cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The challenge of pain evaluation in haemophilia: can pain evaluation and quantification be improved by using pain instruments from other clinical situations?

Summary Pain is a critical aspect in the lives of individuals with congenital haemophilia A or B. Initially, pain serves as a warning sign for an active bleeding event; however, after multiple bleeding episodes, pain may become chronic, debilitating, and distracting. It is essential that pain instruments be developed and validated for use in persons with haemophilia, especially in paediatric cohorts, so that new therapies to treat acute bleeds can be assessed in a standardized manner. This review evaluates the existing pain instruments utilized in the English language haemophilia literature and compares their features and practicality with instruments published for other clinical pain scenarios associated with non-coagulopathic disease states, such as cancer and surgical convalescence, in paediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. In clinical trials involving haemophilia cohorts, few pain instruments have been validated. Only one instrument has addressed pain specifically in individuals less than 16 years of age. In contrast, multiple instruments have been applied extensively to other pain situations, especially in the paediatric oncology area, where the age range extends to less than 3 years. We conclude that trials quantifying pain in haemophilia would benefit from the addition and validation of instruments in use in other pain situations. Suggestions for modifying the pain instruments currently used in haemophilia are presented, specifically to address paediatric haemophilia cohorts.
Abstract 5107: The role of PERIOD2 for radioprotection against ionizing radiation in mice bone marrow

Background: Circadian deregulation is associated with the development of numerous diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and several neurological disorders. A recent study shows that the onset of carcinogenicity is specifically linked to the time of exposures (day or night) to ultraviolet light and ionizing radiation in mice. This effect is believed to be mediated through radiation-induced DNA damage and deregulation of the WNT/β-Catenin signaling pathway, hence affecting cell survival and proliferation. Results: The current studies aim to elucidate the contribution of a core circadian gene, Period2 (Per2), in the radioprotective response of mice bone marrow. Epithelial cells and mice bone marrow express PER2 in contrast to cancer cells. Bone marrow isolated from Per2 knockout mice exhibit radioresistence to high doses of ionizing radiation (HDIR; 2Gy) compared to wild-type mice controls suggesting that Per2 expression was responsible for radiation-induced cell death. This finding was translated by increased granulocyte-macrophage (GM-CFUs) clonogenic survival and reduced cell apoptosis. Mechanistic analysis showed that Per2 knockout mice bone marrow expressed higher levels of procaspase3 and less expression of active caspase3 after HDIR treatment compared to wild-type mice bone marrow and sham irradiated controls. Furthermore, Per2 knockout mice treated with 12Gy total body radiation (TBIR) showed an 80% survival verses 30% survival in wild-type mice. Whole genome-wide sequencing detected signal transduction pathways reflecting enhanced DNA damage repair capacity in knockout mice bone marrow, hence defining the role of PER2 in the radioresistant phenotype in vivo. Conclusions: This data is the first evidence supporting the critical role of PER2 in protecting mice hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from HDIR via enhancement of genes involved in DNA repair signaling networks. Citation Format: Aris Alexandrou, Cheikh Menaa, Chris Liu, Steven Pai, Kai Xiao, Ming Fan, Shuaib Juma, Loning Fu, William J. Murphy, Jian Jian Li. The role of PERIOD2 for radioprotection against ionizing radiation in mice bone marrow. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5107. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5107
Correlation between base-pair transition and complementation pattern in nitrous acid-induced ad-3B mutants of neurospora crassa

Abstract Nitrous acid-induced ad-3B mutants of Neurospora crassa were tested for revertibility after treatment with hydroxylamine (HA). Mutants which reverted after the treatment were classified as having guanine-cytosine (GC) at the mutant site. A high frequency (86.5%) of nitrous acid-induced ad-3B mutants resulting from base-pair transitions have GC at the mutant site, whereas in bacteriophage T 4 most nitrous acid-induced rII mutants have adenine-thymine (AT) at the mutant site. This apparent contradiction is discussed. In a random sampling of base-pair transition ad-3B mutants, we found among mutants with nonpolarized complementation pattern a lower incidence (2.3%) of AT at the mutant site than among mutants with polarized complementation pattern (25.0%) and among noncomplementing mutants (55.0%). Nonsense mutants, which specify the RNA triplets UAA, UAG, or UGA, and presumably the DNA anticodons ATT, ATC or ACT, should not be able to revert by a GC → AT transition, because by reaction with hydroxylamine the two C-containing triplets would be transformed to ATT, a nonsense triplet. The difference in the frequency of the GC pairs at mutant sites among the three different classes of complementation response indicates that nonsense mutations occur more frequently among mutants with polarized complementation patterns and among noncomplementing mutants than among mutants with nonpolarized complementation patterns.
Synovial chondromatosis of the distal radioulnar joint

This case presentation of synovial chondromatosis describes a rare lesion in the distal radioulnar joint. The distal radioulnar joint was locked and damaged by an impinging chondral body. Use of standard resection principles produced an asymptomatic wrist.
LECITHIN SYNTHESIS IN FETAL PRIMATE TISSUES AS MEASURED in vivo.

