cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemokine-mediated migration of mesencephalic neural crest cells

Clefts of the lip and/or palate are among the most prevalent birth defects affecting approximately 7000 newborns in the United States annually. Disruption of the developmentally programmed migration of neural crest cells (NCCs) into the orofacial region is thought to be one of the major causes of orofacial clefting. Signaling of the chemokine SDF-1 (Stromal Derived Factor-1) through its specific receptor, CXCR4, is required for the migration of many stem cell and progenitor cell populations from their respective sites of emergence to the regions where they differentiate into complex cell types, tissues and organs. In the present study, “transwell” assays of chick embryo mesencephalic (cranial) NCC migration and ex ovo whole embryo “bead implantation” assays were utilized to determine whether SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling mediates mesencephalic NCC migration. Results from this study demonstrate that attenuation of SDF-1 signaling, through the use of specific CXCR4 antagonists (AMD3100 and TN14003), disrupts the migration of mesencephalic NCCs into the orofacial region, suggesting a novel role for SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling in the directed migration of mesencephalic NCCs in the early stage embryo.
Results from a Single Institution Phase II Trial of Concurrent Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Radiotherapy Followed by Surgical Resection and Consolidation Docetaxel/Carboplatin in Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Background: The optimal treatment of locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. We hypothesized that using a trimodality approach in selected patients with stage IIIA/IIIB disease would be both feasible and efficacious with reasonable toxicity. Patients/Methods: We enrolled 13 patients with resectable stage III NSCLC on a prospective phase II trial of trimodality therapy. Induction treatment consisted of weekly docetaxel 20 mg/m 2 and weekly carboplatin at an area under curve (AUC) of 2 concurrent with 45 Gy thoracic radiotherapy. Resection was performed unless felt to be unsafe or if patients had progressive disease. Postoperative consolidation consisted of docetaxel 75 mg/m 2 and carboplatin at an AUC of 6 every 3 weeks for 3 cycles with growth factor support. Results: All patients responded to induction chemoradiotherapy as measured by total gross tumor volume reductions of 43% on average (range, 27%-64%). Twelve patients underwent resection of the tumor and involved nodes, yielding a resectability rate of 92%. The primary endpoint of 2-year overall survival (OS) was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36%-90%), and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 36% (95% CI, 9%-64%). The maximal toxicity observed per patient was grade II in 5 patients (38%); grade III in 7 patients (54%); grade IV in 1 patient (8%); and grade V in none. Conclusion: This trimodality approach resulted in promising outcomes with reasonable toxicity in carefully selected patients with stage III NSCLC at a single institution.
Correlation of supermode noise of harmonically mode-locked lasers

Two types of supermode noise spurs, uncorrelated and correlated, are measured for two different types of harmonically mode-locked lasers utilizing a dual grating pulse shaper as a means to determine the correlation. The correlated supermode noise spur, as measured with the residual phase noise technique, is related to the excitation of multiple correlated optical supermodes in the spectral domain and has a large impact on the noise behavior of optical pulse trains after propagation through a long optical fiber.
Nanoscale modelling of mechanical properties of asphalt–aggregate interface under tensile loading

This paper presents an investigation on the elastic constants of a quartz structure, tensile stress–strain state and adhesion failure behaviour of asphalt–rock interfaces by using an atomistic modelling method. A molecular mechanics method is applied to calculate the quartz bulk elastic constants, e.g. stiffness matrix, shear modulus, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to model the deformation and failure behaviour of asphalt–rock interfaces when subject to uniaxial tension. A 3D asphalt–quartz interface structure model is proposed in terms of density, position and thickness. The interfacial atom trajectories are visualised to represent the properties in simulations that characterise those of the asphalt–rock interface under uniaxial tension at nanoscale. Interfacial debonding characteristics or the adhesive failure are implemented with a large-scale MD simulation technology. The stress–strain relation of the interface layer under tensile loading is analy...
An assessment of marine pollution in Puget Sound

Abstract The Marine Ecosystems Analysis (MESA) Puget Sound Project was initiated to determine the existing levels, sources, fates and effects of toxic chemicals in Puget Sound, Washington. An approach was developed to assess the concentrations of a suite of contaminants and to measure a suite of biological parameters known to be responsive to contaminants. Metals, aromatic hydrocarbons and synthetic organics were found throughout the Sound. Highest concentrations were in bays near urban areas, particularly Elliott Bay near Seattle and Commencement Bay near Tacoma. A variety of biological disorders, including liver tumors in flatfish, and benthic community parameters were correlated with elevated contaminant levels. Because of the high contaminant concentrations there, and the high potential for exposure of humans to them, Commencement Bay has been identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a high priority toxic dump site in the United States, and remedial action is planned.
The effects of ethanol on embryonic actin: a possible role in teratogenesis

