cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytokine Modifiers : Pipe Dream or Reality?

Therapies that block the actions of interleukin-1 (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) have been proposed to be potentially beneficial in critically ill patients with sepsis. Clinical trials demonstrated no survival benefit when the actions of IL-1 were blocked. In contrast, inhibition of TNF-α with either monoclonal antibodies or TNF receptor fusion proteins appeared to improve survival in prospectively defined groups of patients with severe sepsis, including those with dysfunction of two or more organ systems or with septic shock associated with the dysfunction of at least one organ system. Although none of the clinical trials has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in mortality for patients who received anticytokine therapy 28 days before, few of the completed studies were initially powered to achieve statistical significance at the day 28 end point. While the available data suggest that anti-TNF therapies improve survival in groups of patients with sepsis that can be identified by clinical criteria, confirmation of the potentially beneficial effects of anti-TNF agents awaits completion of the large multicenter clinical trials that are presently examining the utility of these therapies.
Amortization of ice Ih by pressure at 77 K

Abstract When ice Ih is squeezed to about 10 kbar at 77 K, it undergoes a new kind of transformation, i.e. the transformation of a crystalline solid to a dense amorphous solid that is induced by pressure. The dense amorphous solid can be converted to less dense amorphous forms by controlled heating. The structures of the new phases have been investigated by neutron diffraction and by the Raman spectroscopy of uncoupled O—H and O—D oscillators. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the transformation have been investigated by calorimetry and by measuring precisely the course of the pressure and volume during the transformation. The transformation seems to be a thermodynamic transformation, but is very slow near the equilibrium line and needs an overpressure of about 5 kbar to proceed appreciably in laboratory times. The transformation is very sharp, which shows that its activation volume is high and negative, with a magnitude of −100 cm3 mol−1. Other substances whose melting temperature falls as the pressure rises should undergo similar transformations.
Rapid Spin-Up Episodes in the Wind-fed Accreting Pulsar GX 301–2

The accreting pulsar GX 301-2 (P = 680 s) has been observed continuously by the large-area detectors of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory since 1991 April 5. Orbital parameters determined from these data are consistent with previous measurements, with improved accuracy in the current orbital epoch. The most striking features in the pulsar frequency history are two steady and rapid spin-up episodes, with a dot-nu approximately equal to (3_5) x 10(exp -12) Hz/s, each lasting for about 30 days. They probably represent the formation of transient accretion disks in this wind-fed pulsar. Except for these spin-up episodes, there are virtually no net changes in the neutron star spin frequency on long timescales. We suggest that the long-term spin-up trend observed since 1984 (dot-nu is approximately equals 2x10(exp -13) Hz/s) may be due entirely to brief (approximately 20 days) spin-up episodes similar to those we have discovered. We assess different accretion models and their ability to explain the orbital phase dependence of the observed flux. In addition to the previously observed preperiastron peak at orbital phase 0.956 +/- 0.022, we also find a smaller peak close to - at orbital phase 0.498 +/- 0.057. We show that if the companion star's effective temperature is less than 22,000 K, then it must have a mass M(sub c) < 70 solar mass and a radius R(sub c) < 85 solar radius so as not to overfill the tidal lobe at periastron. In order not to overflow the Roche lobe at periastron, the corresponding values are M(sub c) < 55 solar mass and R(sub c) < 68 solar radius. These constraints are nearly at odds with the reclassification of the companion as a B1 Ia + hypergiant.
Cometary and interstellar dust grains: Analysis by ion microprobe mass spectrometry and other techniques

A survey of microanalytical measurements on interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and interstellar dust grains from primitive meteorites is presented. Ion-microprobe mass spectrometry with its capability to determine isotopic compositions of many elements on a micron spatial scale has played a special role. Examples are measurements of H, N, and O isotopes and refractory trace elements in IDPs; C, N, Mg, and Si isotopes in interstellar SiC grains; and C and N isotopes and H, N, Al, and Si concentrations in interstellar graphite grains.
Evidence for an Anti-parallel Orientation of the Ligand-activated Human Androgen Receptor Dimer

Abstract Domain interactions of the human androgen receptor (AR) dimer were investigated using a protein-protein interaction assay in which the NH2- and carboxyl-terminal regions of human AR were fused to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL4 DNA-binding domain and herpes simplex virus VP16 transactivation domain to produce chimeric proteins. Transcriptional activation of a GAL4 luciferase reporter vector up to 100-fold was greater than Fos/Jun leucine zipper binding, indicating stable AR interaction between AR NH2-terminal residues 1-503 and steroid-binding domain residues 624-919 that was specific for and dependent on androgen binding to the steroid-binding domain and was inhibited by anti-androgen binding. Deletion mutagenesis within the NH2-terminal region indicated transactivation domain residues 142-337 were not required for dimerization, whereas deletions near the NH2 terminus (Δ14-150) or NH2-terminal to the DNA-binding domain (Δ339-499) reduced or eliminated the AR interaction, respectively. An NH2-/NH2-terminal interaction was also observed, but no interaction was detected between ligand-free or bound steroid-binding domains. The results indicate that high affinity androgen binding promotes interactions between the NH2-terminal and steroid-binding domains of human AR, raising the possibility of an androgen-induced anti-parallel AR dimer.
Oxygen saturation and heart rate during feeding in breast-fed infants at 1 week and 2 months of age.

