cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The determination of transport parameters of minority carriers in n–p junctions by means of an electron microscope. Critique of recent developments

It has recently been shown that amplitude modulated electron beams provide a novel means for the determination of minority carrier lifetimes, diffusion lengths, etc., in n-p junctions. In this paper it is shown that: (1) a recently published analysis based on a cylindrically symmetric configuration is incorrect, (2) the correct approach leads to a system of dual integral equations for which the formal solution is given, (3) in general, the short circuit current can only be determined by means of extensive computer calculations except in the case of large front surface recombination velocities, and (4) the difficulties encountered with cylindrically symmetric configurations (circular ohmic contacts and the like) are completely avoided with a choice of a planar geometry since simple closed form expressions for the short circuit current are readily available in this case.
The Intraflagellar Transport Protein IFT27 promotes BBSome exit from cilia through the GTPase ARL6/BBS3

The sorting of signaling receptors into and out of cilia relies on the BBSome, a complex of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins, and on the intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery. GTP loading onto the Arf-like GTPase ARL6/BBS3 drives assembly of a membrane-apposed BBSome coat that promotes cargo entry into cilia, yet how and where ARL6 is activated remains elusive. Here, we show that the Rab-like GTPase IFT27/RABL4, a known component of IFT complex B, promotes the exit of BBSome and associated cargoes from cilia. Unbiased proteomics and biochemical reconstitution assays show that, upon disengagement from the rest of IFT-B, IFT27 directly interacts with the nucleotide-free form of ARL6. Furthermore, IFT27 prevents aggregation of nucleotide-free ARL6 in solution. Thus, we propose that IFT27 separates from IFT-B inside cilia to promote ARL6 activation, BBSome coat assembly, and subsequent ciliary exit, mirroring the process by which BBSome mediates cargo entry into cilia.
Chemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics of reactions of sulphur in coal-gas reactions: A review

Abstract An overview of the fundamental reactions of the sulphur-containing groups in coal during pyrolysis and gasification is presented. The available experimental data on the redistribution of the sulphur (ROS) among the gaseous, liquid, and solid products of the reactions are discussed. Then, an attempt is made to draw general conclusions with regard to the effect, of the variables of the reaction systems, on the sulphur content of the products of the reactions.
Beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid and exercise on bone of middle-aged female mice

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that has recently been shown to have several beneficial effects on different diseases, including prevention of bone loss. The important feature of CLA is to reduce fat mass, thereby reducing body weight significantly. Although loss of body weight is known to increase bone loss, there is increasing evidence that CLA maybe beneficial to bone. Another factor that can reduce body weight is exercise (EX). It is well established that moderate EX stimulates bone formation. In this study, we analyzed the changes in bone using pQCT densitometry in middle-aged C57Bl/6 mice fed CLA (0.5%) and/or exercised. Twelve-month-old mice were divided into the following groups: group 1, corn oil, sedentary (CO SED); group 2, corn oil, exercise (CO EX); group 3, CLA, sedentary (CLA SED); and group 4, CLA, exercise (CLA EX). Mice were maintained in the respective experimental regimens for 10 weeks, after which mice were scanned using DEXA and killed. The lumbar vertebrae, femur, and tibia were analyzed using pQCT densitometry. CLA, when given alone or in combination with EX, significantly reduced body weight and increased lean mass. CLA treatment also significantly increased bone mass. Further, additional increase in bone mass was observed in mice treated with a combination of CLA and EX in almost all the bone sites analyzed. We conclude that CLA, when consumed as a dietary supplement along with moderate treadmill EX, significantly increases bone mass in middle-aged female mice.
Sjögren's syndrome: current therapies remain inadequate for a common disease.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a systematic autoimmune disease characterised by dysfunction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. This dryness leads to the symptoms of dry eyes and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is painful and may predispose patients to ocular infections. Also, SS patients develop dry mouth, which is uncomfortable and associated with progressive dental disease. SS is divided into secondary SS (where the dryness symptoms are associated with another well defined autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma) and primary SS (where the patients do not fulfil criteria for another well defined associated autoimmune disease). Primary SS has extra glandular organ involvement including lung (interstitial pneumonitis), renal (interstitial nephritis), peripheral and central nervous system manifestations, vasculitis of skin and other organs and increased frequency of lymphoma. This review will concentrate on primary SS. Therapies are divided into agents for topical replacement of deficient secretions (artificial tears, artificial salivas), stimulation of muscarinic M3 receptors (pilocarpine, cevimeline) to increase aqueous secretions, reduction of topical inflammation (topical cyclosporin or corticosteroids for the eye and fluorides or antibacterial varnishes for the mouth) and modification of the immune response in a manner similar to treatment of systemic lupus (antimalarial drugs, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and perhaps newer agents such as leflunomide or TNF inhibitors).
Sintering Mechanisms and Kinetics for Reaction Hot‐Pressed ZrB2