When the neural crest is cultured in the long or short term presence of ethanol, monoclonal anti-actin reveals the development of a disorganized actin cytoskeleton. In the long term, many cells fail to differentiate morphologically, whereas in the short term already differentiated cells rapidly alter their shape and their cell-to-cell contacts.
Time to Build and Fluctuations in Bulk Shipping

Abstract This paper explores the nature of fluctuations in world bulk shipping by quantifying the impact of time to build and demand uncertainty on investment and prices. We examine the impact of both construction lags and their lengthening in periods of high investment activity, by constructing a dynamic model of ship entry and exit. A rich dataset of secondhand ship sales allows for a new estimation strategy: resale prices provide direct information on value functions and allow their nonparametric estimation. We find that moving from time-varying to constant to no time to build reduces prices, while significantly increasing both the level and volatility of investment. (JEL G31, L11, L62, L92)
An Elaboration of a Cardinal Goal of Science Instruction: Scientific Thinking

Summary In this essay I offer a set of characteristic scientific activities, accompanied by principles to be used as guides in performing these activities, and dispositions that are desirable for the person performing these activities to have. This set is intended to provide a rough and ready elaboration of scientific thinking as a goal for our schools and colleges. Although they are here labeled scientific, they are intended to apply to other activities than doing what is standardly called science. This wider application is part of the justification for offering science in our schools and colleges. We want people to think scientifically about many other aspects of their lives, as well as about science content. There is no suggestion that science content is not important, nor that scientific thinking should be taught apart from science content. In fact I think that a very good way to teach scientific thinking is by infusing such instruction in the instruction of science content. See Swartz (1987) for a discussion of infusion, and Ennis, (1985, 1989, 1990) for treatments of the subject-specificity issue that is generally raised when thinking and content are discussed. This essay contains one brief case study that exemplifies most of the activities, principles, and dispositions suggested as goals for the schools. I realize that the validity and comprehensiveness of these goals has not been here demonstrated. The scientists, science educators, philosophers of science, and critical thinking specialists to whom1 have shown them are in general agreement about them, but the ultimate test will be in whether the goals are widely adopted and successfully serve as guidance in the promotion of scientific thinking. I hope that this elaboration of scientific thinking and its formulation in terms of a suggested set of goals are “dear and precise as is needed in the situation”.
MORPHOLOGICAL SEPARATION OF THE EUGLENOID GENERA TRACHELOMONAS AND STROMBOMONAS (EUGLENOPHYTA) BASED ON LORICA DEVELOPMENT AND POSTERIOR STRIP REDUCTION1

Since the separation of the Trachelomonas Ehrenberg subgroup "Saccatae" into a new genus, Strombomonas Deflandre (1930), there has been some question as to its validity. Deflandre's separation was based entirely on characteristics of the lorica, including the shape of the lorica, the lack of a distinctive collar, possession of a tailpiece, lack of ornamentation, and the ability of Strombomonas species to aggregate particles on the surface of the lorica. Recent molecular analyses indicated that the loricate taxa {Trachelomonas and Strombomonas) formed a single monophyletic clade; however, the phylogenetic relationship of Strombomonas to Trachelomonas remains unclear because only two Strombomonas taxa have been sequenced to date. In this study, we evaluated the monophyly of the loricate genera using two sets of morphological characters, lorica development and pellicle strip reduction. Lorica development in Strombomonas occurred from the anterior of the cell to the posterior, forming a shroud over the protoplast. In Trachelomonas, a layer of mucilage was excreted over the entire protoplast, followed by creation of the collar at the anterior end. Taxa from both genera underwent exponential strip reduction at the anterior and posterior poles. In Strombomonas only one reduction was visible in the anterior pole, whereas in most Trachelomonas species two reductions were visible. Likewise, Strombomonas species possessed two whorls of strip reduction in the posterior end compared with a single whorl of strip reduction in Trachelomonas species. These morphological characters support the separation of Trachelomonas and Strombomonas as distinct genera.
Nonlinear multi-physics model for casting metal in an industrial microwave furnace

The microwave furnace casting process is a time and temperature dependent nonlinear process. In this paper, we present our multi-physics modeling of a microwave oven process that is based on a coupled 3D EM- thermal analysis. Our efforts include the development of the necessary procedures and tools/probes to electrically and thermally characterize all utilized materials over a wide temperature range. Specifically, our novel core thermal analysis is based on the incorporation of black body radiation and the use of temperature dependent emissivity of all utilized materials. This developed 3D-EM/thermal non-linear model, for the first time, accurately predicts the temperature profile up to the melting point of the metal—which could lead to optimizing the oven design for efficient heating operation.
Alzheimer memory training: Students replicate learning successes

Eleven subjects with Alzheimer's disease took a 30-item biographical baseline quiz. Seven experimentals received 10 weekly sessions of a tape-recorded narrative plus quiz exercise, created and admi...
Evaluating Math Recovery Assessing the Causal Impact of a Diagnostic Tutoring Program on Student Achievement

