cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In situ oxygen atom erosion study of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-polyurethane copolymer

The surface of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-polyurethane copolymer has been characterized in situ using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after exposure to incremental fluences of oxygen atoms produced by a hyperthermal oxygen atom source. The data indicate that the atomic oxygen initially attacks the cyclopentyl groups that surround the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane cage most likely resulting in the formation and desorption of CO and/or CO2 and H2O from the surface. The carbon concentration in the near-surface region is reduced from 72.5 at.% for the as-entered surface to 37.8 at.% following 63 h of O-atom exposure at a flux of 2.0 × 1013 O atom/cm2-s. The oxygen and silicon concentrations are increased with incremental exposures to the O-atom flux. The oxygen concentration increases from 18.5 at.% for the as-entered sample to 32.6 at.% following the 63-h exposure, and the silicon concentration increases from 8.1 to 11.1 at.% after 63 h. The data reveal the formation of a silic...
The use of 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol in studies of zinc release from Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase

The metallochromic indicator 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) has been used at pH 7.0 to monitor the mercurial-promoted Zn2+ release from Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase and Zn2+ uptake by regulatory dimers upon displacement of the mercurial reagent with 2-mercaptoethanol. The release of Zn2+ (as reflected by a yellow to orange color change in PAR solutions) is linked to dissociation of the enzyme since the six Zn2+ bonding domains stabilize catalytic and regulatory chain contacts; the rebinding of Zn2+ produces enzyme assembly and a corresponding decrease in the amount of PAR-Zn2+ complex. Using greater than 10-fold PAR to free Zn2+ at pH 7.0, delta epsilon = 6.6 +/- 0.2 X 10(4) M-1 cm-1 at 500 nm (20 degrees C) for (PAR)2Zn2+ complex formation (beta'2 approximately equal to 10(12) M-1). In kinetic studies at pH 7.0, PAR (10(-4) M) has been used to measure the instantaneous concentration of Zn2+ released from micromolar quantities of protein; second-order k = 2 X 10(7) M-1 s-1 for forming the 1:1 PAR:Zn2+ complex. These properties of PAR-Zn2+ interactions make PAR a generally useful reagent for studying Zn2+ release from proteins.
Oviposition patterns of the strawberry bud weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) at two spatial scales and implications for management.

The strawberry bud weevil, Anthonomus signatus Say, is an important pest of strawberries in eastern North America. Typically, growers treat entire fields with insecticides on an annual basis when the number of clipped buds exceeds a threshold. The 3 objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to determine the distribution of weevil injury within strawberry fields, (2) to determine if managing only field borders would be effective, and (3) to determine if weevils preferentially oviposit in particular orders of flowers on an inflorescence. During a 3-yr monitoring period (1992–1994), A. signatus oviposition activity increased unidirectionally at a rate of ≈8 m or 10 rows (1.25 m centers) per year. In 7 grower fields in New York, only the 12-m perimeter of strawberry fields treated with insecticide reduced injury to a level similar to interior portions of the field. In the interior of these fields, insecticide treatments did not influence the level of weevil damage. Even when weevils damaged floral buds, only a small proportion (7%) were primary flowers that produce the largest fruit. On average, oviposition occurred disproportionally in secondary flower buds. These observations indicate that A. signatus can be managed effectively by treating the outside perimeter of fields rather than entire fields, planting cultivars that compensate the most for clipper injury on the perimeter, and suggest that thresholds could be raised because damage to large, primary buds is limited.
Echocardiographic quantification of mitral valvular response to myocardial revascularization.

