cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of burn injury on pancreatic uptake of 3H-DTBZ, 18FDG and 35S-methionine

1518 Objectives Burn injury produces insulin resistance by mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we have examined the effect of burn injury to mice on pancreatic uptake of 3H DTBZ (a radioligand specific for Vesicular Mono Amine transporter-2, VMAT2), 18FDG (for studying glucose metabolism) or 35-methionine (for studying protein synthesis). Methods CD-1 male mice (Charles River, Boston, MA. 28-30 grams) were anesthetized with ether and subjected to a 30% TBSA burn by dipping the dorsum in a 90oC water bath for 9 seconds, followed by dipping the ventral surface in a 90oC water bath for 4 seconds. The animals were resuscitated with 2 ml of saline given intraperitoneally. Sham animals received the same treatment with no burn injury. 24 hrs later the mice were injected by tail vein with either 3H-DTBZ, 18FDG, or 35S-methionine. One hour later the mice were euthanized, the pancreatic tissue was removed and radioactivity was measured by standard beta or gamma counting techniques. All results were expressed as % Injected Dose/g, mean +/- SD. Results As illustrated in the Table, burn injury 24 hrs previously caused a significant increase in vivo in the incorporation of 3H-DBTZ into the pancreas, while causing a significant decrease in the uptake of 35S-methione by the same tissue as compared to the shams. There was no difference in the uptake of 18FDG by the pancreas of the burn animals compared to shams. Conclusions The current data suggest that burn injury 24 hrs previously to mice results in alterations in both monoamine-transporter expression and protein synthesis in the pancreas. Such changes may play a role in the development of burn induced insulin resistance. Research Support Shriners Hospitals for Childre
Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 Expression Defines a Discrete Subset of HIV-Specific CD8+ T Cells That Is Associated with Lower Viral Load

Abstract Mechanisms leading to the observed immune dysregulation in chronic HIV infection are not well understood. The MHC-II class ligand, lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223), has been implicated in the complex regulation mechanism of immune functions. In this study, we describe a new population of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells expressing LAG-3. These LAG-3+CD8+ T cells do not display immunophenotypic patterns traditionally attributed to regulatory T cells. The LAG3+CD8+ T cells are CCR7+,CD127−, and display heterogeneous surface expressions of CD45RA and CD25. Interestingly, HIV-specific LAG-3+CD8+ T cells do not substantially express CTLA-4 and LAG-3 expression does not correlate with interleukin (IL)-10 or tumor growth factor (TGF)-β production. In addition, HIV-specific LAG3+CD8+ T cells do not produce interferon (IFN-γ) or express CD107a. The frequency of HIV-specific LAG3+CD8+ T cells negative correlated with plasma viral load. Our study introduces a new population of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells ...
Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type, is a primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma composed exclusively of large B cells (immunoblasts and centroblasts), most commonly arising in the leg(s). Most patients are elderly women, and the prognosis is poor.
Clinical Implications of Gynecologic Cancer

The postmenopausal patient with new onset vaginal bleeding should be assessed with transvaginal pelvic sonography. An endometrial thickness ≤4 mm (ACOG) (or 5 mm by other societies) is a safe cutoff to defer endometrial sampling as the risk or endometrial malignancy is 1 % unless the patient has persistent or intermittent bleeding where the risk may be higher [1].
Construction organization success strategy in post-conflict environment

In the field of construction industry, the research work has widely focused on identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical success factors (CSFs) without assessing the impact of conf...
Group support system research in the 1990s: Leaders in research productivity

Research using Group Support Systems has increased gradually from their beginning in 1984, and the area is a significant part of the overall MIS literature. Because of its importance, a few studies have attempted to identify the leading researchers and institutions in the area as well as trends over the years. This study updates the analysis with a survey of 236 papers published during the 1990s from 43 academic journals. The results show that many of the researchers identified earlier are still leaders, but individual rankings have changed.
The multivariate multiple-membership random-effect model: An introduction and evaluation

In the present study, we focused on models that handle several data structure complexities simultaneously. We introduced and evaluated the multivariate multiple-membership random-effect model (MV-MMREM) for handling multiple-membership data in scenarios with multiple, related outcomes. Although a recent study introduced the idea of the MV-MMREM, no research has directly assessed its estimation nor demonstrated its use with real data. Therefore, we used real multiple-membership datasets that included multiple, related outcomes to demonstrate interpretation of the MV-MMREM parameters. In addition, a simulation study was conducted to assess estimation of the MV-MMREM under a number of design conditions. Also, the robustness of the results was assessed for multivariate multiple-membership data when they were analyzed using a multivariate hierarchical linear model that ignores the multiple-membership structure (MV-HLM), as well as when using multiple univariate MMREMs. The results showed that the MV-MMREM works well in comparison with both MV-HLM and univariate MMREMs when the data structure had missingness outcomes, multivariate outcomes, and multiple membership clusters. Finally, we discuss limitations of the MV-MMREM and areas for future research.
Microtubule engagement with taxane is altered in taxane-resistant gastric cancer

