cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
It's the message not the medium: Ethics in pediatric surgery communication.

Abstract New communication technologies and generational differences in communication techniques create ethical challenges for pediatric surgeons. Using two hypothetical cases we explore the ethics of modern communication in pediatric surgery. The first case explores the ethics of text messaging with patients and families and of social media posts, both of which have useful ethical analogues in older communication technologies. The second case explores ways that generational experiential differences in learning can foster misunderstandings between team members at different levels of training and potentially impact important medical care decisions. The ethical rules that govern the delivery of patient care also apply to what we say and how we say it. Effective, ethical and compassionate communication will often be the aspect of therapy most appreciated by the patient and family.
Typological and Parametric Views of Universals in Second Language Acquisition

The purpose of this chapter is to compare and discuss two approaches to using linguistic universais in the explanation of second-language acquisition (SLA) and, where possible, to pose questions and raise issues in this area. I will refer to the first approach as the “typological approach.” which is exemplified in work by Gass (1979), Hyltenstam (1984). as well as some of my own work (Eckman, 1977, 1984), and will call the second framework the “Universal Grammar approach” which is exemplified in work by Flynn (1985), Mazurkewich (1984), White (1985), as well as others. First, I will attempt to characterize each of the approaches with respect to SLA, arguing that both are similar in that they share some of the same fundamental assumptions. Next, I will try to differentiate the two approaches; finally, I will discuss some of the argument types that have been used to support the claims of each approach.
Obtaining Evidence for International Litigation in American Courts

This is primarily a discussion on the subject of obtaining testimony and documents abroad through formal discovery methods in the U.S. federal courts. The focus will be on formal discovery methods, since nearly anything can be done by stipulation. I will refer to cases in the federal courts, because that is where a great deal of international commercial litigation takes place, and most of my experience has been in this area. In particular, I intend to examine the cases in which the attorney represents the foreign party, because this situation best illustrates the problems. However, you should bear in mind that almost anything said in that context will be applicable in reverse if you are representing the domestic party.
Official statistics principles compared

In 2011, the European Statistical System Committee – a committee of the European Commission (EC) – adopted the European Statistics Code of Practice (http: //ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-manuals-and-gui delines/-/KS-32-11-955) becoming the first of three major organizations to issue new policy guidance in as many years for national statistical agencies. The United Nations approved its Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (http://unstats.un.org/unsd/dnss/gp /fundprinciples.aspx) in 2013 and the United States White House Office of Management and Budget Office became the third in November 2014 with its issuing of Fundamental Responsibilities of Federal Statistical Agencies and Recognized Statistical Units. (http: //www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-02/pdf/201428326.pdf). These three actions collectively affirm the importance of official statistical data to the governance, economy, and democracy of countries around the world. They also affirm the responsibilities of the dedicated statisticians, economists, demographers, sociologists and other professionals working to produce official statistics. Each of the three documents represents an updating of previous guidance. The 2011 European Statistics Code of Practice is a revision of the original 2005 document. The U.N. first adopted its Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics in 1994 but revised and updated the preamble for the 2013 release. The U.S. document – also referred to as Statistical Policy Directive Number 1 – combines previous guidance with new guidance into a unified policy statement, while also expanding its application to three agencies beyond the thirteen primary U.S. federal agencies. The documentation accompanying the U.S. directive’s issuance cites both the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and European Statistics Code of PracTable 1 Ten (10) UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
P16 and Ki67 Immunostains Decrease Intra- and Interobserver Variability in the Diagnosis and Grading of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN)

Background: Significant variation is reported in the diagnosis of HPV-associated AIN. We previously observed that bandlike positivity for p16 in >90% of contiguous cells coupled with Ki67 positivity in >50% of lesional cells is strongly associated with high grade AIN. This study was undertaken to determine if addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostaining would reduce inter- and intraobserver variability in diagnosis and grading of AIN. Design: H&E stained slides of 60 anal biopsies were reviewed by three pathologists and consensus diagnoses were achieved: 25 negative, 12 low (condyloma and/or AIN I) and 23 high (9 AIN II and 14 AIN III) grade lesions. The H&E stained slides were diagnosed independently by three additional (“participant”) pathologists. Several weeks later they re-examined these slides in conjunction with corresponding p16 and Ki67 immunostains. Results: Addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostains reduced intra- and interobserver variability, improved concurrence with consensus diagnoses and reduced two-step differences in diagnosis. Negative and high grade AIN diagnoses showed the most improvement in concurrence levels. Conclusion: Addition of p16 and Ki67 immunostains is helpful in the diagnosis and grading of AIN.
Unfinished work: reflections on schoolteacher

Things can work out in ways we do not expect. In writing Schoolteacher, I hardly foresaw a time when I would be asked to reflect on it in the context of educational change.1 But since doing so seems to be a good idea to the editors of this volume, and since I trust their judgment, I decided to give it a whirl.
Changes in Relationships between State Characteristics and Regulatory Enforcement over Time