Abstract Suiter DM, Ruark-McMurtrey J. Oxygen saturation and heart rate during feeding in breast-fed infants at 1 week and 2 months of age. Objective To gather normative data about cardiopulmonary changes during feeding in breast-fed infants at 1 week and 2 months of age. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting General community. Participants Twenty-two term-born, breast-fed infants. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Oxygen saturation (Spo 2 ), the percentage of oxygenized hemoglobin, and heart rate were monitored and recorded every 30 seconds for 5 minutes before oral feeding, during the first 10 minutes of feeding, and the first 10 minutes immediately after feeding. The observations were made at 1 week and 2 months of age. Results Mean Spo 2 levels were significantly higher in 2-month-old infants (mean, 97.57) than in 1-week-old infants (mean, 96.35) ( P =.001). Spo 2 was not affected by any of the 3 trials (before, during, and after feeding). Heart rate was significantly affected by trial. Mean heart rate during feeding (mean, 152.45) was significantly higher than heart rate prefeeding (mean, 146.51) ( P P =.002). Heart rate was not affected by age. Conclusions Little is known about the association between feeding and cardiopulmonary status in term-born, breast-fed infants. This longitudinal study contributes to our knowledge about feeding-related cardiopulmonary changes in term-born, breast-fed infants.
Systems-based practice assessed with a performance-based examination simulated and scored by standardized participants in the health care system: feasibility and psychometric properties.

Background: Systems-based practice is one of the six general competencies proposed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in their Outcome Project. However, little has been published on its assessment—possibly because the systems-based practice competency has been viewed as difficult to define and measure. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a full performance-based examination of systems-based practice cases simulated and scored by standardized participants in the health care system could feasibly be constructed and implemented that would provide reliable and valid measurements. Methods: In the 1st year of the project (2008), four systems-based practice cases were developed and pilot tested with 13 residents. Videotapes of residents were studied to develop an instrument for subsequent assessment of performance by standardized participants. In the 2nd year (2009), the examination was expanded to a full 12 cases, which were completed by 11 second-year residents,...
“Hire” or “Fire”? Taking AD-vantage of innovations in the Japanese syllabary system☆

L'A. retrace l'histoire du systeme d'ecriture de la langue japonaise, constitue de deux syllabaires (kana) developpes a des moments differents de l'histoire de la langue et dans des buts differents. Il utilise ici la theorie des points de vue developpee par MacLaury pour comprendre ce qui motive l'utilisation du syllabaire katakana, notamment pour les mots etrangers empruntes en japonais, et ce qui pousse les utilisateurs a creer de nouveaux symboles en katakana
The Inelastic Scattering of 31-Mev Protons from Heavy Elements

Energy distributions, angular distributions, and total cross sections for the inelastic scattering of 31-Mev protons from four heavy elements, Pb, Au, Ta, and Sn, have been measured. Information was obtained at five scattering angles: 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The energy distributions do not show the Maxwellian-like behavior which would be predicted on the basis of compound nucleus theory. The differential cross sections are strongly peaked forward, increasing by about a factor of ten as the scattering angle goes from 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The total cross sections all have values ranging from 0.25 barns for Sn, to 0.29 barns for Pb. A model has been proposed which is capable of giving a qualitative explanation of the results of the experiment. According to the model, the inelastic scattering occurs when the incident proton collides with the rim of a target nucleus.
Dynamics of continental rift propagation: the end-member modes

Abstract An important aspect of continental rifting is the progressive variation of deformation style along the rift axis during rift propagation. In regions of rift propagation, specifically transition zones from continental rifting to seafloor spreading, it has been observed that contrasting styles of deformation along the axis of rift propagation are bounded by shear zones. The focus of this numerical modeling study is to look at dynamic processes near the tip of a weak zone in continental lithosphere. More specifically, this study explores how modeled rift behavior depends on the value of rheological parameters of the crust. A three-dimensional finite element model is used to simulate lithosphere deformation in an extensional regime. The chosen approach emphasizes understanding the tectonic forces involved in rift propagation. Dependent on plate strength, two end-member modes are distinguished. The stalled rift phase is characterized by absence of rift propagation for a certain amount of time. Extension beyond the edge of the rift tip is no longer localized but occurs over a very wide zone, which requires a buildup of shear stresses near the rift tip and significant intra-plate deformation. This stage represents a situation in which a rift meets a locked zone. Localized deformation changes to distributed deformation in the locked zone, and the two different deformation styles are balanced by a shear zone oriented perpendicular to the trend. In the alternative rift propagation mode, rift propagation is a continuous process when the initial crust is weak. The extension style does not change significantly along the rift axis and lengthening of the rift zone is not accompanied by a buildup of shear stresses. Model predictions address aspects of previously unexplained rift evolution in the Laptev Sea, and its contrast with the tectonic evolution of, for example, the Gulf of Aden and Woodlark Basin.
Handling missing data in RCTs; a review of the top medical journals

