cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case report and literature review: T2DM with DKA, HHS and rhabdomyolysis

We report two type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adolescent patients who had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) predisposing rhabdomyolysis (RM). Literatures were reviewed, which made us focus on the severe complications of DM. The two adolescent patients were admitted urgently with T2DM complicated with ketoacidosis, whose chief complains were thirsty and polyuria for 6 days and 3 days respectively, drowsiness for 2 days and 2 hours. The skin was mottled and cold peripherally. The levels of blood glucose were 47.11mmol/L and 68.11mmol/L, corrected levels of serum sodium were 149.2mmol/L and 149.3 mmol/L, the osmolarity were 327.6 mOsm/L and 334.4mOsm/L. The urine ketone body were both positive, blood pH were 6.8 and 7.05. They were diagnosed as DKA and HHS. During the treatments of dehydration and insulin, the patients had oliguria because of poor liquid infusion. The blood creatine kinase (CK) of these patients elevated more than 10000IU/L with myoglobinuria charactered with black tea color urine. Based on above, RM were diagnosed. Acute renal failure occurred subseguently. We reviewed the literature of T2DM accompanied with DKA-HHS and RM. The mortality of HHS in children was rare. One report documented the mortality was 14% in children, which was similar to that of 15-20% approximately in adults. There was no document of case report or mortality of RM caused by T2DM with DKA-HHS. The literature documented RM usually caused by drugs, trauma and excessive muscular activity, etc. The normal saline infusion should be given at a rate of 1.5litres/hour at the beginning to maintain the urine output 200-300mL/hour in adults. The infusion of sodium bicarbonate is not necessary after effective liquid supplementation. Mannitol and loop diuretics may be useful. As for these patients, after the effective liquid infusion and anti-shock treatments, the urine ketone body turned to be negative and the urine color turned to be normal at the third day of admission. The CK level was decreased to normal at the 21-22th day. The two patients were all recovered finally. The diagnosis of RM depends on the clinic manifestation and laboratory. T2DM with DKA-HHS and RM is very rare in pediatric patients. The main reason of RM of the two patients may be HHS and the inadequate liquid infusion. This kind of patients could be cured by adequate infusion. We are lack of the experience of the treatment to this kind of patients. So it is important for us to prevent the patients from RM, to recognize HHS earlier, to give enough liquid infusion and to prevent shock. These may be useful to decrease the mortality of RM and on the controry, to increase the survival rate of patients.
Automatic Lens Design for Nonexperts

Automatic lens design by nonexperts is practical with the 1962 LASL lens-designing code, a general-purpose iterative program for evaluating and designing optical lens and mirror systems with surfaces generated by conic sections. Using skew ray traces, it analyzes lens performance statistically, finds differences resulting from design-parameter alterations, and computes a linear combination which will1, improve performance. Program characteristics, lens parameters, ray sampling, image evaluation, lens-performance weights, merit calculation, and parameter interactions are briefly described. Sample calculations are given in detail for a Lister-type lens and in summary for a special-purpose zoom lens.
Automatic control of blood pressure by drug infusion

Automatic control of arterial blood pressure by infusing the drug sodium nitroprusside is used for the treatment of elevated blood pressure after open-heart surgery at the Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit of the University of Alabama Hospital. Controller design was based on investigations of the dynamics of the physiological responses of patients to nitroprusside infusion. A nonlinear PID digital controller has been used on over 1700 patients. Clinical experiences have shown that automatic control is safe and effective. The wide range of patient characteristics we have observed warranted the design of an improved controller.For analysis, design and evaluation, a model of the system related to arterial pressure and its response to nitro prusside was developed, and patient care practices were analysed. An adaptive multiple-mode multirate sampled-data controller was designed using model-based techniques, and was implemented with a microcomputer system. Simulation results were verified by experiments in the animal laboratory. Results from clinical evaluations with postsurgical patients were superior to the performance of previous automated infusion systems.
A novel, sensitive radioimmunoprecipitation assay for the detection of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus-type 2

A radioimmunoprecipitation assay that provides an alternative to the Western blot assay was developed for characterizing antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus type-2 (HIV-2). The assay is based on radioiodination of antigen using Bolton-Hunter reagent. The antigen consists of a soluble preparation of the NIH-Z (HIV-2) strain of 1000X purified virus spiked with purified recombinant HIV-2 gp105. Radiolabeled proteins were immunoprecipitated by immune human sera, even at the early stages of seroconversion. This new assay provides a simple method for characterizing and titrating antibodies against HIV-2. The method is more sensitive, and is more efficient than Western blotting. The labeled viral proteins are well suited for biochemical studies.
Custody Resolution Counseling: An Alternative Intervention.