Mathematics Recovery (MR) is designed to identify first graders who are struggling in mathematics and provide them with intensive one-to-one tutoring. We report findings from a 2-year evaluation of MR conducted in 20 elementary schools across five districts in two states. The design allowed for the estimation of the counterfactual growth trajectory based on those students randomly assigned either to a tutoring cohort with a delayed start or to a wait list. Results demonstrate strong end of first grade effects on a diagnostic measure developed by MR and weak to moderate effects (effect size, .15–.30) on measures administered by external evaluators. By the end of second grade, no significant effects were found on any measures. Practical and research implications are discussed.
Homocysteine Inhibits Inactivation of Factor Va by Activated Protein C

We report the effect of homocysteine on the inactivation of factor Va by activated protein C (APC) using clotting assays, immunoblotting, and radiolabeling experiments. Homocysteine, cysteine, or homocysteine thiolactone have no effect on factor V activation by alpha-thrombin. Factor Va derived from homocysteine-treated factor V was inactivated by APC at a reduced rate. The inactivation impairment increased with increasing homocysteine concentration (pseudo first order rate k = 1.2, 0.9, 0.7, 0.4 min(-1) at 0, 0.03, 0.1, 1 mm homocysteine, respectively). Neither cysteine nor homocysteine thiolactone treatment of factor V affected APC inactivation of derived factor Va. Western blot analyses of APC inactivation of homocysteine-modified factor Va are consistent with the results of clotting assays. Factor Va, derived from factor V treated with 1 mm beta-mercaptoethanol was inactivated more rapidly than the untreated protein sample. Factor V incubated with [(35)S]homocysteine (10-450 micrometer) incorporated label within 5 min, which was found only in those fragments that contained free sulfhydryl groups: the light chain (Cys-1960, Cys-2113), the B region (Cys-1085), and the 26/28-kDa (residues 507-709) APC cleavage products of the heavy chain (Cys-539, Cys-585). Treatment with beta-mercaptoethanol removed all radiolabel. Plasma of patients assessed to be hyperhomocysteinemic showed APC resistance in a clot-based assay. Our results indicate that homocysteine rapidly incorporates into factor V and that the prothrombotic tendency in hyperhomocysteinemia may be related to impaired inactivation of factor Va by APC due to homocysteinylation of the cofactor by modification of free cysteine(s).
Characterization of neurite outgrowth on electrically stimulated fibroblasts and endothelial cells

Previous work has shown that neurons respond to the presence of an exogenous electric field with increased neurite outgrowth. In addition, in the presence of electrically stimulated Schwann cells, neurite outgrowth also increases. The present study examines the characteristics of neurite response on electrically stimulated monolayers of other cells that would be present in the surrounding in vivo environment following peripheral nerve injury, including fibroblasts (FB) and endothelial cells (EC). FBs and ECs are seeded in sub-confluent monolayers and then subjected to a constant current applied DC electric field (EF) for 8 hours at 50mV/mm. Cells were then allowed to recover in new media for 12 hours. Following recovery primary dissociated neurons were seeded on EC and FB monolayers for 12 hours and then fixed, immunostained, and imaged using fluorescent microscopy. Initial visual observations of neurite extension on stimulated EC monolayers indicates that there may be a slight increase in neurite outgrowth on EF stimulated cells. Currently trials are underway to increase sample size for statistical significance and morphometric data of neurite outgrowth.
Interferon beta induces interleukin‐10 expression: Relevance to multiple sclerosis

Interferon-beta decreases the relapse rate, relapse severity, progression of neurological disability, and development of new brain lesions observed with brain magnetic resonance imaging in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. The mechanism of action of this effect is presently unknown. This study was based on the hypothesis that immunoregulatory effects of interferon-beta may underlie its demonstrated clinical efficacy. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of interferon-beta-1a on the expression of interleukin-10, a cytokine that strongly inhibits cell-mediated immune responses. Interferon-beta-1a induced accumulation of interleukin-10 messenger RNA and protein secretion by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The observed in vitro effects were similar for healthy control subjects and multiple sclerosis patients. Intramuscular injections of interferon-beta-1a increased serum levels of interleukin-10 at 12 and 24 hours following the injection. Greater increases were induced with 12 x 10(6)-IU than 6 x 10(6)-IU injections. The effect of interferon-beta-1a was relatively specific for interleukin-10, as treatment with interferon-beta-1a did not result in accumulation of transforming growth factor-beta messenger RNA. Upregulation of interleukin-10 represents a possible mechanism of action of interferon-beta's therapeutic effect in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and has implications for therapy of other autoimmune diseases.
PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK INFORMATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION: EVIDENCE OF CONCEPTUAL CONVERGENCE