This article investigates the stability of relationships between state-level variables and regulatory enforcement across short periods of time. By comparing multilevel models, it is demonstrated that the effects of state-level variables on fines imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration differ between 1989-91 and 1992-94. In a second analysis, a model where variables are averaged over the six years from 1989 through 1994 is compared with a model in which they vary from year to year. The effects of state characteristics on fines differ between the averaged-year model and the varying-year model, which suggests that even minor temporal changes can alter relationships between state variables and enforcement. Based on these findings, it is recommended that researchers who are interested in the impact of state characteristics on regulation examine longer time frames or investigate variables that can explain this instability of relationships. Este articulo investiga la estabilidad en las relaciones entre variables a nivel estatal y el reforzamiento regulatorio a traves de periodos cortos de tiempo. Al comparar modelos multinivel se demuestra que los efectos de las variables a nivel estatal en multas impuestas por la Administracion de la Seguridad Ocupacional y de Salud (OSHA, por sus siglas en ingles) difieren entre los periodos 1989-91 y 1992-94. En un segundo analisis, un modelo en el que las variables son promediadas a lo largo de seis anos de 1989 hasta 1994 es comparado con un modelo en el que varian de ano a ano. Los efectos de las caracteristicas de los estados en la multas difieren entre el modelo de promedio anual y el modelo de datos variables anuales, lo que sugiere que aun cambios temporales menores pueden alterar las relaciones entre las variables estatales y su regulacion. Basados en estos hallazgos, recomendamos a investigadores interesados en el impacto de las caracteristicas de los estados sobre la regulacion que examinen periodos de tiempo mas largos o variables que puedan explicar esta inestabilidad en las relaciones.
Implementation of optical interconnects in the GigaRing supercomputer channel

Optical interconnects are used in Cray Research Incorporated supercomputers for both clock distribution and channel communications. Currently, we are developing a new inter cabinet communications channel called GigaRing™ that will incorporate photonic components to meet channel bandwidth-distance requirements. Both commercially available and experimental serial optic data links, as well as parallel optic data links have been examined. After briefly describing the channel’s architecture, we present a comparison study showing the cost, performance and reliability results between serial and parallel data link components that could be used in the optical extension of the channel. With these comparison results, it is demonstrated that the serial data links best meet the channel’s requirements at present.
A physically based interpolation method for fluvially eroded topography

[1] Interpolation of elevation data from fluvially eroded topography is difficult for available methods because of the inherent roughness and drainage properties of the fine-scale surface. We propose a new method that produces an interpolation surface by adapting a simulated topography to a given set of point elevation data. The simulated surface is produced by a simple model that rapidly simulates topography in dynamic equilibrium including the effects of tectonic uplift, fluvial incision, and hillslope diffusion. Agreement between the simulated topography and the elevation data is improved by iteratively adjusting a spatially varying erodability parameter. When the iterative procedure terminates, the simulated surface is in close but not in exact agreement with the observations. Exact agreement can usually be produced by distorting the simulated surface in a way that does not introduce local depressions. Interpolation surfaces generated by the proposed method have realistic drainage patterns without unrealistic depressions. In addition, the textural properties of the interpolation surfaces, including the distributions of slopes and curvatures, are better than those generated by other interpolation methods.
Role of Troponin I Proteolysis in the Pathogenesis of Stunned Myocardium

Myocardial stunning is characterized by decreased myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness. To investigate the molecular basis of stunned myocardium, we performed PAGE and Western immunoblot analysis of the contractile proteins. Isolated rat hearts were retrogradely perfused at 37 degrees C for either 50 minutes (control group) or for 10 minutes, followed by 20-minute global ischemia and 20-minute reperfusion (stunned group), or for 20-minute ischemia without reflow. Another group consisted of hearts subjected to 20-minute ischemia in which stunning was mitigated by 10-minute reperfusion with low Ca2+/low pH solution. Myocardial tissue samples subjected to PAGE revealed no obvious differences among groups. Western immunoblots for actin, tropomyosin, troponin C, troponin T, myosin light chain-1, and myosin light chain-2 showed highly selective recognition of the appropriate full-length molecular weight bands in all groups. Troponin I (TnI) Western blots revealed an additional band (approximately 26 kD, compared with 32 kD for the full-length protein) in stunned myocardial samples only. In parallel experiments, skinned trabeculae were treated with calpain I for 20 minutes; Western blots showed a TnI degradation pattern similar to that observed in stunned myocardium. Such TnI degradation was prevented by calpastatin, a naturally occurring calpain inhibitor. The results show that (1) TnI is partially and selectively degraded in stunned myocardium; (2) this degradation could be prevented by low Ca2+/low pH reperfusion, which also prevented the contractile dysfunction of stunning; and (3) calpain I could similarly degrade TnI, supporting the idea that Ca(2+)-dependent myofilament proteolysis underlies myocardial stunning.
Air flow estimation in the presence of motion artifacts