Missing outcome data is a threat to the validity of treatment effect estimates in randomized controlled trials. We aimed to evaluate the extent, handling, and sensitivity analysis of missing data and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in top tier medical journals, and compare our findings with previous reviews related to missing data and ITT in RCTs. Review of RCTs published between July and December 2013 in the BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine, excluding cluster randomized trials and trials whose primary outcome was survival. Of the 77 identified eligible articles, 73 (95%) reported some missing outcome data. The median percentage of participants with a missing outcome was 9% (range 0 – 70%). The most commonly used method to handle missing data in the primary analysis was complete case analysis (33, 45%), while 20 (27%) performed simple imputation, 15 (19%) used model based methods, and 6 (8%) used multiple imputation. 27 (35%) trials with missing data reported a sensitivity analysis. However, most did not alter the assumptions of missing data from the primary analysis. Reports of ITT or modified ITT were found in 52 (85%) trials, with 21 (40%) of them including all randomized participants. A comparison to a review of trials reported in 2001 showed that missing data rates and approaches are similar, but the use of the term ITT has increased, as has the report of sensitivity analysis. Missing outcome data continues to be a common problem in RCTs. Definitions of the ITT approach remain inconsistent across trials. A large gap is apparent between statistical methods research related to missing data and use of these methods in application settings, including RCTs in top medical journals.
Buckling of moderately thick laminated cylindrical shells: a review

The present paper is a review article on the problem of buckling of moderately thick, laminated, composite shells subjected to destabilizing loads. The loads consist of uniform axial compression, uniform lateral pressure and torsion applied individually or in combination. In all the works reported in the literature, the analysis is based on higher-order shear deformation (HOSD) shell theory and/or first-order shear deformation (FOSD) shell theory with or without a shear correction factor. Results obtained by these two shell theories and by employing classical thin shell theory are compared to determine the range of applicability of each in predicting critical conditions. The effect of stacking sequence, radius-to-thickness ratio and length-to-radius ratio is assessed. Typical numerical results are presented in tabular form. Moreover, some limited results, which are based on limit point analysis are also presented (imperfection sensitivity studies).
Extraction of selected metallic cations by a highly hindered (GO)2PO(OH) extractant in two different diluents from an aqueous chloride phase

Abstract A highly sterically hindered extractant, bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-heptyl) phosphoric acid, (C 9 H 19 O) 2 PO(OH), HD(DIBM)P, has been shown to differentiate strongly in favor of U(VI) with respect to M (III) actinides, lanthanides, scandium and yttrium and with respect to Th(IV). In the systems HD(DIBM)P (diluent) vs. 1·0 F (NaCl+HCl), where the diluent is benzene or n -heptane, the extractions may be represented, operationally, by: K = K 8 F 2 /[ H + ] 2 , for UO 2 2+ , i.e (U)VI K = K 8 F 2·5 /[ H + ] 3 , for Sc(III) K = K 8 F 2·5 /[ H + ] 3·5 , for Th(IV) where F is the concentration of formality units of HD(DIBM)P in the organic phase and [H + ] is the concentration of H + in the aqueous phase. From 0·025 M HCl into 0·60 F HD(DIBM)P in benzene measured K values are: U(VI), 2×10 4 ; Th(IV), 3; Sc(III), 6×10 2 ; Eu(III), Lu(III), Y(III) and Am(III), each less than 2×10 −2 . The mutual separation of U(IV) has been demonstrated. For each of the elements studied, under comparable conditions, the K value is higher in n -heptane than in benzene.
Contemporary Pacemaker and Defibrillator Device Therapy Challenges Confronting the General Cardiologist