Sintering mechanisms and kinetics were investigated for ZrB2 ceramics produced using reaction hot pressing. Specimens were sintered at temperatures ranging from 1800°C to 2100°C for times up to 120 min. ZrB2 was the primary phase, although trace amounts of ZrO2 and C were also detected. Below 2000°C, the densification mechanism was grain-boundary diffusion with an activation energy of 241 ± 41 kJ/mol. At higher temperatures, the densification mechanism was lattice diffusion with an activation energy of 695 ± 62 kJ/mol. Grain growth exponents were determined to be ~4.5, which indicated that a grain pinning mechanism was active in both temperature regimes. The diffusion coefficients for grain growth were 1.5 × 10−16 cm4/s at 1900°C and 2.1 × 10−15 cm4/s at 2100°C. This study revealed that dense ZrB2 ceramics can be produced by reactive hot pressing in shorter times and at lower temperatures than conventional hot pressing of commercial powders.
Spectrum Conservation and Characteristics of Single-Sideband Phase Modulation

Phase modulation with an analytic signal, which is a Gaussian random process, is examined in order to determine the amount of spectrum conservation that may be achieved by using single-sideband phase modulation (SSB-PM) rather than conventional phase modulation (PM). The autocorrelation function is derived and found to be an analytic signal in terms of the autocorrelation function of the actual modulating signal and its Hilbert transform. When the modulating signal strength is very low, the sideband spectral distribution is the same as that of the actual modulating signal or single-sideband amplitude modulation. As the modulating signal mean-square value is increased, the sideband spectrum broadens and approaches a Gaussian shape. The average power output of an SSB-PM system increases exponentially with input modulating signal strength, while the carrier power remains constant. For the same modulating signal mean-square value, a greater fraction of power is in the one sideband of an SSB-PM system than in the two sidebands of conventional PM. Single-sideband phase or frequency modulation always effectuates spectrum conservation in the continuum when it is compared with conventional phase or frequency modulation on the basis of equal relative sideband power. A Fourier transform computer program is used to generate SSB-PM spectral distributions with varying modulating signal mean-square values, when the modulating signal spectrum is a low-pass rectangular spectrum, a narrowband pass spectrum, and the shape of an average voice spectrum. These examples illustrate the power series formulation of the output spectrum as well as the theoretical analysis of bandwidth.
Use of BioGlue surgical adhesive for brow fixation in endoscopic browplasty.

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy, longevity, and safety of BioGlue Surgical Adhesive for periosteal fixation in endoscopic browlifts. MethodsRetrospective review of 80 patients who underwent endo...
Looking for the silver lining: benefit finding after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in middle-aged, older, and oldest-old adults

Looking for potentially positive outcomes is one way that people cope with stressful events. In two studies, we examined perceived “silver linings” after the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita among indirectly affected adults. In Study 1, middle-aged (ages 47–64 years), older (ages 65–89 years), and oldest-old (ages 90–95 years) adults in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS) responded to an open-ended question on perceived silver linings in a longitudinal assessment carried out during the immediate impact (1 to 4 months after landfall) and post-disaster recovery phase (6 to 14 months post-storm). Qualitative grounded theory methods were employed to analyze these narrative data. Team-based coding yielded three core themes: (1) learning experience and better preparedness for future disasters, (2) having improved cities (Baton Rouge and New Orleans), and (3) an increase in “Good Samaritan” acts such as strangers helping one another. Responses were similar across age groups, although older adults were the least likely to report positive outcomes. Study 2 was a conceptual replication using a different sample of adults (ages 31 to 82 years) tested at least 5 years after the storms. A learning experience and preparedness core theme replicated Study 1’s findings while improved social cohesion amongst family and friends emerged as a new core theme in Study 2. These data indicate that identifying lessons learned and potentially positive outcomes are psychological reactions that may facilitate post-disaster coping and foster resilience for indirectly affected adults in the years after disaster.
Analysis of magnetic gradients to study gravitropism.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Gravitropism typically is generated by dense particles that respond to gravity. Experimental stimulation by high-gradient magnetic fields provides a new approach to selectively manipulate the gravisensing system. METHODS The movement of corn, wheat, and potato starch grains in suspension was examined with videomicroscopy during parabolic flights that generated 20 to 25 s of weightlessness. During weightlessness, a magnetic gradient was generated by inserting a wedge into a uniform, external magnetic field that caused repulsion of starch grains. The resultant velocity of movement was compared with the velocity of sedimentation under 1 g conditions. RESULTS The high-gradient magnetic fields repelled the starch grains and generated a force of at least 0.6 g. Different wedge shapes significantly affected starch velocity and directionality of movement. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic gradients are able to move diamagnetic compounds under weightless or microgravity conditions and serve as directional stimulus during seed germination in low-gravity environments. Further work can determine whether gravity sensing is based on force or contact between amyloplasts and statocyte membrane system.
The hydroiodide of diethylaminoethyl ester of penicillin G, neopenil. IV. Placental transmission of penicillin following single injections of neopenil and procaine penicillin.