Aims and Objectives: Mild and/or moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) may resolve after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It has been shown that the loss of saddle shape of the mitral valve is associated with IMR and is determined by an increase in the nonplanarity angle (NPA). The aim of this prospective, observational study was to test the hypothesis that NPA might decrease immediately after CABG alone in patients with mild to moderate IMR. Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted in an academic, tertiary care hospital. Twenty patients underwent 2D and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and mitral valve assessment before and immediately after the CABG. NPA, circularity index, and other geometric variables were obtained. They were compared using paired t test. The SPSS (Version 15.0, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analysis. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The NPA was similar in the pre- and post-bypass periods (148° ± 15°, 148° ± 19°, P = 0.88). Circularity index (0.93 ± 0.13, 0.97 ± 0.11, P = 0.41) also was similar. Conclusions: There was no change in the mitral valve NPA with revascularization alone in patients with mild or moderate IMR. Mitral valve does not change its planarity (NPA) with revascularization alone in patients with IMR.
HPLC determination of ketoprofen enantiomers in human serum using a nonporous octadecylsilane 1.5 μm column with hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin as mobile phase additive

Abstract A sensitive and stereospecific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the quantitation of ketoprofen enantiomers in human serum was developed. The assay involves the use of an octadecylsilane solid-phase extraction for serum sample clean-up prior to HPLC analysis. Chromatographic resolution of the ketoprofen enantiomers was performed on a nonporous octyldecylsilane column with hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin as the mobile phase additive. The composition of the mobile phase was 98:2 v/v aqueous 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), pH 4.00 (adjusted with triethylamine (TEA))/acetonitrile containing 10 mM hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at a flow rate of 0.8 ml min−1. Recoveries of R(−)-ketoprofen was 95.4±2.16% and for S(+)-ketoprofen 96.2±1.31%. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the range 0.025–15 μg ml−1 range for each enantiomer in serum. The detection limit based on a S/N=3 ratio was 10 ng ml−1 for each enantiomer in serum with ultraviolet detection at 220 nm. The limit of quantitation for each enantiomer was 25 ng ml−1. Precision calculated as % relative standard deviation (%R.S.D.) and accuracy calculated as % error were in the range 0.2–5.2% and 0.3–2.2%, respectively, for the R enantiomer and 0.3–6.2 and 0.2–3.2%, respectively, for the S enantiomer.
Emergence of ethnochoreology internationally: The Janković sisters, Maud Karpeles, and Gertrude Kurath

A fifty-year (1962-2012) period has been shown as a history of ethnochoreology supported by living memories of members of the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) Study Group on Ethnochoreology. Recently uncovered and juxtapositioned correspondence of three predecessors within earlier years of the International Folk Music Council (IFMC) broadens the history. This article reveals the emergence of ethnochoreology during the 1950s with publications of the two Jankovic sisters in Serbia with that of Gertrude Kurath in the United States, alongside correspondence with Maud Karpeles, the unheralded founder of the IFMC.
Bubonic Plague in Nineteenth-century China

A note on translations, transliteration, names, and places Abbreviations Introduction 1. Origins of plague in Southwestern China, 1772-1898 2. The interregional spread of plague, 1860-1894 3. The spatial diffusion of plague in the Southeast coast Macroregion, 1884-1949 4. Nineteenth-century Chinese medical, religious, and administrative response to plague 5. Civic activism, colonial medicine, and the 1894 plague in Canton and Hong Kong 6. Plague and the origins of Chinese state medicine in the new policies reform era, 1901-1911 Conclusion Appendixes: patterns of plague morbidity and mortality in Taiwan, 1897-1917, and Hong Kong, 1893-1923 A. Plague morbidity and mortality in Hong Kong, 1894-1923, and Taiwan, 1897-1917 B. Comparative causes of death in Hong Kong, 1893-1907, and Taiwan, 1897-1906 Notes Works cited Character lists A. Names, terms, and titles B. Place names Index.
Frequency, imaging findings, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of distal clavicular osteolysis in young patients.