As the number of divorces increases, so does the number of families litigating child custody. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Hennepin County Domestic Relations Division, a social services arm of the Family Court, has developed Custody Resolution Counseling (CRC) as an alternative to the traditional Custody Study intervention. The CRC process helps families toward making their own decision regarding custody as opposed to the court imposed decision which follows a Custody Study. The article describes the CRC process and presents a case illustration.
Some Effects of Chemosterilants on the Little House Fly

Five compounds, tepa, metepa, apholate, hempa, and hemel, were evaluated in the laboratory as chemosterilants of the little house fly, Fannia canicularis (L). When the compounds were used as residnes, the sterilizing dose of tepa was 0.1-1.0 mg per square foot; metepa and hempa were somewhat less effective, and apholate failed to sterilize at 50 mg per square foot. When the compounds were fed to the flies at different concentrations in the diet, tepa was again the most effective, producing a high perccnt of sterility at concentrations of 0,01-0.1%: the other materials were about equally effective, Flies were exposed to strings impregnated with metepa as well as treated topically with hempa and hemel; in general, males were mere susceptible than females. Males treated with hempa and metepa competed fairly well with untreated males in mating with untreated females. No great margin existed between doses causing sterility, especially in females, and those causing mortality. Pupae of various ages were unaffected when they were dipped in ethanol solutions containing 0.05-5% of metepa.
Endocrine evaluation of forty female-to-male transsexuals: Increased frequency of polycystic ovarian disease in female transsexualism

A retrospective study of 40 female-to-male transsexuals was performed to investigate the frequency of endocrine dysfunction prior to hormonal treatment with testosterone. Two patients had laparoscopic evidence of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) prior to androgen treatment. Nine additional subjects had clinical evidence of PCOD, including ultrasonographic evidence of multicystic and enlarged ovaries in three patients and/or evidence of hirsutism and oligomenorrhea associated with increased androgen levels and/or an increased plasma luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. Two subjects had evidence of gonadal dysgenesis. Plasma levels of testosterone, prolactin, LH/FSH ratio, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were significantly increased in 30 female transsexuals prior to testosterone treatment when compared to normal adult female controls studied in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. These data indicate that female transsexuals have an increased incidence of endocrine dysfunction (32.5%) which should be investigated prior to hormonal treatment.
Target size and correction for empty-field myopia

Correction for empty-field myopia produces an appreciable improvement in contrast thresholds only for small (less than about 8 min arc) stimuli. The amount of improvement that can be expected varies with the magnitude of the observer's myopia.
Results of a Student Discussion Group on Leadership Concepts

The importance of leadership is widely recognized but rarely addressed in engineering education. Based on readings from Lincoln on Leadership, we engaged students in ten discussion sessions regarding key characteristics of an effective leader. We developed and continually refined our definition of a great leader and a vision statement for our research group. In this paper we document our leadership discussion approach, including subjects covered and discussion questions. We share selected results and student feedback on the effectiveness of this approach. We trust that by sharing our efforts and resources, others will be encouraged and better enabled to engage their students in discussing leadership concepts.
Which factors confound or modify the relationship between body weight and mortality

Under usual practice in epidemiologic research, covariate adjustment would be used to control for confounding effects. Exclusions, on the other hand, are justified as a part of an analytic strategy when there is evidence of an interaction altering the shape or direction of the exposure--outcome relationship across strata. This distinction applies with particular relevance in the analysis of the BMI--mortality relationship. Both covariate adjustment and exclusions have been used, with the need to control for interaction usually justified by concerns of reverse causality. The concern of reverse causality arises when conditions prevalent at baseline are thought to be associated with both lower average body weight and higher mortality risk, as would be the case with smokers. In the analysis, the choice must be made of whether to control for smoking status or exclude smokers altogether. Unfortunately, reverse causality is difficult to test for directly in observational data as deletions of very large subsets of the data can also lead to a different result, by chance alone. Findings that result after large-scale exclusions must therefore be tested in the standard statistical framework that can distinguish any new result observed after exclusions from one that could have occurred solely by chance. In statistical tests focused specifically on this question, the weight of the evidence suggests that interactions are not present in this context and that exclusion of subgroups (e.g., by smoking status, age, sex, use of alcohol) leaves the shape of the mortality curve unchanged, although it may alter the absolute level of risk. Unless some special question is being asked about subgroups, the author advises against large-scale exclusions for a common trait in analyses of the BMI--mortality relationship and emphasizes using representative study samples with measured exposure variables. A large-scale social experiment is cited that gives some evidence on the effect of a population-wide downward shift in BMI.
Phonon-defect scattering in high thermal conductivity diamond films

