cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing the restrictions implied by the rational expectations hypothesis

Abstract The nature and form of the restrictions implied by the rational expectations hypothesis are examined in a variety of models with expectations and the properties of appropriate test statistics are analyzed with Monte Carlo evidence. Specifically, we consider the implications of lagged variables, simultaneous equations, and future period expectations upon the number and functional form of the rational expectations restrictions. Two asymptotically equivalent test statistics — a likelihood ratio and a Wald test — are available for implementing a test of these restrictions. Monte Carlo evidence is offered to provide a comparison between the properties of the alternative test statistics in small samples.
Generation of mice with a conditional and reporter allele for Tmem100.

Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1; ALK1) is predominantly expressed in arterial endothelial cells and plays an important role in angiogenesis. ACVRL1 mutations cause hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a genetic vascular disorder for which the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. We have found that expression of transmembrane protein 100 (Tmem100) is downregulated in the lung of Acvrl1-deficient mice; however, its function is unknown. To elucidate the role of Tmem100 in vivo, we generated a conditional knockout allele for Tmem100 in which exon3, containing the entire coding sequence, was flanked by loxP sequences. The targeted allele also possessed a lacZ reporter cassette in intron2 for visualization of Tmem100 expression. We found that Tmem100 was predominantly expressed in arterial endothelial cells of developing embryos. The conditional and reporter allele will be a useful resource to investigate the in vivo role of Tmem100, especially in angiogenesis. genesis 48:673–378, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measuring Periodontal Disease in Ancient Populations: Root and Wear Indices in Study of American Indian Skulls

As an example of the collaboration of periodontologists and physical anthropologists, the skulls of two Indian populations were studied. A root index to assay periodontal disease and a wear index to evaluate occlusal wear, were developed. The first Indian population, living 400 years ago, had more decay, loss of teeth and caries; the second population, living 4,000 years ago, exhibited more periodontal disease. Starting with a sample of eight teeth, two from each quadrant, the statistical analysis showed that a smaller number of teeth would give a reliable assessment of past oral health. Based on our findings, the canines proved to be good indicators for general wear and the incisors for periodontal disease. A six-tooth index of varying teeth studied is proposed for the root index and the wear index in future studies of oral health of ancient populations.
The interosseous membrane of the forearm: Anatomy and function

The anatomic detail of the interosseous membrane was studied by dissection of 20 preserved cadaveric specimens. The interosseous membrane was found to be a complex structure consisting of a central band, accessory bands, a proximal interosseous band, and membranous portions. The central band, a stout ligamentous structure, was found in all specimens. Fibers of the central band originate on the radius and are oriented distal and ulnar an average of 21 0 to the longitudinal axis of the ulna. Accessory bands were of less substance than the central band but were present in all specimens. The number of accessory bands ranged from 1 to 5. The proximal interosseous band is located on the dorsal surface only, and its fibers run counter to the central band. It shares a point of origin with the central band on the radius. This structure was present in 17 of 20 specimens. Since the central band was the most dominant and consistent structure, we chose to analyze the strain in the central band in 6 preserved specimens. Maximum strain in the central band of the intact specimen occurs in neutral forearm rotation. Once the radial head is removed, the percent strain universally increases throughout the arc of forearm rotation and peak strain shifts to pronation.
Researcher/researched: relations of vulnerability/relations of power

Turning to reflexive journals and fieldnotes, the author reconsiders Foucault’s relations of power through her experiences with five research participants, who are professors of education. The paper explores: (1) the translation of Foucault for an analysis of power; (2) the dynamics of researching up and analyzing from below; and (3) the rethinking of relations of power as also, simultaneously, relations of vulnerability. Metalogues, imagined conversations, extend and challenge Foucault in a negotiation of power/knowledge with the author as she rethinks relations of power as Relations of vulnerability/Relations of power.
Historical implications of the co-occurrence constraints on auxiliaries