Intracardiac pacemaker and defibrillator implantations were initially described a half century and a quarter century ago, respectively.1,2 Originally conceived as devices for the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias, these therapies have subsequently been applied to the management of an increasing host of arrhythmia and other indications, including the treatment of heart failure.3 Although underuse of this technology has occasionally been reported,4 it has become abundantly clear that the number of patients deriving benefit from device therapy has risen exponentially; cardiac electrophysiology and pacing has emerged as a subspecialty within cardiology to address the growing needs of cardiac rhythm management.5 It is, nonetheless, incumbent on the general cardiologist to become proficient in certain aspects of device therapy.6 The goals of the present review are to highlight some of the fundamental areas of knowledge essential for follow-up, to provide an update on newer applications of device therapy, and to address some of the more common challenges and clinical scenarios encountered by the general cardiologist. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was originally applied to patients surviving life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias—so-called secondary prevention. Subsequently, primary prevention trials identified other patients who were at increased risk for sudden cardiac death but who had yet to manifest such risk,7 thereby expanding the indications for ICD therapy. The most recent iteration of guidelines for device implantation has identified additional conditions in which pacemaker and/or ICD therapy are associated with an enhancement of quality of life and/or survival.3,8 In particular, new ICD indications for primary prevention include prophylactic implantation in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and ejection fraction (EF) less than or equal to 30% (MADIT-II [Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II] criteria),9 and in patients with Brugada syndrome.10 The potential importance of ICD therapy for patients with nonischemic …
Heavy Crude Production from Shallow Formations: Long Horizontal Wells Versus Horizontal Fractures

This paper studies the feasibility of producing heavy oil from shallow formations using either long horizontal wells or short horizontal wells fractured horizontally. The suggested withdrawal configuration provides excellent well / fracture communication and additional sand control. The problem of optimum proppant placement is solved in two steps. First, finite conductivity fracture performance is considered in general terms. It is shown that the performance can be described as a function of two dimensionless parameters. Optimum conditions are derived. Then the solution is applied to the horizontal fracture configuration. The performance is compared to that of a "long" horizontal well.
Comparative Correlatives as Anaphora to Differentials

The two goals of this paper are (i) to establish that there are comparative correlatives that are not comparative conditionals and that the semantics of such correlatives crucially involves a relation (possibly the identity relation) between differentials (against much of the previous literature, e.g., McCawley 1988, Beck 1997) and (ii) to argue that a unified analysis should be given for such non-conditional, differential-based comparative (and equative) correlatives and the more familiar, conditional-like comparative correlatives. Correlatives are “biclausal topic-comment structures [. . . ] [in which] the dependent clause introduces one or more topical referents to be commented on by the matrix clause, where each topical referent must be picked up by – correlated with – an anaphoric proform.” (Bittner 2001). Differentials, e.g., 2 cm in the comparative Gabby is 2 cm taller than Linus, specify the difference between two measures, e.g., between Gabby’s and Linus’s heights.
A Milli Newton Micro Loading Device

We present a new Micro Electro Mechanical device that can apply a compressive or a tensile force on the order of a milli Newton quasi-statically by elec- trically actuating a set of comb capacitors. The same capacitors can be used to sense the displacement of the device by recording the change of capacitance.
Self-limited and unlimited word usage during problem solving in two telecommunication modes

Subjects using oral modes of communication generate far more verbiage than do subjects using handwittenn or typewritten modes to solve the same problems. This study tested two alternative hypotheses to account for this disparity: (1) written modes produce a hard copy of interchanges, thereby compensating for the limitations of short-term memory and reducing the need to repeat information, and (2) talking is so easy that there is no incentive to be concise in oral modes. Two-person teams solved problems either by voice or by teletypewriter. Half the teams were given a monetary incentive to use as few words as possible. No such request was made of the control teams. Subjects in the brevity condition, regardless of the communication mode, greatly reduced verbiage with no increase in time or decrease in accuracy. Moreover, subjects in the brevity-voice condition used even fewer words than did subjects in the control-teletypewriter condition. These results, then, lend weight to the second hypothesis.
Characterization of a New γTuRC Subunit with WD Repeats

The γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC), consisting of multiple protein subunits, can nucleate microtubule assembly. Although many subunits of the γTuRC have been identified, a complete set remains to be defined in any organism. In addition, how the subunits interact with each other to assemble into γTuRC remains largely unknown. Here, we report the characterization of a novel γTuRC subunit, Drosophila gamma ring protein with WD repeats (Dgp71WD). With the exception of γ-tubulin, Dgp71WD is the only γTuRC component identified to date that does not contain the grip motifs, which are signature sequences conserved in γTuRC components. By performing immunoprecipitations after pair-wise coexpression in Sf9 cells, we show that Dgp71WD directly interacts with the grip motif–containing γTuRC subunits, Dgrips84, 91, 128, and 163, suggesting that Dgp71WD may play a scaffolding role in γTuRC organization. We also show that Dgrips128 and 163, like Dgrips84 and 91, can interact directly with γ-tubulin. Coexpression of any of these grip motif–containing proteins with γ-tubulin promotes γ-tubulin binding to guanine nucleotide. In contrast, in the same assay Dgp71WD interacts with γ-tubulin but does not facilitate nucleotide binding.
Poor long-term blood pressure control after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background and Purpose—Hypertension is the most important risk factor associated with intracerebral hemorrhage. We explored racial differences in blood pressure (BP) control after intracerebral hemorrhage and assessed predictors of BP control at presentation, 30 days, and 1 year in a prospective cohort study. Methods—Subjects with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage were identified from the DiffErenCes in the Imaging of Primary Hemorrhage based on Ethnicity or Race (DECIPHER) Project. BP was compared by race at each time point. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine predictors of presenting mean arterial pressure, and longitudinal linear regression was used to assess predictors of mean arterial pressure at follow-up. Results—A total of 162 patients were included (mean age, 59 years; 53% male; 77% black). Mean arterial pressure at presentation was 9.6 mm Hg higher in blacks than whites despite adjustment for confounders (P=0.065). Fewer than 20% of patients had normal BP (<120/80 mm Hg) at ...
Short-Term Culture of In Vitro Produced Bovine Preimplantation Embryos With Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Prevents Heat Shock-Induced Apoptosis Through Activation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) has been implicated as a thermoprotective mole- cule for the preimplantation bovine embryo. Here, it was shown that effects of heat shock (418C for 15 hr) on induction of apoptosis and reduction in cell number in bovine embryos collected at Day 5 after fertiliza- tion were blocked by addition of 100 ng/ml IGF-I at the initiation of heat shock. This action of IGF-I to block heat shock-induced apoptosis was eliminated if embryos were cultured with either a phosphatidy- linositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (wortmannin) or an Akt inhibitor (1L-6-hydroxymethyl-chiro-inositol 2-(R)-2-o-methyl-3-o-octadecylcarbonate). Immuno- fluorescence microscopy confirmed the expression of phosphorylated Akt for IGF-I and control embryos. Immunoblotting using an antibody to Akt (phospho S473) indicated increased phosphorylation of Akt in IGF-I-treated embryos. In conclusion, short-term treatment of embryos with IGF-I can block induction of apoptosis caused by heat shock through signaling events requiring PI3K and Akt. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 681-688, 2008. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EFFECTS OF SPECIFIC VERSUS VARIABLE PRACTICE ON THE RETENTION AND TRANSFER OF A CONTINUOUS MOTOR SKILL

The effects of specific versus variable practice on retention and transfer was investigated. 30 participants were randomly assigned to one of three practice conditions. The variable speed group practiced on a pursuit rotor task at three different speeds (60, 45, 30 rpm) which were randomly distributed but equal in number for 30 10-sec. trials on Day 1. The Specific Practice group performed all 30 10-sec. trials at 45 rpm on Day 1. On Day 2, all groups performed 15 trials at the 45-rpm retention speed and 15 trials at the 75-rpm transfer speed. The Control group only performed on Day 2. Analysis showed the Specific Practice group had significantly higher scores on Day 1. On Day 2, the Specific Practice group had significantly higher retention scores and the Variable Practice group had higher transfer scores. Continuous motor skills might be practiced differently depending on the environmental context in which the skill may be used.
Dynamics of porous media at finite strain

We present a finite element model for the analysis of a mechanical phenomenon involving dynamic expulsion of fluids from a fully saturated porous solid matrix in the regime of large deformation. Momentum and mass conservation laws are written in Lagrangian form by a pull-back from the current configuration to the reference configuration following the solid matrix motion. A complete formulation based on the motion of the solid and fluid phases is first presented; then approximations are made with respect to the material time derivative of the relative flow velocity vector to arrive at a so-called (v,p)-formulation, which is subsequently implemented in a finite element model. We show how the resulting finite element matrix equations can be consistently linearized, using a compressible neo-Hookean hyperelastic material with a Kelvin solid viscous enhancement for the solid matrix as a test function for the nonlinear constitutive model. Numerical examples are presented demonstrating the significance of large deformation effects on the transient dynamic responses of porous structures, as well as the strong convergence profile exhibited by the iterative algorithm.
Unsuspected vascular disease: a potential limitation to the use of the intra-aortic balloon.

Since vascular tortuosity or stenosis may preclude placement of the Intra-aortic balloon, 63 consecutive patients (37 men) having routine Judkins' cardiac catheterization had an aortogram prior to withdrawal of the last catheter. No patient had a history of claudication, palpable aneurysms, pulse deficit, or bruit. No complications occurred. Significant peripheral vascular disease was found in ten patients: three had aortic, one had iliac, and six had femoral stenosis or tortuosity. All were men. The age of patients with peripheral vascular disease was 61.4 ± 7.7 years, while those without were 56.9 ± 9.3 years (P = NS). No difficulty was encountered entering the femoral artery in any patient; there was difficulty advancing the catheter in five of ten (50%) patients with peripheral vascular disease and in three of 54 (6%) patients without (P < 0.002). Fifteen patients without peripheral vascular disease had normal coronary arteries, while none with peripheral vascular disease was normal. In patients with coronary disease, the number of vessels involved was the same in both groups. Peripheral vascular disease that might preclude placement of the Intra-aortic balloon occurs in 14% of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and 18% of patients with coronary artery disease. Aortography may be safely performed and should be considered during routine cardiac catheterization in patients who may require Intra-aortic balloon placement.
C2C12 myocytes lack an insulin-responsive vesicular compartment despite dexamethasone-induced GLUT4 expression