We have investigated the thermal conductivity of large diamond samples grown by both hot filament and microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition in order to study in detail the processes limiting heat conduction in this system. For samples containing nearly 100% diamond material and no apparent defects, the thermal conductivity is consistent with that expected for polycrystalline diamond with a given crystallite size. In films prepared by the hot filament technique, we observe an additional scattering of phonons near 60 K, which we attribute to either a resonant phonon‐defect interaction, or a crossover from geometrical to Rayleigh phonon‐defect scattering.
Thermal conductivity of a nonequilibrium chemically reacting gas

Thermal conductivity measurements were made for the dissociating system 2 NO2 ⇋ 2NO + O2. Experiments were made at temperatures from 548° to 792°K. and pressures from 1 to 30 atm. Under these conditions the chemical reaction is in a nonequilibrium state, and the rate of energy transport is limited by the rates of the forward and reverse reactions. Experimental results agreed very well with a theoretical model based on a linearized reaction rate expression. Using the thermal conductivity results, it was also possible to determine the chemical kinetic constants for the reaction.
Novel cleaning techniques to achieve defect-free photomasks for sub-65-nm nodes

The ability to eliminate the critical source of haze contamination which can be derived from the cleaning chemistry residues and mass production environment has become a major challenge for 193 nm photolithography in semiconductor industry. Furthermore, as the specification for pattern generation on photomask becomes tighter, it is getting harder and harder to eliminate defects with both minimal structural damage and preservation of photophysical properties. We designed for the smart cleaning strategy to achieve the defect-free photomasks as a concern of above current issue with a combination of well-known cleaning technology, such as using the collective effects of ozonated water (DIO3) for the alternative to conventional clean (SPM/SC1) and UV/O3 treatment for the control of sulfate concentration. In addition to photomask clean, these strategies are also used for photoresist stripping. As well as the final cleaning process, it is a rational strategy that judicious modification of inter-process clean. Specially, that kind of view is focused on the after-development clean (ADC) process which mainly eliminated the source of fatal defects on the mask, such as pattern bridge following dry etch process. In this paper we will propose a novel cleaning strategy for the elimination of potential source of haze formation and fatal defects.
Ecohydrology‐Why Hydrologists Should Care

Authors were government employers of the following agencies: *USGS Biological Resources Division. Great Lake Science Center. 1451 Green Rd..Ann Atbor. Ml48105
Police Officer Selection validation project: The multijurisdictional Police Officer Examination

This study presents the results of a predictive validity study of the Multijurisdictional Police Officer Examination (MPOE). The MPOE is a paper-and-pencil test of cognitive abilities developed to select entry level police officers. Criterion measures for the study included training performance, supervisory performance ratings and a file composite measure of negative work related incidents (e.g., use of force). There were 159 (120 majority and 39 minority group) members in the final validation sample. Results indicated that the MPOE was predictive of the three performance indices. Cumulation of results across seven studies (including the present effort) revealed a weighted average correlation between the MPOE and performance ratings of .20 (N=913). The potential generalizability of the results to other police departments is discussed.
Factors associated with human papillomavirus vaccination among young adult women in the United States.

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended to protect against HPV-related diseases. Objective To estimate HPV vaccine coverage and assess factors associated with vaccine awareness, initiation and receipt of 3 doses among women age 18–30 years. Methods Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed to assess associations of HPV vaccination among women age 18–26 (n = 1866) and 27–30 years (n = 1028) with previous HPV exposure, cervical cancer screening and selected demographic, health care and behavioral characteristics using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Results Overall, 23.2% of women age 18–26 and 6.7% of women age 27–30 years reported receiving at least 1 dose of HPV vaccine. In multivariable analyses among women age 18–26 years, not being married, having a regular physician, seeing a physician or obstetrician/gynecologist in the past year, influenza vaccination in the past year, and receipt of other recommended vaccines were associated with HPV vaccination. One-third of unvaccinated women age 18–26 years (n = 490) were interested in receiving HPV vaccine. Among women who were not interested in receiving HPV vaccine (n = 920), the main reasons reported included: not needing the vaccine (41.3%); concerns about safety of the vaccine (12.5%); not knowing enough about the vaccine (11.9%); not being sexually active (8.2%); a doctor not recommending the vaccine (7.6%); and already having HPV (2.7%). Among women with health insurance, 10 or more physician contacts within the past year and no contraindications, 74.5% reported not receiving HPV vaccine. Conclusions HPV vaccination coverage among women age 18–26 years remains low. Opportunities to vaccinate are missed. Healthcare providers can play an important role in educating young women about HPV and encouraging vaccination. Successful public health and educational interventions will need to address physician attitudes and practice patterns and other factors that influence vaccination behaviors.
Projection neurons in the rat dorsolateral septal nucleus possess recurrent axon collaterals.