Purpose: Although taxane-based therapy is standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer, a majority of patients exhibit intrinsic resistance to taxanes. Here, we aim to identify the molecular basis of taxane resistance in gastric cancer. Experimental Design: We performed a post hoc analysis of the TAX-325 clinical trial and molecular interrogation of gastric cancer cell lines to assess the benefit of docetaxel in diffuse (DIF-GC) versus intestinal (INT-GC) gastric cancer. We assessed drug-induced microtubule stabilization in gastric cancer cells and in biopsies of patients with gastric cancer treated with taxanes. We performed transcriptome analysis in taxane-treated gastric cancer cells and patients to identify molecular drivers of taxane resistance. Results: Patients with DIF-GC did not derive a clinical benefit from taxane treatment suggesting intrinsic taxane resistance. DIF-GC cell lines displayed intrinsic resistance specific to taxanes because of impaired drug-induced microtubule stabilization, in the absence of tubulin mutations or decreased drug accumulation. Using taxane-treated gastric cancer patient biopsies, we demonstrated that absence of drug–target engagement was correlated with clinical taxane resistance. Taxane-sensitive cell lines displayed faster microtubule dynamics at baseline, implicating proteins that regulate cytoskeletal dynamics in intrinsic taxane resistance. Differential gene expression analysis of untreated and docetaxel-treated gastric cancer lines and patient samples identified kinesins to be associated with taxane sensitivity in vitro and in patient samples. Conclusions: Our data reveal that taxane resistance is more prevalent in patients with DIF-GC, support assessment of drug–target engagement as an early read-out of taxane clinical efficacy, and encourage the investigation of kinesins and other microtubule-associated proteins as potentially targetable mediators of taxane resistance in gastric cancer.
Using life cycle assessment to determine if high utilization is the dominant force for sustainable polymer additive manufacturing

Abstract Previous studies on the environmental impacts of polymeric additive manufacturing (AM) have shown that higher printer utilization dramatically improves impacts per part—so much so that it might dominate all other interventions if taken to an extreme. High utilization can be both temporal (printing constantly) and spatial (printing many parts at once). In this study, life cycle assessments (LCAs) were performed for an inkjet fusion printer with exceptionally high spatial utilization capacity and were compared to previous LCAs of nine printers printing with eight materials. Comparisons were performed in different utilizations, both temporal and spatial, to determine if high utilization reduces the environmental impact of AM more than other interventions, such as using sustainable print materials. For the inkjet fusion printer, maximum utilization dramatically reduced the environmental impact per part to less than 1% of its impact in lowest utilization; this was below the impacts of other printers in low utilizations. However, when compared in the same utilization scenarios, the inkjet fusion printer still caused a higher environmental impact per part than almost all printers, primarily due to high energy use. The lowest-impact printer used both high spatial utilization and low-impact materials that also enabled a low-energy printing process. Therefore, printer utilization is not the overriding factor and must be combined with energy efficiency and material choice.
Early-stage Management of Complex Lower Extremity Wounds Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and a Reticulated Open Cell Foam With Through Holes.

Introduction Treatment modalities that overcome stalled wound healing in lower extremity wounds are crucial for reducing lower limb amputations, which have a 5-year mortality rate of an astounding 70%. Recent non-comparative studies have shown negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) using a dressing comprised of reticulated open cell foam with through holes (ROCF-CC) provides favorable clinical outcomes for various wound types, including complex lower extremity wounds. Objective The objective of this study is to compare NPWTi-d using ROCF-CC dressings (treatment group) with advanced wound dressings (control group) in patients with chronic lower extremity wounds and known systemic risk factors for delayed healing. Materials and methods A retrospective assessment was performed for 10 patients with complex lower extremity wounds that underwent an initial debridement and then were treated with either advanced wound dressings (control group; n = 5) or NPWTi-d using ROCF-CC dressings (treatment group; n = 5). Advanced wound dressings were applied to wounds and changed 1 to 3 times per week. Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time was applied by instilling normal saline onto wounds, with a dwell time of 20 minutes, followed by continuous negative pressure (-125 mm Hg) for 2 hours. The ROCF-CC dressings were changed every 2 to 3 days. Results Patients in the treatment group had significantly fewer wound complications (P = .024) and underwent significantly fewer surgical debridements (P = .004) when compared with patients in the control group. All wounds in the treatment group healed without complication, whereas only 2 of the 5 wounds in the control group healed. Demographics and comorbidities were similar between groups. Conclusions These data further support the use of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC to help manage complex wounds of the lower limb.
Improving Service Access in ASD: A Systematic Review of Family Empowerment Interventions for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