Insulin regulates the uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle and adipocytes by redistributing the tissue-specific glucose transporter GLUT4 from intracellular vesicles to the cell surface. To date,...
Quantum telecommunication with atomic ensembles

Quantum mechanics provides a mechanism for absolutely secure communication between remote parties. For distances greater than 100 km, direct quantum communication via optical fiber is not viable, owing to fiber losses, and intermediate storage of the quantum information along the transmission channel is necessary. This leads to the concept of the quantum repeater, proposed by Briegel et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 169 (1998)]. Duan [Nature 414, 413 (2001)] have proposed to use atomic ensembles as the basic memory elements for the quantum repeater. We provide an overview of our program on the use of atomic ensembles as an interface for quantum information transfer and the prospects for long-distance quantum networks.
Queuing-Based Dynamic Channel Selection for Heterogeneous Multimedia Applications Over Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, we propose a dynamic channel-selection solution for autonomous wireless users transmitting delay-sensitive multimedia applications over cognitive radio networks. Unlike prior works that seldom consider the requirement of the application layer, our solution explicitly considers various rate requirements and delay deadlines of heterogeneous multimedia users. Note that the users usually possess private utility functions, application requirements, and distinct channel conditions in different frequency channels. To efficiently manage available spectrum resources in a decentralized manner, information exchange among users is necessary. Hence, we propose a novel priority virtual queue interface that determines the required information exchanges and evaluates the expected delays experienced by various priority traffics. Such expected delays are important for multimedia users due to their delay-sensitivity nature. Based on the exchanged information, the interface evaluates the expected delays using priority queuing analysis that considers the wireless environment, traffic characteristics, and the competing users' behaviors in the same frequency channel. We propose a dynamic strategy learning (DSL) algorithm deployed at each user that exploits the expected delay and dynamically adapts the channel selection strategies to maximize the user's utility function. We simulate multiple video users sharing the cognitive radio network and show that our proposed solution significantly reduces the packet loss rate and outperforms the conventional single-channel dynamic resource allocation by almost 2 dB in terms of video quality.
Reduced incidence of gestational diabetes with bariatric surgery.

Background Obesity is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. Our objective was to determine the association of bariatric surgery with the incidence of GDM and related complications. Study Design We performed a retrospective study comparing rates of GDM and related outcomes (including cesarean section, large-for-gestational-age infant, shoulder dystocia, and infection) between a group of women with a delivery before bariatric surgery and a group with a delivery after bariatric surgery. We used a private insurance claims database with information on 23,594 women who had bariatric surgery between 2002 and 2006. The dataset was searched to identify women with codes for bariatric surgery and a pregnancy resulting in a delivery at greater than 22 weeks gestation. Incidences of GDM and selected delivery complications for delivery before versus after bariatric surgery were compared using Fisher exact test and logistic regression. Results There were 346 women who had a delivery before bariatric surgery, and 354 had a delivery after bariatric surgery. Women with delivery after bariatric surgery had lower incidences of GDM (8% vs 27%, odds ratio (OR) 0.23, (95% CI 0.15 to 0.36) and cesarean section (28% vs 43%, OR0.53, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.72) than those with delivery before bariatric surgery. Conclusions Bariatric surgery is associated with a decreased incidence of GDM and cesarean section in subsequent pregnancies. This potential effect of bariatric surgery should be considered in the management of obese women of childbearing age. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Noncardiac Chest Pain–Treatment Approaches

Treatment of noncardiac chest pain is often difficult because of the heterogeneous nature of the disorder. This condition can stem from gastroesophageal reflux, visceral hyperalgesia, esophageal motility disorders, psychiatric dysfunction, abnormal biomechanical properties of the esophageal wall, sustained esophageal contractions, abnormal cerebral processing of visceral stimulation, or disrupted autonomic activity. For a treatment to be successful, diagnosis of the underlying cause is essential. This article examines three decades of studies from around the world. It concludes that new research into additional mechanisms involved in visceral pain appears promising; but that future studies using improved selective adenosine receptor antagonists and other therapeutic interventions are needed.
Tensile Behavior of Parent-Metal and Welded 5000-Series Aluminum Alloy Plate at Room and Cryogenic Temperatures