This study investigates the degree to which performance feedback information can be conceptually housed within an existing theoretical framework of organizational communication. If one's job can be conceptualized as a work information environment, then logically there should be some communality between organizational communication and performance feedback information. In this study 213 faculty members at Iowa State University completed a questionnaire addressing patterns of organizational communication within their respective academic departments and feedback on their own job performance provided them by multiple sources. In order to uncover any underlying congruence between the communication and feedback constructs, the data were subjected to canonical correlation analysis. The results revealed that the type of feedback, source of feedback, and perceived reliability of feedback sources were all found to interact in logical patterns with selected dimensions of organizational communication.
The Nature of Nurture and the Future of Evodevo: Toward a Theory of Developmental Evolution

This essay has three parts. First, I posit that much research in contemporary evodevo remains steeped in a traditional framework that views traits and trait differences as being caused by genes and genetic variation, and the environment as providing an external context in which development and evolution unfold. Second, I discuss three attributes of organismal development and evolution, broadly applicable to all organisms and traits that call into question the usefulness of gene- and genome-centric views of development and evolution. I then focus on the third and main aim of this essay and ask: what conceptual and empirical opportunities exist that would permit evodevo research to transcend the traditional boundaries inherited from its parent disciplines and to move toward the development of a more comprehensive and realistic theory of developmental evolution? Here, I focus on three conceptual frameworks, the theory of facilitated variation, the theory of evolution by genetic accommodation, and the theory of niche construction. I conclude that combined they provide a rich, interlocking framework within which to revise existing and develop novel empirical approaches toward a better understanding of the nature of developmental evolution. Examples of such approaches are highlighted, and the consequences of expanding existing frameworks are discussed.
Reframing Political Messages: Using a Festival to Reach Young Voters

Public institutions of higher education are charged with “preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy” (American Association of State Colleges and Universities [AASCU] 2003, 1). Many institutions have fulfilled this mandate by becoming educational partners with Debate Watch, a program of the Commission on Presidential Debates. In this research, we describe a project aimed to generate youth voter interest in and knowledge about the 2008 election. Recalling the McLuhan (1964) truism “the medium is the message,” we shift the study from message content to message form when attempting to engage students in the political process. In particular, we describe the impact of combining discussions about presidential debates with a festival format to see what impact the form had in student civic engagement. We conclude that a festival format contributes greatly to the success of the Debate Watch event.
Does prior acute exercise affect postexercise substrate oxidation in response to a high carbohydrate meal

Background Consumption of a mixed meal increases postprandial carbohydrate utilization and decreases fat oxidation. On the other hand, acute endurance exercise increases fat oxidation and decreases carbohydrate utilization during the post-exercise recovery period. It is possible that the resulting post-exercise increase in circulating nonesterified fatty acids could attenuate the ability of ingested carbohydrate to inhibit lipid oxidation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prior exercise attenuates the usual meal-induced decline in lipid oxidation.
Optical Spectrographic Determination of Aluminum in a Titanium Alloy

Although titanium alloy technology in general is advancing rapidly, the control analysis of these alloys has not reached the degree of speed and perfection possible with corresponding alloys of aluminum, magnesium, and steel. Thus far, nearly all reliable methods for titanium have necessitated reducing the samples to chips and dissolving the metal prior to either chemical or spectrochemical analysis. These procedures are time consuming and costly. Most attempts to analyze titanium alloys by direct metal excitation have resulted in abnormally high errors frequently attributed to metal segregation. Results of experiments in this laboratory, however, indicate that acceptable precision can be obtained on a typical commercial alloy by direct excitation if certain precautionary techniques are employed. These techniques involve (1) selection of homologous line pairs, (2) choice of a reference line close to the element line in wavelength, (3) provision for flushing the analytical gap with an inert atmosphere during excitation, and (4) use of an adequate pre-exposure period to provide an equilibrium condition during exposure. The procedural considerations described, when applied to a direct spectrographic method, can reduce errors by an order of magnitude in the case of aluminum determinations in titanium alloy. The precision obtainable provides a coefficient of variation of 0.9%.
A novel gate drive for the MCT incorporating overcurrent protection

The paper presents a novel gate drive circuit for the MOS controlled thyristor (MCT) used as a power switch in a DC chopper. The control circuit generates gate pulses for the MCT and allows variable duty-cycle operation of the chopper. A Baker's clamp is used to provide gate pulses of small rise and fall times, and adjustable width. The gate control circuit includes a section for protecting the MCT against overcurrent. A Schmitt trigger with a selected value of hysteresis is used to provide fast protection by blocking the gate pulses to the MCT. Design equations for computing the parameters of the control circuit are given. Experimental waveforms obtained from the control and power circuits of the MCT chopper are presented. >
Smoking is Associated with Worse Mood on Stressful Days: Results from a National Diary Study

Background Many smokers report smoking because it helps them modulate their negative affect (NA). The stress induction model of smoking suggests, however, that smoking causes stress and concomitant NA. Empirical support for the stress induction model has primarily derived from retrospective reports and experimental manipulations with non-representative samples of smokers. Moreover, prior studies have typically not considered contextual factors (e.g., daily stressors) that may impact the smoking–NA relationship.
Density factor approach to representing impact of die power maps on thermal management