The choline incorporation pathway (I) accounts for >95% of de novo lecithin synthesis in fetal monkey lung slices. This in vivo study examined the incorporation of 3H-choline and 14C-ethanolamine into lecithin. Isotopes were injected into 140-148 day fetal Rhesus monkeys via an interplacental venous catheter maintaining the integrity of the amniotic cavity and the circulation. After 2 hrs, 3H/14C labeling in TLC-isolated lecithin was measured in various organs. Results (% transported precursor incorporated into lecithin) from 4 fetuses indicate that pathway I predominates over pathway II (phosphatidyl ethanolamine methylation) in these tissues. 3H-lecithin was present in fetal plasma after 2 hrs but not in tracheal or amniotic fluid. Maternal treatment with IM betamethasone 48 hrs prior to delivery resulted in greater than normal incorporation of 3H-choline into lecithin in lung, but not liver, brain, or kidney in 2 fetuses examined thus far. Additionally, one acidotic fetus showed a reduced pathway I rate in all organs except brain. Therefore, the choline incorporation pathway of fetal primate lung a) is predominant in synthesis of lecithin, and b) may be enhanced by corticosteroids and depressed by acidosis.
Long‐duration polyphasic motor unit potentials in myopathies: A quantitative study with pathological correlation

In most myopathies, the duration of motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) is shorter than normal. However, polyphasic MUAPs of duration longer than 20% of the control mean, (long-duration polyphasic potentials, or LDPPs) may be seen. We therefore analyzed the incidence and meaning of LDPPs using quantitative MUAP analysis in 41 patients with different myopathies. The mean duration of all potentials was reduced in only 64% of patients because LDPPs increased the mean. When only simple potentials were considered, however, the mean duration was decreased in 95% of patients. This observation confirms the need to exclude LDPPs when calculating the mean duration of MUAPs for diagnosis. We found LDPPs most often in chronic polymyositis and in one patient with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. LDPPs are attributed to desynchronization of single-fiber potentials within the MUAP and may be due to slow conduction in regenerating muscle fibers.
A Humanistic Alternative for Counseling Alcoholics

Based on a multimodal viewpoint, this article reviews literature on both alcoholism and controlled drinking approaches, provides a combined perspective of humanistic and behavioral principles, presents the issue of alcohol involvement from a stage phenomena point of view, and suggests intervention steps to address life-problem, emotional, and behavioral aspects of problem drinking.
Purification and spectroscopic properties of 124-kDa oat phytochrome

Abstract A simplified procedure for the isolation and purification of 124-kDa phytochrome from etiolated Avena seedlings has been developed using the method of ammonium sulfate back-extraction. After hydroxyapatite chromatography of seedling tissue extracts, the pooled phytochrome was subjected to ammonium sulfate back-extraction instead of the usual application to an Affi-Gel Blue column. The resulting phytochrome had specific absorbance ratios ( SAR = A 666 A 280 ) ranging from 0.85 to 0.95. Subsequent Bio-Gel filtration chromatography yielded highly pure 124-kDa phytochrome with SAR values ranging from 0.99 to 1.13. The absorption maxima of 124-kDa phytochrome were at 280, 379, and 666 nm for the red absorbing form of phytochrome (Pr) and at 280, 400 and 730 nm for the far-red absorbing form (Pfr). The A 730 A 673 ratio in Pfr was found to be 1.5 to 1.6. The mole fraction of Pfr under red light photoequilibrium was 0.88. No dark reversion was detected within 5 h at 3°C. A photoreversible far-uv-circular dichroism was observable with all phytochrome preparations examined. Fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes were measured to further characterize the differences between the phytochromes prepared under different conditions. The Trp fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes of Pr and Pfr with the chromophore “X”, probably polyphenolic in nature, were significantly shorter than those of phytochrome without the contaminant X. The short lifetime of the fluorescence of the Pr chromophore is attributable to X in the former.
Molten‐Salt Corrosion of Silicon Nitride: II, Sodium Sulfate

The corrosion mechanism of Si3N4+ Na2SO4/O2 at 1000°C was investigated. Corrosion of both pure and additive-containing Si3N4 was studied. The reaction of Si3N4+ Na2SO4 consists of an initial period of slow weight loss due to Na2SO4 vaporization and oxidation-dissolution. This initial period was the same for all forms of Si3N4. A second region consisted of further oxidation or near termination of reaction, depending on the additive in the Si3N4. A 5- to 10-μm yttrium depletion zone was found after corrosion for the Si3N4 with yttria additives. For comparison, Si and SiC were corroded under similar conditions. These materials corroded substantially faster than all forms of Si3N4.
On-line measurement of ultrafine aggregate surface area and volume distributions by electrical mobility analysis: II. Comparison of measurements and theory