Provides a method to estimate occurrence of air flow even when large-amplitude motion artifacts occur. Simultaneously using several body-motion sensors with different measuring principles plus optimal placement for acquiring ventilation signals provides a high correlation of the signal components and a low correlation of the motion artifact components. We developed spatial averaging and multidimensional detection algorithms for ventilation monitoring to identify whether the signals acquired were from ventilatory efforts without air flow in the presence of body motion or from normal body motion with air flow. We sampled data from 14 adult male subjects according to a specific protocol. This study shows that signal crosscorrelation using a three-sensor system (one-impedance plus two-inductance sensors) can detect normal breathing, central apnea, the paroxysmal breathing caused by simulating obstructive apnea, and can estimate with a high probability whether air flow occurs during movement. >
Target of the transcriptional activation function of phage lambda cI protein

Activation of transcription initiation by the cI protein of phage lambda is thought to be mediated by a direct interaction between cl and RNA polymerase at the PRM promoter. Two negatively charged amino acid residues in the DNA binding domain of cI play a key role in activation, suggesting that these residues contact RNA polymerase. The subunit of RNA polymerase involved was identified by selecting polymerase mutants that restored the activation function of a mutant form of cI protein. Although previous studies suggest that several activators interact with the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase, the results here suggest that cI interacts with the sigma subunit. An arginine to histidine change near the carboxyl terminus of sigma specifically suppresses an aspartic acid to asparagine change in the activation region of cI. This finding supports the direct-contact model and suggests that a cluster of positively charged residues near the carboxyl terminus of sigma is the target of the negatively charged activation region of cI.
Some observations on the use of photoacoustic spectroscopy for flame elemental analysis

Pour Na, la limite de detection obtenue est 780 ng/ml. Pour Mn, Sr, Tl et Ca la sensibilite est beaucoup moins bonne
MPEG-4 for DTV

The planned transition from analog to digital television will affect most consumers before the next decade is over. Once analog broadcasting has been replaced with digital broadcasting, consumers will be required to purchase set top boxes or new digital TV's. While the transition has already started, there is much confusion in the industry as how to implement digital television. The HDTV standard specifies how digital TV signals are to be broadcast and encoded but many typical broadcast operations have been overlooked. Also at this time, industry is looking towards computer-TV convergence as a way to make TV entertainment more interactive and less passive. This paper addresses what role MPEG-4 may play in the upcoming DTV evolution and how it can solve problems not addressed by the MPEG-2 standard. The introduction of the MPEG-4 standard provides new ways to code audio and video, which solves some of the problems encountered with MPEG-2. MPEG-4 specifies the coding of natural and synthetic audio-video sources as independent objects, which are combined in the decoder to form the final audio and video presentation. The separate coding of audio-video objects allows station-generated graphics to be added to a mainstream broadcast without requiring the decoding and re-encoding the main bitstream. Current MPEG-2 based systems require decoding and re-encoding which also causes generation loss because MPEG-2 coding is based on lossy compression methods. With an MPEG-4 system, the station could add graphics such as station ID's and weather alerts as separately coded objects without modifying the pre-encoded program. The MPEG-4 decoder in the viewer's DTV or set top box would then decode the station added graphics as a separate object and combine it with the program material to form the final display. The MPEG-4 standard changes the design of the decoder in ways that provide advantages over typical MPEG-2 decoders. Since MPEG-4 codes multiple audio and video objects, the decoder must have the means to combine these objects into a final audio-video presentation. A compositor is used to layer video objects together to create the total image. Because MPEG-4 bitstreams carry multiple objects of various types, multiple decoders can be used to decode the separate objects. The combination of a compositor and multiple decoders provides advanced capabilities that can be used in a pure MPEG-2 environment. An MPEG-4 decoder that also provides MPEG-2 compatibility can be used for multiple channel previews or other interactive features.
Integrins as a distinct subtype of dependence receptors

In the absence of their cognate ligand, dependence receptors trigger programmed cell death. This function is the defining feature of dependence receptors, which include members of several different protein families. The integrins are a family of heterodimeric receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, mediating cell anchorage and migration. Integrins share characteristics with dependence receptors, and integrin binding to substrate ECM ligands is essential for cell survival. Although integrins do not conform in all characteristics to the established definitions of dependence receptors, alterations in the expression of integrins and their ligands during physiological and pathological events, such as wound healing, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, do regulate cell fate in a ligand-dependent manner. This biosensory function of integrins fits well with our current concept of dependence receptor action, and thus integrins may rightly be considered to comprise a distinct subclass of dependence receptor.
Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates 47. A re-investigation of the 19-nor stanols isolated from the sponge axinella polypoides