Abstract Positing two constraints on auxiliary co-occurrence, the Base Order Constraint and the Once-per-Clause Constraint, this study demonstrates that the auxiliary order reflects the historical sequence of grammaticalization, that the appearance of co-occurences developed in the same historical sequence, that the Once-per-Clause Constraint has changed its governance in the past two hundred years to a grammatical governance rather than a lexical one, and that the tense paraphrase, do , was prevented from spreading to clauses with other auxiliaries by the loss of tense and non-finite forms in the modals it has to precede.
Abstract 2968: TH17 cells in early pancreatic tumorigenesis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Activating Kras mutations have been detected in 30% of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN), increasing to 100% in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Chronic pancreatitis is a risk factor for PDAC and cigarette smoking, the most important single risk factor for PDAC, has been recently associated with chronic pancreatic inflammation. The central hypothesis guiding our work is that inflammatory cells recruited to the pancreas in response to chronic injury can interact with epithelial cells harboring activated KrasG12D, affecting the progression of PanIN lesions. Further understanding of this interaction would be fundamental to generate effective chemopreventive strategies in high risk populations. To test this hypothesis, we have used the Mist1:CreERT2; LSL-KrasG12D mice in which the LSL KrasG12D allele is activated specifically in the acinar compartment of adult mice, leading to the rapid formation of PanIN with a classic “ductal” phenotype. We have established a model of chronic inflammation- induced pancreatic tumorigenesis that results in significant acceleration in the initiation and progression of PanIN lesions at 4 weeks after the activation of Kras. We have found that TH17 cells, a subtype of CD4+ T-helper cells known to play an active role in other models of inflammation- induced tumorigenesis, are rapidly recruited to the pancreas after Kras activation and are further increased in the presence of concomitant chronic pancreatic inflammation induced by cerulein injections. The differentiation of CD4+T cells into TH17 requires IL-6 and TGF-B, and both factors are increased in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Finally, Stat3, a key transcription factor that determines the differentiation of Th17 lineage, is activated in cells infiltrating early PanIN lesions. We are currently evaluating both genetic ablation of TH17 cells and neutralizing antibodies against IL-17 as novel therapeutics strategies in murine PanIN. 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 2968. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2968
Hyperbolic conservation laws with stiff relaxation terms and entropy

We study the limiting behavior of systems of hyperbolic conservation laws with stiff relaxation terms. Reduced systems, inviscid and viscous local conservation laws, and weakly nonlinear limits are derived through asymptotic expansions. An entropy condition is introduced for N × N systems that ensures the hyperbolicity of the reduced inviscid system. The resulting characteristic speeds are shown to be interlaced with those of the original system. Moreover, the first correction to the reduced system is shown to be dissipative. A partial converse is proved for 2 × 2 systems. This structure is then applied to study the convergence to the reduced dynamics for the 2 × 2 case. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fluorescence Molecular Tomography of Small Animals Using the Radiative Transfer Equation for Curved Geometries

We have developed a fluorescence image reconstruction algorithm for three-dimensional whole-body small animal imaging. The image reconstruction technique employs a light propagation model based on the equation of radiative transfer for curved geometries.
Magnetohydrodynamic Power Extraction from Cold Hypersonic Airflows with External Ionizers

A novel concept of hypersonic cold-air magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) power generators with ionization by electron beams is analyzed. Electron beams are shown to allow control and stable operation of MHD channels in cold high-speed flows. To avoid excessive energy cost of ionization and damage to beam-injection foils, electron beam current densities should be restricted to a few milliamperes per square centimeter. This reduces the conductivity in electron beam sustained MHD channels compared with that in conventional MHD generators, restricting performance and calling for very strong magnetic fields and high Hall parameters. The high Hall parameters cause ion slip and near-anode phenomena to become first-order issues. Example one-dimensional calculations of hypersonic power generator performance appear to be promising. Possible problems that could be caused by hypersonic boundary layers and electrode sheaths, including anode sheath instability and ways to avoid it, are also discussed.
Origins of German social thought

The German Enlightenment has been ignored in accounts of the origins of sociological theory. The works of Leibniz, Lessing, and Herder contain a number of ideas that influenced the intellectual climate in which later German social thought took shape. We discuss several of these ideas in some detail and suggest some of their influences in the works of Marx, Weber, and Simmel. The major portion of the paper is devoted to the exposition of the incipient sociology of Leibniz, Lessing, and Herder.
Avoiding complications associated with iris retractor use in small pupil cataract extraction

While there are several options for managing the small pupil during cataract surgery, adjustable iris retractors are beneficial when there is a risk of cutting or tearing the iris, such as with rubeosis. Appropriate use of this new surgical tool includes proper placement of the paracenteses and a gradual and limited enlargement of the pupil, perhaps to no more than 5.0 mm.
Lens-Specific Expression of a Chicken βA3/A1-Crystallin Promoter Fragment in Transgenic Mice

Abstract βA3/A1-crystallin is one of the major refractive proteins of the chicken eye lens. Previously we showed that a fragment from −382 to +22 bp of the βA3/A1-crystallin gene functions as a promoter in transfected lens cells. Here we show by use of the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene that the −143/+22 fragment is sufficient for lens-specific promoter activity in transgenic mice. DNase I footprinting shows that lens nuclear proteins protect several regions within the minimal promoter fragment.
Use of biomarkers to predict cardiac risk from medications: getting to the heart of the matter.