In the microelectronics industry, power has traditionally been the key driver for thermal management. Cooling solutions are typically rated in terms of their power dissipation capacity and efficiency. However, overall power is not the only parameter that affects thermal management. For instance, it is well-known that power density is also important (i.e., it is easier to cool 50 W uniformly distributed on a 20/spl times/20 mm die than the same power on a 10/spl times/10 mm die). Furthermore, even if the die size remains unchanged, nonuniform power distribution at the die level can create localized regions of high power density that require thermal management. This paper proposes a simple metric, density factor (DF/sub jx/), to be used in conjunction with power for quantifying the impact of power density on a given thermal solution. The advantages, limitations, and applicability of this metric are discussed.
CD4-Induced T-20 Binding to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp120 Blocks Interaction with the CXCR4 Coreceptor

The synthetic peptide T-20, which corresponds to a sequence within the C-terminal heptad repeat region (HR2) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 envelope glycoprotein, potently inhibits viral membrane fusion and entry. Although T-20 is thought to bind the N-terminal heptad repeat region (HR1) of gp41 and interfere with gp41 conformational changes required for membrane fusion, coreceptor specificity determined by the V3 loop of gp120 strongly influences the sensitivity of HIV-1 variants to T-20. Here, we show that T-20 binds to the gp120 glycoproteins of HIV-1 isolates that utilize CXCR4 as a coreceptor in a manner determined by the sequences of the gp120 V3 loop. T-20 binding to gp120 was enhanced in the presence of soluble CD4. Analysis of T-20 binding to gp120 mutants with variable loop deletions and the reciprocal competition of T-20 and particular anti-gp120 antibodies suggested that T-20 interacts with a gp120 region near the base of the V3 loop. Consistent with the involvement of this region in coreceptor binding, T-20 was able to block the interaction of gp120-CD4 complexes with the CXCR4 coreceptor. These results help to explain the increased sensitivity of CXCR4-specific HIV-1 isolates to the T-20 peptide. Interactions between the gp41 HR2 region and coreceptor-binding regions of gp120 may also play a role in the function of the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins.
Attitudes toward death-related choices.

In 99 high school students, attitudes toward abortion, capital punishment, and suicide were not associated.
Isavuconazole (BAL4815) Pharmacodynamic Target Determination in an In Vivo Murine Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis against Wild-Type and cyp51 Mutant Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) continues to rise in concert with increasing numbers of immune suppression techniques to treat other medical conditions and transplantation. Despite these advances, morbidity and mortality rates remain unacceptably high. One strategy used to optimize outcomes is antifungal pharmacodynamic (PD) examination. We explored the pharmacodynamics of a new triazole in development, isavuconazole, in a murine neutropenic IPA model. Ten A. fumigatus isolates were used, including four wild-type isolates and six cyp51 mutants. The MIC range was 0.125 to 8 mg/liter. Following infection, groups of mice were treated orally with the prodrug (BAL8557) at 40 to 640 mg/kg/12 h for 7 days. Efficacy was determined by quantitative PCR of lung homogenates. At the start of therapy, mice had 4.97 log10 conidial equivalents (CE)/ml of lung homogenate, and this increased to 6.82 log10 CE/ml of lung homogenate in untreated animals. The infection model was uniformly lethal in untreated control mice. The PD target endpoints examined included the static-dose AUC/MIC ratio and the 1-log10 killing AUC/MIC ratio. A stasis endpoint was achieved for all isolates with an MIC of ≤1 mg/liter and 1-log10 killing in all isolates with an MIC of ≤0.5 mg/liter, regardless of the presence or absence of the cyp51 mutation. The static-dose range was 65 to 617 mg/kg/12 h. The corresponding median free-drug AUC/MIC ratio was near 5. The 1-log10 killing dose range was 147 to 455 mg/kg/12 h, and the corresponding median free-drug AUC/MIC ratio was 11.1. These values are similar to those previously reported for other triazoles.
Fixed bed catalytic reactor modelling—the radial heat transfer problem

An interpretation of the state-of-the-art in modelling radial heat transfer in fixed bed catalytic reactors is presented. The persistence of the classical kr–hw model is discussed, problems with typical approaches to obtaining and analysing experimental heat transfer data to get kr and hw are explained, current correlations for kr are evaluated and the contentious history of hw is elaborated. A brief discussion of alternatives to the kr–hw approach and their pros and cons is attempted, and the review is concluded by a look at computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in fixed bed radial heat transfer modelling. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
The Career Construction Interview

The Career Construction Interview (CCI) comprises a qualitative assessment method that forms a central component of career construction counselling. Career construction counselling entails an interpersonal process of helping people author career stories that connect their self-concepts to work roles, fit work into life, and make meaning through work (Savickas, 2011).
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis: Two Human Fatalities Following an Unusual Febrile Illness.