Objective Atraumatic distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) has been described in adult male weightlifters. Our purpose was to investigate the frequency, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of DCO in young patients.
Electromyographic and mechanomyographic responses across repeated maximal isometric and concentric muscle actions of the leg extensors

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine the patterns of responses for torque, electromyographic (EMG) amplitude, EMG mean power frequency (MPF), mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude, and MMG MPF across 30 repeated maximal isometric (ISO) and concentric (CON) muscle actions of the leg extensors. Twelve female subjects (21.1±1.4yrs; 63.3±7.4kg) performed ISO and CON fatigue protocols with EMG and MMG signals recorded from the vastus lateralis. The relationships for torque, EMG amplitude, EMG MPF, MMG amplitude, and MMG MPF versus repetition number were examined using polynomial regression. The results indicated there were decreases ( p r 2 =0.95), EMG amplitude ( R 2 =0.44), EMG MPF ( r 2 =0.62), and MMG MPF ( r 2 =0.48), but no change in MMG amplitude ( r 2 =0.07). In addition, there were decreases across the CON muscle actions for torque ( R 2 =0.97), EMG amplitude ( R 2 =0.46), EMG MPF ( R 2 =0.86), MMG amplitude ( R 2 =0.44), and MMG MPF ( R 2 =0.80). Thus, the current findings suggested that the mechanisms of fatigue and motor control strategies used to modulate torque production were similar between maximal ISO and CON muscle actions.
Pharmacotherapy of diabetes in cystic fibrosis patients

Importance of the field: Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a unique type of diabetes. In this article I review the pathophysiology of CFRD to gain insight as to why these patients have clinical features of both type 1 and 2 diabetes (DM). The reader will also learn that, although CFRD is different from type 1 and 2 DM, the development of diabetes-induced complications is similar to other types of DM. These complications can include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy resulting from uncontrolled hyperglycemia; however, hyperglycemia and/or insulin deficiency in people with CFRD may exacerbate underlying CF problems, such as decreased pulmonary function and weight loss.Areas covered in this review: Review medical therapy of CFRD including the over-riding goal of maintaining blood glucose levels in a range as close to normal as possible. The other important goal for diabetes management is to prevent diabetes complications and to encourage psychological wellbeing of the patient. However, as revie...
Molecular Requirements for Gene Expression Mediated by Targeted Histone Acetyltransferases

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) play fundamental roles in regulating gene expression. HAT complexes with distinct subunit composition and substrate specificity act on chromatin-embedded genes with different promoter architecture and chromosomal locations. Because requirements for HAT complexes vary, a central question in transcriptional regulation is how different HAT complexes function in different chromosomal contexts. Here, we have tested the ability of targeted yeast HATs to regulate gene expression of an epigenetically silenced locus. Of a panel of HAT fusion proteins targeted to a telomeric reporter gene, Sas3p and Gcn5p selectively increased expression of the silenced gene. Reporter gene expression was not solely dependent on acetyltransferase activity of the targeted HAT. Further analysis of Gcn5p-mediated gene expression revealed collateral requirements for HAT complex subunits Spt8p and Spt3p, which interact with TATA-binding protein, and for a gene-specific transcription factor. These data demonstrate plasticity of gene expression mediated by HATs upon encountering novel promoter architecture and chromatin context. The telomeric location of the reporter gene used in these studies also provides insight into the molecular requirements for heterochromatin boundary formation and for overcoming transcriptional silencing.
Efficacy of a Smoking Cessation Program for Hospital Patients

Background: Hospitalization may be an opportune time to change smoking behavior because it requires smokers to abstain from tobacco at the same time that illness can motivate them to quit. A hospital-based intervention may promote smoking cessation after discharge. Methods: We tested the efficacy of a brief bedside smoking counseling program in a randomized controlled trial at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. The 650 adult smokers admitted to the medical and surgical services were randomly assigned to receive usual care or a hospital-based smoking intervention consisting of (1) a 15-minute bedside counseling session, (2) written self-help material, (3) a chart prompt reminding physicians to advise smoking cessation, and (4) up to 3 weekly counseling telephone calls after discharge. Smoking status was assessed 1 and 6 months after hospital discharge by self-report and validated at 6 months by measurement of saliva cotinine levels. Results: One month after discharge, more intervention than control patients were not smoking (28.9% vs 18.9%; P=.003). The effect persisted after multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for baseline group differences, length of stay, postdischarge smoking treatment, and hospital readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-3.57). At 6 months, the intervention and control groups did not differ in smoking cessation rate by self-report (17.3% vs 14.0%; P=.26) or biochemical validation (8.1% vs 8.7%; P=.72), although the program appeared to be effective among the 167 patients who had not previously tried to quit smoking (15.3% vs 3.7%;P=.01). Conclusions: A low-intensity, hospital-based smoking cessation program increased smoking cessation rates for 1 month after discharge but did not lead to long-term tobacco abstinence. A longer period of telephone contact after discharge might build on this initial success to produce permanent smoking cessation among hospitalized smokers. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:2653-2660
Gene expression profiling of DEHP-treated cardiomyocytes reveals potential causes of phthalate arrhythmogenicity