We systematically reviewed research on interventions designed to increase service access for children with special healthcare needs through family empowerment, defined as caregiver’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors to meet their family’s needs. The purpose was to describe these interventions, evaluate the evidence, and understand their relevance for increasing service access for children with autism spectrum disorder. Identified studies (n = 25) showed consistent improvements in knowledge and attitudes, limited assessment of behavior, and mixed outcomes for service access, suggesting a need for greater understanding of how to empower families to meet their service needs. Future research should aim to integrate theory across development, application, and evaluation of interventions, while considering alternative approaches that put more responsibility and burden on systems of care.
When “Boring” Stars Flare: The Ultraviolet Activity of GJ 887, a Bright M Star Hosting Newly Discovered Planets*

GJ 887 has been spotlighted for the apparently gentle space environment it provides to its recently discovered planets. In 27 days of optical monitoring by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), the star exhibited no detectable flares. Ultraviolet observations reveal a different story. Two high-contrast flares occurred in just 2.8 hr of far-ultraviolet monitoring by the Hubble Space Telescope. Solar scalings indicate these flares were X-class or larger events, generally associated with coronal mass ejections on the Sun. Hundreds of events of equal or greater energy likely occurred during the TESS monitoring, but produced optical contrasts too small to be detected. Strong yet optically undetectable ultraviolet flares like these could dominate the high energy emission of all M stars throughout their lives, impacting the photochemistry and erosion of atmospheres on orbiting planets.
Accidental Choking Among Hospitalized Patients in Pennsylvania: A 15-Year Retrospective Review

Choking occurs when a foreign body becomes lodged in the airway and obstructs respiration. In the United States, over 5,000 deaths were attributed to choking in 2015. Among older adults, food is the most common cause of choking, and the death rate for choking events involving food is seven times higher among older adults than young children. We queried the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) and identified 545 events related to accidental choking on food, beverages, medications, or other foreign bodies reported from 2004 to 2019. Patients who experienced a choking event were more often female (56%; 306 of 545), and they ranged in age from 6 months to 102 years, with a median patient age of 70 years (interquartile range = 54 to 83 years). Among choking events that specified the substance involved, food was the most common (80%; 424 of 528 events). The most common foods that patients choked on were meat or fish (n=77), sandwiches (n=38), and breads or cakes (n=31). Abdominal thrusts were the most common immediate response described in event reports, attempted in more than half of events (56%; 306 of 545). Prevention of accidental choking may involve timely assessment of risk factors that predispose a patient to choking, including age older than 60 years, tooth loss and presence of dentures, and underlying psychiatric or neurologic illness.
Risk Factors for Post-acute care Following Free Flap Reconstruction of the Oral Cavity.

ObjectiveIdentify previously unreported factors that predict the need for post–acute care after free flap reconstruction of the oral cavity.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle acad...
Health Monitoring Smart Clothing: Understanding its Acceptance among Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to understand the key factors that influence older adults’ perception and intention to wear health monitoring smart clothing. An online survey was conducted with a nationwide convenience sample of 376 older adults living in U.S. Participants first watched a short video stimulus introducing health monitoring smart clothing and then completed the survey. The findings imply that older adults who are satisfied with expressive and tracking attributes of health monitoring smart clothing find it useful, easier to use, and socially acceptable, which lead them to more likely use it. This study addressed the existing literature gap which did not consider the impact of clothing attributes on perception and wearing intention of healthcare wearables. The findings can be a useful guide for the industry professionals to expand their product category in this wearable healthcare market. Limitations and recommendations for future studies were presented.
Infectious crystalline keratopathy.

Abstract A 57-year-old white female was noted to have unusual intrastromal crystalline-like opacities in her failing right corneal graft five months after transplant surgery. Cultures grew Streptococcus viridans ; since the graft was failing it was replaced and sent for pathologic examination. HE there was a notable absence of inflammatory cells. Gram's stain showed the basophilic material to be gram positive and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of intrastromal pockets of bacteria. The term "infectious crystalline keratopathy" was coined by Meisler for this entity, which occurs following longterm topical steroid usage. The quiet clinical appearance may make its infectious etiology unapparent. Management consists of discontinuation of the steroids and the administration of antibiotics; continued infection, corneal scars, or graft failure may occur and transplantation is then required.
What Was Model Theory About