Abstract The aim of this research was to establish the true composition of the 19-nor stanols isolated from the sponge Axinella polypoides and to determine accurate stereochemistry for each 19-nor stanol isolated. The following new 19-nor stanols were collected from this sponge: (i) (22E,24 S )-24-methyl-19,27-bisnor-5α-cholest-22-en-3β-ol, (ii) (22 R , 23 R )-22,23-methylene-19-nor-5α-cholestan-3β-ol, (iii) (24ξ)-24-propyl-19-nor-5α-cholestan-3β-ol and (iv) (23 R ,24 R )-23,24-dimethyl-19-nor-5α-cholestan-3β-ol. The general structure and stereochemistry of all fifteen 19-nor stanols were established by analysis of the MS and H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) data measured for each compound. The relative percentage of 19-nor stanols having Δ22 double bonds should be sufficient to suggest that this sponge could be a potential source of starting material for the partial synthesis of certain oral contraceptives, which also have a 19-nor steroid nucleus.
Detuning Power Lines by Isolating Towers for the Suppression of Resonsnces

An AM "standard" broadcast array is often required to maintain a low level of radiation in specified directions, to avoid interference with other stations on the same frequency in distant cities. Reradiation from a nearby power line can give rise to field strengths in excess of protection limits. This paper presents a technique for detuning a steel-lattice tower power line on which the tower tops are connected together by an overhead "skywire". Reradiation from such a power line is primarily a problem when the closed-loop path of two adjacent towers, the interconnecting skywire, and their images in ground is resonant at the operating frequency. This paper is concerned with detuning a power line by open-circuiting resonant paths by disconnecting one tower from the overhead skywire.
Adsorption dynamics and desorption kinetics of argon and methane on MgO(100)

The adsorption dynamics and desorption kinetics of Ar and CH4 on MgO(100) are studied using a combination of molecular beam scattering and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Both Ar and CH4 exhibit an initial trapping probability that decreases dramatically with increasing kinetic energy and is independent of incident angle indicating a barrierless process obeying total energy scaling. The trapping probability for both systems increases roughly linearly with increasing adsorbate coverage in the first layer. Analysis of the TPD spectra yields desorption energies of 8.5 and 13 kJ/mol for Ar and CH4, respectively.
A NEW CONCEPT FOR RECONFIGURABLE PLANAR MOTION GENERATORS

This paper presents a novel concept for Reconfigurable Motion Generators (RMGs) for multi-phase planar motion generation. Reconfigurable Motion Generators are a new class of mechanical devices that are designed for a specific part family and their associated motion generation tasks.Reconfigurable Motion Generators are capable of configuration changes according to variations in the motion generation requirements. Thus, Reconfigurable Motion Generators bridge the gap between the relatively high flexibility and high cost of totally flexible machines (e.g. industrial robots) and the low flexibility and low cost of fully dedicated mechanisms (e.g. cams & linkages). Here, we propose the concept of planar Reconfigurable Motion Generators for multi-phase motion generation tasks. This paper introduces design concepts and principles for the efficient and effective synthesis of Reconfigurable Motion Generators that may be deployed in various automated manufacturing environments.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Expression of ERα and Aromatase in MDA-MB-231 Tumors by HDAC Inhibitor Entinostat Leads to Growth Inhibition by Aromatase Inhibitor Letrozole.

The treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer has improved significantly since the development of aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Nevertheless, AIs are ineffective in estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) tumors, which comprise of approximately 25% of breast cancers and tend to be more aggressive. Studies have shown that repression of ER in these hormone receptor-negative tumors may be due to epigenetic modifications. The discovery of recruitment of histone deacetylase enzymes in gene silencing provides a rationale for inhibition of HDAC activity to release transcriptional repression as a potential therapeutic strategy. The objective of the present study was to express ERα and aromatase with HDACI treatment and thereby sensitize tumors to growth inhibition with aromatase inhibitors. In this study we used ER negative, hormone refractory MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Treatment with HDAC inhibitor entinostat led to upregulation of ERα, aromatase and its activity in a dose dependent manner in cells and xenografts. MDA-MB-231 xenografts were grown in ovariectomized female nude mice. Mice were inoculated with 2.5 X 106 cells per site subcutaneously. When the tumors reached 150 mm3, the mice were grouped into 4 groups (n=10), so that the mean tumor volume was not statistically different across groups (p=0.88). Tumor volumes were measured twice weekly. The mice in the letrozole group had a mean tumor growth rate (β = 0.023 ± 0.014) that was not statistically different (p=0.76) from that of the control group (β = 0.038 ± 0.007). Also, the growth rate of entinostat group (β = 0.034 ± 0.011) was not significantly lower than that of the control (p=0.33). However, the growth rate of entinostat plus letrozole group ((β = -0.003 ± 0.013) was significantly lower than that of the control (p=0.01), entinostat (p=0.03) and letrozole (p=0.049) groups. The combined treatment of entinostat plus letrozole was significantly more effective than either agent alone. In addition, the ability of this combination to inhibit migration in vitro was examined by wound healing assay. The combination of entinostat plus letrozole provides superior inhibition of migration (p Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 401.
Collective behavior of fish shoals in one-dimensional annular domains