SummaryThe virus of lymphocytic choriomeningitis was isolated from the tissues of two patients who died following an undiagnosed acute systemic disease.
Splenectomy in pregnancy: Its hematologic indications and obstetric management

Abstract Three cases of splenectomy performed during pregnancy are presented. Two of these were for thrombocytopenic purpura and one for congenital hemolytic icterus. In each case the pregnancy proceeded to term and a normal child was delivered. The place of splenectomy in the treatment of hematologic disorders occurring during pregnancy is discussed.
Ion Implantation Monitoring of GaAs Using Thermal Waves

Laser modulated thermoreflectivity, also called thermal wave technology, has been used in recent years to monitor ion implantation dose by monitoring the damage due to implantation. The thermal properties which are affected by lattice perturbations and other crystal imperfections are tracked by this technique. A gauge capability study was performed on the Thermawave TP300 for monitoring ion implantation of GaAs wafers. The results are presented. In order to determine the sensitivity of the technique to changes in dose, a matrix of GaAs and Si wafers was measured. During this study a downward trend was observed in the repeatability of our results. It is shown that damage to a sample during implantation will relax to a certain degree at room temperature. This damage relaxation can take up to 80 hours at room temperature and can be observed using thermal waves. It is shown that “hot wafer decay” follows a logarithmic decay which is indicative of a diffusion process. At 180°C the decay lasts less than 1 minute which indicates that the defects causing this phenomenon have a low activation energy.
Wireless Applications of Conformal Bioelectronics

Conformal bioelectronics in flexible or stretchable format that make direct contact to the skin or tissues have contributed extensively to diverse clinical applications. Wireless modules in such minimally invasive forms have developed in parallel to extend the capabilities and to improve the quality of such bioelectronics, in assurances to offer safer and more convenient clinical practice. Such remote capabilities are facilitating significant advances in clinical medicine, by removing bulky energy storage devices and tangled electrical wires, and by offering cost-effective and continuous monitoring of the patients. This chapter provides a snapshot of current developments and challenges of wireless conformal bioelectronics with various examples of applications utilizing either wireless powering or communication system. The chapter begins with near-field wirelessly powered therapeutic devices owing to the simplicity of power transfer mechanism followed by far-field powering systems which require integration of numerous electrical components. In the later sections of the chapter, sensors in conformal format that transfer clinical data wirelessly are discussed and ends by reviewing the developments of wireless bioelectronics that utilize integrated circuits for advanced capabilities in clinical applications.
Segmentation and outline detection in underwater video images using particle filters

Recently we have been concerned with locating and tracking images of fish in underwater videos. While edge detection and region growing have assisted in obtaining some advances in this effort, a more extensive, non-linear approach appears necessary for improved results. In particular, the use of particle filtering applied to contour detection in natural images has met with some success. Following recent ideas in the literature, we are proposing to use a recursive Bayesian model which employs a sequential Monte Carlo approach, also known as the particle filter. This approach uses the corroboration between two scales of an image to produce various local features which characterize the different probability densities required by the particle filter. Since our data consist of video images of fish recorded by a stationary camera, we are capable of augmenting this process by means of background subtraction. Moreover, we are proposing a method that does not require the pre-computation of the distributions required by the particle filter. The above capabilities are applied to our dataset for the purpose of using contour detection with the aim of eventual segmentation of the fish images and fish classification. Although our dataset consists of fish images, the proposed techniques can be employed in applications involving different kinds of non-stationary underwater objects. We present results and examples of this analysis and discuss the particle filter application to our dataset.
Deficiency of alpha-spectrin synthesis in burst-forming units-erythroid in lethal hereditary spherocytosis

A child diagnosed in utero with hydrops fetalis and a hematocrit of 6.4% was studied to determine the etiology of the anemia. Fetal red blood cells (RBCs) obtained during in utero transfusion had extremely abnormal osmotic fragility. A maternal history of mild autosomal dominant hereditary spherocytosis was present, and the father, who was hematologically normal, had a slightly abnormal osmotic fragility test. The patient was transfusion dependent after birth, with circulating nucleated RBCs but less than 1% reticulocytes. The patient's anemia failed to respond to splenectomy. Because mature RBCs of the patient were not available for study, progenitor-derived erythroblasts grown in culture were investigated. Immunodot assays of the patient's progenitor- derived cells showed a total cell spectrin content 26% of normal. Immunoprecipitation of whole burst-forming units-erythroid-derived cells and solubilized membranes from cells pulse-labeled with 35S- methionine showed a severe deficiency in alpha-spectrin synthesis and a markedly reduced amount of alpha- and beta-spectrin on cell membranes. No alpha-spectrin degradation products were found within the cells or were produced during membrane preparation. Ankyrin content and band 3 synthesis were not different from control. Inheritance of two genetic defects causing severely reduced alpha-spectrin synthesis is proposed as the cause of the lethal anemia, resulting in cell fragmentation during precursor enucleation or during egress from bone marrow.
Quantitative Assessment of Bradykinesia in Parkinson's Disease (PD) (P04.192)