Pillay writes, The notion of truth in a structure is at the centre of model theory. This is often credited to Tarski under the name Tarski's theory of truth. But this relative, rather than absolute, notion of truth was, as I understand it, already something known, used, and discussed. In any case, faced with the expression truth in a structure there are two elements to be grasped. Truth of what? And what precisely is a structure? [Pillay 2010] We defined the notions Pillay refers to in Chapter 1. In this chapter we consider his questions more closely and consider some key episodes in the development of the notion of a first order theory as a focal point. The Downward Lowenheim–Skolem–Tarski Theorem The meaning of ‘contradictory’ underwent a vast change in the early decades of the twentieth century. It is important to read the famous letter from Hilbert ([Frege & Hilbert 1980], 39) in the 1899–1900 Frege–Hilbert correspondence as written by the turn-of-the-century Hilbert not the later Hilbert: if the arbitrarily given axioms do not contradict one another with all their consequences, then they are true and the things defined by the axioms exist. This is for me the criterion of truth and existence. The proposition ‘Every equation has a root’ is true, and the existence of a root is proven, as soon as the axiom ‘Every equation has a root’ can be added to the other arithmetical axioms, without raising the possibility of contradiction, no matter what conclusions are drawn. ([Frege & Hilbert 1980], 39) As we observed on page 33, the Hilbert writing this passage has not yet made the distinction between formal and informal language. Today we might replace ‘do not contradict one another’ by ‘do not imply 0 = 1 in an ambient formal system’ and the word ‘true’ by ‘satisfiable’ and read the first sentence as an instance of Godel's completeness theorem for first order logic. Such replacements are anachronistic in several respects; not only has a formal sentence entered the discussion but it assumes the first/second order distinction.
Healthcare Stereotype Threat and Health Outcomes Among LGB Individuals.

Background/purpose Health disparities between sexual minorities and heterosexuals are well documented and have been explained by differential access to healthcare as well as exposure to discrimination. The current research examines the role that healthcare stereotype threat, or the fear of being judged by healthcare providers based on negative group stereotypes, plays in the health of LGB individuals. Methods LGB individuals (N = 1507) in three age cohorts were recruited via random digit dialing to participate in a larger study on sexual minority health. Participants completed measures assessing healthcare stereotype threat, lifetime health diagnoses, life satisfaction, and number of bad physical health days and personal distress in the past 30 days. Results Healthcare stereotype threat was associated with higher psychological distress and number of reported bad physical health days. Additionally, the Younger and Middle cohorts reported more stereotype threat than the Older cohort, but reported significantly higher levels of life satisfaction in the face of this threat than those in the Older cohort. Conclusions Healthcare stereotype threat was related to poorer mental and physical health among LGB individuals; this was true when these outcomes were assessed over the past 30 days but not when they were assessed in general. Cohort differences in healthcare stereotype threat suggest potential important within group variation that needs further investigating. The research broadens the contexts to which stereotype threat is relevant and establishes a stressor related to LGB health.
Adjustment and validation of a 25 kW photovoltaic system Matlab/Simulink model

Distributed generation is one of the ways forward for the development of renewable energy. Electrical and thermal microgrids are being widely investigated and begin to be implemented. Therefore, if microgrids are developed with careful design and intelligent operation, they could be the solution to the many challenges presented by today's electric network. (Electrical losses in the power grid, power quality and power supply to remote areas, for instance). Owing to this reason, CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain) has installed a microgrid (ATENEA) located in the industrial area of ​​Rocaforte (Town of Sanguesa, Navarra, Spain). The aim of the facility is the control strategy testing as well as being a test bench for the different generation and storage technologies.Developing a simulation platform where the entire components belonging to the microgrid are modeled is one of the present purposes. Firstly, models have to be elaborated in Matlab-Simulink. Secondly, the measurement executed in the different systems, will help the models in order to be validated. The final goal is that the models could behave in the same way as the systems behave in the reality. The purpose of this article is developing the model belonging to the photovoltaic system using the software mentioned. The model consists of the following parts: model of photovoltaic panels and maximum power tracking algorithm (MPPT). This article discusses the theoretical basis used for the realization of models, trials for subsequent validation and obtaining system characteristic parameters. Keywords photovoltaic model, Matlab-Simulink, microgrid, simulation platform.
Elevated plasma Clara cell secretory protein concentration is associated with high-grade primary graft dysfunction

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early posttransplant morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) is produced by the nonciliated lung epithelium and may serve as a plasma marker of epithelial cell injury. We hypothesized that elevated levels of CC16 would be associated with increased odds of PGD. We performed a prospective cohort study of 104 lung transplant recipients. Median plasma CC16 levels were determined at three time points: pretransplant and 6 and 24 h posttransplant. The primary outcome was the development of grade 3 PGD within the first 72 h after transplantation. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate for confounding by donor and recipient demographics and surgical characteristics. Twenty-nine patients (28%) developed grade 3 PGD within the first 72 h. The median CC16 level 6 h after transplant was significantly higher in patients with PGD [13.8 ng/mL (IQR 7.9, 30.4 ng/mL)] than in patients without PGD [8.2 ng/mL (IQR 4.5, 19.1 ng/mL)], p = 0.02. Elevated CC16 levels were associated with increased odds of PGD after lung transplantation. Damage to airway epithelium or altered alveolar permeability as a result of lung ischemia and reperfusion may explain this association.
A root-injection method to assess verticillium wilt resistance of peppermint ( Mentha × piperita L.) and its use in identifying resistant somaclones of cv. Black Mitcham