Abstract Projection neurons in the rat dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) were labeled intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in an in vitro slice preparation. The labeled neurons exhibited widespread ‘isodendritic’ type dendritic fields. Each of the neurons was identified as a projection neuron by the tracing of its main axon out of DLSN. The axons of these neurons gave rise to intrinsic collaterals which branched to form an extensive axon plexus which was confined to DLSN. These axon collaterals exhibited numerous en passant swellings suggestive of boutons. It is proposed that the recurrent axon collaterals of DLSN projection neurons may form an anatomical substrate for local inhibition within DLSN.
Increased amphetamine-induced locomotion during inactivation of the basolateral amygdala.

At low doses, amphetamine has been shown to produce reliable increases in locomotor activity through its actions on the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) terminals in the nucleus accumbens (NAC). The basolateral amygdala (BLA) has recently been reported to have anatomical projections to the NAC, suggesting that it might serve to alter or modulate the function of the NAC. To test this hypothesis, the current experiment produced lidocaine-reversible lesions of the BLA and assessed changes in NAC function by examining alterations in locomotor activity in response to s.c. amphetamine (2 mg/kg). While BLA inactivation alone was found to have no effect on spontaneous or basal locomotor activity, it produced a significant potentiation of amphetamine-induced hyperactivity. These results suggest that BLA inactivation removes a system that inhibits the locomotor response to amphetamine. The data are, therefore, consistent with the view that the BLA may serve to modulate NAC function.
Application of Ion Beam Techniques to the Study of Glass Durability: Enhanced Dissolution in Saline and Radiation Effects

Nuclear reaction analysis, Rutherford backscattering and ion implantation techniques are applied to the study of the reaction between glass and aqueous solutions. The use of these techniques is described as are some of the results obtained. Solutions of NaCl are seen to etch some glasses several orders of magnitude faster than distilled water. Radiation damage created by high energy heavy ion bombardment is seen to have great effects on the penetration of hydrogen (water) into glass.
Dirac cone engineering in Bi 2 Se 3 thin films

Topological insulators are distinguished from normal insulators by their bulk insulating gap and odd number of surface states connecting the inverted conduction and valence bands and showing Dirac cones at the time-reversal invariant points in the Brillouin zone. Bi-based three-dimensional strong topological insulator materials, Bi$_2$Se$_3$ and Bi$_2$Te$_2$, are known as high temperature topological insulators for their relatively large bulk gap and have one simple Dirac cone at the $\Gamma$ point. In spite of their clear surface state Dirac cone features, the Dirac point known as a Kramers point and the topological transport regime is located below the bulk valence band maximum. As a result of a non-isolated Dirac point, the topological transport regime can not be acquired and there possibly exist scattering channels between surface and bulk states as well. In this article we show that an ideal and isolated Dirac cone is realized in a slab geometry made of Bi$_2$Se$_3$ with appropriate substitutions of surface Se atoms. In addition to Dirac cone engineering by surface atom substitutions, we also investigate Bi$_2$Se$_3$ thin films in terms of thickness and magnetic substitutions, which can be linked to applications of spintronics devices.
Performance of a dairy manure anaerobic lagoon

Abstract A single-stage anaerobic lagoon treating dairy manure was studied for approximately four years (April 1987–April 1991). A portion of the lagoon was covered to gather data on biogas production and quality. Methane concentrations in the biogas exceeded 80% throughout the evaluation period. The following relationship between CH4 concentration and sludge temperature was determined: CH4 = 89·514e−0·00381T where CH4 is the per cent CH4 concentration and T is the temperature (°C). Influent and lagoon liquid concentrations for several parameters were monitored. The installation of a separator to process the waste stream going into the lagoon approximately one and a half years into the study reduced the vs loading rate by 17%. Chemical oxygen demand, total solids, volatile solids and volatile fatty acid reductions exceeded 80% (influent compared to lagoon liquid concentrations).
Short-term endobiliary stenting results in chronic inflammation of the porcine extrahepatic biliary system

This study reports the histologic changes seen in the biliary ductal system and pancreas as a result of endobiliary stenting. Ten mini pigs underwent endoscopic placement of suprapapillary endobiliary stents. The animals were killed and the liver, biliary tree, and pancreas were resected en bloc and prepared for histologic examination. Endobiliary stenting was found to result in significant chronic inflammation in the biliary system within 4 weeks of stent placement. These changes were present throughout the entire extrahepatic biliary ductal system and persisted throughout the 15-week study period. There was no significant acute inflammation in the biliary tree nor acute or chronic inflammation in the pancreatic duct. Further study is indicated to determine whether these changes will result in fibrosis and stricture.
Complications of robotic surgery in pediatric urology: a single institution experience.