In this work, we study the collective behavior of fish shoals in annular domains. Shoal mates are modeled as self-propelled particles moving on a discrete lattice. Collective decision making is determined by information exchange among neighbors. Topological distances are used to specify neighborhoods within the fish shoal. We employ random variables to model fish self-propulsion and obedience to group decisions. Global observables along with topological features are used to measure the schooling phenomenon. The one-dimensional model is verified by simulations and experiments on a shoal of zebrafish in an annular tank. Variations in the shoal size and the obedience parameter are numerically explored.
Forward–backward semiclassical dynamics in the interaction representation

The forward–backward semiclassical dynamics methodology [J. Phys. Chem. 103, 7753, 9479 (1999)] is reformulated in the interaction representation. The new version of the method allows for a fully quantum mechanical description of a low-dimensional subsystem of interest, along with a semiclassical forward–backward treatment of the solvent coordinates and their coupling to the reference subsystem. Application to the long-time tunneling dynamics in a symmetric double-well system coupled to a harmonic bath shows that the interaction FBSD is capable of capturing quantitatively the tunneling and decoherence effects induced by weakly dissipative environments.
Traumatic Alterations in Consciousness: Traumatic Brain Injury

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) refers to the clinical condition of transient alteration of consciousness as a result of traumatic injury to the brain. The priority of emergency care is to identify and facilitate the treatment of rare but potentially life-threatening intracranial injuries associated with mTBI through the judicious application of appropriate imaging studies and neurosurgical consultation. Although post-mTBI symptoms quickly and completely resolve in the vast majority of cases, a significant number of patients will complain of lasting problems that may cause significant disability. Simple and early interventions such as patient education and appropriate referral can reduce the likelihood of chronic symptoms. Although definitive evidence is lacking, mTBI is likely to be related to significant long-term sequelae such as Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative processes.
Fabrication of hierarchical ZnO/TiO 2 core-shell nanostructures for advanced photovoltaic devices

The advancement of nanomaterials and nanotechnology has provided huge potential to improve solar cell performance with an expectation of reducing the cost and improving the cell efficiency. Significant research has been done on nanorod based solar cells in recent years. In order to increase surface area and improve the light trapping effect for cell efficiency enhancement, 3-D hierarchical ZnO nanostructures and ZnO/TiO 2 core-shell structures including nanorods, nanosheets, and nanoshrubs have been developed by using a solution based, two-step deposition process. The extremely large surface area is expected to improve dye loading and charge injection along with the improved light trapping, all of which helps to increase the energy conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells. These solar cells were fabricated using the core-shell nanostructures, which showcases the potential of the unique nanomaterials in advanced photovoltaics.
Uses and Limitations of Physical Activity Questionnaires in Health Education

(1997). Uses and Limitations of Physical Activity Questionnaires in Health Education. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 182-186.
The refractory period of the masseteric cutaneous silent period

Summary Silent periods were elicited in the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles from six normal subjects, by electrical stimulation of the skin over the contralateral masseter during clenching. Pairs of suprathreshold square pulses with varied time intervals were delivered using surface electrodes. It was found that the silent periods, which were mostly of the long latency (about 53 ms) type, had a refractory period, during which a new silent period could be evoked only by increasing the strength of the second stimulus. This refractory period could last for up to 1.5 s. During the first 200 ms after the first stimulus a second silent period was almost impossible to evoke with the moderately painful stimuli used in the present experiments. It is suggested that the refractory period should be considered as significant for the methodology when recording the silent period duration. It is also suggested that the long latency silent period should be recorded as a separate parameter and differentiated from the short latency (10–12 ms) silent period. This may be of special importance to recognize when a short latency silent period and a long latency silent period merge.
On conformally invariant differential operators in odd dimensions.

