cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Optimization for Engineering Systems: Achievements and Potential

The currently common sequential design process for engineering systems is likely to lead to suboptimal designs. Recently developed decomposition methods offer an alternative for coming closer to optimum by breaking the large task of system optimization into smaller, concurrently executed and, yet, coupled tasks, identified with engineering disciplines or subsystems. The hierarchic and non-hierarchic decompositions are discussed and illustrated by examples. In conclusion, an organization of a design process centered on the non-hierarchic decomposition is proposed.
Direct measurement of molecular motion in freestanding polystyrene thin films.

An optical photobleaching technique has been used to measure the reorientation of dilute probes in freestanding polystyrene films as thin as 14 nm. Temperature-ramping and isothermal anisotropy measurements reveal the existence of two subsets of probe molecules with different dynamics. While the slow subset shows bulk-like dynamics, the more mobile subset reorients within a few hundred seconds even at Tg,DSC – 25 K (Tg,DSC is the glass transition temperature of bulk polystyrene). At Tg,DSC – 5 K, the mobility of these two subsets differs by 4 orders of magnitude. These data are interpreted as indicating the presence of a high-mobility layer at the film surface whose thickness is independent of polymer molecular weight and total film thickness. The thickness of the mobile surface layer increases with temperature and equals 7 nm at Tg,DSC.
Recent Advances in Semiconductor Nanocluster Preparation

Semiconductor nanocrystals have received an extraordinary degree of attention during thepast few years. The electronic, optical, photochemical, and thermodynamic properties of these materials are strongly size dependent, providing a rich area of research, with many potential applications1. It remains true that the range of phenomena that can be studied in nanocrystals is limited by the quality of available samples. In this paper we describe two advances in the preparation of nanocrystalline semiconductor samples. First is the preparation of CdS nanocrystals covalently bound to a metal surface; in this configuration it is possible to study the nanocrystals by photoemission. Second, we report the organometallic synthesis of GaAs nanocrystals.
Effects of cardiac rehabilitation on the recovery outcomes of older adults after coronary artery bypass surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine differences in lower extremity function as well as perception of physical and mental function between adults 70 years of age or older who participated in a phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) (n = 32) and those who did not participate in a CRP (n = 33) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS). METHODS: In this two-group longitudinal comparative study, recovery outcomes measured at baseline (6 weeks) and 6 months after CABS were compared between older adults who participated and those who did not participate in a CRP. RESULTS: In study groups that were equivalent before the CRP, analysis of covariance (controlling for baseline scores) showed that 6 months after hospital discharge, those who participated in a CRP had greater lower extremity strength (F = 3.9; P =.04), greater ankle range of motion (F = 4.2; P =.02), better dynamic balance (F = 8.2; P =.003), better static balance (F = 3.3; P =.04), better gait (F = 4.7; P =.02), and perceptions of better physical function (F = 14.8; P =.00). The results remained the same when control was used for the effects of social support, self-efficacy, depression, comorbidity, cardiac functional status, and gender for all the variables except static balance. No difference related to perception of mental function was found between the study groups (F =.10; P =. 74). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a CRP by older individuals improves lower extremity function (an important dimension in preventing disability) and perception of physical function. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be used to optimize the recovery outcomes of older individuals after CABS.
Cellular events induced in the molecular layer of the piriform cortex by ablation of the olfactory bulb in the mouse

Cellular events associated with degeneration of the projection of the olfactory bulb to the molecular layer of the piriform cortex of the mouse have been studied with rapid-Golgi and Fink-Heimer impregnations and with the electron microscope. Four classes of axon terminals: s-1, s-d, f-1, and f-d, are differentiated on the basis of whether the synaptic vesicles are spherical or flattened and whether the axoplasm is lightly or darkly stained. The majority of s-1 terminals, the predominant class in sublamina Ia of the molecular layer, degenerate after bulb ablation. Degeneration of axon terminals is associated with dilation and, eventually, degeneration of segments of dendrites in Ia. Both s-1 and s-d terminals contribute to a partial reconstitution of the neuropil of Ia during the weeks after bulb ablation.
Ethical ends: Effect of abstract mindsets in ethical decisions for the greater social good

We explore the impact of construal level on decisions involving conflicts between multiple ethical principles. Whereas abstract mindsets are associated with a focus on ethical issues and superordinate concerns, concrete mindsets are associated with financial self-interest. With abstract mindsets, we find that people abide by rather than violate ethical principles when only the self would benefit (single principle) but they violate ethical principles when doing so is a conduit for a greater social good (multiple principles). With concrete mindsets, people violate ethical principles for personal gain with less concern for the impact on the greater social good. Specifically, with abstract mindsets, people were dishonest to secure larger donations (Study 1) and dishonest to make larger (smaller) donations to charities that supported (threatened) the greater social good (Study 2a, Study 2b) whereas with concrete mindsets, people focused more on dishonesty for personal gain (Study 1, Study 2a, Study 2b).
Quick and Limited Is Better Than Slow, Sloppy, or Sly

Should clinicians and ethicists reconsider the appropriateness of the “slow code”? Drs. Lantos and Meadow (2011) argue in this issue of AJOB that many patients and families accept that death is nea...
The story catches you and you fall down: tragedy, ethnography, and "cultural competence".