Objective To report our analysis of complications on pediatric robotic urologic procedures. Methods A retrospective review was performed for all robotic surgeries by pediatric urologists at a single pediatric institution, from the start of the robotic surgery program in February 2009 through February 2013. Data included patient demographics, intraoperative details, outcomes, and complications (Clavien system). Results The analysis included 136 patients. There were 10 different types of procedures performed by 3 pediatric urologists. There were no intraoperative complications, robotic malfunctions, conversions to open or laparoscopic surgery, or mortalities. There were 11 total complications (8.1%): 2 grade I (1.5%), 7 grade II (5.1%), and 2 grade IIIb (1.5%). Complications included ileus in 2 patients (1.5%), port site infection in 2 (1.5%), urinary leak in 2 (1.5%), urinary retention in 2 (1.5%), urinary tract infection in 2 (1.5%), and stent migration in 1 (0.7%). The complication rate was in 3 of 10 infants (30%) and 8 of 126 noninfants (6.3%), P = .035. However, grade I, II, and IIIb complication rates were not significantly higher in infants vs noninfants, P = 1, .084, and .142, respectively. There was no difference in complication rates between the 3 surgeons. Conclusion Pediatric robotic urologic procedures are safely performed with a relatively low complication rate and a low incidence of additional interventions owing to complications. Ongoing use of robotic technology in the pediatric population can be supported. Further reports are needed to validate our findings.
The efficacy of SMARTER — Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique Extended to Ranking

Abstract A key component in the development of an additive multiattribute value model for selecting the best alternative is obtaining the attribute weights. In this paper, we assume the decision maker's weight information set consists of ranked swing weights, that is, a ranking of the importance of the attribute ranges, and in this context use ‘surrogate weights’ derived from this ranking. The particular surrogate weights are called ROC , for rank order centroid weights. The paper presents three sets of results: (1) a summary of the efficacy of using ROC weights to select a best alternative; (2) an extension of the method of analysis underlying the efficacy studies to assess the applicability of ROC weights for the analyst's specific value matrix; (3) methods for sensitivity analyses of a specific value matrix. A comprehensive example illustrates all analyses.
Computerized lung nodule detection: comparison of performance for low-dose and standard-dose helical CT scans

The vast amount of image data acquired during a computed tomography (CT) scan makes lung nodule detection a burdensome task. Moreover, the growing acceptance of low-dose CT for lung cancer screening promises to further impact radiologists' workloads. Therefore, we have developed a computerized method to automatically analyze structures within a CT scan and identify those structures that represent lung nodules. Gray-level thresholding is performed to segment the lungs in each section to produce a segmented lung volume, which is then iteratively thresholded. At each iteration, remaining voxels are grouped into contiguous three-dimensional structures. Structures that satisfy a volume criterion then become nodule candidates. The set of nodule candidates is subjected to feature analysis. To distinguish candidates representing nodule and non-nodule structures, a rule-based approach is combined with an automated classifier. This method was applied to 43 standard-dose (diagnostic) CT scans and 13 low-dose CT scans. The method achieved an overall detection sensitivity of 71% with 1.5 false-positive detections per section on the standard-dose database and 71% sensitivity with 1.2 false-positive detections per section on the low-dose database. This automated method demonstrates promising performance in its ability to accurately detect lung nodules in standard-dose and low-dose CT images.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Architecture of cannabinoid signaling in mouse retina

Cannabinoid receptors and their ligands constitute an endogenous signaling system that is found throughout the body, including the eye. This system can be activated by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, a major drug of abuse. Cannabinoids offer considerable therapeutic potential in modulating ocular immune and inflammatory responses and in regulating intraocular pressure. The location of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)) in the retina is known, but recently a constellation of proteins has been identified that produce and break down endocannabinoids (eCBs) and modulate CB(1) function. Localization of these proteins is critical to defining specific cannabinoid signaling circuitry in the retina. Here we show the localization of diacylglycerol lipase-alpha and -beta (DGLalpha/beta), implicated in the production of the eCB 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG); monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and alpha/beta-hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6), both implicated in the breakdown of 2-AG; cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a), a protein that may modulate CB(1) function; and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA), which have been shown to break down the eCB anandamide and related acyl amides. Our most prominent finding was that DGLalpha is present in postsynaptic type 1 OFF cone bipolar cells juxtaposed to CB(1)-containing cone photoreceptor terminals. CRIP1a is reliably presynaptic to DGLalpha, consistent with a possible role in cannabinoid signaling, and NAAA is restricted to retinal pigment epithelium, whereas DGLbeta is limited to retinal blood vessels. These results taken together with previous anatomical and functional studies define specific cannabinoid circuitry likely to modulate eCB signaling at the first synapse of the retina as well as in the inner plexiform layer.
A perspective on the recognition of other-race faces