Three studies were initially conducted using five mint cultivars with known disease reactions to verticillium wilt to determine if inoculation method, root-dip as compared to root-injection, had an affect on the plant growth and disease reaction. The planting media did not affect the development of wilt symptoms in susceptible varieties, however, the soil/peat based medium resulted in higher shoot fresh weight at harvest than the perlite/vermiculite medium. Black Mitcham had the highest susceptible disease rating and greatest reduction in fresh shoot weight from inoculation with Verticillium dahliae at two inoculum concentrations, 104 or 106 microconidia/ml. Native spearmint was resistant and Mentha crispa was moderately resistant, whereas, Murray Mitcham peppermint and Scotch spearmint were moderately susceptible to verticillium wilt with a corresponding lower fresh shoot weight. Scotch spearmint was less susceptible at the low inoculum concentration than at a higher level of microconidia, indicating a low level of disease resistance. Overall, the two inoculation methods resulted in similar cultivar responses to verticillium wilt, although the root-injection method was more applicable for large plant populations. Thus, the root-injection method of inoculation was utilized to screen 743 Black Mitcham derived somaclones for wilt resistance, of which nine somaclones were found resistant in repeated inoculation tests.
Not Another Remix: How Obama Became the First Hip-Hop President

January 20, 2009 marked the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the first African-American president of the United States. Political commentators are busy making sense of Obama’s candidacy and election, but not enough attention has been given to how youth have made sense of Obama. As I show in this article, young people—so-called “hip-hoppers” and “millennials”—used their unique sensibilities, technologies, and music to help define and elect the first black, hip-hop president. This article examines “Obama-Hop,” rap music about Barack Obama, and the 2008 presidential election. 1 Rap songs about election year politicswereahighlyvisibleaspectoftheelection(Hamby;NPR).Thisstudy provides the first systematic analysis of the political, racial, and gendered discourse of the Obama-Hop movement. While Obama’s campaign was discussed in the framework of “post-racialism” (Crowley), this study shows how Obama’s black masculinity became a major source of identification for rappers. The paper explores how Obama was depicted, embraced, and defended from scrutiny in hip-hop. Based on the review of ninety-seven Obama-themed mixtapes, I show how music was used in an attempt to energize youth toward voting and embracing Obama’s political messages. The exploration necessarily informs the larger debate over hiphop politics. The “hip-hop wars”—as Rose (2008) labels the persistent controversy overrap—are currentlybeingwagedover thepolitical relevance ofthemusic.Representingagenerationaldivideoverthemeaningofpolitical activism(Boyd), therehasbeenresistancetotheclaimthathip-hopisindeed “political” (Bynoe; McWhorter 2008). Hip-hop academics are increasingly concerned that corporate control and media consolidation are destroying rap’s political significance (Asante; Rose; Powell). This article addresses the debate by considering the political content of digital mixtapes, which are non-commercial compilations of music, news clips, and photos. The proliferation of Obama rap mixes provides evidence that hip-hop continues to be used toward political ends. This paper shows how Obama’s campaign
Proteasome inhibition in oxidative stress neurotoxicity: implications for heat shock proteins

Recent studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the proteasome, an enzyme responsible for the majority of intracellular proteolysis, may contribute to the toxicity associated with oxidative stress. In the present study we demonstrate that exposure to oxidative injury (paraquat, H2O2, FeSO4) induces a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibition of proteasome activity, and induction of cell death in neural SH-SY5Y cells. Application of proteasome inhibitors (MG115, epoxomycin) mimicked the effects of oxidative stressors on mitochondrial membrane potential and cell viability, and increased vulnerability to oxidative injury. Neural SH-SY5Y cells stably transfected with human HDJ-1, a member of the heat shock protein family, were more resistant to the cytotoxicity associated with oxidative stressors. Cells expressing increased levels of HDJ-1 displayed similar degrees of ROS formation following oxidative stressors, but demonstrated a greater preservation of mitochondrial function and proteasomal activity following oxidative injury. Cells transfected with HDJ-1 were also more resistant to the toxicity associated with proteasome inhibitor application. These data support a possible role for proteasome inhibition in the toxicity of oxidative stress, and suggest heat shock proteins may confer resistance to oxidative stress, by preserving proteasome function and attenuating the toxicity of proteasome inhibition.
Cardiac Regeneration and Aging