Anne Fadiman's The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures (Noonday Press, 1997) is widely used in "cultural competence" efforts within U.S. medical school curricula. This article addresses the relationship between theory, narrative form, and teaching through a close critical reading of that book that is informed by theories of tragedy and ethnographies of medicine. I argue that The Spirit Catches You is so influential as ethnography because it is so moving as a story; it is so moving as a story because it works so well as tragedy; and it works so well as tragedy precisely because of the static, reified, essentialist understanding of "culture" from which it proceeds. If professional anthropologists wish our own best work to speak to "apparitions of culture" within medicine and other "cultures of no culture," I suggest that we must find compelling new narrative forms in which to convey more complex understandings of "culture."
Application of geophysical investigations to the closure of abandoned phosphate mines in the Crawford Mountains, Utah, USA

ABSTRACT An experimental geophysical survey, using DC (direct current) resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods, was performed in the Crawford Mountains of northern Utah. The objective was to confirm the presence of a void at an abandoned mine site and to estimate the depth to the roof of the void prior to excavation and backfilling. The GPR method provided confirmation of a void at one location as well as information about an anomalous bedding feature at another location. The resistivity method provided information useful in assessing the depth of penetration of GPR.
Regulation of antigen receptor signal transduction by protein tyrosine kinases

The past two years have seen further clarification of the early events occurring in antigen receptor signal transduction that are mediated by the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). The ITAM was shown to be a specific binding site for the ZAP-70/Syk protein tyrosine kinases and the structure of this complex was solved. In addition, possible mechanisms of activation and functions for these kinases were reported. Lastly, genetic studies established the critical importance of these kinases in antigen-receptor signaling and lymphocyte development.
Air analysis by gas chromatography

This review of gas chromatographic air analysis considers approximately 170 research articles published in the literature from 1995 to 1998. The focus is on sample collection, injection, separation and detection techniques, with special emphasis on capillary gas chromatography details. These parameters are summarized in two tables, the first one ordered by the chemical groups of compounds analyzed and the second by stationary phase. The reported techniques are analyzed and evident trends are summarized for the parameters and key words: Capillary Columns, Carrier Gas, Detection, Film Thickness, Injection, Liquid Stationary Phase, Multidimensional GC, Oven Programming, Packed Columns, PLOT Columns and Sampling Techniques. Furthermore, a brief summary of emerging alternative approaches replacing traditional GC methods is given.
Double-Crested Cormorant Predation on Yellow Perch in the Eastern Basin of Lake Ontario

Previous work indicated that the abundance of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario declined from 1976 to 1999 despite production of moderate to strong year classes each year during 1991 through 1995. Adult perch stock size failed to increase because of accelerated mortality after the first fall of life. Increases in mortality coincided with a number of ecosystem changes including increased abundance of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). Otoliths obtained from cormorant pellets collected on Little Galloo Island were used to examine the size and age of perch consumed by cormorants during 1993 to 1994 and 1996 to 1999. Size and age specific diet composition, combined with existing estimates of yellow perch consumed annually by cormorants were compared to perch population projections to evaluate the potential for this new form of predation to induce observed population trends. Perch stock abundance was projected using a range of standing stock estimates from the literature partitioned with age composition data from the eastern basin population. The total length of perch consumed by cormorants ranged from 59 to 236 mm, the majority of which were age-1 (48%), age-2 (20%), and age-3 (20%). Comparisons of age structured predation by cormorants and perch population projections indicated that cormorant predation reduced age-3 perch abundance most. At a high estimate of 65 kg/ha, cormorants were capable of consuming 29% of the age-3 perch stock. This analysis indicated that cormorant predation had the potential to play an important role in regulating perch population levels in the eastern basin during the 1990s.
Human RECQ1 Is a DNA Damage Responsive Protein Required for Genotoxic Stress Resistance and Suppression of Sister Chromatid Exchanges