In May 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration approved rofecoxib, the first nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)1 with specific cyclooxygenase II (COX-II) activity. Soon to follow were the approvals of other COX-II inhibitors, including celecoxib. The hypothetical advantage of COX-II inhibitors over standard NSAIDs was that COX-II inhibitors reportedly caused fewer gastrointestinal complications, thanks to their avoidance of COX-I inhibition. Not long after the release of COX-II agents, however, concerns were voiced about the theoretical potential for cardiovascular risk associated with their use. This concern was based on the fact that although nonselective NSAIDs inhibit both COX-I and COX-II, COX-II agents had little to no inhibitory effect on COX-I, which might be accompanied by a relative prothrombotic risk due to the suppression of prostacyclin, in the absence of inhibition of thromboxane A2. Also voiced were concerns about increased blood pressure and fluid retention—2 side effects described for COX-II inhibitors. It is interesting that less concern existed at the time about the potential cardiac risk of nonselective NSAIDs. The prescient concerns about cardiac risk related to COX-II inhibitor use were subsequently supported by the release of clinical trial results that demonstrated significant cardiovascular risk associated with the use of these drugs (1)(2), a risk that appeared to be dose dependent and to be present even when the results were adjusted for the baseline risk of the study participants. Following the release of these findings, …
Forced Vibration of Timoshenko Beams Made of Multimodular Materials

Abstract : This paper presents a transfer-matrix analysis for determining the sinusoidal vibration response of thick, rectangular-cross-section beams made of multimodular materials (i.e., materials which have different elastic behavior in tension and compression, with nonlinear stress-strain curves approximated as piecewise linear). An experimentally determined stress-strain curve for aramid-cord rubber is approximated by four straight-line segments (two segments in tension and two segments in compression). To validate the transfer-matrix results, a closed-form solution is also presented for the special case in which the neutral-surface location is uniform along the length of the beam. Also, comparisons are made among multimodular, bimodular (two line segments), and unimodular models. Numerical results for axial displacement, transverse deflection, bending slope, bending moment, transverse shear and axial forces, and the location of the neutral surface are presented for the multimodular model. Effects of translatory and rotatory inertia coefficients on axial force are investigated for a clamped-clamped beam. Moreover, natural frequencies associated with the first three modes of a clamped-free beam are presented. Transfer-matrix results agree very well with the closed-form results for the corresponding material model (one, two, or four segments).
Alterations in the spontaneous release of dopamine and the density of the DA D2 receptor mRNA after chronic postnatal exposure to cocaine.

Abstract The influence of cocaine administration on dopamine (DA) release and D 2 dopamine receptor mRNA levels was examined in developing rat brain. In the rat pup, cocaine (25 mg/kg SC) was administered daily from postnatal days 1–9 and extracellular DA measured 24 h after the last injection of cocaine, using in vivo micro dialysis. Twenty-four hours after discontinuing cocaine administration, a decrease in the extracellular concentration of DA of more than 100% was found in treated pups compared to control pups. Pups were tested on postnatal days 10–12, 20–21, or 35–36. After 1 month, basal release of DA returned to control levels. To examine the structural basis of the alteration in basal release of DA, in situ hybridization studies were performed to access the effect of chronic administration of cocaine on the mRNA encoding the D 2 DA receptor. These preliminary studies, on postnatal day 10, indicate that drug treatment alters the developmental pattern of D 2 mRNA. The changes in D 2 mRNA expression were accompanied by delayed disaggregation of neostriatal cells and diminished growth of neostriatal neurons. These structural changes may lead to functional impairment in the development of dopamine target cells, thus altering the balance of synaptic and trophic effects of DA.
Treating Oral Sarcoidosis

The authors discuss two cases of oral sarcoidosis. Oral sarcoidosis is rare and can be confused with various other lesions. Two case reports of sarcoidosis involving the lips are presented along with a discussion of sarcoidosis and treatment options.
Model reactions for insect cuticle sclerotization: Participation of amino groups in the cross-linking of Manduca sexta cuticle protein MsCP36

Current theories of sclerotization center on protein cross-linking and dehydration as major factors in the hardening and stability of the insect cuticle. Several studies have reported the identification of catecholamino acid adducts from sclerotizing cuticle involving histidine, lysine, and tyrosine, though there have been no reports of a catechol linked between two amino acid residues. Previously, we reported an in vitro model system for sclerotization and observed that stable protein oligomers were formed, presumably through cross-links with oxidized catecholamines [Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2006) 36, 353e365]. Using site-directed mutagenesis we created a mutant lacking histidine, rMsCP36(H65A/H178A), to investigate the possible involvement of the two histidine residues of MsCP36 in cross-linking. Surprisingly, this alteration had little ornoeffecton the formation of proteinoligomers as determined bySDS-PAGEanalysis. Blockingof the freeaminogroupsinlysylsidechainsandtheamino-terminus bysuccinylationdiminished, but did not eliminate, cross-linking of either rMsCP36 or rMsCP36(H65A/H178A). We also examined the possibility that cross-linking was due to intermolecular dityrosine linkages. Immunoblot analysis utilizing a monoclonal antibody known to recognize peptidyl dityrosine indicated that dityrosyl cross-links were present. Taken together, these results indicate that lysyl residues are important for the cross-linking of the cuticle protein rMsCP36, but that additional residues other than histidine can also contribute. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Constrained filtering with contact detection data for the localization and registration of continuum robots in flexible environments