This is a brief announcement in which we identify all the conformally invariant differential operators acting on densities other than −(n/2) + k and other than l, where k is a positive integer and l is a nonnegative integer.
Enhancement of growth and survival and alterations in Bcl-family proteins in β-thalassemic erythroid progenitors by novel short-chain fatty acid derivatives

Accelerated apoptosis of erythroid progenitors is a characteristic of beta-thalassemia which presents a significant barrier to definitive therapeutic approaches utilizing induction of endogenous fetal globin gene expression. gamma-globin gene expression may not be inducible in, or may not be able to rescue, erythroid cells in which programmed cell death is initiated early in erythroblast development. In this report, short-chain fatty acid derivatives (SCFADs) which induce fetal globin gene expression were tested for their ability to promote proliferation and survival of erythroid progenitors cultured from beta-thalassemic subjects, and of cytokine-dependent erythroid cell lines. Certain SCFADs promoted thalassemic Bfu-e growth and cytokine-independent growth and survival of erythroid cell lines. A 40-80% increase in erythroid Bfu-e colony number was observed in cultures established with any of five mitogenic SCFADs, compared to control or butyrate-treated cultures from the same subjects. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that these same SCFADs also regulated the expression of specific protein inhibitors of apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic ratios of the proteins Bcl-xL/Bcl-xS in thalassemic Bfu-e were increased by 30-120% with exposure to the SCFDs, compared to the ratios in the same cells cultured under control conditions. Similar anti-apoptotic increases in Mcl-1L/Mcl-1S ratios were induced by the SCFADs. These findings suggest that select fetal globin-inducing SCFADs which enhance proliferation of beta-thalassemia progenitors may enhance survival of these progenitors by altering levels of Bcl-family protein members. This combination of effects should enhance erythroid cell survival in the beta-thalassemia syndromes, allowing fetal globin gene expression to be induced more effectively than currently available, growth-suppressing, fetal globin-inducing agents, such as the butyrates or chemotherapeutic agents.
A computational method to predict strip profile in rolling mills

Presented is a new computational method for predicting the static cross-sectional thickness profile of rolled metal strip. Methods to model the strip profile and related flatness with improved efficiency and accuracy remain central for achieving high quality flat-rolled products. The new method involves a novel combination of Timoshenko beam finite elements with multiple coupled Winkler elastic foundations. It applies to simple mill configurations, such as the common 4-high rolling mill, in addition to complex mill types, such as the 20-high Sendzimir mill. The inherent benefits over traditional strip profile models include non-discrete elastic foundations, cubic displacement fields, rapid solution, and mixed boundary conditions. The flexible nature of the model allows it to readily accommodate typical mechanisms used in industry to control strip profile, such as roll crowning, roll bending, roll shifting, and roll crossing. Comparison of the predicted displacement for a 4-high mill with that obtained using a large-scale finite element simulation provides validation of the presented strip profile calculation method for real-time industrial applications.
Noninvasive blood pressure analysis using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) - Based oscillometric method

This study proposes a new method to extract oscillometric pulses for noninvasive blood pressure measurement using empirical mode decomposition, based on the oscillometric method. The mean and standard deviation of the present method in systolic and diastolic pressure are 1.6 and 5.2, and 0.7 and 5.2, respectively, which not only passes the AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) and EN (European Norm) blood pressure measurement criteria, but also performs more accurate measurements than commercial noninvasive blood pressure measurement devices.
Strain-Influenced Degradation of Native Collagenous Tissue in a Very-Low Volume, Environmentally-Controlled Bioreactor

We have hypothesized that collagenous matrix is an intrinsically smart biomaterial which resists enzymatic attack when under tensile strain. Testing this hypothesis requires the ability expose native tissue to low volumes of enzyme (due to their expense) while tracking mechanical response. In this study, we have developed an environmentally-controlled, mechanochemical bioreactor which permits load/strain tracking and direct observation of degrading tissue (polarization pictures) in a very small volume chamber (∼ 500 ul). In the device, the chamber “reaction volume” is formed between two layers of inert immiscible fluids. The device permitted exposure of the native tissue strips (∼6.0 mm × 0.7 mm × 13.5 mm) to small volumes of enzyme solution while it tracked the degradation-induced stress relaxation (to 0.01N accuracy) and provided direct observation of the tissue polarization signal. As expected in this small series, tissue with the higher (4% and 8%) strain degraded much more slowly compared to the lower (2%) strain. The new method successfully tracked collagen degradation (at high resolution) induced by a small volume of enzyme. The ability to perform these tests will permit the use of more expensive and physiologically relevant MMPs.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Calcium channels in smooth muscle cells from cerebral precapillary arterioles activate at more negative potentials than those from basilar artery

We compared Ca2+ channels in cell-attached patches of smooth muscle cells from cerebral precapillary arterioles and basilar artery of guinea pig. Patches were studied without Ca2+ channel activators in the pipette solution. In both preparations, a 23 pS channel (40 mM Ba2+) sensitive to block by nifedipine was identified. In arteriolar but not in basilar artery patches, channel activity was recorded without apparent inactivation at potentials of −40 to −20 mV. Values for the number of channels in a patch x probability of channel opening (n·Po) at various potentials were fit to a Boltzmann function. For the arteriolar patches (n=5) and for patches from basilar artery (n=5), the midpoint potentials for the voltage dependence of n·Po were −9.3 mV and +8.9 mV, and maximum values of n·Po at positive potentials were 1.23 and 0.33. At potentials ≥0 mV, the average for the maximum number of superimposed openings in basilar artery patches was 1.7 (n=17) and in arteriolar patches was 6.5 (n=6). For both preparations, histograms of channel open times at −10 mV required two time constants, 0.48 and 3.95 ms, and the shorter open state accounted for 88% of openings. Our data indicate that Ca2+ channel activity is likely to be more prominent near resting membrane potentials in arteriolar cells than in basilar artery cells.
Haemolymph ecdysteroid titres in diapause and nondiapause larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