Abstract Differential mobility analyzers (DMAs) are sometimes used to characterize aerosols that contain aggregates of low fractal dimension. However, these instruments are normally calibrated for spherical particles and the calibrations are not directly applicable to aggregates. A method proposed by Lall and Friedlander [(2006). On-line measurement of ultrafine aggregate surface area and volume distributions by electrical mobility analysis, I: Theoretical analysis. Journal of Aerosol Science , in press] for characterizing ultrafine aggregate number, surface area and volume distributions by electrical mobility measurements was tested experimentally. The method is best applied to idealized aggregates composed of uniform primary particles smaller than the mean free path of the gas. It relates the number and size of the primary particles that compose the aggregate to the mobility diameter of a spherical particle. Aggregate number distributions were obtained by calculations based on aggregate drag and aggregate charging efficiency; surface area and volume were obtained by summing over the primary particles that compose the aggregate. The theory was tested experimentally using silver aggregates generated by an evaporation–condensation method. Primary particle diameter was 18.5 ± 3.5 nm . To obtain distributions with respect to particle volume, aggregates were sintered to form spheres. It was assumed that the aggregate volume does not change upon sintering and coagulation was neglected. Thus the number of aggregates in a given volume range (number distribution, d N / dlog v vs. v ) should not change after sintering. Agreement between aggregate number distribution based on idealized aggregates and the values measured for spheres of sintered aggregates was good. The agreement also indicates that the aggregate volumes based on idealized aggregates were accurate. The aggregate number distribution and volume based on the conventional calibration for spheres were significantly overpredicted. A separate experimental test of the theory was made using literature data for diesel aggregates. Primary particle diameter was 31.9 ± 7.2 nm . Aggregate volumes calculated from theory agreed well with aggregate volumes measured by transmission electron microscope analysis.
A FRAMEWORK FOR OBJECT MATCHING IN FEDERATED DATABASES AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION

Manufacturing industries have recently started exploring the potential for sharing information across inter-organization database systems to increase productivity and gain strategic advantages. As manufacturing information is not well structured such systems bring together a diverse variety of databases that transcend organizational boundaries to include customers and suppliers. In this paper, we present a framework for object matching that uses rules and approximation schemes to support transparent user access to such heterogeneous databases. In the second part of the paper, we discuss how object matching can be implemented in an extensible DBMS. Several implementation options are described using the features supported by POSTGRES.
ROPAS: Cross-layer Cognitive Architecture for Wireless Mobile Adhoc Networks

A gradual increase in bandwidth intensive traffic generated by personal high data rate applications has recently been observed in mobile adhoc network (MAN). The allocation of channel bandwidth dynamically without introducing interference among the existing users in the mobile networks is still an ongoing research challenge. Our research work presents a novel Rake Optimized Power aware Scheduling (ROPAS) architecture for MANs. Our proposed work deals with the utilization of Cognitive Radio (CR) for dynamic channel allocation among the requesting applications while limiting the average power transmitted in each sub-band. The unique feature of our novel ROPAS architecture lies in the cross-layer interaction by the CR between the MAC and PHY layers for its dynamic channel allocation. The proposed joint power control and link scheduling in the MAC layer reduces adjacent channel and multi-access interference introduced due to multiple access of links in our proposed MAN. Initial simulation results exhibit promising results but are not yet included in our research work.
Tracker controls development and control architecture for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Wide Field Upgrade

To enable the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Wide Field Upgrade, the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics and McDonald Observatory are developing a precision tracker system - a 15,000 kg robot to position a 3,100 kg payload within 10 microns of a desired dynamic track. Performance requirements to meet science needs and safety requirements that emerged from detailed Failure Modes and Effects Analysis resulted in a system of 14 precision controlled actuators and 100 additional analog and digital devices (primarily sensors and safety limit switches). This level of system complexity and emphasis on fail-safe operation is typical of large modern telescopes and numerous industrial applications. Due to this complexity, demanding accuracy requirements, and stringent safety requirements, a highly versatile and easily configurable centralized control system that easily links with modeling and simulation tools during the hardware and software design process was deemed essential. The Matlab/Simulink simulation environment, coupled with dSPACE controller hardware, was selected for controls development and realization. The dSPACE real-time operating system collects sensor information; motor commands are transmitted over a PROFIBUS network to servo amplifiers and drive motor status is received over the same network. Custom designed position feedback loops, supplemented by feed forward force commands for enhanced performance, and algorithms to accommodate self-locking gearboxes (for safety), reside in dSPACE. To interface the dSPACE controller directly to absolute Heidenhain sensors with EnDat 2.2 protocol, a custom communication board was developed. This paper covers details of software and hardware, design choices and analysis, and supporting simulations (primarily Simulink).
A Proof of Reutenauer's - q(n)Conjecture

C. Reutenauer (Adv. in Math.110(1995), 234?246) has defined a new class of symmetric functionsq?indexed by partitions?. He conjectures that forn?2, ?q(n)is the sum of Schur symmetric functions. This paper provides a proof of his conjecture.
A non‐isothermal healing model for strength and toughness of fusion bonded joints of amorphous thermoplastics