Abstract 1. Neopenil and procaine penicillin were compared in 186 pregnant women at term to determine the effect of a single dose on the maternal and cord-blood penicillin levels. 2. There were only 6 instances (4 per cent) in which penicillin could not be detected in the cord blood, following a single dose of either form of penicillin. 3. Cord penicillin levels in the first four hours after injection were higher with Neopenil than with procaine penicillin. 4. Cord levels greater than maternal levels in the 6 to 24 hour group seem to indicate that the penicillin level in the fetal blood is more prolonged after Neopenil than after procaine penicillin. 5. With the dosage employed, both preparations gave satisfactory cord levels over a 24 hour period. 6. No penicillin reactions were encountered.
Pre-Columbian Warfare and Indecorous Images in Southeastern North America

Visual representations of the bodily consequences of conflict in southeastern North America have been critical for archaeological research on warfare. Yet Susan Sontag’s notion of an “ethics of seeing” warfare underscores concerns over the use of images of conflict. We contrast anxieties surrounding the modern recording of violent encounters in the past, notably, induced trauma on human skeletal remains and the portrayal of victims of violence through indigenous iconography. In contrast to the idea that images, particularly photographic ones, objectify and anesthetize, we suggest that they open new avenues for understanding both the social context of warfare in the past and its structural consequences.
A software configurable and parallelized coprocessor architecture for LQR control

We present a software configurable and parallelized coprocessor architecture for Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) control that can control physical processes representable by a linear state-space model. Our proposed architecture has distinct advantages over purely software or purely hardware approaches. It differs from other hardware controllers in that it is not hardwired to control one or a small range of plant types (e.g. only electric motors). Via software, an embedded systems engineer can easily reconfigure the controller to suit a wide range of control applications that can be represented as a state-space model. One goal of our approach is to support a design methodology to help bridge the gap between control and embedded system software engineering. Control of the well-understood inverted pendulum on a cart is used as an illustrative example of how the proposed hardware accelerator architecture supports our envisioned design methodology for helping bridge this gap. Additionally, we explore the design space of our co-processor’s parallel architecture in terms of computing speed and resource utilization. Our performance results show a 3.4 to 100 factor speedup over a 666 MHz embedded ARM processor, for plants that can be represented by 4 to 128 states respectively.
Evidence-based psychotherapies II: changes in models of treatment and treatment delivery:

Decades of psychotherapy research have yielded a few hundred interventions with strong evidence on their behalf. In the prior companion article, methodological and substantive concerns were raised in relation to what we can say about evidence-based psychotherapies and their impact. Among the methodological concerns are the control conditions to which evidence-based psychotherapies are compared, selective reporting of measures, and the paucity of evidence that evidence-based psychotherapies have clinically significant impact. Among the substantive concerns are limited findings to help direct patients to treatments from which they are likely to profit and to understand the mechanisms responsible for therapeutic change. In this article, two shifts in evidence-based psychotherapy research are highlighted to convey novel and needed directions to augment the impact of treatment and the scale on which it can be delivered. First, transdiagnosis and transtreatment are discussed as a departure from traditional evid...
P372Electrophysiological changes in chronic heart failure rat hearts induced by vagal nerve stimulation

Intermittent vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has recently been shown to reduce arrhythmia in animals and humans with chronic heart failure (CHF). The electrophysiological changes underpinning these benefits remain largely uncharacterized. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the electrophysiological remodeling resulting from long-term intermittent VNS therapy in the CHF rat. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced via LAD ligation in n=10 male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300g). Rats were randomized into two groups: MI-SS rats (n = 5) were implanted with non-functional VNS stimulators, and MI-VNS rats (n = 5) were implanted with functional VNS stimulators and received chronic intermittent VNS treatment during 12 weeks. In Sham rats (n = 4) neither MI nor VNS were performed. At 13 weeks, hearts were explanted and Langendorff perfused. Optical mapping of right ventricle (RV) during periodic pacing and right atrium (RA) during sinus rhythm was then performed. First, we confirmed that long-term intermittent VNS therapy has clear antiarrhythmic benefits. Indeed, our results demonstrate that no MI-VNS rats (0/5) exhibited ventricular fibrillation, compared to Sham (2/4) and MI-SS (5/5) rats. Nevertheless, the maximum slope of the RV action potential duration (APD) restitution curve was larger (2.07±0.63) in MI-VNS rats compared to MI-SS (0.65±0.19, p<0.05) and Sham (0.59±0.13, p<0.05) rats. Most importantly, all MI-VNS rats displayed mean APD restitution slope greater than 1, while none of MI-SS or Sham rats had slope exceeding 1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, MI-VNS rats exhibited significantly lower RV APD heterogeneity index (0.225±0.032) compared to MI-SS (0.538±0.107) rats. However, long-term intermittent VNS does not affect APD, and has moderate-to-no effect on conduction velocity of electrical propagation in RV. In RA during sinus rhythm, MI-VNS rats showed significantly larger APD (27.74±0.59 ms) compared to MI-SS (23.53±0.39 ms, p<0.05), but not different from Sham (26.41 ± 0.42, p=NS). However, APD heterogeneity indexes for both MI-VNS (0.562±0.038) and MI-SS (0.542±0.017) rats were similar, but significantly higher when compared to Sham (0.331±0.055). Our results suggest that the VNS therapy prevents VF through a remodeling of the electrophysiological properties of the myocardium.
Etiology of Chronic Cough in a Population of Children Referred to a Pediatric Pulmonologist