OBJECTIVE: 1) Determine whether quantitative motor function tests can distinguish between subjects with and without parkinsonism. 2) Correlate findings from quantitative motor testing with standard measures of motor function (Unified Parkinson9s Disease Rating Scale-UPDRS-III). BACKGROUND: Ordinal rating scales (e.g., UPDRS) that measure motor function in PD can be subjective and may lack sensitivity to detect subtle features. Automated quantitative assessments are of interest for both their objectivity and sensitivity. DESIGN/METHODS: 40 subjects (21 patients with parkinsonism and 19 patients with other neurological disorders) were assessed with the UPDRS and MovAlyzeR, a digital writing tablet able to measure velocity and amplitude during upper extremity movements (quickly drawing lines between targets). Subjects were tested under single and dual task (saying the days of the week backwards) conditions. Group means were compared using Mann-Whitney U-tests. Relationships between UPDRS-III and quantitative motor function test scores were assessed using partial correlations. RESULTS: Stroke velocity was significantly slower in parkinsonian subjects under single and dual task conditions (p=.041 for both tasks). The differences persisted for single task stroke velocity when controlling for subject age. Absolute stroke size did not vary between groups (p=.147). Total UPDRS motor scores negatively correlated with stroke velocity (single task r=-.368, p=.027; dual task r=-.495, p=.002), consistent with slowing in more advanced parkinsonism. Among UPDRS domains, the strongest correlation was with bradykinesia items (single task r=-.383, p=.021; dual task r=-.495., p=.002). Associations were also observed with rigidity and Postural Instability and Gait Disorder items. Tremor items did not correlate with stroke velocity. CONCLUSIONS: MovAlyzeR quantitative testing distinguished between subjects with parkinsonism and controls, and stroke velocity correlated well with UPDRS motor scores, particularly with measures of bradykinesia rather than tremor. Future studies will assess whether quantitative testing can evaluate parkinsonism and changes associated with progression or treatment more sensitively than UPDRS. Supported by: PVAMC PADRECC Pilot Grant (Morley PI). Disclosure: Dr. Pantelyat has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freedman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pawlowski has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kesari has nothing to disclose. Dr. Duda has received personal compensation for activities with the Delaware Media Group. Dr. Duda holds stock and/or stock options in Celgene Corporation. Dr. Morley has nothing to disclose.
The Adverbs ‘Still’, ‘Already’, and ‘Yet’

There remains one other sort of expression that from the beginning Frege regarded as tonal that I want to consider briefly before extending this survey. This sort includes his example of the adverbs ‘still’ and ‘already’. Resisting Frege’s treatment, I shall urge that this pair, and other terms like these two, are to be understood in terms of contributions that the individual words make to the sense, and not to the tone, of sentences in which they occur. While it may be conceded tofrege that for a large number of cases their presence makes no difference to the truth or falsity of an embedding sentence, in other linguistic environments they do precisely this. And yet the adverbs mean the same in both kinds of cases. The principle of parsimony, of semantic innocence, ought not and need not be abandoned.
The Use of Collaboration, Authentic Learning, Linking Material to Personal Knowledge, and Technology in the Constructivist Classroom: Interviews with Community College Faculty Members

ABSTRACTThis study explored how faculty members implemented constructivist teaching methods after training. The student-centered teaching methods were interactions and collaborations, authentic learning and real-world experiences, linking material to previously learned information, and using technology in the classroom. Seven faculty members trained in student-centered teaching methods by the professional development department at a community college were interviewed. Interviews were supplemented with teacher-generated documents and classroom observations. All reported implementing the recommended practices in the classrooms, both online and in traditional face-to-face classrooms.
Informationsgrundlagen der Europäischen Markenforschung

Informationen uber die Stellung und Entwicklung von Marken im Markt werden — von Ausnahmen wie bei Kraftfahrzeugen oder Zigaretten abgesehen (bei Kraftfahrzeugen erfolgt die Erfassung der Zulassungen durch das Kraftfahrtbundesamt, bei Zigaretten tauschen die Hersteller ihre eigenen Daten aus) — nahezu ausschlieslich von der Marktforschung zur Verfugung gestellt. Das Thema ware folglich einfach zu behandeln, stunden die Informationsgrundlagen des Marketing im Zentrum des Interesses. Hier waren vor allem die Datenbasen und Instrumente darzustellen, die von der Marktforschung zur Markenforschung bereitgestellt werden. Der Zusatz „Europaisch“ fragt jedoch nicht nur danach, welche Informationen in welchen Landern erhaltlich sind, sondern vor allem auch, inwieweit diese aufeinander abgestimmt sind, sodass die Ergebnisse uber die Lander hinweg vergleichbar sind.
Are we justified in suggesting change to caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drink intake in lower urinary tract disease? Report from the ICI-RS 2015.