Abstract The ecdysteroid titres of last-instar prediapausing, diapausing and nondiapausing larvae of Ostrinia nubilalis were determined by radioimmunoassay. In the nondiapause larvae a major peak of ecdysteroid activity preceded pupation by 24 h and continued through the pupal ecdysis. This peak was correlated with head and thorax critical periods as well as with changes in behaviour and physiology marking the transition from feeding larva to prepupa. Nondiapause larvae also displayed a rise in ecdysteroid titre during the feeding phase of development. This rise was approx one tenth that of the major peak and lasted 32 h. It was not correlated with any overt changes in larval physiology or behaviour. The diapause ecdysteroid profile was distinctive in that the levels measured were all lower than the lowest of the nondiapause curve. No peaks were observed in the diapause titres. Prepupal changes such as spinning and the cessation of feeding were not correlated with any increase in ecdysteroid levels. During diapause termination, under a long-day photoperiod, no increases in ecdysteroid titre were observed for the first 10 days. After 12 days individuals began to show ecdysteroids above the diapause levels. Pupation started after 16 long days.
Electrolytic Capacitor Failure Mechanism Due to Inrush Current

One of the most critical application parameters of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is its voltage capability, typically expressed in terms of rated or working voltage, surge voltage, transient voltage, etc. Exceeding the voltage capability (even for a few milliseconds) can result in the immediate failure of the capacitor, or its performance can be degraded over the longer term due to high in-rush current. Electrolytic capacitor failure modeling due to in-rush current is presented followed by experimental results.
Nonmechanical programmable image rotator with Glan-Thompson prism

We present a non-mechanical, dynamically programmable, all-optical image rotator, which can rotate an input image to any angle or a grid given by 360°/2 n , where n is the number of stages. The image rotator uses cascaded stages in which each stage rotates the image by an angle given by half the previous stage. Each stage uses an Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (FLC) polarization switch to select between a straight through path and a deflected path with an odd number of bounces, that when rotated to an angle, operates as an image rotating prism. An FLC is used for each stage to choose the polarization and therefore whether to rotate the image or not. By switching the FLC director orientation by 45 for each stage, images can be rotated to an arbitrary angle at a speed of several KHz.
Toxicity of a second autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant in patients with relapsed or recurrent multiple myeloma

Toxicity associated with a second autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (APBSCT) in patients who relapse following initial APBSCT for multiple myeloma (MM) has not been well described. We conducted a retrospective, case-series of 25 consecutive patients who received a second APBSCT for relapsed or progressive disease following prior APBSCT to describe associated toxicity. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed in 92% of patients after each APBSCT. More patients developed an elevated serum creatinine (4%vs. 36%; p = 0.011) following the second APBSCT. Median time to neutrophil engraftment was 10 days following both transplants (p = 0.428). Platelet engraftment was delayed by 2 days after the second APBSCT (median 12 vs.14 days; p < 0.025). There were two deaths before day 100. In conclusion, patients who undergo a second APBSCT for relapsed MM experience more nephrotoxicity. Delayed platelet engraftment and an 8% treatment-related mortality were observed following the second APBSCT.
Sparse sensor selection for nonparametric decentralized detection via L 1 regularization

Sensor selection in nonparametric decentralized detection is investigated. Kernel-based minimization framework with a weighted kernel is adopted, where the kernel weight parameters represent sensors' contributions to decision making. L 1 regularization on weight parameters is introduced into the risk function so that the resulting optimal decision rule contains a sparse vector of nonzero weight parameters. In this way, sensor selection is naturally performed because only sensors corresponding to nonzero weight parameters contribute to decision making. A gradient projection algorithm and a Gauss-Seidel algorithm are developed to jointly perform weight selection (i.e., sensor selection) and optimize decision rules. Both algorithms are shown to converge to critical points for this non-convex optimization problem. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the advantages and properties of the proposed sensor selection approach.
Group psychotherapy with parents.