Background: Chronic cough is a common complaint encountered by physicians who care for children. It is also a common reason for referral to a pulmonologist. Determining the cause of chronic cough, however, rarely requires specialized diagnostic procedures that are unavailable to the primary care physician. Methods: A computerized listing of new patients referred to a pediatric pulmonologist between July 1993 and June 1995 was reviewed. Of 299 patients examined as outpatients during this period, 95 were referred for chronic cough. The diagnosis and diagnostic procedures were examined to determine how frequently procedures available exclusively to subspecialists were necessary to determine the cause of chronic cough. Results: Of the 95 patients who were examined for cough during the period studied, the diagnosis was made by history in 5, pulmonary function testing in 11, radiographic tests in 15, and a therapeutic trial in 58. In only 6 cases was the diagnosis made using tests unavailable to the primary care physician (5 bronchoscopy, 1 allergy skin testing). Conclusions: In 89 cases the cause of chronic cough was determined by procedures available to the referring physician. In most cases chronic cough in children can be diagnosed and managed by physicians who are aware of the spectrum of common disorders that lead to cough.
The endocrinology of baldness.

The endocrinology of baldness Male pattern baldness, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a very common condition, universally prevalent, which progresses with aging. The loss of scalp hair of any degree both in men and women is a cause of considerable psychological distress associated with a loss of self-esteem and feelings of diminished self-image, resulting in introversion and depression. Particularly among men, the very manifest obviousness of baldness is often a source of major psychological anguish. Two clinical features of male baldness have been recognized: a predisposition to scalp hair loss inherited from the father or grandfather(s) and a negative connection of scalp hair loss with the testes. Eunuchs and pre-pubertally castrated men who fail to develop body hair have normal scalp hair which shows no sign of loss with age. However, castrates receiving lifelong replacement therapy with testosterone show scalp hair loss and various degrees of baldness. The complete restoration of body hair in eunuchs and castrates by the administration of testosterone established the notion that androgens are responsible for hair growth, but at the same time it revealed the hair loss effect of testosterone on scalp hair. 1 The paradox of a diametrically different action of a hormone on its receptors aroused much interest and initiated research into the dual effect of testosterone and into the investigation of this biological aberrance that has created an unwanted phenotypic manifestation which, because of its great prevalence, the psychological impact and the difficulties and cost of treatment, is an important medicosocial problem. This review is a discussion on the endocrine connections at the hormonal, molecular and genetic levels with male and female scalp hair loss and on the psychological effects. Also discussed is the theory that baldness may be an early prognostic marker of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. The psychological effecTs of baldness Head hair is an essential complimentary feature to the face in the composition of an individual’s physiognomy and, by virtue of its natural qualities and its capacity to be modeled artistically, contributes significantly to an individual’s self-perceived image as well as to the response of others. It is therefore only natural that hair loss to any degree will have a negative psychological impact on the quality of a person’s life. Several studies have documented the psychological distress caused by baldness and investigated its parameters.
Harmonic Burst Control Strategy for Full-Bridge Series-Resonant Converter-Based EV Charging

An effective output voltage regulation method using harmonic burst control is presented. This method can greatly improve operating performance of the full-bridge series-resonant dc-dc converter (SRC) applied to electric vehicle (EV) battery charging. The proposed harmonic burst control not only provides load regulation, but it also achieves soft switching at both turn-ons and turn-offs under all load conditions. As a result, it improves the system efficiency over 10% for light-load conditions without any extra hardware, compared to that of the traditional frequency modulation method. Moreover, it has much smaller pulsed power over a wide range load compared to the traditional bang-bang burst control. Theoretical analysis of the series-resonant circuit and power loss analysis are discussed in detail in this paper. Experimental results based on a 1-kW prototype with 20-cm air gap between the primary and secondary sides of the series-resonant converter are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Evaluating the Relationship Between Naturalistic Content Acquisition Podcast Views and Course Performance

Content Acquisition Podcasts for Teachers (CAP-T) are a form of multimedia-based instruction that are supported by an empirical record of effectiveness and are grounded in Mayer’s cognitive theory ...
Closing the Brief Case: Cryptococcus gattii Meningitis with Ventriculitis.