Background. DNA helicases are ubiquitous enzymes that unwind DNA in an ATP-dependent and directionally specific manner. Unwinding of double-stranded DNA is essential for the processes of DNA repair, recombination, transcription, and DNA replication. Five human DNA helicases sharing sequence similarity with the E. coli RecQ helicase have been identified. Three of the human RecQ helicases are implicated in hereditary diseases (Bloom syndrome, Werner syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome) which display clinical symptoms of premature aging and cancer. RECQ1 helicase is the most highly expressed of the human RecQ helicases; however, a genetic disease has yet not been linked to mutations in the RECQ1 gene, and the biological functions of human RECQ1 in cellular DNA metabolism are not known. Methodology/Principal Findings. In this study, we report that RECQ1 becomes phosphorylated upon DNA damage and forms irradiation-induced nuclear foci that associate with chromatin in human cells. Depletion of RECQ1 renders human cells sensitive to DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation or the topoisomerase inhibitor camptothecin, and results in spontaneous c-H2AX foci and elevated sister chromatid exchanges, indicating aberrant repair of DNA breaks. Consistent with a role in homologous recombinational repair, endogenous RECQ1 is associated with the strand exchange protein Rad51 and the two proteins directly interact with high affinity. Conclusion/ Significance. Collectively, these results provide the first evidence for a role of human RECQ1 in the response to DNA damage and chromosomal stability maintenance and point to the vital importance of RECQ1 in genome homeostasis.
Legal Issues for an Integrated Information Center.

The ability to collect, store, retrieve, and combine information in computerized databases has magnified the potential for misuse of the information. The law is only beginning to deal with these new threats by expanding the laws of privacy, copyright, misrepresentation, products liability, and defamation. The laws regarding computerized databases are certain to change rapidly as information technology advances
EMG profiles of lower extremity muscles during cycling at constant workload and cadence

Limited conclusions concerning the variability in EMG patterns during cycling can be made from available data in the literature because of methodological differences which include electrode placement and experimental design. The purpose of this study was to monitor EMG signals from ten lower extremity muscles over a large number of pedalling cycles in experienced cyclists at constant workload and cadence. Variability across subjects was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV) at 10% intervals of the pedalling cycle. Within subject EMG patterns were very consistent within a single trial. The single-joint hip and knee extensors (gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis) had the lowest CV values (less than 30%). This low variability appears to support their role as power generators. Variability was generally higher in the hamstring muscles with two biceps femoris patterns emerging despite relatively similar experimental conditions. EMG signals from surface and fine wire electrodes for the hamstring muscles were compared for possible contribution to the discrepancies in the EMG profiles. Fine wire EMG data were quite similar to those obtained using surface electrodes, indicating that crosstalk had minimal effect, in general, on the hamstring signals. The tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles displayed fairly repeatable patterns, with variability highest in the first 20% of the pedalling cycle for all muscles studied.
Size-fractionated (1 -> 3)-β-D-glucan concentrations aerosolized from different moldy building materials.

Release of submicrometer-sized fungal fragments ( 3)-beta-D-glucan and numbers of particles aerosolized from the surface of artificially mold-contaminated materials using a novel sampling methodology. Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum were grown on malt extract agar and building materials (ceiling tiles and gypsum board) for one to six months. Fungal particles released from these materials were collected size-selectively by a newly developed Fragment Sampling System, and (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in air samples was analyzed by Limulus Amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. The concentrations of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan varied from 0.4x10(0) to 9.8x10(2) ng m(-3) in the fragment size and from 1.0x10(1) to 4.7x10(4) ng m(-3) in the spore size range. Numbers of submicrometer-sized particles aerosolized from 6-month old cultures were always significantly higher that those from 1-month old (P 3)-beta-D-glucan mass were higher for S. chartarum than for A. versicolor. The results indicate that long-term mold damage in buildings may lead to increased contribution of fragments to the total mold exposure. Therefore, the health impact of these particles may be even greater than that of spores, considering the strong association between numbers of fine particles and adverse health effects reported in other studies. Furthermore, the contribution of fragments may vary between species and appears to be higher for S. chartarum than for A. versicolor.
Extreme geodesic graphs

For two vertices u and v of a graph G, the closed interval I[u, v] consists of u, v, and all vertices lying in some u−v geodesic of G, while for S ⫅ V(G), the set I[S] is the union of all sets I[u, v] for u, v e S. A set S of vertices of G for which I[S] = V(G) is a geodetic set for G, and the minimum cardinality of a geodetic set is the geodetic number g(G). A vertex v in G is an extreme vertex if the subgraph induced by its neighborhood is complete. The number of extreme vertices in G is its extreme order ex(G). A graph G is an extreme geodesic graph if g(G) = ex(G), that is, if every vertex lies on a u−v geodesic for some pair u, v of extreme vertices. It is shown that every pair a, b of integers with 0 ⩽ a ⩽ b is realizable as the extreme order and geodetic number, respectively, of some graph. For positive integers r, d, and k ⩾ 2, it is shown that there exists an extreme geodesic graph G of radius r, diameter d, and geodetic number k. Also, for integers n, d, and k with 2 ⩽ d > n, 2 ⩽ k > n, and n − d − k + 1 ⩾ 0, there exists a connected extreme geodesic graph G of order n, diameter d, and geodetic number k. We show that every graph of order n with geodetic number n − 1 is an extreme geodesic graph. On the other hand, for every pair k, n of integers with 2 ⩽ k ⩽ n − 2, there exists a connected graph of order n with geodetic number k that is not an extreme geodesic graph.
Investigating species incidence over habitat fragments of different areas--a look at error estimation