A study to investigate the influence of processing on the fusion bonding of graphite (AS4) poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) thermoplastic composites (BASF commingled PEEK/graphite NCS woven fabric) using a polyetherimide (PEI) film at the interface is presented. Fundamental to all fusion bonding processes is the intermolecular diffusion between surfaces in intimate contact. A model based on the healing theory of amorphous polymers has been proposed to predict strength and toughness as a function of non-isothermal process history. This model considers two different microscopic failure mechanisms of a healed interface. For the first time, using non-isothermal data and proper data reduction procedures, it is possible to differentiate between these two mechanisms, which are otherwise indistinguishable from isothermal data. Temperature dependent reptation times representative of the kinetics of chain diffusion in the polymer have been evaluated for both mechanisms over a large range of process temperatures using fracture tests conducted on lap shear specimens manufactured using a hot press. Three alternate and independent techniques to estimate the reptation time in PEI indicate that the model based on the average interpenetration distance is most representative of the physical system. Lap shear strength predictions based on this formulation have been generated for various non-isothermal conditions measured in the hot press and are within 20% of the experimental data. The model was used to show that in isothermal processes, maximum strength and toughness can be achieved in less than 1 s for temperatures exceeding 290°C. Application of the model to a highly non-isothermal technique such as resistance welding using amorphous film technology is also presented. Model predictions show that asymptotic strength may be achieved in relatively short process times with appropriate welding conditions.
METABOLIC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY

The first full genome sequences were established in the mid-1990s. Shortly thereafter, genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions appeared. Since that time, we have witnessed an exponential growth in their number and uses. Here I discuss, from a personal point of view, four topics: (1) the placement of metabolic systems biology in the context of broader scientific developments, (2) its foundational concepts, (3) some of its current uses, and (4) some of the expected future developments in the field.
Comparing single-pool and multiple-pool designs regarding test security in computerized testing

This article compares the use of single- and multiple-item pools with respect to test security against item sharing among some examinees in computerized testing. A simulation study was conducted to make a comparison among different pool designs using the item selection method of maximum item information with the Sympson–Hetter exposure control and content balance. The results from the simulation study indicate that two-pool designs have a better degree of resistance to item sharing than do the single-pool design in terms of measurement precision in ability estimation. This article further characterizes the conditions under which employing a multiple-pool design is better than using a single, whole pool in terms of minimizing the number of compromised items encountered by examinees under a randomized item selection method. Although no current computerized testing program endorses the randomized item selection method, the results derived in this study can shed some light on item pool designs regarding test security for all item selection algorithms, especially those that try to equalize or balance item exposure rates by employing a randomized item selection method locally, such as the a-stratified-with-b-blocking method.
Taken for Granted? Managing for Social Equity in Grant Programs

Managing for social equity performance has long been a goal without much guidance for public managers. We examine social equity performance in the context of indirect governance through the administration of grant programs and, more specifically, the matching of policy responses (grant funding) to social needs. Grant program managers must allocate funding to match needs while also ensuring accountability, but common administrative models that rely on competition can undermine social equity performance. We develop a unique framework to analyze the relative social equity performance of four models of grant administration in general. These models are defined by whether competitions or formulas are used to select grantees and to allocate funding. We test the implications of the framework in an analysis of funding distributions from the nonentitlement Community Development Block Grant program in four states. Our findings suggest that social equity in grant programs is better served when grantors do not rely solely on competitive grant contracting in the selection and distribution of grant funds, which is typical in grant administration. However, policy makers and managers can design institutional arrangements that utilize competition, but in a manner that does not create a bias against more socially equitable funding decisions.
f-entropies, probability of error, and feature selection

The ƒ-entropy family of information measures: u(P1 ,…, pm) = Σf(pk), ƒ concave (e.g., Shannon (1948) Bell Syst. Tech. J. 27, 379–423, 623–656; Suadratic; Daroczy (1970) Inform. Contr. 16, 36–51; etc.), is considered. Characterization of the tightest upper and lower bounds on ƒ-entropies by means of the probability of error, is presented. These bounds are used to derive the dual bounds, i.e., the tightest lower and upper bounds on the probability of error by means of ƒ-entropies. Concerning the use of ƒ-entropies as a tool for feature selection, it is proved that none of the members of this family induce over an arbitrary set of features the same preference order as does the probability of error rule.
Increased plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate when alkaline phosphatase activity is reduced in moderately zinc-deficient rats.