The purpose of the present study is to provide a perspective on the recognition of other-race faces, i.e., black faces by white subjects. Past research has indicated that individuals have greater difficulty recognizing other-race faces than they do same-race faces. On the basis of previous findings, we chose to investigate the recognition of black faces by white subjects as a function of the quantity and quality of previous experience with blacks, racial attitudes, field dependence/independence, and recognition training. Forty-two white subjects participated in pre-, post-, and delayed recognition tests. Subject data were also collected to explore individual differences in recognition performance. Using multiple regression techniques, it was found that field dependence/independence accounted for the largest proportion of variance in recognition performances; a feature-discrimination training task and past experience with blacks were also found to significantly relate to recognition performance. The applied aspects of these results are discussed.
The Role of Microtubule Organization in Chondrocyte Response to Osmotic Loading

The cytoskeleton, including actin filaments and microtubules, provides chondrocytes with structure, cytoplasmic organization, and intracellular transport. The cytoskeleton is known to be involved in cellular responses to physiologic mechanical and osmotic loading signals, including morphological changes and mechanostransduction [1, 2]. Here, we examine microtubule (MT) involvement in volume response of chondrocytes to osmotic loading, as well as organization of stable MT with hypoosmotic loading. We also explore the hypothesis that chondrocytes from different zones of cartilage possess cytoskeletons with different properties, which help explain variations in their volume response to osmotic loading in situ and in vitro [3].Copyright © 2007 by ASME
High-Speed Visualization of Two-Phase Flow in a Micro-Scale Pin-Fin Heat Exchanger

Flow regimes and bubble growth are observed in a pin-fin micro-scale heat exchanger with R-11 as the working fluid. The heat exchanger is machined in silicon and derived from a DNA micro-array consisting of 150 μm-square fins separated by 50 μm-square passages. The fins are staggered and oriented 45 degrees to the flow direction such that approximately 750 channel intersections occur within the volume of the exchanger. The purpose of the study is to determine if this multiply-connected geometry produces the flow blockage, reversal, and other instabilities observed in single and parallel micro-channel configurations. The upper surface of the exchanger is a glass plate that provides optical access. High-speed digital photography and microscope optics are used to obtain real-time images of the flow at a framing rate of 5 kHz. The lower surface is electrically heated and instrumented with a heat flux gage. Inlet and outlet temperatures and pressures, heater and wall temperatures, and volumetric flow rate are ...
Role of emerging antithrombotic therapy in the prevention of cardioembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is an independent risk factor of potentially catastrophic cardioembolic strokes. AF patients are categorized into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk for thromboembolic complications using the CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system. Oral anticoagulation using warfarin has been the standard therapy for stroke prevention in intermediate- to high-risk AF patients. However, warfarin use has been limited by several factors such as narrow therapeutic windows, drug-drug and drug-food interactions, and hemorrhagic complications. Rigorous research evaluated dual antiplatelet therapy of clopidogrel and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) as a potential alternative to warfarin in the ACTIVE W trial. Dual antiplatelet therapy of clopidogrel and aspirin was found to be inferior to warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolism with increased bleeding risk. Other extensive research has led to the development of new antithrombotic agents. Recently, dabigatran etexilate 150 mg twice daily, a direct thrombin inhibitor, was approved by the US FDA for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular AF after it was found to be superior to warfarin in preventing thromboembolic events and associated with less bleeding in the RE-LY trial. It was also cost effective when compared with warfarin. Dabigatran can be considered in high-risk AF patients who are unable or unwilling to comply with the frequent laboratory and clinic visits that are required when receiving treatment with warfarin. Factor Xa inhibitors are another class of new anticoagulants that have been developed. Oral rivaroxaban was non-inferior to warfarin in thromboprophylaxis and with similar bleeding in the ROCKET-AF trial (HR 0.88; p=0.117). Apixaban, another factor Xa inhibitor, was superior to aspirin in reducing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with AF in the AVERROES trial (HR 0.45; p<0.001). The results of the ARISTOTLE trial, which is evaluating apixaban against warfarin in ∼18 000 patients with AF, are expected to be available later this year. Edoxaban, another oral factor Xa inhibitor, is currently being evaluated against warfarin in the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial in ∼20 000 patients with AF. With these new developments, there is a necessity for the clinical practitioner to become familiar with these new and upcoming therapies and guidelines. This review provides an overview of the available data regarding the clinical usefulness of these agents.
Modulation of cellular responses on engineered polyurethane implants