This paper presents a novel filtering technique that uses contact detection data and environmental stiffness estimates to register and localize a robot with respect to an a priori 3D surface model. The algorithm leverages geometric constraints within a Kalman filter framework and relies on two distinct update procedures: 1) an equality constrained step for when the robot is forcefully contacting the environment, and 2) an inequality constrained step for when the robot lies in the free-space of the environment. This filtering procedure registers the robot by incrementally eliminating probabilistically infeasible state space regions until a high likelihood solution emerges. In addition to registration and localization, the algorithm can estimate the deformation of the surface model and can detect false positives with respect to contact estimation. This method is experimentally evaluated with an experiment involving a continuum robot interacting with a bench-top flexible structure. The presented algorithm produces an experimental error in registration (with respect to the end-effector position) of 1.1 mm, which is less than 0.8 percent of the robot length.
Learning without lectures: a case study

During a 1995-1996 sabbatical, the authors' long-standing concern about discrepancies between their teaching philosophies and classroom practices reached a crisis. As a result, they decided to offer the fall 1996 Introduction to Psychology course on the World Wide Web. There were several issues to think about. First, the authors saw the potential for a huge impact, since 80 to 85 percent of North Dakota State University students enrol in Psych110, most within their first two years. Second, they decided to design the course so that it could be offered for off-campus distance learning as well as on-campus resident instruction. Third, they decided to minimize overhead for students by using only a Web browser, e-mail, a textbook, and the textbook publisher's demonstration/simulation software. Fourth, they chose to base decisions about course components on published literature covering cognition and teaching. Finally, they built in mid term and final student course evaluation components and a field experiment comparing student attitudes and learning outcome for online versus lecture classes.
Using SEEK for multichannel pattern recognition

The author's work on computerized analysis of the 2-channel, 24-hr electrocardiogram has previously resulted in the development of multichannel signal processing systems that learn by observation. A new tool for implementing such algorithms is described: the pattern recognition language SEEK. Programs written in SEEK build a knowledge base containing treelike data structures, each of which stores acquired information about a particular multichannel waveform. Input data are interpreted by performing an efficient parallel evaluation of the structures in the knowledge base. The work is applicable to a wide variety of pattern recognition problems that arise in medical signal processing. The approach is illustrated with examples drawn from ECG analysis.
Relationships of herbivore feeding and plant flavonoids (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae and Anacardiaceae: Rhus )

Eighteen leaf flavonoid compounds were isolated from several populations of Rhus tripartita from xeric habitats in Israel, ornamental Schinus terebinthifolius from Israel, and three species of Rhus (vulgaris, natalensis, tenuinervis) from mesic habitats in Kenya. Foodplant preference testing of Rhus-feeding Leaf Beetles (Blepharida sacra from Israel and B. marginalis and B. conradsi from Kenya) correlated well with the flavonoid composition of the different foodplants. Blepharida sacra and B. marginalis foodplant preferences demonstrated an herbivore sibling relationship but there is evidence, including foodplant ecology and distribution, that they are separate species. The herbivorefoodplant coevolution of the xeric B. sacra-R. tripartita is distinct from that of the mesic B. marginalis-R. vulgaris/natalensis, however, this study also indicates possible ancestral relationships between the herbivore species as well as between the plant species.
Block copolymer of poly(ester amide) and polyesters: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro cellular response

In order to expand the properties and applications of aliphatic absorbable polyesters, a new biodegradable block copolymer family, poly(ester amide)-b-poly(e-caprolactone) (PEA-b-PCL), was synthesized and characterized. These copolymers were synthesized by first preparing l-phenylalanine-based poly(ester amide) macroinitiators (Phe-PEAs) with free amine end groups via a solution polycondensation. The amine-terminated Phe-PEA macroinitiators were then used to initiate the ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone monomer to prepare the PEA-b-PCL copolymers. The molecular weight (MW) of PEA-b-PCLs can be well controlled by adjusting the Phe-PEA MW and weight ratio of e-caprolactone to Phe-PEA, and ranged from 7 to 50kgmol(-1). The copolymers' structure and properties were characterized by various physicochemical methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and solubility testing. The in vitro enzymatic biodegradation tests were performed to evaluate the biodegradation rate of the copolymers. The results showed that the introduction of Phe-PEA to PCL did not significantly change the degradation rate of PCL. Biological studies were conducted to assess the polymer's biological properties, like supporting the cell attachment and proliferation, and inflammation response. The results showed that the bovine aortic endothelial cells had very good attachment and proliferation performance on PEA-b-PCL coating surface. TNF-α release profiles showed that PEA-b-PCL exhibited a muted J774 macrophage inflammatory response.
Low Energy Positron Production at the Livermore Linac