The use of incidence functions and their error structure is explored as a means of interpreting patterns present in fragmented systems. Incidence functions describe the probability of a species' presence on a fragment. The only information required for an incidence function is presence/absence data for a number of fragments of known size. Methods are developed for establishing prediction bounds on the incidence function. The example developed uses data from mammals on isolated mountaintops. Distributions of number of species expected on a fragment predicted the actual number of species well, but prediction of identities of species on small fragments was poor. Although the number of species expected on an assembly of small fragments compared to a single large fragment of the same total area was nearly always equal, the identity of species differed. Species with large area requirements were never found on any number of small fragments; species which occurred with a medium probability over most fragments had a higher probability of being present in an assembly of small fragments than on a single large fragment.
High concentrations of p-Glu-His-Pro-NH2 (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) occur in rat prostate.

Abstract Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) immunoreactivity occurs in high concentration within the rat prostate. Previous studies have shown that the immunoreactive species consists of more than one TRH-like tripeptide which cross-reacts in the TRH radioimmunoassay. The component which was highly retained during cation exchange chromatography was subjected to a preparative scale isolation, purification and structural analysis. The methods used included methanol extraction, waterethyl ether partitioning, cation exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, TRH radioimmunoassay, in vitro pituitary bioassay, TRH receptor assay, and amino acid analysis. The mean concentration of the predominant amino acids (Glu, His, Pro), 344 pmoles/ml, and the TRH concentration measured by TRH radioimmunoassay prior to acid hydrolysis, 372 pmoles/ml, were nearly identical. Because the material analyzed cochromatographed with synthetic TRH in several chromatographic systems, had a radioreceptor potency which was indistinguishable from that for synthetic TRH, and released TSH and prolactin but not growth hormone from rat pituitaries in vitro, it is concluded that pGlu-His-Pro-NH 2 is one of the TRH-like peptides in the rat vental prostate.
The Upper-Great Lakes Observing System

This paper reports an overview of the University of Michigan's Upper-Great Lakes Observing System (U-GLOS) program, as well as the design, construction, and testing of offshore buoy platforms, communication schemes, and a shore-based server system. Since 2003, the University of Michigan's Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratories (MHL) has partnered with local communities, as well as Northwestern Michigan's College Water Studies Institute, DTE, Alliance for Coastal Technologies, Michigan Sea Grant, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to develop the U-GLOS program that exists today. The U-GLOS program now includes both land and offshore platforms that monitor environmental conditions and report, in real-time, the results to a publicly accessible web site. Each station measures a wide range of properties including air temperature, wind speed, wind gusts, solar radiation, humidity, and more. Buoy stations also measure water temperature (thermistor array), directional and non-directional wave characteristics. Ongoing scientific and engineering research is discussed, as well as an overview of available data products, quality control and quality assurance algorithms, and conformity to the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) standards.
Statins Have Biphasic Effects on Angiogenesis

Background— Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to reduce the synthesis of cholesterol and isoprenoids that modulate diverse cell functions. We investigated the effect of the statins cerivastatin and atorvastatin on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Results— Endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation were enhanced at low concentrations (0.005 to 0.01 μmol/L) but significantly inhibited at high statin concentrations (0.05 to 1 μmol/L). Antiangiogenic effects at high concentrations were associated with decreased endothelial release of vascular endothelial growth factor and increased endothelial apoptosis and were reversed by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. In murine models, inflammation-induced angiogenesis was enhanced with low-dose statin therapy (0.5 mg · kg−1 · d−1) but significantly inhibited with high concentrations of cerivastatin or atorvastatin (2.5 mg · kg−1 · d−1). Despite the fact that high-dose statin treatment was effective at reducing lipid levels in hyperlipidemi...
Five-year follow-up of neonates with reconstructed right common carotid arteries after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Objective: Serial Doppler ultrasonography and long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up outcomes were evaluated prospectively in neonates whose right common carotid artery (RCCA) was reconstructed after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: Children with RCCA reconstruction (n = 34) were monitored for 3.5 to 4.5 years by Doppler ultrasonography for arterial patency, and 28 had IQ testing by 5 years. A comparison group consisted of 35 infants who had RCCA ligation after ECMO. Neonatal electroencephalograms and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans were also compared. Results: Reconstructions were successful ( P = .025) and cerebral palsy (0 of 34 vs 5 of 35, P = .054) were more common in infants with RCCA ligation. No differences were seen in developmental or IQ scores between the 2 groups, and 4 in each group had cognitive handicaps (at least 1 IQ score Conclusions: Most RCCA reconstructions remained patent, with 24% showing significant stenosis or occlusion. Compared with a historical control group, patients with RCCA reconstruction had fewer brain scan abnormalities and tended to be less likely to have cerebral palsy. RCCA reconstruction after venoarterial ECMO may improve outcome. (J Pediatr 1999;134:428-33)
Ovarian steroids modulate content and secretion of immunoreactive gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a rabbit endometrial cell line