Aims There is increasing evidence that diet may have a significant role in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms. While fluid intake is known to affect lower urinary tract function the effects of alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners are less well understood and evidence from epidemiological studies is mixed and sometimes contradictory. The aim of this paper is to appraise the available evidence on the effect of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks on lower urinary tract function and dysfunction in addition to suggesting proposals for further research. Methods Literature review based on a systematic search strategy using the terms "fluid intake," "caffeine," "alcohol," "carbonated" and "urinary incontinence," "detrusor overactivity," "Overactive Bladder," "OAB." Results In addition to fluid intake, there is some evidence to support a role of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages in the pathogenesis of OAB and lower urinary tract dysfunction. Although some findings are contradictory, others clearly show an association between the ingestion of caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol with symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS Given the available evidence lifestyle interventions and fluid modification may have an important role in the primary prevention of lower urinary tract symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the precise role of caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol in the pathogenesis and management of these symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate that research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:876-881, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grading Regulators: The Impact of Global and Local Indicators on Vietnam's Business Governance

International indicators are widely used as diagnostic tools for global governance. For the developing world, with scarce resources and complex social problems, indicators can help businesses, donors, and policymakers identify issues, tailor solutions, and measure impacts. This Note studies the dynamics between global and domestic indicators in Vietnam, particularly the ways they influence Vietnam’s policy processes. It finds that while global indicators have advanced the notion of competitiveness and made it a priority of the national government, sub-national indicators—here, a ranking of Vietnam’s provinces—play a significant role as a more tailored and focused tool to motivate internal competition for pro-business reforms. This Note therefore confirms the dominant viewpoint that global indicators influence a country’s development agenda, but concludes that this effect is even more pronounced in the presence of robust local indicators.
Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Liquids and Solutions.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is an electronic absorption technique for which the initial state is a deeply buried core level. The photon energies corresponding to such transitions are governed primarily by the binding energies of the initial state. Because the binding energies of core electrons vary significantly among atomic species, this makes XAS an element-selective spectroscopy. Proper interpretation of XA spectra can provide detailed information on the local chemical and geometric environment of the target atom. The introduction of liquid microjet and flow cell technologies into XAS experiments has enabled the general study of liquid samples. Liquids studied to date include water, alcohols, and solutions with relevance to biology and energy technology. This Review summarizes the experimental techniques employed in XAS studies of liquid samples and computational methods used for interpretation of the resulting spectra and summarizes salient experiments and results obtained in the XAS investiga...
Alkylated Piperazines and Piperazine-Azole Hybrids as Antifungal Agents.

The extensive use of fluconazole (FLC) and other azole drugs has caused the emergence and rise of azole-resistant fungi. The fungistatic nature of FLC in combination with toxicity concerns have resulted in an increased demand for new azole antifungal agents. Herein, we report the synthesis and antifungal activity of novel alkylated piperazines and alkylated piperazine-azole hybrids, their time-kill studies, their hemolytic activity against murine erythrocytes, as well as their cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Many of these molecules exhibited broad-spectrum activity against all tested fungal strains, with excellent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against non-albicans Candida and Aspergillus strains. The most promising compounds were found to be less hemolytic than the FDA-approved antifungal agent voriconazole (VOR). Finally, we demonstrate that the synthetic alkylated piperazine-azole hybrids do not function by fungal membrane disruption, but instead by disruption of the ergosterol bio...
Family Members’ Experiences With Bereavement in the Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND Losing a loved one in the intensive care unit can be challenging for families. Providing bereavement support may assist in the grieving process. OBJECTIVE To describe family members' experiences with bereavement after the death of a loved one in the intensive care unit. METHODS This secondary analysis used an exploratory, descriptive design to study family members' experiences with bereavement. Family members of patients from 2 intensive care units in a tertiary medical center in the western United States participated. Audiotaped telephone interviews using a semistructured questionnaire were conducted. A qualitative, descriptive technique was used for data analysis. Two independent raters coded transcripts of audiotaped interviews with family members about their bereavement experiences. RESULTS Seventeen family members participated in the study. Most participants were female (n = 12; 71%) and spouses of deceased patients (n = 14; 82%), and their mean (SD) age was 62.4 (10.0) years. Three themes emerged: (1) bereavement was an individual experience; (2) situations occurring during the intensive care unit encounter remained significant for family members beyond a year after the death; and (3) social, cultural, spiritual, and religious events after the death hold importance for families of patients in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS Bereavement is a challenging experience for families of deceased intensive care unit patients. The themes identified in this study add insight into the experiences of these family members. The results of this study may guide future interventions to help support bereaved families of intensive care unit patients.