Beams of monoenergetic positrons with energies of a few eV to many keV have been used in experiments in atomic physics, solid state physics and materials science. The results of some of these experiments are given and the production of positron beams from a new source, an electron linac, is described. Intense, pulsed beams of low-energy positrons have been produced by a high-energy beam from an electron linac. The production efficiency for low-energy positrons has been determined for electrons with energies from 60 to 120 MeV. Low-energy positron beams produced with a high energy electron a linac can be of much higher intensity than those beams currently derived from radioactive sources. These higher intensity beams will make possible positron experiments previously infeasable.
What aspects of self do self-monitors monitor?

This study explored the relationships among Snyder’s self-monitoring construct (and its component factors) and the three components of the Self-Consciousness Scale: public self-consciousness, private self-consciousness, and social anxiety. The best single predictor of self-monitoring tendencies was social anxiety, although the increment in R-square attributable to public self-consciousness was also significant. Those scoring highest on the Self-Monitoring Scale were in social anxiety and high in public self-consciousness, whereas the prototypic low self-monitoring individuals were in social anxiety, low in public self-consciousness, and high in private self-consciousness. The data also revealed that the three presumably independent self-monitoring subscales are highly intercorrelated, a finding that calls into question their status as distinct factors.
Effects of reduced summer flows on the brook trout population and temperatures of a groundwater‐influenced stream

Withdrawal of water from streams and groundwater is increasing in Midwestern North America and is a potential threat to coldwater fishes. We examined the effects of summer water withdrawals on brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations and water warming rates by diverting 50–90% of summer baseflow from a 602-m treatment zone (TZ) in a groundwater-influenced Michigan stream during 1991–1998. We compared density of brook trout in fall, and spring-to-fall growth and survival of brook trout, between the TZ and an adjacent reference zone (RZ) whose flows were not altered. Flow reductions had no significant effects on the density of brook trout in fall or spring-to-fall survival of brook trout. However, spring-to-fall growth of brook trout in the TZ declined significantly when 75% flow reductions occurred. Cold upstream temperatures and the relatively short study reach kept thermal habitat conditions excellent for brook trout in the TZ throughout the dewatering experiments. These findings suggest that brook trout can tolerate some seasonal loss of physical habitat if temperature conditions remain suitable. In summer 1999, we experimentally assessed the influence of flow reduction on the warming rate through the TZ by diverting from 0% to 90% of flow around the TZ in 3- or 4-day trials on a randomised schedule. Average daily temperature increased exponentially as stream flows declined from normal summer levels. Our findings suggest the risk of trout habitat loss from dewatering is potentially large and proportional to the magnitude of withdrawal, especially as thermal conditions approach critical levels for trout.
Construction and Validation of the 4-Item Dynamic Gait Index

Background and Purpose. People with balance disorders often have difficulty walking. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a short form of the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for the clinical measurement of walking function in people with balance and vestibular disorders. Subjects. A total of 123 subjects with such disorders (test subjects) and 103 control subjects were included in this study. Methods. Rasch and factor analyses were used to create a short form of the DGI. Internal consistency and discriminative validity for test subjects versus control subjects and for falling versus nonfalling test subjects were evaluated. Results. Four items were selected for the shorter version of the test: gait on level surfaces, changes in gait speed, and horizontal and vertical head turns. Discussion and Conclusion. The clinical psychometric properties of the 4-item DGI were equivalent or superior to those of the 8-item test. The 4-item DGI can be used by clinicians to measure gait in people with balance and vestibular disorders without compromising important clinical measurement characteristics.
Differences in performance on a reversal learning test and division of labor in honey bee colonies

We studied the association between honey bee (Apis mellifera) division of labor and performance on an olfactory reversal-learning test. Manipulations of colony age structure and flight experience were used to test whether differences in performance are associated with age, current behavioral state, or flight experience. Nurse bees showed significantly faster rates of extinction to a learned odor than did foragers. This difference was associated primarily with differences in behavioral state, rather than age; it was seen when comparing nurses and foragers from typical colonies and normal-age nurses and precocious foragers from single-cohort colonies. Differences in extinction rate were not related to differences in flight experience; there was no difference between foragers and foraging-age bees denied flight experience. These results suggest that changes in learning and memory occur in association with division of labor. We speculate on the possible functional significance of the difference in extinction rate between nurses and foragers.
A Novel Approach to Measuring Efficiency of Scientific Research Projects: Data Envelopment Analysis