1. What is the reservoir for Cryptococcus gattii? Answer: b. C. gattii is an environmental organism most often associated with trees, including decomposing wood in tree hollows. Over 50 tree species provide an ecological niche for the organism. 1. In the United States and Canada,
Bcl-2 Protects against p53-Induced Apoptosis through Hdm2

Hdm2 is up-regulated in several malignancies including sarcomas and acute myeloid leukemia, where it counteracts the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of wild type p53. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 is often elevated in many tumors with wild type p53 and serves to block p53-induced apoptosis. We demonstrate that the protein level of Hdm2 positively correlates with the level of Bcl-2 and follows the Bcl-2 level in different cell systems. Over-expression of Bcl-2 protects Hdm2 from DNA-damage induced degradation in a dose dependant manner. In addition, modulation of Bcl-2 by shRNA knockdown reduced the Hdm2 protein level in parallel. Consequently, treatment of AML cells with the Bcl-2 small inhibitory molecule HA14-1 attenuated the level of Hdm2. The Bcl-2 level, but not the DNA damage induced Hdm2 degradation, was affected by disruption of the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of Hdm2. In addition, the DNA-damage induced Hdm2 down-regulation was blocked by disrupted E1 ubiquitin-activation, defect polyubiquitination and by proteasome inhibitors. Finally, we show that Bcl-2 protection from p53-induced cell death requires co-expression of Hdm2 in double null p53/mdm2 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Our results indicate that Bcl-2 regulates the Hdm2 level and that Hdm2 is a key mediator in Bcl-2 inhibition of p53-induced apoptosis. This is of particular therapeutic interest for cancers displaying elevated Hdm2 and Bcl-2, like sarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia.
Ethical Concerns and Procedural Pathways for Patients Who are Incapacitated and Alone: Implications from a Qualitative Study for Advancing Ethical Practice

Adults who are incapacitated and alone, having no surrogates, may be known as "unbefriended." Decision-making for these particularly vulnerable patients is a common and vexing concern for healthcare providers and hospital ethics committees. When all other avenues for resolving the need for surrogate decision-making fail, patients who are incapacitated and alone may be referred for "public guardianship" or guardianship of last resort. While an appropriate mechanism in theory, these programs are often under-staffed and under-funded, laying the consequences of inadequacies on the healthcare system and the patient him or herself. We describe a qualitative study of professionals spanning clinical, court, and agency settings about the mechanisms for resolving surrogate consent for these patients and problems therein within the state of Massachusetts. Interviews found that all participants encountered adults who are incapacitated and without surrogates. Four approaches for addressing surrogate needs were: (1) work to restore capacity; (2) find previously unknown surrogates; (3) work with agencies to obtain surrogates; and (4) access the guardianship system. The use of guardianship was associated with procedural challenges and ethical concerns including delays in care, short term gains for long term costs, inabilities to meet a patient's values and preferences, conflicts of interest, and ethical discomfort among interviewees. Findings are discussed in the context of resources to restore capacity, identify previously unknown surrogates, and establish improved surrogate mechanisms for this vulnerable population.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Conventional and High Performance School Buildings in the U.S.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been an indoor environmental quality (IEQ) concern in schools and other buildings for many years. Newer designs, construction practices and building materials for “green” buildings and the use of “environmentally friendly” products have the promise of lowering chemical exposure. This study examines VOCs and IEQ parameters in 144 classrooms in 37 conventional and high performance elementary schools in the U.S. with the objectives of providing a comprehensive analysis and updating the literature. Tested schools were built or renovated in the past 15 years, and included comparable numbers of conventional, Energy Star, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings. Indoor and outdoor VOC samples were collected and analyzed by thermal desorption, gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy for 94 compounds. Aromatics, alkanes and terpenes were the major compound groups detected. Most VOCs had mean concentrations below 5 µg/m3, and most indoor/outdoor concentration ratios ranged from one to 10. For 16 VOCs, the within-school variance of concentrations exceeded that between schools and, overall, no major differences in VOC concentrations were found between conventional and high performance buildings. While VOC concentrations have declined from levels measured in earlier decades, opportunities remain to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by limiting emissions from building-related sources and by increasing ventilation rates.
Sodium Homeostasis Dynamically Regulates Sinoatrial Node Pacemaker Activity