This article details experiences in group psychotherapy with parents at the Psychological Services Department of the University of Akron. Reasons for group psychotherapy with parents, intake problems, initial reactions to group psychotherapy, cathartic self-expression, growth in self-insight, the handling of resistance and transference, and the use of a number of ancillary cathartic anchorages to facilitate group psychotherapy are discussed. The article concludes with a number of summarizing statements listing gains that can come from group psychotherapy with parents whose children are undergoing play therapy.
High speed testing of conductor networks with electron beams

Abstract IBM's experience with the internally developed e-beam system, PL-1, for electrical continuity testing of multi-layer, multi-chip packaging substrates is reviewed. The contactless test methods employed by PL1 are described and the capabilities and limitations of the e-beam tester are compared with those of several different types of mechanical probers. We also describe the architecture and major system features of Pl-1, the results of a study of its performance in finding open and short defects, and recent practical applications.
Macroalgae Decrease Growth and Alter Microbial Community Structure of the Reef-Building Coral, Porites astreoides

With the continued and unprecedented decline of coral reefs worldwide, evaluating the factors that contribute to coral demise is of critical importance. As coral cover declines, macroalgae are becoming more common on tropical reefs. Interactions between these macroalgae and corals may alter the coral microbiome, which is thought to play an important role in colony health and survival. Together, such changes in benthic macroalgae and in the coral microbiome may result in a feedback mechanism that contributes to additional coral cover loss. To determine if macroalgae alter the coral microbiome, we conducted a field-based experiment in which the coral Porites astreoides was placed in competition with five species of macroalgae. Macroalgal contact increased variance in the coral-associated microbial community, and two algal species significantly altered microbial community composition. All macroalgae caused the disappearance of a γ-proteobacterium previously hypothesized to be an important mutualist of P. astreoides. Macroalgal contact also triggered: 1) increases or 2) decreases in microbial taxa already present in corals, 3) establishment of new taxa to the coral microbiome, and 4) vectoring and growth of microbial taxa from the macroalgae to the coral. Furthermore, macroalgal competition decreased coral growth rates by an average of 36.8%. Overall, this study found that competition between corals and certain species of macroalgae leads to an altered coral microbiome, providing a potential mechanism by which macroalgae-coral interactions reduce coral health and lead to coral loss on impacted reefs.
δ-Opioid receptor agonists produce antinociception and [35S]GTPγS binding in μ receptor knockout mice

Abstract We examined the effects of [ d -Pen 2 , d -Pen 5 ]enkephalin (DPDPE), [ d -Ala 2 ,Glu 4 ]deltorphin (DELT), and (+)-4-[(α R )-α((2 S ,5 R )-4-Allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]- N , N -diethylbenzamide (SNC80) on [ 35 S]GTPγS binding in brain membranes prepared from μ-opioid receptor knockout (−/−) mice. The potency and maximal response ( E max ) of these agonists were unchanged compared to control mice. In contrast, while the potency of [ d -Pen 2 ,pCl-Phe 4 , d -Pen 5 ]enkephalin (pCl-DPDPE) was not significantly different, the E max was reduced as compared to controls. In the tail-flick test, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intrathecal (i.th.) DELT produced antinociceptive effects in −/− mice with potency that did not differ significantly from controls. In contrast, the antinociceptive potency of i.c.v. and i.th. DPDPE was displaced to the right by 4- and 9-fold in −/− compared to control mice, respectively. Reduced DPDPE antinociceptive potency in −/− mice, taken together with reduced DPDPE- and pCl-DPDPE- stimulated G protein activity in membranes prepared from −/− mice, demonstrate that these agonists require μ-opioid receptors for full activity. However, because DELT mediated G protein activation and antinociception were both comparable between −/− and wild type mice, we conclude that the μ-opioid receptor is not a critical component of δ-opioid receptor function.
Oxidative metabolism of spironolactone: evidence for the involvement of electrophilic thiosteroid species in drug-mediated destruction of rat hepatic cytochrome P450.

In a preliminary paper, the authors have shown that the antimineralocorticoid spironolactone (SPL) preferentially inactivates dexamethasone (DEX) inducible rat hepatic cytochrome P450p isozymes in a suicidal manner. These findings are now confirmed, and the kinetic characteristics of such a process are detailed. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of SPL-mediated inactivation of cytochrome P450, they have examined the metabolism of SPL in vitro. Incubation of ({sup 14}C)SPL and NADPH with liver microsomes prepared from DEX-pretreated rats results in the formation of several polar metabolites separable by HPLC with UV detection. This process is found to be dependent on NADPH, O{sub 2}, SPL, and enzyme concentration, as well as temperature. Furthermore, metabolite formation was significantly attenuated by P450 inhibitors CO and n-octylamine. Mass metabolites indicated that these compounds had molecular weights that corresponded to the sulfinic and sulfonic acid derivatives of deacetyl-SPL (SPL-SH). These finding document the formation of previously unreported polar metabolites of SPL by rat liver microsomes enriched in cytochrome P450p and implicate a role for this isozyme in the oxidation of the thiol moiety of deacetyl-SPL. The detection of such metabolites also implicates a catalytic trajectory that includes the thiyl radical and/or sulfenic acid species as amore » plausible protagonist in drug-mediated inactivation of cytochrome P450p.« less