Purpose Measuring the efficiency of resource allocation for the conduct of scientific projects in medical research is difficult due to, among other factors, the heterogeneity of resources supplied (e.g., dollars or FTEs) and outcomes expected (e.g., grants, publications). While this is an issue in medical science, it has been approached successfully in other fields by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA has a number of advantages over other techniques as it simultaneously uses multiple heterogeneous inputs and outputs to determine which projects are performing most efficiently, referred to as being at the efficiency frontier, when compared to others in the data set. Method This research uses DEA for the evaluation of supported translational science projects by the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), a NCATS Clinical & Translational Science Award (CTSA) recipient. Results These results suggest that the primary determinate of overall project efficiency at OCTRI is the amount of funding, with smaller amounts of funding providing more efficiency than larger funding amounts. Conclusion These results, and the use of DEA, highlight both the success of using this technique in helping determine medical research efficiency and those factors to consider when distributing funds for new projects at CTSAs.
A Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)‐Responsive Polymer for Safe, Efficient, and Targeted Gene Delivery in Cancer Cells

The high intracellular oxidative stress in a cancer cell is a biologically relevant stimulus for efficient intracellular delivery of therapeutic genes. In this study, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive poly(amino thioketal) (PATK) was synthesized to achieve efficient and safe intracellular gene delivery in prostate cancer cells. The DNA/PATK polyplexes were efficiently disassembled upon exposure to high levels of ROS in prostate cancer cells, leading to enhanced intracellular release of DNA in the cells. As a result, DNA/PATK polyplexes showed significantly higher gene transfection efficiency than their non-degradable counterparts did. In addition, conjugation of GRP78 protein-targeting peptide to the PATK not only increased its cellular uptake in prostate cancer cells but also enhanced gene transfection efficiency. This study demonstrates that ROS-responsive PATK functionalized with a cancer-targeting peptide is a promising gene carrier for safe, efficient, and cancer-targeted gene delivery.
Distributed source model for short-range MIMO

The plane-wave, or point-source, assumption has been used extensively in array signal processing, parameter estimation, and wireless channel modeling to simplify analysis. It is suitable for single-input-single-output (SISO) and single-input/multiple-output (SIMO) systems, because the rank of the channel matrix is one. However, for short-range multiple-input- multiple-output (MIMO) systems with line-of-sight (LOS), the point-source assumption affects the rank and singular value distribution of the MIMO channel matrix, and results in the underestimation of channel capacity, especially for element spacings exceeding a half wavelength. The short-range geometry could apply to many indoor wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. To avoid this under-estimation problem, the received signal phases must depend precisely on the distances between transmit and receive antenna elements. With this correction, the capacity of short-range LOS MIMO channels grows steadily as the element spacing exceeds half wavelength. We derive an empirically-based threshold distance below which the distributed source model is required for accurate performance estimation in ray tracing.
CIRCULAR DICHROISM OF THE PARALLEL BETA HELICAL PROTEINS PECTATE LYASE C AND E

The pectate lyases, PelC and PelE, have an unusual folding motif, known as a parallel beta-helix, in which the polypeptide chain is coiled into a larger helix composed of three parallel beta-sheets connected by loops having variable lengths and conformations. Since the regular secondary structure consists almost entirely of parallel beta-sheets these proteins provide a unique opportunity to study the effect of parallel beta-helical structure on circular dichroism (CD). We report here the CD spectra of PelC and PelE in the presence and absence of Ca2+, derive the parallel beta-helical components of the spectra, and compare these results with previous CD studies of parallel beta-sheet structure. The shape and intensity of the parallel beta-sheet spectrum is distinctive and may be useful in identifying other proteins that contain the parallel beta-helical folding motif.
SELF-FOCUSED ATTENTION AND THE SELF-REGULATION OF ATTENTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONALITY AND PATHOLOGY

The ability to shift attention away from the self may increase self–conscious individuals’ vulnerability to negative affective states. Participants’ ability to shift their attention away from themselves was assessed by how quickly they could shift attention to an external stimulus when thinking about themselves relative to their reaction time when thinking about someone else. This measure of attentional flexibility was not related to the degree of self–focus. Consistent with previous research, individuals high in private self–focused attention were more dysphoric. Being low in attentional flexibility magnified the effects of private self–focused attention. Participants high in private self–awareness who could not stop thinking about themselves experienced more dysphoria and generalized anxiety than those lower in self–consciousness or those who could better regulate attention. A similar effect was found for public self–awareness and social anxiety. Imagine focusing your attention on something that is unpleasant and finding it difficult to look away. This would be a rather upsetting state of affairs. Now imagine that the unpleasant stimulus is you and you cannot stop thinking about yourself. More than just being upsetting, this may be associated with depression and other psychological difficulties. Indeed, self–focused attention (i.e., thinking about oneself) has been implicated in the onset, maintenance, and deterioration of mood in depression (e.g., Nolen–Hoeksema, 1991; Pyszczynski & Greenberg, 1987). On the other hand, self–focused attention alone may not be enough to
Successful Use of Clopidogrel for Cerebrovascular Accident in a Patient with Suspected Ticlopidine-Induced Hepatotoxicity