Abstract Incubation of a rabbit endometrial cell line (HRE-H9 cells) with KCl (5–60 mM) for 30 min enhanced IR-GnRH secretion, with 30 and 60 mM producing the greatest stimulatory effect ( 280±19% and 298±49% of control group, respectively). By adding 30 mM KCl into HRE-H9 culture and increasing the incubation time to 90 min, there was a stepwise increase in IR-GnRH secretion. In the third experiment, treatment of HRE-H9 cells with estradiol (E2, 10−9–10−8M) for 48 h stimulated IR-GnRH secretion ( 215±17% , 168±19% , respectively), whereas P4 treatment did not produce any significant change. Treatment with E 2 + P 4 at all doses tested (10−10–10−6M) augmented the secretion of IR-GnRH ( 140 ± 16% , 153 ± 14% , 276 ± 23% , 259 ± 26% , 198 ± 16% , respectively). Increased IR-GnRH secretion by E2 (10−9M) and E 2 + P 4 (10−8–10−7M) resulted in a reduction in cell content of IR-GnRH ( p ). In conclusion, secretion of IR-GnRH by HRE-H9 cells can be induced by KCl depolarization. Treatment of HRE-H9 cells with E2 and E 2 + P 4 enhanced their secretion of IR-GnRH. Under such conditions, secreted IR-GnRH appears to be derived primarily from intracellular IR-GnRH pools.
Social and Environmental Performance at SMEs: Considering Motivations, Capabilities, and Instrumentalism

Our analysis of recent survey data of US small- and medium-sized enterprises explores the question of how these entrepreneurial ventures can do well by doing good—i.e., how they can build a competitive advantage with their social and environmental practices. We focus on several firm characteristics and choices involving motivations and capabilities. We use hierarchical OLS to analyze the survey data to find that an orientation to, commitments to, and dynamic flexibility in, the firm’s CSR and green policies are significant factors in a firm’s CSR- and green-based competitive advantages. So, while some tradeoffs are likely between activities aimed at financial performance and those also aimed at improving social/environmental performance, opportunities do exist for small- and medium-sized enterprises to do both well and good. We consider several implications for theory and practice that continue in this instrumentalist perspective.
Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Sonographer's Perspective

Clinical transesophageal echocardiography is increasingly being applied for the evaluation of numerous functional and anatomic cardiac abnormalities. This new technology has opened an area of invasive ultrasonography that has changed and expanded the role of the cardiac sonographer. The sonographer is essential for the implementation and performance of this recent advance in echocardiography.
δ-Opioid receptor-mediated regulation of central dopaminergic neurons in the rat

Abstract Effects of intraventricular injections of the δ-opioid receptor agonist [ D -Pen2, D -Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) and antagonist 17-cyclopropylmethyl-6,7-dehydro-4,5-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-6,7,2′,3′-indol morphinan (naltrindole) hydrochloride were determined on the activities of mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, tuberoinfundibular and periventricular-hypophysial dopaminergic neurons in brains of male rats. Dopaminergic neuronal activity was estimated by measuring concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and accumulation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) after administration of the decarboxylase inhibitor 3-hydroxybenzylhydrazine in regions of the brain (nucleus accumbens, striatum, median eminence) and the intermediate lobe of the pituitary which contain terminals of these neurons. DPDPE produced a dose- and time-related increase in concentrations of DOPAC and accumulation of DOPA in nucleus accumbens and median eminence, but had no effect in striatum or intermediate lobe of the pituitary. Naltrindole hydrochloride had no effect per se, but blocked the ability of DPDPE to increase DOPAC concentrations in nucleus accumbens and median eminence. These results reveal that activation of δ-opioid receptors selectively increases the activities of mesolimbic and tuberoinfundibular but not of nigrostriatal or periventricular-hypophysial dopaminergic neurons.
Fenofibrate: direct attenuating effects on tumor growth