Background: Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer that imparts flexibility to polyvinyl chloride. We have recently reported that clinically relevant concentrations of DEHP can affect electrical coupling between cardiac myocytes causing significant rhythm disturbances. The underlying causes for this effect are currently unknown. Objectives: To use data on global mRNA expression as a tool to reveal possible pathways leading to arrhythmogenic effects of DEHP. Methods: Rat neonatal cardiomyocytes were treated with 50g/mL DEHP for 72 h. Extracted RNA samples were hybridized onto Affymetrix Rat Gene 1.0 ST arrays. The mRNA expression of a subset of genes was validated by qRT-PCR. In a second set of experiments, cells were treated in a concentration dependent manner to identify genes affected by low DEHP concentrations. Results: DEHP exposure is associated with global changes in mRNA expression, with differentially expressed genes overrepresented in 47 Gene Ontology categories. Modified expression was detected for genes associated with cell electrical activity, calcium handling, adhesion and microtubular transport. For a number of key proteins, including kinesin, TGF2, -tubulin, and 1& 1 integrins, changes in mRNA levels were confirmed on the level of the protein expression. A number of genes associated with cell adhesion and electrical activity were identified as early DEHP targets as they were affected by concentrations as low as 1g/mL. Conclusions: Exposure of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to clinically relevant DEHP concentrations leads to global changes in mRNA expression. These changes help to explain the arrhythmogenic effects of phthalates on these cells.
The influence of core teaching conceptions on teachers' use of inquiry teaching practices

This article investigates three teachers' conceptions and use of inquiry-based instructional strategies throughout a professional development program. The professional development program consisted of a 2-week summer inquiry institute and research experience in university scientists' laboratories, as well as three academic year workshops. Insights gained from an in-depth study of these three secondary teachers resulted in a model of teacher conceptions that can be used to direct future inquiry professional development. Teachers' conceptions of inquiry teaching were established through intensive case-study research that incorporated extensive classroom observations and interviews. Through their participation in the professional development experience, the teachers gained a deeper understanding of how to implement inquiry practices in their classrooms. The teachers gained confidence and practice with inquiry methods through developing and presenting their institute-developed inquiry lessons, through observing other teachers' lessons, and participating as students in the workshop inquiry activities. Data analysis revealed that a set of four core conceptions guided the teachers' use of inquiry-based practices in their classrooms. The teachers' conceptions of science, their students, effective teaching practices, and the purpose of education influenced the type and amount of inquiry instruction performed in the high school classrooms. The research findings suggest that to be successful inquiry professional development must not only teach inquiry knowledge, but it must also assess and address teachers' core teaching conceptions. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach
Comparison of Sterol Import under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions in Three Fungal Species, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Sterol import has been characterized under various conditions in three distinct fungal species, the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae and two human fungal pathogens Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, employing cholesterol, the sterol of higher eukaryotes, as well as its fungal equivalent, ergosterol. Import was confirmed by the detection of esterified cholesterol within the cells. Comparing the three fungal species, we observe sterol import under three different conditions. First, as previously well characterized, we observe sterol import under low oxygen levels in S. cerevisiae and C. glabrata, which is dependent on the transcription factor Upc2 and/or its orthologs or paralogs. Second, we observe sterol import under aerobic conditions exclusively in the two pathogenic fungi C. glabrata and C. albicans. Uptake emerges during post-exponential-growth phases, is independent of the characterized Upc2-pathway and is slower compared to the anaerobic uptake in S. cerevisiae and C. glabrata. Third, we observe under normoxic conditions in C. glabrata that Upc2-dependent sterol import can be induced in the presence of fetal bovine serum together with fluconazole. In summary, C. glabrata imports sterols both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and the limited aerobic uptake can be further stimulated by the presence of serum together with fluconazole. S. cerevisiae imports sterols only in anaerobic conditions, demonstrating aerobic sterol exclusion. Finally, C. albicans imports sterols exclusively aerobically in post-exponential-growth phases, independent of Upc2. For the first time, we provide direct evidence of sterol import into the human fungal pathogen C. albicans, which until now was believed to be incapable of active sterol import.
Characterization of variants of the gene encoding the p55 antigen in Pneumocystis from rats and mice