In recent years, large amounts of liquefied gases such as oxygen and hydrogen have been used for steelmaking and for rocket and missile propellants. Structural components which contain these liquids must often withstand high stresses at extremely low temperatures. To obtain design data for structures which will be exposed to these liquefied gases, it is necessary to evaluate the likely candidate materials at operating temperatures. Aluminum with its favorable face-centered-cubic structure has good possibilities in this field. Cryogenic properties of certain aluminum alloys have recently been determined [1–6], However, little work has been done comparing the various 5000-series alloys, especially at temperatures as low as -423°F, and almost no work has been done in evaluating plate material which could be used in construction of large storage containers for the low-temperature liquefied gases.
An Analysis of a Court's Decision to Deny Injunctive Relief to Michael McAdoo

This article discusses the denial of UNC's defensive end Michael McAdoo's request for permanent injunction. McAdoo was found ineligible due to accepting money from an agent, which he claims he did not realize he was receiving, and for academic violations. Although he was denied permanent injunction there is an NCAA hearing scheduled for October.
Eco-evolution of cancer resistance

For the past 60 years, the goal of conventional cancer therapies has been the eradication of every cancer cell. To this end, patients are subjected to the highest possible doses of radiation and chemotherapy as well as radical surgeries. In the rare case in which eradication was possible, clinicians achieved long-term control of the disease. For the most part, however, upfront eradication is not possible, and despite intensive and very toxic therapies, the patient dies of the disease or of complications of therapy. As our understanding about the role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and drug resistance improves, we are realizing that the paradigm of killing all cancer cells may be flawed.
Real-Time Hysteresis Modeling of a Reluctance Actuator Using a Sheared-Hysteresis-Model Observer

We present a method for real-time estimation of the hysteresis in an electromagnetic actuator in the presence of a changing air gap. We model the actuator with a lumped-parameter model, which enables us to model the ferromagnetic hysteresis separately from the air gap reluctance. This allows us to use a single-input hysteresis model with the magnetic field in the actuator core as the input, rather than having to use a two-input hysteresis model that requires the air gap as an additional input. Since the core magnetic field is not measured, we design an observer of the lumped-parameter model to estimate the core magnetic field and air gap flux as the gap changes. We introduce a change of variables in order to model a sheared version of the ferromagnetic hysteresis that takes advantage of the linearizing effect of the nominal air gap. We use the Preisach model to model the ferromagnetic hysteresis. The observer with sheared-hysteresis model is shown to be much more accurate compared to an observer using a standard unsheared-hysteresis model and is numerically stable in the face of a dynamically changing air gap. We test our real-time flux estimation scheme on a reluctance actuator prototype mounted to a 1-DoF air bearing stage. We experimentally demonstrate that the observer with the sheared-hysteresis model is capable of accurately estimating the actuator air gap flux in the presence of a dynamic gap change with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 35 $\mu$ m.
A dual-use imaging system for pre-clinical small animal radiation research

The current cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system on the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) is less effective in localizing soft-tissue targets. On the contrary, molecular optical imaging techniques, such as bioluminescence tomography (BLT) and fluorescence tomography (FT), can provide high contrast soft tissue images to complement CBCT and offer functional information. In this study, we present a dual-use optical imaging system that enables BLT/FT for both on-board and stand-alone applications. The system consists of a mobile cart and an imaging unit. Multi-projection optical images can be acquired in a range of −90°∼90° angles. An optical fiber driven by an X-Y-Z Cartesian stage serves as an excitation light source specifically for FT. Our results show that the accuracy and reproducibility of the system meets the requirements set by the pre-clinical workflow (<0.1 mm and 0.5 degree error). Preliminary experiments demonstrate the feasibility of bioluminescent imaging in a tissue-simulating phantom with a luminescent source embedded. In a considerable light-tight environment, we can achieve average background optical intensity significantly lower than the luminescent signal (< 5%).
Complexes of aluminium(III) with picolinic and pipecolinic acids: An27Al-NMR investigation

Aluminium-27 NMR has been employed for the study of the interaction of Al(III) with picolinic (pic-H) and pipecolinic (pip-H) acids in aqueous solution at variablepH. In the reaction with picolinic acid distinct peaks for hydrated Al(III), 1:1 and 1:2 Al-picolinate complexes, as well as a mixed hydroxo-picolinato complex Al(pic)2OH are observed. An insoluble 1:3 picolinate complex is formed atpH 3. Pipecolinic acid forms 1:1 and 1:2 Al-pipecolinate complexes. No hydroxy-pipecolinate species are formed, however, and the 1:2 complex is deprotonated abovepH 4.5 to colin- (pic-H) und Pipecolinsaure (pip-H) in wasriger Losung bei verschiedenenpH angewandt. Bei Al(pip)(H−1pip) have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and1H-NMR.
Abstract 1626: Honokiol inhibits IL-8 production and exerts anti-tumor effects in colon cancer cells: therapeutic and preventive implications

Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a member of CXC subfamily of chemokines, plays important roles in inflammation and cancer. The biological action of IL-8 is mediated through binding to its receptors, CXCR1 (IL-8RA) and CXCR2 (IL-8RB), which are members of the seven transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor family. Overexpression of IL-8 has been detected in many human tumors, including colon cancer, and it is a major component of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Functional studies have shown that IL-8 acts as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor, and promotes growth, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance in colon cancer, implying that it could serve as a preventive and therapeutic target. In this study, we examined the effect of honokiol, a biologically active biphenolic compound isolated from the oriental medicinal plant Magnolia officinalis/grandiflora, on two colon cancer cells lines, SW620 and HCT116. Both the cell lines are highly tumorigenic and metastatic, and express high levels of IL-8. Our data demonstrated that honokiol inhibited the expression of IL-8 in both colon cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. IL-8 downregulation by honokiol was also correlated with decreased activation of its transcriptional regulator NF-κB. Honokiol treatment enhanced cytoplasmic accumulation of NF-κB with a concomitant decrease in the nuclear fraction and reduced transcriptional activity of NF-κB-responsive promoter. This was associated with decreased phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IαB-α) leading to its stabilization and enhanced cytoplasmic levels. In addition, honokiol exerted growth inhibitory effects by inducing apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Altogether, these findings suggest that honokiol could serve as a novel preventive and therapeutic agent in colon cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1626. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1626
Perspective: Empowerment in veterinary clinics: the role of trust in delegation

The introduction and discussion of this paper reflect the state of the field two decades ago when the paper was presented. Some of the issues raised in the paper have seen considerable research sin...
Design of an ethernet communication program based on TMS320 C6455

This article describes the TMS320 C6455 DSP EMAC interface composition and working principle and the key data structures.By referring some other Ethernet drivers,this article describe the design of the C6455 DSP Ethernet-based communication program,which implements a high-speed communication interface between signal process board and host computer.Test result shows the achieved Ethernet communication interface is not only fully meet the requirements of the system design,but has the advantages of simple composition,highly system integration.This program has a certain value in the design other signal processing equipment.
Searching: Fast and slow

Tremendous engineering effort aimed at making search fast and for good reason. But, many compromises made to achieve speed. Not all searches need to be fast. How can we use additional time to improve search quality?
Adventures in Starting a Service Desk

This paper will discuss the journey taken by one small school, Lewis & Clark College, to implement a Service Desk. There are many aspects that go into a Service Desk, or so we learned when we transitioned a year ago from multiple separate service points to a one-stop shopping model of service. This change was part of an overall IT reorganization and had the goal of streamlining the process of receiving technology assistance. Some of the elements that helped this transition be successful include employing the correct staff and retraining existing staff, including student employees, implementing the correct tools (in our case for ticket tracking and equipment checkout) and creating an environment that would support and further our goal.One hurdle that we faced was changing the technology support culture on campus. This required much marketing, communication and a Grand Opening event to introduce the entire campus to the change. Were we successful? To some degree yes, and in other areas we are still working or dealing with new challenges
Critical Pedagogy and African AmericanMales Labeled "Emotionallyor Behaviorally Disordered"

This article reports on the results of a qualitative study that focused on the use of critical pedagogy with African American males with labels of "emotional or behavioral disorders. " The teachers in this study worked with students to examine and counter the ways that their status as a special education student affected their identities. The teachers worked with students to disrupt the hegemonic discourses of "deficient" that are often attached to special education labels by providing opportunities and experiences that challenge views of themselves as deficient and unable.
Knotty Zika Virus Blocks Exonuclease to Produce Subgenomic Flaviviral RNAs

In a recent issue of Science, Akiyama et al. (2016) prove the existence of a pseudoknot that stabilizes a nuclease-resistant RNA structure in the 3′ untranslated region of Zika virus. This reinforced structure blocks the 5′→3′ exonuclease Xrn1 for the production of pathogenic subgenomic flaviviral RNAs.
Processes Maintaining the Coexistence of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi at a Fine Spatial Scale

Ectomycorrhizal fungi defy classification by scale. As hyphae, they experience heterogeneity in the soil on a micron scale, while individuals can span meters. In this chapter, we seek to identify the most important processes structuring ectomycorrhizal fungal communities at a fine spatial scale, reviewing the current state of the field with respect to ecologically selective processes, the influence of ecological drift or neutrality on fine-scale community structure, the importance of dispersal limitation in this group, and the role of speciation in determining centimeter-scale diversity. We conclude that the spatial scale at which ectomycorrhizal fungi experience resource heterogeneity, competition, and host carbon availability is probably a key factor shaping these communities and has not been adequately studied. The diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi on a centimeter scale is also likely to be strongly affected by stochastic processes like dispersal limitation and ecological drift, but very little work has addressed these processes specifically. We call for focused research examining these processes to improve our ability to understand and predict patterns of community composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi at a centimeter scale.