The recent article by Liu et al. [1] provided for highly stimulating and interesting reading. Interestingly, recent data suggests that fenofibrate may directly attenuate tumor growth in a number of systemic malignancies. For instance, fenofibrate is of benefit in mitigating tumor progression in prostatic malignancies. It has a negative impact on intercellular coupling via gap junctions between the cancerous cells [2]. Cancer cell motility is significantly attenuated. The ultimate result is marked inhibition of tumor growth. Similar benefit has been noted in endometrial malignancies. Fenofibrate administration results in G1/S phase arrest. Cyclin D1 expression is significantly decreased. It also results in accentuated intra-tumoral apoptosis. The anti-neoplastic effects of fenofibrate are especially more pronounced when used in conjunction with retinoic acid [3]. Inhibition of tumor growth is also seen in hepatocellular malignancies secondary to the administration of fenofibrate. Accentuated G1 phase arrest is typically seen. It mediates these anti-neoplastic effects by virtue of attenuation of Akt activation within the cancerous cells. "C-terminal modulator" protein levels are up-regulated as are p27 levels [4]. E2F1expression is down-regulated. Interestingly, these anti-neoplastic effects are independent of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) inhibition. Similar effects are seen in oral squamous cell carcinomas. It especially affects carcinogenesis in oral tissue thus inhibiting the formation of oral malignancies. It mediates this role, in part, by down-regulating cyclooxygenase-2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas [5]. A negative impact on "epidermal growth factor receptor" expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas is also seen simultaneously. It is obvious from the above examples that fenofibrate has significant anti-neoplastic effects. Further studies are needed to fully harness these anti-tumor effects.
Angiodysplasia of the lower gastrointestinal tract : an entity readily diagnosed by colonoscopy and primarily managed nonoperatively

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of patients who develop clinically significant angiodysplasia of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract are unknown, and methods of treatment are evolving. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to identify patient characteristics, methods of diagnosis, and current management of patients who require operation and outcome. METHODS: Patients with the diagnosis of angiodysplasia of the lower GI tract at St. Louis University affiliated hospitals over the past five years were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-two consecutive patients were identified. The mean age was 69–8 (range, 29–86) years; 62.5 percent were males. Patient characteristics included: age greater than 65 years, 22 of 32 patients (69 percent); documented coagulopathy, 9 of 32 patients (28 percent); and cardiac valvular disease, 8 of 32 patients (25 percent). Diagnosis was established by colonoscopy in 27 of 32 patients (84 percent), enteroscopy in 3 of 32 patients (9 percent), and angiography in 2 of 32 patients (6 percent). Seventy-eight percent of the angiodysplasias were located in the right colon. Patients were treated by endoscopic coagulation in 16 of 32 patients (50 percent), surgical resection in 9 of 32 patients (28 percent), transfusion alone in 4 of 32 patients (12.5 percent), or observation in 3 of 32 patients (9 percent). Four of 32 patients (12.5 percent) developed recurrent bleeding. Four of 32 patients (12.5 percent) died of various causes. FOLLOW-UP: Follow-up was possible in 25 of 28 surviving patients, and the follow-up period ranged from 3 to 42 months, during which rebleeding occurred in 5 patients who had been previously treated by endoscopic coagulation and in 1 patient who had been treated by transfusion alone. Two patients died of unrelated causes and one from a recurrent lower GI bleed. CONCLUSION: Angiodysplasia is primarily a disease of elderly patients. These patients are frequently anticoagulated and often have co-existing cardiac valvular disease. Endoscopy usually establishes the diagnosis, and endoscopic coagulation is an effective and safe method of treatment. Most patients can be managed without operation.
New Ambipolar Organic Semiconductors. 1. Synthesis, Single-Crystal Structures, Redox Properties, and Photophysics of Phenoxazine-Based Donor−Acceptor Molecules

We report the synthesis and structural, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of a series of eight new phenoxazine-based donor−acceptor molecules utilizing phenoxazine as a common donor and quinoline, quinoxaline, benzoylquinoxaline, and benzoquinoxaline as various electron acceptor moieties. The phenoxazine−phenylquinoline molecules crystallized in the monoclinic system with the space groups C2/c and P21/c, respectively, revealing a 169° dihedral angle in the phenoxazine unit. The new materials had high glass transition temperatures (128−193 °C) and ambipolar redox properties with reversible electrochemical oxidation and reduction. Their HOMO levels were at 5.1−5.2 eV, whereas their LUMO levels (2.3−3.0 eV) increased with the electron acceptor strength. The materials showed intramolecular charge transfer fluorescence in dilute solutions with emission colors varying from blue to red and a quantum yield ranging from 86% in the phenoxazine−biphenyl molecule to as low as 16% in the benzoquinoxaline-c...
The fire protection engineer and modern building design