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of successful clopidogrel use in a patient who developed suspected ticlopidine-induced hepatotoxicity during therapy for a cerebrovascular accident.CASE REPORT:A 79-year-old white woman with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer disease, and coronary artery disease started receiving ticlopidine 250 mg twice daily three days after hospital admission for a cerebrovascular accident. Medications prior to admission included quinapril, furosemide, insulin, atorvastatin, conjugated estrogen, medroxyprogesterone, donepezil, and vitamin E. The estrogen, medroxyprogesterone, and donepezil were discontinued on admission. Laboratory tests on admission revealed that total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were within normal limits. On day 39 of hospitalization, laboratory tests showed marked increases in alkaline phosphatase, AST, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl-transferase, and 5' nucleotidase. Physical examination revealed no signs o...
Asymptotic stability of matrix second order systems: new conditions and perspectives

Modeling of many dynamical systems results in matrix second order differential equations. In this paper, the stability issues of matrix second order dynamical systems are discussed. In literature, only sufficient conditions of stability and/or instability for a system in matrix second order form are available. In this paper, necessary and sufficient conditions of asymptotic stability for time-invariant systems in matrix second order form under different types of dynamic loading (conservative/nonconservative) are derived and physical interpretation is carried out. As the conditions are directly in terms of physical parameters of the system, the effect of different loading on the system stability is made transparent by dealing the stability issues directly in matrix second order form.
Quantification of proteinuria with urinary protein to osmolality ratios in children with and without renal insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Spot urine is recommended as an accurate method to determine proteinuria in children and adults. However, urinary excretion of creatinine may vary in newborns and spot urine may be influenced by the hydration-dehydration condition of patients. The study was done to assess the validity of the urine protein to osmolality ratio versus the urine protein to creatinine ratio in health and disease conditions. METHODS: We studied the correlation of the urine protein-osmolality ratio (Uprot/Uosm) and the urine protein to creatinine ratio (Up/Ucr ) and compared results with the 24-hour urinary protein excretion. Three groups were compared: children with normal renal function and without proteinuria (group 1, n=53), children with normal renal function and with proteinuria (group 2, n=52) and patients with renal insufficiency (group 3, n=45). Early morning urine samples and 24-hour urine specimens were collected for protein, creatinine, and osmolality. RESULTS: The optimal cutoff value of the Uprot/Uosm ratio was determined to be 0.33 mg/L/mosm/kgH2O for abnormal proteinuria and 1.75 mg/L/mosm/kgH2O for nephrotic range proteinuria. In comparing ROC curves, we found no differences between the Uprot/Uosm and Up/Ucr ratios in detecting abnormal proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome in children with normal or decreased renal function (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the Uprot/Uosm and Up/Ucr ratios from random urine specimens are good predictors of 24-hour urinary total protein excretion in children with and without renal insufficiency.
Workplace Engagement and Generational Differences in Values

This article summarizes literature on workplace engagement, an issue that affects organizations’ financial results and individuals’ personal lives. The newest of the four generations in the workpla...
The influence of hyperglycemia and other clinical variables on rehabilitation and hospital length of stay after neurosurgery in patients with cancer.

Objective: Our study was designed to address whether steroid-induced hyperglycemia after neurosurgery affects rehabilitation and hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients with cancer. Patients and ...
PROSTAGLANDINS AS MEDIATORS OF THE HYPERCALCEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN HUMAN CANCERS

In a subset of patients with hypercalcemia caused by solid tumors, the elevated serum calcium is dependent on an increased metabolism of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenase pathway. Such patients excrete increased amounts of the major urinary metabolite of PGE 2 in the urine, and the administration of aspirin or indomethacin will restoreserum calcium levels to normal. Complete reversal of the hypercalcemia is seen only in those patients who have no evidence of bone metastases by X-Ray or bone scan. When such patent evidence of bone metastases is present in patients excreting high levels of the prostaglandin E metabolite, serum calcium will be reduced significantly but only slightly by the inhibitors ofthe fatty acid cyclooxygenase. In hypercalcemic patients who do not excrete elevated amounts of PGE metabolite, aspirin and indomethacin do not lower serum calcium, indicating that such patients have prostaglandin independent hypercalcemia.
Controversies in the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diseases. Session IV: Immunology. Summary and Discussion