An in vivo rat cage implant system was used to study the effect of polyurethane surface chemistries on protein adsorption, macrophage adhesion, foreign-body giant cell formation (FBGCs), cellular apoptosis, and cytokine response. Polyurethanes with zwitterionic, anionic, and cationic chemistries were developed. The changes in the surface topography of the materials were determined using atomic force microscopy and the wettability by dynamic contact angle measurements. The in vitro protein adsorption studies revealed higher protein adsorption on cationic surfaces when compared with the base, while adsorption was significantly reduced on zwitterionic (**p < 0.01) and anionic (*p < 0.05) polyurethanes. Analysis of the exudates surrounding the materials revealed no differences between surfaces in the types or levels of cells present. Conversely, the proportion of adherent cells undergoing apoptosis, as determined by annexin V-FITC staining, increased significantly on anionic followed by zwitterionic surfaces (60 + 5.0 and 38 + 3.7%) when compared with the base. Additionally, zwitterionic and anionic substrates provided decreased rates of macrophage adhesion and fusion into FBGCs, whereas cationic surfaces promoted macrophage adhesion and FBGC formation. Visualization of the F-actin cytoskeleton by Alexa Fluor 488 phalloidin showed a significant delay in the cytoskeletal fusion response on zwitterionic and the anionic surfaces. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10) and pro-wound healing cytokines (IL-4 and TGF-β) revealed differential cytokine responses. Cationic substrates that triggered stimulation of TNF-α and IL-4 were associated with more spread cells and higher FBGCs, whereas zwitterionic and anionic substrates that suppressed these cytokines levels were associated with less spread cells and few FBGCs. These studies have revealed that zwitterionic and anionic polyurethane surface chemistries can not only reduce nonspecific adhesion, fusion, and inflammatory events but also effectively promote cellular apoptosis in vivo.
Activation of TRPV1 by the Satiety Factor Oleoylethanolamide

The fatty acid oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a satiety factor that excites peripheral vagal sensory nerves, but the mechanism by which this occurs and the molecular targets of OEA are unclear. In this study the ability of OEA to modulate the capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) was explored. OEA alone did not activate TRPV1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes under control conditions, but produced a differential modulation of agonist-evoked responses. OEA enhanced proton-gated TRPV1 currents, inhibited anandamide-evoked currents and had no effect on capsaicin-evoked responses. Following stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC), OEA alone directly activated TRPV1 channel with an EC50 of approximately 2 microm at room temperature. This effect was due to direct phosphorylation of TRPV1 because no responses to OEA were observed with mutant channels lacking critical PKC phosphorylation sites, S502A/S800A. In sensory neurons, OEA-induced Ca2+ rises that were selective for capsaicin-sensitive cells, inhibited by the TRPV1 blocker, capsazepine, and occurred in a PKC-dependent manner. Further, after PKC stimulation, OEA activated TRPV1 channels in cell-free patches suggesting a direct mode of action. Thus, TRPV1 represents a potential target for OEA and may contribute to the excitatory action of OEA on sensory nerves.
Molecular biology of pediatric gliomas

The genes involved in the genesis and progression of adult astrocytic tumors have been an area of considerable investigation. The tumor suppressor gene, p53, has been implicated, as has the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Additional currently unidentified genes lie on chromosomes 10 and 19. Interestingly, work on pediatric astrocytomas suggests that the genes involved are different. p53 is rarely mutated in pediatric tumors, the epidermal growth factor receptor gene is rarely amplified or mutated, and chromosome 10 deletions are rare. The only pediatric tumor that seems to mimic the findings in adult tumors is brainstem glioma, perhaps explaining the uniformly grim prognosis in this type of tumor. In the pilocytic astrocytoma of childhood, mutations in the neurofibromatosis type I gene have been implicated in tumor development. In this review, the oncogenesis of pediatric gliomas is discussed and compared and contrasted to what is known about tumors.
Approaches To the Analysis of Complex Contingency Tables: A Guide for the Perplexed

Social scientists have available a wide array of techniques for the analysis of complex contingency tables. This paper discusses the factors which should be considered in choosing which of the various techniques to use. The theme emphasized here is that the analyst should evaluate the techniques within the context of the substantive questions he seeks to answer. The specific factors discussed are categorized into three groups: representation of the dependent variable, independent variable models, and estimation procedures.
Abstract 1666: Mitochondrial DNA sequence mutations and risk of pancreatic cancer

Although the mitochondrial genome exhibits high mutation rates, common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation has not been consistently associated with pancreatic cancer. Here, we comprehensively examined mitochondrial genomic variation by sequencing the mtDNA of participants (cases=286, controls=283) in a San Francisco Bay Area pancreatic cancer case-control study. Five common variants were associated with pancreatic cancer at nominal statistical significance (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1666. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1666
Problem-Based Learning in Organizational Behavior Class: Solving Students’ Real Problems:

This article describes a problem-based learning (PBL) project that incorporates active learning into an organizational behavior (OB) course. It describes a six-step process for designing a course around problems that students identify in their work, school, or personal lives. In addition to researching an OB concept to address their problem, students develop a solution plan, carry out objective measurement of results, and engage in structured reflection on project completion. The article suggests some ways to adapt PBL for classes of different sizes or duration and offers some advice to faculty regarding how to structure the project for best results.
Role of plastic anisotropy and its evolution on springback

Springback angles and anticlastic curvatures reported for a series of draw-bend tests have been analyzed in detail using a new anisotropic hardening model, four common sheet metal yield functions, and finite element procedures developed for this problem. A common lot of 6022-T4 aluminum alloy was used for all testing in order to reduce material variation. The new anisotropic hardening model extends existing mixed kinematic/isotropic and nonlinear kinematic formulations. It replicates three principal characteristics observed in uniaxial tension/compression test reversals: a transient region with low yield stress and high strain hardening, and a permanent offset of the flow stress at large subsequent strains. This hardening model was implemented in ABAQUS in conjunction with four yield functions: von Mises, Hill quadratic, Barlat three-parameter, and Barlat 1996. The simulated springback angle depended intimately on both hardening law after the strain reversal and on the plastic anisotropy. The springback angle at low back forces was controlled by the hardening law, while at higher back forces the anticlastic curvature, which depends principally on yield surface shape, controlled the springback angle. Simulations utilizing Barlat's 1996 yield function showed remarkable agreement with all measurements, in contrast to simulations with the other three yield functions.
The relevance of multiple‐choice reading test data in studying expository passage comprehension: The saga of a 15 year effort towards an experimental/correlational merger

This article argues for the usefulness of merging experimental and correlational approaches in the study of expository prose comprehension. Towards this end I review the studies my colleagues and I have completed in recent years. In the course of reviewing the effects of rhetorical structure, concreteness/abstractness of texts, and other variables, it is shown that the correlational approach yields results similar to the experimental literature. But more importantly, the vast data banks associated with multiple‐choice tests allow us to explore some of the variance that exists across passages and across student ability levels. The types of significant variables studied in explaining especially main idea identification raise issues of how these results might impinge on several prominent theories of prose comprehension. Several suggestions for future research are made.
Learning from digital video: an exploration of how interactions affect outcomes

The sinking costs of producing digital video and its growing presence on the Internet suggest that it has potenial for use in web-based learning technologies. However, there have been few investigations into how the kind of interaction one has with video impacts subsequent learning. In this in-progress study participants are asked to watch video of an expert taking apart a toaster and describing how it works. The recorded event is the same for all participants, but the event is presented in one of three different modalities: (1) digital video shot from a free-standing camera (2) digital video shot from a free-standing camera that has been annotated in a video markup application called DIVER and (3) digital video shot from a head-mounted camera. A number of different assessment tasks are used to characterize the quantity and type of learning that is supported by a particular mode of video interaction.
Strict Fregean free logic

L'A. soutient la position stricte de Frege quant a la necessite d'avoir une reference pour un terme singulier, et montre que la semantique supervaluative n'est pas la meilleure solution pour eviter les problemes poses par les predicats non-existentiels
The context of American millenarian revolutionary theology: The case of the ‘identity Christian’ church of Israel

It is popularly believed that the millenarian Christian Identity theology movement in the United States is inextricably associated with revolutionary violence. This article examines the Church of Israel, an important center of Identity theology, to determine whether or not that popular impression is consistent with the facts in this case and with the Identity movement as a whole. It differentiates among the competing appeals of the far right wing offering taxonomies of organization types and ideological appeals. The conclusion is that while Christian Identity theology represents a revolution within the religious tradition, its adherents have rarely resorted to revolutionary violence, following a pattern familiar to earlier millenial movements in which the dominant motif was partial withdrawal from society punctuated by unusual and exceedingly short outbursts of violence.
Strength, Endurance, and Stability of the Tongue and Hand in Parkinson Disease

Weakness and fatigue in the orofacial system often are presumed to contribute to the dysarthria associated with neuromotor disorders, although previous research findings are equivocal. In this study, tongue strength, endurance, and stability during a sustained submaximal effort were assessed in 16 persons with mild to severe Parkinson disease (PD) and a perceptible speech disorder. The same measures were taken from one hand for comparison. Only tongue endurance was found to be significantly lower in these participants than in neurologically normal control participants matched for sex, age, weight, and height. Analyses of data from a larger sample comprising the present and retrospective data revealed lower-than-normal tongue strength and endurance in participants with PD. No significant correlations were found between tongue strength and endurance, interpause speech rate, articulatory precision, and overall speech defectiveness for the present and previously studied participants with PD, bringing into question the influence of modest degrees of tongue weakness and fatigue on perceptible speech deficits.