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses inability of the mammalian heart to regenerate parenchymal cells, that is, decrease in the number of ventricular myocytes which results in aging and cardiac diseases. The effects of age and pathological states on the number of tissue-specific cell types are similar in organs with high- or low-turnover cell rates. In myocardium, adaptation to stress involves an increased replicative response that does not maintain tissue homeostasis, since cell death exceeds cell division (Kempermann et al., 2004; Urbanek et al., 2005). The behavior of the heart, therefore, corresponds to a model of tissue growth essentially common to all organs in the organism. Chronological age represents an objective useful parameter to compare the function of organs in age-matched individuals and evaluate whether heart failure correlates with biological age. With this approach, the properties of cardiac stem/progenitor cells can be compared and properly analyzed. Therefore, to establish whether biological aging can induce an aging cardiomyopathy independent of other causes, patients have been carefully selected and all known causes of heart failure— hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, systemic disorders, drug or alcohol abuse and myocarditis—have been excluded (Chimenti et al., 2003). However, the definition of an aging myopathy is further complicated by the necessity to distinguish the senescent failing heart from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Brave New World: Pervasive Insecurity of Embedded Network Devices

Embedded network devices have become an ubiquitous fixture in the modern home, office as well as in the global communication infrastructure. Devices like routers, NAS appliances, home entertainment appliances, wifi access points, web cams, VoIP appliances, print servers and video conferencing units reside on the same networks as our personal computers and enterprise servers and together form our world-wide communication infrastructure. Widely deployed and often misconfigured, they constitute highly attractive targets for exploitation. In this study we present the results of a vulnerability assessment of embedded network devices within the world's largest ISPs and civilian networks, spanning North America, Europe and Asia. The observed data confirms the intuition that these devices are indeed vulnerable to trivial attacks and that such devices can be found throughout the world in large numbers.
Lectures on Non Perturbative Field Theory and Quantum Impurity Problems: Part II

These are notes of lectures given at The NATO Advanced Study Institute/EC Summer School on “New Theoretical Approaches to Strongly Correlated Systems”, (Newton Institute, April 2000). They are a sequel to the notes I wrote two years ago for the Summer School, “Topological Aspects of Low Dimensional Systems”, (Les Houches, July 1998). In this second part, I review the form-factors technique and its extension to massless quantum field theories. I then discuss the calculation of correlators in integrable quantum impurity problems, with special emphasis on point contact tunneling in the fractional quantum Hall effect, and the two-state problem of dissipative quantum mechanics.
Studies in ageing of the brain. III. Silicon levels in postmortem tissues and body fluids.

Publisher Summary The purpose of this chapter is 2-fold: (1) to determine whether human tissues and body fluids remote from the plaque itself had an increase in Si, and (2) to determine the relationship between age and Si in normal human controls. A focal increase in silicon is noted in the core and rim of the senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, it appears that some local factor is associated with the discrete increase of silicon in the Alzheimer plaque. Two types of local affinity come to mind. One type would be an enhanced affinity between Si and another molecule, such as a protein. To explore this as a possibility for some excessive binding of Si, plasma was divided into bound and unbound fractions. Following this interpretation, the neurofibrillary change and microtubular disorder could be viewed as the primary event, and the pile-up of Si might be secondary to impaired removal. In the present chapter, total silicon showed no consistent corresponding increase in the cerebrum as a whole, in various systemic organs, or in various body fluids. More silicon and phosphorus exists in the bound form in plasma with advancing age.
Scenarios: Driving forces and policies

Modelling the impact of policies is possible only if these policies themselves are defined to some extent. Therefore, potential policies affecting multifunctional land use are grouped into policy cases around a number of central themes. However, a counterfactual is needed in order to know what the situation in the target year would be in the absence of policy change. Several approaches to designing scenarios for this counterfactual are discussed, and the chosen approach is elaborated into a description of baseline scenarios to be used in the project.
Cellular zinc in patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract Although hyperzincuria appears to be a common finding in most diabetic subjects, plasma zinc concentration has been reported to be normal, increased, or decreased in these patients. In this study we assayed cellular zinc levels of diabetic subjects in order to assess zinc status. Zinc levels in plasma, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and platelets were lower than in controls. We also observed hyperzincuria in our subjects. The activity of nucleoside phosphorylase a zinc dependent enzyme, was decreased in the lymphocytes. Based on these data we conclude that our diabetic subjects were zinc deficient.
Market allocation through search: Equilibrium adjustment and price dispersion☆

Abstract This essay discusses market allocation under uncertainty in a market for a homogeneous good. Market participants contact one another at random times to buy or sell single units of the good. Transactions are carried out at different prices simultaneously. Optimal search rules are employed to describe individuals behavior. Such models provide the framework of a market structure within which equilibrium adjustment processes are analyzed. These decentralized, nontâtonnement processes of price and quantity adjustment are utilized to examine equilibrium. Price dispersion, which characterizes equilibrium, is essentially due to finite lifetimes of market participants.
Safety and accuracy of dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography for the detection of residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery and multivessel disease during the first week after acute myocardial infarction.