The role of Na+ homeostasis in cardiac pacemaking is not well established. Blocking of the Na+-K+ ATPase (NKA) to raise intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) in ventricular myocytes, thereby increasing Ca2+ load, is widely used to improve cardiac inotropy in congestive heart failure patients. However, NKA-blocking agents have a narrow therapeutic window, as excessive Ca2+ accumulation is pro-arrhythmic and decreases lusitropy. Here, we optimize an existing mathematical model of the mouse sinoatrial node (SAN) cell based on our extensive dataset of electrophysiological experiments (including cell-to-cell variability). Using an established population-based approach, we investigate the consequences of increased [Na+]i on pacemaker function. Model parameter sensitivity analysis reveals that NKA modulation impacts Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis, as well as several action potential characteristics. NKA dynamically modulates cell automaticity: upon partial NKA inhibition SAN firing rate instantaneously increases, due to the direct effect on the membrane potential dynamics. Over time, reduced Na+ extrusion causes slow [Na+]i accumulation, paralleled by an increase in Ca2+ load, and SAN cell firing rate. We show that this positive chronotropic effect can be drastically reversed. In fact, when simulating stronger NKA inhibition, excessive [Na+]i and thus Ca2+ overload cause loss of automaticity. Logistic regression analysis highlights that perturbations in conductances of L-type Ca2+ current, hERG K+ current, and background Na+ current, and NKA maximal transport rate induce the most pronounced effects on the probability that the cell will stop firing. These parameters are also those maximally influencing [Na+]i regulation as shown in the sensitivity analysis. Hence, by confirming that [Na+]i has a fundamental role in the regulation of cell automaticity, our study suggests that a detailed characterization of Na+ homeostasis in isolated SAN myocytes is essential to fully understand cardiac pacemaker function.
Using case-based instruction to increase ethical understanding in engineering: what do we know? what do we need?

Among various approaches, case-based instruction has been the most popular and widely employed method used in engineering ethics instruction. However, there is little empirical research on whether the use of cases is also the most effective teaching method in promoting ethical understanding for engineering students. This paper discusses the types of cases utilized and how they are implemented for educating undergraduate students in engineering disciplines. We then argue that empirical research is needed to examine the impact of case-based instruction on students' ethical understanding and that well-designed experiments can result in greater understanding of this approach and best practice for its use in ethics instruction.
Battlefield Trauma-Induced Hypothermia: Transitioning the Preferred Method of Casualty Rewarming.

For centuries, cold and wet weather has affected military combat operations leading to tremendous loss of manpower caused by cold–weather-related injuries including trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. The initial battlefield management of hypothermia in military personnel had not advanced significantly following many wars and conflicts until 2006. The aim of this review is to: 1) provide an overview of trauma-induced hypothermia (TIH); 2) highlight the Department of Defense strategy for the implementation of a hypothermia clinical management program for battlefield (prehospital) casualties; 3) highlight the research and development of the Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK) as the preferred field rewarming system for battlefield TIH; and 4) emphasize how the HPMK can be easily transitioned to the civilian sector for active rewarming of both accidental and TIH patients. The HPMK is ideal for those working in civilian Emergency Medical Services and austere prehospital care environments. This kit is a low cost, lightweight, small dimension commercial product that can provide effective passive management or active rewarming for both accidental (primary) and trauma-induced (secondary) hypothermia patients.
Using Smart Devices to Measure Intermittent Noise in the Workplace

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of smart devices (iPods) to measure intermittent noise and integrate a noise dose in the workplace. Materials and Methods: In experiment 1, four iPods were each paired with a Larson Davis Spark dosimeter and exposed to randomly fluctuating pink noise in a reverberant sound chamber. Descriptive statistics and the mean difference between the iPod and its paired dosimeter were calculated for the 1-s data logged measurements. The calculated time weighted average (TWA) was also compared between the devices. In experiment 2, 15 maintenance workers and 14 office workers wore an iPod and dosimeter during their work-shift for a maximum of five workdays. A mixed effects linear regression model was used to control for repeated measures and to determine the effect of the device type on the projected 8-h TWA. Results: In experiment 1, a total of 315,306 1-s data logged measurements were made. The interquartile range of the mean difference fell within ±2.0 A-weighted decibels (dBA), which is the standard used by the American National Standards Institute to classify a type 2 sound level meter. The mean difference of the calculated TWA was within ±0.5 dBA except for one outlier. In experiment 2, the results of the mixed effects model found that, on average, iPods measured an 8-h TWA 1.7 dBA higher than their paired dosimeters. Conclusion: This study shows that iPods have the ability to make reasonably accurate noise measurements in the workplace, but they are not as accurate as traditional noise dosimeters.
Safety and Efficacy of a 600-mg Loading Dose of Clopidogrel 24 Hours Before Pipeline Embolization Device Treatment.

