducting transition temperature is 91 K (diamagnetic onset) and the critical current at 77 K is 25 000 A/cm 2 at zero applied field and above 10 000 A/cm 2 at 2 T. The irreversibility field at 77 K is about 6 T. The green phase particles are small and well dispersed, even without the addition of Pt. However, samples grown in air from the GdBa 2 Cu 3 O x /Gd 2 BaCuO x mix had T c 's of 75–80 K, fairly low critical currents and showed large green phase inclusions.
Experiments Optimized for Magic Angle Spinning and Oriented Sample Solid-State NMR of Proteins

Structure determination by solid-state NMR of proteins is rapidly advancing as a result of recent developments of samples, experimental methods, and calculations. There are a number of different solid-state NMR approaches that utilize stationary samples, aligned samples, or magic angle spinning of unoriented “powder” samples, and depending on the sample and the experimental method they can emphasize the measurement of distances or angles, ideally both, as sources of structural constraints. Multidimensional correlation spectroscopy of low-gamma nuclei such as 15N and 13C is an important step for making resonance assignments and measurements of angular restraints in membrane proteins. However, the efficiency of coherence transfer predominantly depends upon the strength of the dipole–dipole interaction, and this can vary from site to site and between sample alignments, for example, during the mixing of 13C and 15N magnetization in stationary aligned and in magic angle spinning samples. Here, we demonstrate t...
Left thoracotomy for emergent repair of ventricular rupture during mitral valve replacement

Ventricular rupture is a dreaded complication of mitral valve replacement. We present a case of ventricular rupture that occurred during mitral valve replacement and was successfully repaired through a left thoracotomy approach.
Large-Scale Optimization-Based Classification Models in Medicine and Biology

We present novel optimization-based classification models that are general purpose and suitable for developing predictive rules for large heterogeneous biological and medical data sets. Our predictive model simultaneously incorporates (1) the ability to classify any number of distinct groups; (2) the ability to incorporate heterogeneous types of attributes as input; (3) a high-dimensional data transformation that eliminates noise and errors in biological data; (4) the ability to incorporate constraints to limit the rate of misclassification, and a reserved-judgment region that provides a safeguard against over-training (which tends to lead to high misclassification rates from the resulting predictive rule); and (5) successive multi-stage classification capability to handle data points placed in the reserved-judgment region. To illustrate the power and flexibility of the classification model and solution engine, and its multi-group prediction capability, application of the predictive model to a broad class of biological and medical problems is described. Applications include: the differential diagnosis of the type of erythemato-squamous diseases; predicting presence/absence of heart disease; genomic analysis and prediction of aberrant CpG island meythlation in human cancer; discriminant analysis of motility and morphology data in human lung carcinoma; prediction of ultrasonic cell disruption for drug delivery; identification of tumor shape and volume in treatment of sarcoma; discriminant analysis of biomarkers for prediction of early atherosclerois; fingerprinting of native and angiogenic microvascular networks for early diagnosis of diabetes, aging, macular degeneracy and tumor metastasis; prediction of protein localization sites; and pattern recognition of satellite images in classification of soil types. In all these applications, the predictive model yields correct classification rates ranging from 80 to 100%. This provides motivation for pursuing its use as a medical diagnostic, monitoring and decision-making tool.