Background The safety of dobutamine-atropine echocardiography early after acute myocardial infarction is unknown. Its accuracy for the early detection of infarct artery stenosis and multivessel coronary artery disease is also unclear. The objective of the present study was to document its safety and accuracy during the first week after acute myocardial infarction. Methods and Results Multistage dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography was performed in 232 patients (age, 58±13 years; 58 women) at 5±2 days after acute myocardial infarction. The peak heart rate was 116±20 bpm. There were no episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia, myocardial infarction, or death. Atropine with dobutamine was tolerated well. Coronary angiography was performed in 206 patients (89%). There were 171 patients (83%) with infarct artery stenosis of ≥50% and 114 patients (55%) with multivessel disease. Ischemic or biphasic responses in the infarction zone were 82% (140 of 171) sensitive and 80% (28 of 35) specific for residual stenosis. Sensitivity was similar for occluded arteries (77%, 36 of 47) and patent but stenotic arteries (84%, 104 of 124). Wall motion abnormalities outside the infarction zone were specific (97%, 89 of 92) and moderately sensitive (68%, 77 of 114) for multivessel disease. The only determinant of sensitivity for residual infarct artery stenosis was improved wall motion at low dose ( P <.01). The determinants of sensitivity for multivessel disease were peak heart rate and infarct size ( P <.01). Conclusions Dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography was safely used to detect residual infarct artery stenosis and multivessel disease during the first week after acute myocardial infarction. The test may be very effective for evaluating patients with acute myocardial infarction because sensitivity for residual stenosis and multivessel disease was maximal in the high-risk subsets of patients with viable, jeopardized myocardium and large infarct size.
Optimal linear modeling and its applications on swing-up and stabilization control for Rotary Inverted Pendulum

Through the conventional Jacobian linearization, its operation has to be limited in the neighborhood of equilibrium. To address the control requirement in off-equilibrium region, optimal linearization is introduced to describe the exact dynamics at any operating point with minimal approximation error. In the illustrative example of Rotary Inverted Pendulum, a universal dynamic nonlinear model is firstly developed. Then its local linearized model is updated by every sampling period to match with the current operating point. Meanwhile, its controller is also updated to correspond with the updated local model. Thus, swing-up control and balance control can be both implemented through a unified Linear Quadratic Regulator controller, which can effectively avoid control law switching in the two stages.
Juror judgments in civil cases: Effects of plaintiff's requests and plaintiff's identity on punitive damage awards.

Two experiments were conducted to study the manner in which civil jurors assess punitive damage awards. Jury-eligible citizens were shown a videotaped summary of an environmental damage lawsuit and told that the defendant had already paid compensatory damages. They were asked to judge liability for punitive damages and, if damages were to be assessed, to assign a dollar award. Three independent variables were manipulated in the case materials: the dollar amounts that were explicitly requested by the plaintiffs in their closing arguments to the jury, the geographical location of the defendant corporation, and the location of the lead plaintiff. Consistent with prior findings of anchor effects on judgments, we found that the plaintiffs requested award values had a dramatic effect on awards: the higher the request, the higher the awards. We also found that local plaintiffs were awarded more than were geographically remote plaintiffs, while the location of the defendant company did not have reliable effects on the awards. The implications of these results for procedures in civil trials and for theories of juror decision making are discussed.
A Periodic Density Functional Theory Study of the Dehydrogenation of Methanol over Pt(111)

Nonlocal gradient-corrected periodic density functional theory calculations were used to examine the dehydrogenation of methanol to CO over the Pt(111) surface. Two decomposition routes were examinedone involving the activation of the O−H bond of methanol to form the methoxide intermediate and the other involving C−H bond activation to form the hydroxymethyl intermediate. These intermediates can subsequently react to form formaldehyde, formyl, and finally CO on the surface. Although these pathways are interesting because of their potential relevance for methanol fuel cells, under UHV conditions, we find that methanol will more likely desorb than react on Pt(111). The barriers for C−H and O−H bond activation were found to be much higher than the measured heat of desorption. This is consistent with experimental evidence. Our results indicate that methanol adsorbs weakly at the atop site on Pt. At 25% surface coverage, the hydroxymethyl (CH2OH), methoxide (CH3O), formaldehyde (HCHO), and formyl (HCO) species...
Control and measurement of ultrashort pulse shapes (in amplitude and phase) with femtosecond accuracy