The author emphasizes the importance of fire protection engineers keeping abreast of developments so that they can recognize information pertinent to the solution of a problem. To illustrate his point, he reviews the development of information and tests for fire endurance.
EXAMINATION OF NANOPARTICLES FROM GASOLINE DIRECT-INJECTION (GDI) ENGINES USING TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (TEM)

Gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines have been reported to produce significantly more particulate matter (PM) mass and particulate number (PN) emissions than do port-fuel-injection (PFI) spark ignition engines. Because smallsized particles are of great concern in terms of their regulation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the sizes of primary and aggregate particles that were thermophoretically collected from three different GDI engines under various engine operating conditions. A low load and retarded fuel injection generally reduced the particle size. Consequently, when the fuel injection timing was delayed at low loads, primary and aggregate particles became extremely small. In particular, a number of nanoparticles were sub-23-nm particles. Careful high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analyses provided the first evidence that these nanoparticles are solid carbon particles with clear fringe patterns and young soot (and/or highly condensed semi-volatiles) with amorphous carbon patterns. Therefore, this result suggests that the current cut-off size at 23 nm for PN regulation in Euro 6 must be further reduced to include sub-23-nm carbon nanoparticles.
System design and performance of reconfigurable and simultaneous 2D multiple-plane WDM optical interconnects

System design and performance for reconfigurable and simultaneous 2-D multiple-plane WDM optical interconnects has been investigated. Device characteristics such as detector responsivity shape, efficiency, and complexity impact design requirements on wavelength separation and channel power. For reconfigurable interconnects, signal power penalties impact system design whereas for simultaneous interconnects, power penalties as well as optical crosstalk from the detection of undesired channels impact system design.
The Waldensian Recourse to Violence

Les Vaudois passent pour avoir toujours ete non violents. En fait, les laics (paysans pour la plupart), a partir du XV siecle surtout, utiliserent parfois la violence, jointe a l'action politique
An optimization study of liquid hydrogen boil-off losses

Abstract This paper reports on an optimization study of liquid hydrogen boil-off losses due to ortho-para conversion and heat leak through the mechanical supports. The optimization to minimize boil-off losses due to ortho-para conversion is conducted for two different cases and with different approaches. One approach applies to the storage of liquid hydrogen with continuous liquid hydrogen addition, while the other applies to storage of a certain amount of liquid hydrogen without any addition. For the first case, the optimization is conducted by evaluating the desirable storage times for different initial ortho concentrations relative to pure liquid para-hydrogen. For the second case the energy cost incurred during boil-off is compared with the extra liquefaction work for conversion. For both cases a curve, representing the optimum liquefaction ortho concentration for the different storage times is obtained. A second portion of the study is devoted to determining the optimum spatial distribution of intermediate cooling stations and the temperature profiles for the mechanical supports with linear thermal conductivity. This portion also considers the evaluation of the number of cooling stations and related boil-off losses for cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage. A third portion of the study investigates the optimum storage pressure.
Analysis of continuous beams on discrete elastic supports by the five moment equation

Abstract The analysis of continuous beams on discrete elastic supports is a complex problem frequently encountered in structural engineering. In structures of this type, the supports displace in direct proportion to the support reactions. These support displacements result in moment redistribution in the beam. The methods in current use for solving this type of problem arc generally complex and in most cases are developed for analysis of more complicated structures. This paper illustrates a technique for computer analysis of continuous beams on discrete elastic supports by the five moment equation. The objective is to present a viable example for electronic computation consistent with the nature of the problem, and which will tend to contribute to the basic understanding of the use of computers in reducing the amount of computation. The five moment equation is an extension of the familiar three moment equation and results in the same simple form of analysis. The solution of the five moment equation for the analysis of continuous beams on elastic supports permits direct determination of the redundant moments at the supports. The result of this simplified form provides practicing engineers with an efficient analysis easily handled on small office computers. For the student of civil engineering, the method illustrated will significantly contribute to development of effective early progress of programming skills.
Our First Online Offering of Introduction to Thermal-Fluid Engineering

In this paper the researchers reflect on the use of various communication technologies from the first online offering of our introductory thermodynamics course. The asynchronous (i.e., forums) and synchronous communication technologies such as Centra™ were employed for instruction and explication of useful feedback and self-explanation to promote students’ collaboration. The instructors outline the types of questions used in these guided activities that challenged students to search for multiple ways to demonstrate their conceptual understanding of very fundamental physical notions. The discussion in this paper outlines ways to improve forum questions, instructor’ feedback, and the frequency of the feedback to improve students’ metacognitive strategies in learning and the application of the course material. The observational data are also examined to note if there were any differences in forum contributions online versus students’ contributions in a face-to-face class. This paper provides a platform for research about learning and evaluation of instruction in abstract engineering courses in an online environment. The study is significant and of interest to faculty and administrators who have taught courses in traditional classrooms and who are now considering online teaching to increase access to engineering education.© 2011 ASME
Nielsen coincidence, fixed point and root theories of n-valued maps