It is generally believed that the zinc metalloenzyme alkaline phosphatase is required to hydrolyze phosphorylated forms of vitamin B-6 prior to their use. To test this hypothesis, rats were fed a liquid diet containing either adequate or moderately low zinc during gestation and lactation. Zinc deficiency was produced in dams evidenced by significant reductions in zinc concentration of plasma (49%), liver (25%), and femur (24%), and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity (48%). Plasma pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP), which significantly increased (61%) in these same rats, was negatively correlated (r=−0.74,P<0.02) with plasma alkaline phosphatase activity. Maternal liver PLP concentration was unaffected by zinc status. The zinc and vitamin B-6 relationship seen in dams was less observable in offspring. Stimulation of erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity by exogenously added PLP in vitro tended to be higher in both moderately zinc-deficient mothers and their offspring, but the difference was not significant. Our results support the hypothesis that alkaline phosphatase activity is required for the hydrolysis of plasma PLP. Our results also suggest that zinc status as alkaline phosphatase activity should be defined in an individual if plasma PLP is to be used as an indicator of vitamin B-6 status.
Adaptive control of femtosecond pulse propagation in optical fibers

Nonlinear effects present fundamental obstacles to the propagation of femtosecond pulses of detectable energy in single-mode optical fibers, inducing severe distortion even after a very short (a few meters) propagation distance. We show here that adaptive pulse shaping can overcome these limitations by synthesizing pulses that are self-correcting for higher-order nonlinear effects when they are launched in the fiber. This approach would not only affect optical communications but also yield benefits in various disciplines requiring optimized fiber-based femtosecond pulse delivery, for example, nonlinear imaging techniques such as multiphoton microscopy, material processing, and medical diagnostics.
Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP): extended follow-up and final results.

The Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) was a randomized trial to evaluate whether chronic transfusion could prevent initial stroke in children with sickle-cell anemia at high risk as determined by transcranial Doppler (TCD). The trial demonstrated a large benefit of transfusion and was halted early. After termination of the trial, patients participated in a posttrial follow-up study. More patients in the transfusion group (70%) elected transfusion for primary stroke prevention compared with those on standard care (45%). Six patients with persistently abnormal TCD results developed stroke. A minority with initially abnormal TCD results remained stroke-free without transfusion. Except for lower baseline and follow-up TCD velocities compared with those with stroke, no predictive features of this apparent lower-risk subgroup could be determined. TCD results at last testing in 108 patients that did not have stroke were: normal (44.4%), conditional (26.9%), abnormal (22.2%), and inadequate (6.5%). Patients on transfusion were more likely to have normal TCD results. Transfusion resulted in iron overload and alloimmunization, but no infection. The study provides new information on acceptance rates and long-term effects of transfusion. Persistent TCD elevation signals ongoing stroke risk. Reduction in TCD results over time without transfusion is observed in some patients and requires further study.
Abstract 5651: A novel chemopreventive regimen synergistically affects cell viability and apoptosis in Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell lines

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Cancer of the pancreas is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States with approximately 42,270 estimated diagnosed cases in 2009. The prognosis for most patients is grim with high mortality rates. The objective of our study was to study the chemopreventive effects of a combined regimen of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug aspirin with sulforaphane and curcumin when administered in low doses to two pancreatic cancer cell lines, Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2. Effects of the drug combination were determined by the use of MTS cell proliferation assay and apoptosis analysis. For the MTS assay, the Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells were cultured as per established protocols. Upon 75 % confluence, 4 × 103 cells for Panc-1 and 2.5 × 103 cells for MIA PaCa-2 were transferred into each well of 96-well plates. The aspirin, sulforaphane and curcumin chemopreventive agents alone or in combination were added to the incubated cells the following day. The cells were incubated with drugs for a period of 72 h. Absorbance was recorded at 490 nm using an ELISA plate reader. For the apoptosis assay, 3 × 105 cells were cultured in 6-well plates for both Panc-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell-lines. Drugs of interest were added the next day and the plates were incubated for 72 h, same as the MTS Assay. FITC-Annexin V and propidium iodide were then added as per established protocols and the cells were analyzed using a flow cytometer, measuring the fluorescence emission at 530 nm (FL1) and >575 nm (FL3). Panc-1 cells treated with aspirin (1 mM) combined with sulforaphane (5 μM) and curcumin (10 μM) showed a significant decrease in cell viability of > 75% using the MTS assay. Flow cytometry analysis showed that individual concentrations (aspirin 1 mM, sulforaphane 5 μM and curcumin 10 μM) of each drug demonstrated low apoptotic effects (18-21% effect) but when combined, approximately 63% apoptosis was observed. Thus, combined use of lower concentrations of the chemopreventive regimens demonstrated significant apoptotic effect. With the MIA PaCa-2 cells, treatment with similar concentrations of aspirin (1 mM), sulforaphane (5 μM) and curcumin (10 μM) showed a >60% decrease in cell viability (MTS assay) and 51% induction of apoptotic cells indicating that these chemopreventive regimens in combination were significantly effective against both cell lines. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, low doses of a novel chemopreventive combination of drugs are synergistically effective in decreasing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis of pancreatic cells. This new data provides compelling evidence of the potential in designing novel regimens for pancreatic cancer chemoprevention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5651.
Free energy evaluation from molecular dynamics simulations using force fields including electronics polarization

Abstract In a recent publication a method was described for the incorporation of electronic polarizability in molecular dynamics simulations using a noniterative procedure. For thermodynamic integrations, in which the polarizabilities are varied, simple equations can be derived for this noniterative method. In this article it will be shown how the method can be used for thermodynamic integrations and perturbation method calculations to evaluate free energy differences, in which polarizabilities as well as charges are varied.
Effects of degree of visual association and angle of displacement on the "ventriloquism" effect.