This section of the meeting on controversies in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases covered some of the most important aspects of care of patients who are critically ill. We have learned an amazing amount about the role of the phagocyte in the defense against microbial disease. It is well established that patients with selective white cell defects, such as chronic granulomatous disease of childhood, are particularly prone to infection due to certain bacteria. It is clear that the incidence of
Near-Infrared Twelve-Channel Wavelength Division Demultiplexer on A Semi-insulating GaAs Substrate

Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and demultiplexing (WDDM) devices have been under intensive research for the past 15 years. Many WDMs and WDDMs that use absorption and/or interference filters[1,2] and diffraction gratings[3-6] have been reported. Wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing is a promising technique for both optical communication and sensing systems. Multiplexing an array of signal carriers with different optical frequencies greatly enhances the transmission capacity and the application flexibility of an optical communication system. The dispersion characteristic of the diffraction grating provides an opportunity to employ WD(D)M devices for optical encoders[7,8] to detect both linear and rotational positions. We have developed four-channel visible (543, 594.1, 611.9 and 932.8 nm) , five-channel near IR (730, 750, 780, 810 and 840 nm), eight-channel (740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, and 810nm) near IR and ten-channel near IR single-mode wavelength division demultiplexers using a graded index (GRIN) polymer waveguide in conjunction with a highly multiplexed waveguide hologram[9,10] Due to the index tunability of the polymer guide, the reported device can be implemented on high refractive index substrates such as GaAs and Si[11,12,13]
LDL CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH THE PCSK9 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY EVOLOCUMAB (AMG 145): A POOLED ANALYSIS OF 1779 PATIENTS IN PHASE 2, 3 AND OPEN LABEL EXTENSION STUDIES

Advanced age is a highly prevalent and arguably, the strongest risk factor for CVD. Though elderly patients derive benefits from LDL-C reduction, clinicians remain wary about aggressive lipid lowering in this group. Evolocumab (AMG 145), a fully human monoclonal antibody to PCSK9, has demonstrated
Therapy in chronic active nephritis.

A specific therapy for chronic nephritis has not as yet been established, and it is therefore important that other treatable lesions be ruled out before a diagnosis of nephritis is accepted. Hypocalcemia, therapeutic agents to relieve or control bone disease, nitrogen imbalance, and hypertension are discussed. A specific therapy for chronic glomerulonephritis is suggested which, although still in experimental stages, shows great promise.
Health education on postpartum depression and its effect evaluation

Objective To study the effects of health education on maternal postpartum depression.Methods 300 cases of pregnant women were divided into two groups randomly;control group got the basic nursing care,the observation group not only got the basic nursing care,but also attended health education.The incidence of postpartum depression and severity of the first 12 weeks of two groups were compared by using HAMD postpartum depression scale.Results Compared with the incidence of postpartum depression and severity,there is a statistically significant difference between two groups(P0.05).Conclusion Health education plays an effective role in preventing postpartum depression.
Experimental Study on Protection of Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharide on Liver

Objective To observe the pharmacologic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) in protecting liver. Methods Effect of GLP (200 mg/kg by gastrogavage) on changes of histological figure,transaminase and lipid peroxida- tion (LPO) were observed in mice with acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride,taking bifendate pills as positive control.Results The degree of hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis,SGPT level,LPO and MDA levels in plasm and liv- er homogenate in mice treated with GLP were all better than those in mice treated with normal saline,showing significant difference (P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusion GLP shows obvious protection on acute experimental liver injury and transaminase depression in mice,the mechanism is possibly related with its effects in antagonizing to free radical injury and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Animal Models of Autoimmune Uveitis

There are several animal models that have proved useful in understanding the mechanisms and pathogenesis of uveitis. One of the oldest animal models of uveitis widely used is experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU, Agarwal and Caspi). It can be induced by either injection of specific photoreceptor proteins, such as arrestin (S-antigen) or interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), or other retinal proteins like melanin. There are also spontaneous models of uveitis, as well as genetically “humanized” models that have been recently developed. This chapter describes and discusses these major experimental animal models of uveitis—both old and new—with emphasis on their advantages and disadvantages in translational ophthalmic research.
The Case of Turin II: A City Reacts from Precinct to Parish

Studies of the European student revolts of 1968 have tended to focus on cosmopolitan centers of rebellion such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome. Fewer scholars have examined the provincial cities that also experienced severe unrest such as Leeds, Lyon, Stuttgart, and Turin. This concentration on capital cities has served to emphasize the international qualities of the student demonstrations and perhaps lent a sense of centralization that was really not the case. Although Paris, as a historic center of revolution retained its guiding role for the French in 1968, other Western European nations experienced widely diffuse and unpredictable points of conflagration in the late 1960s.