The performances of a tunable femtosecond dye laser are analyzed using accurate correlation techniques. The source is a passively mode-locked dye laser, of which both the frequency and frequency modulation are controlled by one or two intracavity prisms. Interferometric second-order autocorrelations, with a peak-to-background ratio of 8 to 1, are used simultaneously with the conventional intensity autocorrelation and the pulse spectrum to determine the pulse shape. The main advantages of the interferometric autocorrelations are that they provide phase information otherwise not available, and they are more sensitive to the pulse shape than the intensity autocorrelation. The phase sensitivity is demonstrated in an analysis of the Gaussian pulses with a linear frequency modulation. Analytical expressions for the envelopes of the interferometric autocorrelations of typical pulse shapes are provided for quick pulse shape identification. A numerical method is used to analyze the more complex pulse shapes and chirps that can be produced by the laser. A series of examples demonstrates the control of this laser over various pulse shapes and frequency modulations. Pulse broadening or compression by propagation through glass is calculated for the pulse shapes determined from the fittings. Comparisons of autocorrelations and cross correlations calculated for the dispersed pulses, with the actual measurements, demonstrate the accuracy of the fitting procedure. The method of pulse shape determination demonstrated here requires a train of identical pulses. Indeed, it is shown that, for example, a train of unchirped pulses randomly distributed in frequency can have the same interferometric autocorrelation than a single chirped pulse. In the case of the present source, a comparison of the pulse spectrum, with that of the second harmonic, gives an additional proof that pulse-to-pulse fluctuations are negligible.
Robust and effective Ru-bipyridyl dye sensitized Ti-MCM-48 cubic mesoporous materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light illumination

Abstract A visible light absorbing solar hydrogen evolution photocatalyst was developed by adsorbing [Ru(bpy)2(dcbpy)][PF6]2 (Ru-4,4′ dye) to Ti-MCM-48 cubic mesoporous materials. The Ru-4,4′ dye was found to bind strongly with Ti-MCM-48 without sacrificing the periodic mesoporous MCM-48 cubic structure. The photocatalytic activities of Ru-4,4′ sensitized Ti-MCM-48 materials for solar hydrogen production under visible light illumination was examined. The recycling studies indicate long-term stability of the Ru-4,4′-Ti-MCM-48 photocatalysts. The results indicate that cubic MCM-48 mesoporous materials with spatially isolated titania moieties sensitized by [Ru(bpy)2(dcbpy)][PF6]2 are robust photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production.
Collaborative hyperdocuments and prototyping groupware

Abstract In this paper we informally explain a new Trellis model that incorporates colored tokens into the previously-described timed-Petri-net-based definition. We give examples of using Trellis to define protocols for Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). We then explain an interesting analog to procedure call we have developed for subdocument invocation in collaborative hyper-documents. Trellis prototype implementations are based around a client—server architecture and interpret their specifications. Consequently they provide an environment for the rapid prototyping and incremental development of multi-user distributed protocols, and for groupware based on such protocols.
A content analysis of self-reported barriers and facilitators to preventing postpartum smoking relapse among a sample of current and former smokers in an underserved population

To characterize the barriers and facilitators thatprevent postpartum relapse and maintain smoking abstinence among a socioeconomically underserved population, recruited through Philadelphia-area women, infants, and children clinics, in-person interviews were conducted with 30 women who had quit smoking for one or more pregnancies in the past 3 years to retrospectively describe their attempts to remain abstinent during the postpartum period. Responses were analysed using the constructs from the Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing model, which identifies the cognitive, affective and behavioral factors involved in goal-oriented self-regulatory actions, in the context of a vulnerable population of women. Motherhood demands were a significant source of relapse stress. Stresses associated with partner and family relationships also contributed to relapse. The presence of other smokers in the environment was mentioned by many women in our sample as affecting their ability to remain smoke-free postpartum. Participants reported four main strategies that helped them to successfully cope with postpartum cravings and relapses, including being informed of smoking risks, maintaining goal-oriented thoughts, focusing on their concerns about the baby's health and receiving positive social support from families and friends. Results provide guidance for the design of smoking relapse interventions that may address the unique stressors reported by underserved postpartum women.
Generative model-based document clustering: a comparative study

This paper presents a detailed empirical study of 12 generative approaches to text clustering, obtained by applying four types of document-to-cluster assignment strategies (hard, stochastic, soft and deterministic annealing (DA) based assignments) to each of three base models, namely mixtures of multivariate Bernoulli, multinomial, and von Mises-Fisher (vMF) distributions. A large variety of text collections, both with and without feature selection, are used for the study, which yields several insights, including (a) showing situations wherein the vMF-centric approaches, which are based on directional statistics, fare better than multinomial model-based methods, and (b) quantifying the trade-off between increased performance of the soft and DA assignments and their increased computational demands. We also compare all the model-based algorithms with two state-of-the-art discriminative approaches to document clustering based, respectively, on graph partitioning (CLUTO) and a spectral coclustering method. Overall, DA and CLUTO perform the best but are also the most computationally expensive. The vMF models provide good performance at low cost while the spectral coclustering algorithm fares worse than vMF-based methods for a majority of the datasets.