Background Clopidogrel/aspirin antiplatelet therapy routinely is administered 7–10 days before pipeline aneurysm treatment. Our study assessed the safety and efficacy of a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel 24 hours before Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study involving patients treated with pipeline from October 2010 to May 2016. A total of 39.7% (n = 158) of patients were dispensed a loading dose of 650 mg of aspirin plus at least 600 mg of clopidogrel 24 hours preceding PED deployment; 60.3% (n = 240) received 81–325 mg of aspirin daily for 10 days with 75 mg of clopidogrel daily preprocedurally. The mean follow-up was 15.8 months (standard deviation [SD] 12.4 months). modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was registered before the discharge and at each follow-up visit. To control confounding, we used multivariable logistic regression and propensity score conditioning. Results Of 398 patients, the proportion of female patients was ≈16.5% (41/240) in both groups and shared the same mean of age ≈56.46 years. Similarly, ≈12.2% (mean = 0.09; SD = 0.30) had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A total of 92% (mean = 0.29; SD = 0.70) from the pretreatment group and 85.7% (mean = 0.44; SD = 0.91) of the bolus group had a mRS ≤2. In a multivariate analysis, bolus did not affect the mRS score, P = 0.24. Seven patients had a long-term recurrence, 2 (0.83%; mean = 0.01; SD = 0.10) from the pretreatment group. In a multivariable logistic regression, bolus was not associated with a long-term recurrence rate (odds ratio [OR] 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–13.50; P = 0.52) neither with thromboembolic accidents (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.96–1.03; P = 0.83) nor with hemorrhagic events (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.97–1.03; P = 0.99). Three patients died: 1 who received a bolus had an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mean mortality rate was parallel in both groups ≈0.25 (SD = 0.16). Bolus was not associated with mortality (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.26–4.65; P = 0.89). The same associations were present in propensity score–adjusted models. Conclusions In a cohort receiving PED, a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel should be safe and efficacious in those off the standard protocol or showing
Healing, spirituality, and palliative care.

We are fortunate to present a comprehensive focused issue on “Healing and Spirituality” as the July 2017 issue of Annals of Palliative Medicine .
Abstract 227: Mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis of the non-small cell lung cancer secretome

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the more common subtype (~80%) of lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. NSCLC has one of the lowest 5-year relative survival rates due to a combination of late stage diagnosis and treatment relapse. Autophagy, a stress response mechanism in which cancer cells recycle organelles, and proteins to generate the necessary nutrients and metabolic intermediates for survival, is thought to be one of the principal mechanisms of treatment resistance and relapse in cancer. Due to its relatively refractory nature to chemo/radiotherapy, our long-term goal is to identify molecular signatures and pathways of autophagy that can be targeted to improve the sensitivity of NSCLC to radiotherapy. H1299 +/-p53 cells were cultured to ~85% confluency, the media exchanged to serum-free DMEM, and treated with 6Gy of ionizing radiation. After 12 hours, secreted proteomes were collected, processed and analyzed by reverse-phase nanoLC-MS/MS (Q-Exactive, ThermoFisher). A total of 364 secreted proteins were identified, of which 163 were quantified in at least 2 replicates of one condition. 29 unique proteins were identified to be present in all samples except H1299 +p53 cells which were not treated with ionizing radiation. These proteins included HMGA1, LSM8, CAST, CAPZB, CHGB, GSS, and HSPA9 and were associated principally with protein secretion and chaperone activities. Functional enrichment analysis using FunRich revealed that the secretome was enriched for exosomal, lysosomal, cytoplasmic, and cytoskeletal proteins (>2 fold, p-value 2 fold in +p53 cell secretomes. Calnexin, an ER chaperone protein that is associated with senescence, has been identified in previous studies as a sero-marker of lung cancer but not as a marker for distinguishing between the autophagic responses of NSCLC to IR. The novel functional and potential diagnostic value of these differentially secreted proteins as a function of p53 expression, irradiation and functional autophagy status in the context of NSCLC will be discussed. Citation Format: Emmanuel K. Cudjoe, Tareq Saleh, David A. Gewirtz, Adam M. Hawkridge. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis of the non-small cell lung cancer secretome [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 227. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-227
Exploring Relationships Between K–12 Music Educators’ Demographics, Perceptions of Intrapreneuring, and Motivation at Work:

Gifford Pinchot III coined the term intrapreneur to recognize “dreamers who do”: individuals who transform ideas into new endeavors within existing organizations. The purpose of this study was to g...
Delta Opioid Receptors and Modulation of Mood and Emotion

Depression is a pervasive and debilitating mental disorder that is inadequately treated by current pharmacotherapies in a majority of patients. Although opioids have long been known to regulate mood states, the use of opioids to treat depression is rarely discussed. This chapter explores the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the antidepressant-like effects of opioid ligands, and in particular, delta opioid receptor (DOR) agonists. DOR agonists have been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects in a number of animal models. Some DOR agonists also produce convulsions which has limited their clinical utility. However, DOR agonists that generate antidepressant-like effects without convulsions have recently been developed and these drugs are beginning to be evaluated in humans. Work investigating potential mechanisms of action for the antidepressant-like effects of DOR agonists is also explored. Understanding mechanisms that give rise to DOR-mediated behaviors is critical for the development of DOR drugs with improved safety and clinical utility, and future work should be devoted to elucidating these pathways.
Are Mycobacteria the Cause of Crohn’s Disease?