The “ventriloquism”, effect refers to the perception of speech sounds as coming from the same direction as the visually observed speaker (even though they are not actually coming from the same dire...
THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS: RETHINKING THE ROLE OF SEXUAL DIFFERENCE IN THE THEOLOGY OF HANS URS VON BALTHASAR

Sexual difference plays a pivotal role in Balthasar's thought, as an analogy for the Trinity and as an analogy for the relation between Christ and the church. This essay examines the influence of the analogy of being on his interpretations of these analogies, his understanding of created masculinity, and his use of the language of sexual difference for the Holy Spirit. Ultimately many of Balthasar's best insights about human love as an analogy for divine love can be retained without connecting femininity uniquely with creation, and his trinitarian theology provides the best interpretive key for doing so.
Preliminary development of a measure of sibling relational maintenance behaviors: Scale development and initial findings

Two studies were conducted to examine the use of relational maintenance behaviors in the sibling relationship. In the first study, the specific relational maintenance behaviors used by siblings were identified. A principal components factor analysis of 70 previously generated behaviors used by 363 participants revealed six factors: confirmation, humor, social support, family visits, escape, and verbal aggression. In the second study, the link between the six relational maintenance behaviors used by siblings and the relational outcomes of liking, commitment, and trust was explored. Results indicate the confirmation, humor, social support, and family visits relational maintenance behaviors are correlated positively with liking, commitment, and trust, but the verbal aggression relational maintenance behavior failed to correlate with liking, commitment, or trust.
Dielectric permittivity of ultrathin PbTiO3 nanowires from first principles

We propose an efficient method to compute the dielectric permittivity of nanostructures by combining first principles density functional perturbation theory with effective medium theory. Specifically, ultrathin axially symmetric ferroelectric PbTiO3 nanowires are considered. As established previously by Pilania and Ramprasad (Phys Rev B 82:155442, 2010), (4 × 4) PbO-terminated nanowire and (4 × 4) TiO2-terminated nanowire display, respectively, a uniform axial and a vortex polarization in their ground state configurations (the latter with a non-zero axial toroidal moment). Both nanowires, regardless of the lateral surface termination, display a significantly larger dielectric constant value along the axial direction, and diminished values along the off-axis directions, as compared to the corresponding bulk values. Our results further suggest that the nanowires with unconventional vortex-type polarization states are expected to have an increased dielectric response as compared to those with conventional uniform axial polarization. The method proposed here is quite general and readily extendable to other zero-, one-, and two-dimensional nanostructures.
Ground state properties of disordered and dimerized spin chains

Concerning the question of the (spin-)Peierls mechanism in the presence of disorder we present a detailed analysis of the ground state phase diagram of the dimerized anisotropic Heisenberg-XXZ chain containing one impurity. It is obtained by studying the destruction of the quantum coherence by the perturbations. The stability of the Peierls phase, i. e. the occurence of a stable dimerization, is determined by the energy gain and gap due to the coupling to the static phonons. The extension of the paramagnetic phase, found already in the clean dimerized chain, grows by adding the impurity, because the distortions weaken each other. The Peierls phase is reduced for two reasons: First, the energy gain of the spin-system decreases, which leads to a smaller stable dimerization and second, the energy gap itself is reduced.
Do herbivorous minnows have “plug-flow reactor” guts? Evidence from digestive enzyme activities, gastrointestinal fermentation, and luminal nutrient concentrations

Few investigations have empirically analyzed fish gut function in the context of chemical reactor models. In this study, digestive enzyme activities, levels of gastrointestinal fermentation products [short chain fatty acids (SCFA)], luminal nutrient concentrations, and the mass of gut contents were measured along the digestive tract in herbivorous and carnivorous minnows to ascertain whether their guts function as “plug-flow reactors” (PFRs). Four of the species, Campostoma anomalum, C. ornatum, C. oligolepis, and C. pauciradii, are members of a monophyletic herbivorous clade, whereas the fifth species, Nocomis micropogon, is a carnivore from an adjacent carnivorous clade. In the context of a PFR model, the activities of amylase, trypsin and lipase, and the concentrations of glucose, protein, and lipid were predicted to decrease moving from the proximal to the distal intestine. I found support for this as these enzyme activities and nutrient concentrations generally decreased moving distally along the intestine of the four Campostoma species. Furthermore, gut content mass and the low SCFA concentrations did not change (increase or decrease) along the gut of any species. Combined with a previous investigation suggesting that species of Campostoma have rapid gut throughput rates, the data presented here generally support Campostoma as having guts that function as PFRs. The carnivorous N. micropogon showed some differences in the measured parameters, which were interpreted in the contexts of intake and retention time to suggest that PFR function breaks down in this carnivorous species.
Physiological effects on demography: a long-term experimental study of testosterone's effects on fitness.