Let \({(\phi, \psi)}\) be an (m, n)-valued pair of maps \({\phi, \psi : X \multimap Y}\), where \({\phi}\) is an m-valued map and \({\psi}\) is n-valued, on connected finite polyhedra. A point \({x \in X}\) is a coincidence point of \({\phi}\) and \({\psi}\) if \({\phi(x) \cap \psi(x) \neq \emptyset}\). We define a Nielsen coincidence number \({N(\phi : \psi)}\) which is a lower bound for the number of coincidence points of all (m, n)-valued pairs of maps homotopic to \({(\phi, \psi)}\). We calculate \({N(\phi : \psi)}\) for all (m, n)-valued pairs of maps of the circle and show that \({N(\phi : \psi)}\) is a sharp lower bound in that setting. Specifically, if \({\phi}\) is of degree a and \({\psi}\) of degree b, then \({N(\phi : \psi) = \frac{|an - bm|}{\langle m, n \rangle}}\), where \({\langle m, n \rangle}\) is the greatest common divisor of m and n. In order to carry out the calculation, we obtain results, of independent interest, for n-valued maps of compact connected Lie groups that relate the Nielsen fixed point number of Helga Schirmer to the Nielsen root number of Michael Brown.
Stability of colloidal teflon dispersions in the presence of surfactants, electrolytes, and macromolecules☆

Abstract A comprehensive study of the stability of colloidal polytetrafluoroethylene hydrosols in the presence of various electrolytes and macromolecular compounds is reported. Two Teflon dispersions, one containing a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100) and the other without the surfactant, were used. Sols with small amounts of surfactant or without it behaved as typical lyophobic colloids in the presence of simple or hydrolyzed counterions. Larger amounts of Triton X-100 had a considerable stabilizing effect on these systems, which then acted as hydrophilic sols. Nonionic dextrans, dextran sulfate, and a gelatin at pH value above its isoelectric point (i.e.p.) could not flocculate either of the two Teflon dispersions. Cationic dextran (DEAE), as well as a gelatin at pH below its i.e.p., readily destabilized the sols over a narrow concentration range of the added polymers. The latter depended on the sol concentration. Positively charged macromolecules in higher concentrations exercised protective action. Finally, when gelatin was added in amounts somewhat higher or lower than the flocculation concentration at a given pH, sensitization towards the neutral electrolytes was observed.
webADIS: a flexible web-based environment for the Automated Dental Identification System

Automating the process of postmortem (PM) identification of individuals using dental records is receiving increased attention. In developing a research prototype of an Automated Dental Identification System (ADIS), research teams from multiple institutions collaborated with forensic experts from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services division to identify the functional requirements of ADIS. A multitude of digital image processing and pattern recognition techniques were developed to meet the requirements of the constituent components of ADIS. In this demo, we present a web-based environment called webADIS that integrates ADIS components and provides a unified web-based interface. webADIS provides support for configuring the system into multiple possible realizations for some components as well as alternative identification strategies.
An empirical study of the performance of the APL370 compiler

The performance of a compiler is usually measured in terms of the execution efficiency of compiled code and the speed of compilation. For an APL compiler, we are also concerned about its relative performance with respect to the interpreter: C/I, the ratio of the speed of compiled code over interpretation. We give performance data on 4 groups of examples of moderate size: i) scalar style code where an interpreter does poorly and the C/I ratio is very high, ii) good APL style code where interpreter still does poorly due to inherent iterativeness or recursion, and the C/I ratio is high, and iii) good APL style code where the interpreter is very efficient on large data, and the C/I ratio is low, and iv) some particular primitives. These examples include neural net simulation, machine simulation, network routing, signal processing and mathematical computations. The APL370 compiler not only speeds up applications of iterative nature, but also gives good performance to codes utilizing APL's strength such as boolean selection and boolean data manipulation.
Individual, Neighborhood, and Situational Factors Associated with Violent Victimization and Offending

The criminological literature presents substantial evidence that victims and offenders in violent crimes share demographic characteristics, engage in similar lifestyles and activities, and reside in socially disorganized neighborhoods. However, research has examined these relationships separately using either victimization or offending data, and prior studies have not examined these relationships by comparing victims and offenders within the same incidents. This limits the effect of examining whether these factors are associated with victimization and offending in similar or distinct ways. Using a law enforcement database of victims (n = 1,248) and offenders (n = 1,735) involved within the same aggravated battery incidents (n = 1,015) in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, this research explores whether victims and offenders involved in non‐lethal violence share certain individual, neighborhood and situational characteristics. Results suggest that victims and offenders live in socially disorganized neighborhoo...