The cause of Crohn’s disease (CD) has remained an enigma for many years. However, in 1913 Dalziel proposed a mycobacterial origin for CD, comparing its1 likeness to Johne’s disease—an ileocolonic inflammation of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Recently very slow growing, fastidious mycobacteria have been isolated from CD cases in various parts of the world. These isolates were found identical to one another and to M. paratuberculosis by random gene sequencing and restriction polymorphism of the ribosomal 5S gene. Immunologic studies and specific stains, to show the organism in infected tissues, have not been helpful. Preliminary studies with antimycobacterial antibiotics are encouraging, however. Although further studies need to be performed, atypical mycobacteria still remain a potential pathogenic organism for CD.
Effect of mirror use on lower extremity muscle strength of patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This study examines the effect on muscle strength of lower extremity muscle strength exercise while using a mirror on the non-paretic side in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were randomly assigned to a non-mirror lower extremity exercise group (n=10), a mirror lower extremity exercise group (n=10), or a mirror lower extremity muscle strength exercise group (n=10). Subjects were asked to do the exercise assigned to their group (5 sets 30 times a day, 5 times weekly for 4 weeks) with general physical therapy in the hospital. Muscle strength in the knee extensor and flexor of paretic and non-paretic side were measured using electrical muscle testing device before and after the intervention. [Results] Muscle strength significantly increased within each group after intervention. No significant differences were found among the three groups. [Conclusion] This study showed that the lower extremity muscle strength exercise of the non-paretic side using a mirror has a positive effect on muscle strength in patient with chronic stroke.
Development of dynamic model of a ternary pumped storage hydropower plant

Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a hydropower plant that can generate power when it operates as a hydro turbine, and it can absorb power from the electric grid when it is pumping water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. The conventional role of PSH is as an energy arbitrage: it sells power when the price of electricity is high (i.e., during peak hours of energy demand), and it is operated as a pump during times when the price of electricity is low (e.g., midnight to dawn). PSH is an important part in hydropower generation. Currently, the total installed capacity is approximately 22 GW. Recently, a new type of PSH was developed, called ternary PSH (T-PSH). T-PSH is a type of advanced PSH that is different from conventional PSH and adjusted-speed PSH. T-PSH uses a single generator rotating in one direction with two different runners connected to the same shaft (i.e., one is for pumping water, and the other is for generating power as a turbine). This paper presents the development of a dynamic model of T-PSH for power system analysis. T-PSH can be operated in three different modes: generating mode, pumping mode, and hydraulic short-circuit (HSC) mode. The three modes of operation will be presented in this paper. A new combined governor is developed to represent the HSC operation mode, which is a special mode for T-PSH. The power command is divided into two parts, and a distribution coefficient is introduced to regulate the transitions from one mode to the other. Simulation and validation results are presented to verify the performance of the governor model and the characteristics of T-PSH.
Central Synapses that Preserve Auditory Timing

Encoding acoustic information requires preservation of the timing of electrical signals through multiple levels and branches of the auditory pathways. Large nerve terminals with very specific refinements in their pre- and postsynaptic properties subserve this purpose. Some of these properties are also found in cells, which detect the coincidence of multiple synaptic inputs. In this chapter we describe the key elements of these synapses.
Parallel DOM Architecture for Accessible Interactive Simulations

Interactive simulations are used in classrooms around the world to support student learning. Creating accessible interactive simulations is a complex challenge that pushes the boundaries of current accessibility approaches and standards. In this work, we present a new approach to addressing accessibility needs within complex interactives. Within a custom scene graph that utilizes a model-view-controller architectural pattern, we utilize a parallel document object model (PDOM) to create interactive simulations (PhET Interactive Simulations) accessible to students through alternative input devices and descriptions accessed with screen reader software. In this paper, we describe our accessibility goals, challenges, and approach to creating robust accessible interactive simulations, and provide examples from an accessible simulation we have developed and possibilities for future extensions.
DNA Hybridization and Avian Systematics: Introduction

In February 1986 the Systematics Discussion Group of the American Museum of Natural History organized a roundtable on DNA Hybridization and Phylogenetics. Subsequently the editors of Evolutionary Biology invited representatives of each side of the discussion to present their conflicting views. The main discussion of the roundtable centered on the application by Dr. C. Sibley and his colleagues of DNA hybridization to the phylogenetic relationships of bird taxa.
The microcirculation of normal and injured tissue.

The response of the microcirculation after tissue injury is recognized as a critical link in the chain of events which leads to tissue repair. However, tissue injury is but one of a number of perturbations with which the microcirculation must cope if the organism is to survive. General or localized changes in arterial and venous pressure for example constitute another potentially life-threatening situation. Appropriate homeostatic mechanisms exist to maintain a suitably low capillary pressure in the liver and intestine where the capillary filtration coefficient is high (i.e. 20–40 times greater than skeletal muscle) during venous pressure elevation in that region. Adequate flow must be maintained to vital organs during localized or systemic hypotension. A variety of mechanisms exist in the microcirculation to maintain constancy of capillary flow and pressure under such circumstances. Local regulation of blood flow must also be linked to the metabolic requirement of the tissue.