Abstract: Understanding physiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying the diversity of observed life‐history strategies is challenging because of difficulties in obtaining long‐term measures of fitness and in relating fitness to these mechanisms. We evaluated effects of experimentally elevated testosterone on male fitness in a population of dark‐eyed juncos studied over nine breeding seasons using a demographic modeling approach. Elevated levels of testosterone decreased survival rates but increased success of producing extra‐pair offspring. Higher overall fitness for testosterone‐treated males was unexpected and led us to consider indirect effects of testosterone on offspring and females. Nest success was similar for testosterone‐treated and control males, but testosterone‐treated males produced smaller offspring, and smaller offspring had lower postfledging survival. Older, more experienced females preferred to mate with older males and realized higher reproductive success when they did so. Treatme...
Application of Specific Delay Window Routing for Timing Optimization in FPGA Designs

In addition to optimizing for timing performance and routability, commercial FPGA routing engines must also support various timing constraints enabling the designer to fine tune aspects of their design. The many intricacies of commercial FPGA architectures add difficulty to the problem of supporting such constraints. In this paper, we show how the method of specific delay window routing can be applied to optimize for these various timing constraints constituting both long- and short-path requirements. Additionally, we enhance existing methods of routing according to specified delay by using dual wave expansion instead of single wave expansion with target delay estimation in order to improve accuracy and support sparser, more varied interconnect structures. Our results show that specific delay window routing is well-suited for optimization targeting a variety of timing constraints, and that using dual wave expansion to eliminate the estimation part of the router's delay cost function enables the router to support tighter timing constraints. For a suite of designs with known hold timing violations, we found that the dual wave approach can correct all such violations, whereas the single wave approach failed to correct the hold timing violations for several designs. Furthermore, for a suite of designs with maximum skew constraints of 250 ps on certain nets and buses, the dual wave approach met the constraints for all designs, whereas the single wave approach failed to meet the constraints for a majority of the designs.
PHOTOCHEMICAL AND FREE RADICAL INITIATED REACTIONS OF 1,3‐DIMETHYLTHYMINE WITH ETHANOL

— The photochemically induced reaction of 1,3-dimethylthymine (DMT) with ethanol gives four major alcohol adducts. These have been identified as l,3-dimethyl-6-(1-hydroxy-1-ethyl)thymine (1), 1,3-dimethyl-5-(2-hydroxy-l-pyl)uracil (2), and the cis and trans isomers of 5,6-dihydro-l,3-di-methyl-6-(l-hydroxy-l-ethyl) thymine (3 and 4). The compounds 3 and 4 have been shown to be identical to the adducts produced in y-ray irradiated ethanolic aqueous solutions of DMT. Cyclobutane dimers of DMT are also found in the photochemical reaction mixture. Reaction of 1-hydroxyethyl radicals with DMT, initiated by decomposition of di-t-butyl peroxide, leads to formation of the same alcohol adducts, as well as to DMT adducts containing two molecules of ethanol. The acetone sensitized reaction of DMT with ethanol gives 1,3, and 4, along with a variety of adducts incorporating the acetone sensitizer.
A difference between the effects of dietary calorie restriction on the estrous cycle and on the 24-hour adrenal cortical cycle in rodents.

INTRODUCTION THE presence of a physiological rhythm in the numbers of circulating eosinophils in intact animals including man and the absence of this rhythm in adrenalectomized humans have been reported (Halberg and Visscher, 1950, Halberg, 1951, Halberg et al. 1951). This report presents studies of the 24-hour changes in numbers of eosinophils in the mouse restricted in calories for several months. If, as seems likely, the 24-hour changes in eosinophils are due to changes in the output of adrenal cortical hormone, these results have a bearing on the question of whether such hormone output is influenced by caloric restriction. A comparable steroid rhythm, namely that responsible for the estrous cycle, is inhibited by undernourishment in animals and in humans (Loeb, 1921, Papanicolau and Stockard, 1920, Huseby et al. 1945). The finding of a marked 24-hour periodicity in eosinophil levels of underfed mice appears to be of interest in view of the limiting effect of dietary caloric restriction on the developm...
FULVENE TO CYCLOPENTADIENYL CONVERSION WITH HOMOLEPTIC COMPLEXES OF ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM

The reaction of 6,6-dimethylfulvene with M(CH{sub 2}Ph){sub 4} (M = Zr, Hf) in benzene gives [{eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}(CMe{sub 2}CH{sub 2}Ph)]M(CH{sub 2}Ph){sub 3} (1, M = Zr; 2, M = Hf) without any observable byproducts. A similar reaction for M = Ti is not observed. The single-crystal X-ray study of 1 shows a three-legged piano-stool geometry with an {eta}{sup 2}-bound benzyl ligand. A second equivalent of 6,6-dimethylfulvene does not react with either 1 or 2. The bulkier 6,6-diphenyfulvene only reacts cleanly with the more Lewis acidic Hf(CH{sub 2}Ph){sub 4} to give [{eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}(CPh{sub 2}CH{sub 2}Ph)]Hf(CH{sub 2}Ph){sub 3} (3). Using the tetraamido complexes M(NMe{sub 2}Ph){sub 4} and 6,6-dimethylfulvene, one obtains dimethylamine and [{eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}(CMeCH{sub 2})]M(NMe{sub 2}){sub 3} (4 for M = Zr) in good yield. These products are formally derived from the deprotonation of a fulvene methyl group and subsequent coordination of the resulting 2-propenylcyclopentadienyl fragment. Reaction of 4 and 6,6-dimethylfulvene affords the bent metallocene [{eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}(CMeCH{sub 2})]{sub 2}Zr(NMe{sub 2}){sub 2} (5). Excess 8,8-dimethylbenzofulvene and M(NMe{sub 2}){sub 4} provides exclusively the product with only one coordinated indene.
OC185: Ultrasound features of the different histopathological subtypes of borderline ovarian tumors

and this therapy was continued for eight weeks. The reduction of the volume as well as the weight of the xenografts was significantly shown by this combined therapy, in comparison to a group of the drug used alone, ultrasound irradioation alone, or in the controls. No major side effect was observed in any mice of the groups. The effect of anti-angiogenesis for this tumor was remarkably demonstrated on real-time by contrasted color ultrasound, non-invasively. The microvessel density of the tumors was significantly decreased in this combination therapy compared to other groups. These results suggest that there is an accelerated (boosting) effect of ultrasound for anti-angiogenesis drug therapy for human uterine sarcoma and this combination therapy might be a potential candidate for a new cancer treatment.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA Triblock Copolymers

Poly(L-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) triblock copolymers were synthesized effectively by poly(ethylene glycol) initiated ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of L-lactide under microwave irradiation. The products were characterized by 1 H NMR, GPC, and DSC. The experimental results have demonstrated that PLLA-PEG-PLLA triblock copolymer with a number-average molar mass of 28 230 g mol -1 and an L-lactide conversion of 92.4% could be synthesized after the L-lactide/PEG2000 reaction mixture was irradiated for 3 min at 100°C. The L-lactide/PEG feed ratio had a strong influence on the microwave-assisted ring-opening polymerization, in which higher L-lactide/PEG feed ratios led to copolymers with higher molar masses and lower L-lactide conversions. Prolonged microwave irradiation at 100 °C did not change the molar mass of the copolymers significantly. The DSC study indicated that higher glass transition and melting temperatures were obtained for PLLA-PEG-PLLA triblock copolymers with longer PLLA segment length. The synthesis of the triblock copolymers via microwave heating was much faster than via conventional heating.
Magnetic order in GdBiPt studied by x-ray resonant magnetic scattering

Rare-earth ($R$) half-Heusler compounds $R$BiPt exhibit a wide spectrum of interesting ground states. We have employed x-ray resonant magnetic scattering to elucidate the microscopic details of the magnetic structure in GdBiPt below ${T}_{N}=8.5$ K. Experiments at the Gd ${L}_{2}$ absorption edge show that the Gd moments order in an antiferromagnetic stacking along the cubic diagonal $[111]$ direction, satisfying one of the requirements for an antiferromagnetic topological insulator as proposed previously, where both time-reversal symmetry and lattice translational symmetry are broken, but their product is conserved.
Compensatory movements of transradial prosthesis users during common tasks

Abstract Background Recent studies have documented motions of the upper limbs of healthy subjects during activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to investigate compensatory motions of the upper extremity and torso during tasks for transradial prosthesis users and to determine if bracing simulates prosthesis use. Methods Seven transradial myoelectric prosthesis users and 10 non-amputee volunteers performed four common tasks. Bracing was used to simulate the use of a transradial prosthesis by the non-amputee subjects. Range of motion of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, elbow joint and torso were calculated from optical motion analysis data. The motions between the non-braced, braced and transradial prosthesis user groups were statistically compared. Degree of asymmetry between the affected and unaffected arm was computed for the bilateral tasks. Findings Myoelectric transradial prosthesis users compensate for lack of wrist and forearm movement differently depending on the task. Compensatory motion in torso bending occurs while opening a door. For the box lift task, prosthesis users rely more on the sound arm and torso bending. While drinking from a cup, decreasing flexion of the glenohumeral joint and increasing elbow flexion was shown while using a prosthesis. While turning a steering wheel, prosthesis users are similar to non-amputee subjects. Interpretation By looking at the compensatory motions caused by limiting forearm and wrist movement, a greater understanding of the problems with transradial prosthetic design can be developed. Although bracing intact subjects showed similar mechanisms of compensation in most tasks, the magnitude of compensation was greater for prosthesis users.