Variants of the p55 gene in rat-derived Pneumocystis carinii have been identified and its counterpart in mouse-derived P. carinii f. sp. muris has been cloned. By PCR amplification of P. carinii genomic DNA, five variants were identified that differed from each other in size and sequence, primarily in the number and size of encoded amino acid repeats. For P. carinii f. sp. muris, a single PCR fragment (471 bp) was obtained, which contained an incomplete ORF encoding a 157 aa protein that was most similar to a p55 variant in P. carinii, with nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity of 79 and 68 %, respectively. Southern blot analysis revealed the presence of more than one copy of the p55 gene in both Pneumocystis species. Thus, like other Pneumocystis antigens, p55 exhibits polymorphism that could potentially benefit the organism in host interactions.
Can rote memorization be fun? A game shell for concept matching with Java and XML

The concepts of some of the most popular games can be extended to become suitable as a presentation shell that can accommodate a wide variety of educational contents. As an example the popular "Concentration" board game was implemented as a Java applet that permits the teacher to define the underlying tasks independently in XML form based on an expressive grammar. The tasks can be accumulated within a database and lessons can be defined through filtering the database based on keywords, difficulty levels and other task attributes. Preliminary experience indicates that such a game can not only replace regular exams, but also be employed as a learning tool without sacrificing its appeal as a game. To help clarify the students' user models the game will be augmented by an "observer" module that records all the student interactions and an "analyzer" module that displays graphs summarizing the interactions.
A Trend Study of Self-Concept and Mathematics Achievement in a Cross-Cultural Context

The TIMSS 1995, 1999, and 2003 data have been gathered from Hong Kong before and after its sovereignty switch from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. Built on a reciprocal relation theory from the research literature, this investigation is designed to examine models of student self-concept and mathematics achievement during the political transition. Along with a perceived ‘brain drain’ from the population migration, there was a non-monotonic change in the reciprocal relationship between self-concept and mathematics achievement. In addition, indicators of mathematics achievement and self-concept have demonstrated different linkages to the permanent emigration of Hong Kong residents with valued or desirable skills and qualifications. Interpretation of these empirical findings entails a need of enhancing cross-cultural understanding in mathematics education.
Early deglacial Atlantic overturning decline and its role in atmospheric CO 2 rise inferred from carbon isotopes (δ 13 C)

Abstract. The reason for the initial rise in atmospheric CO2 during the last deglaciation remains unknown. Most recent hypotheses invoke Southern Hemisphere processes such as shifts in midlatitude westerly winds. Coeval changes in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) are poorly quantified, and their relation to the CO2 increase is not understood. Here we compare simulations from a global, coupled climate–biogeochemistry model that includes a detailed representation of stable carbon isotopes (δ13C) with a synthesis of high-resolution δ13C reconstructions from deep-sea sediments and ice core data. In response to a prolonged AMOC shutdown initialized from a preindustrial state, modeled δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) decreases in most of the surface ocean and the subsurface Atlantic, with largest amplitudes (more than 1.5‰) in the intermediate-depth North Atlantic. It increases in the intermediate and abyssal South Atlantic, as well as in the subsurface Southern, Indian, and Pacific oceans. The modeled pattern is similar and highly correlated with the available foraminiferal δ13C reconstructions spanning from the late Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~19.5–18.5 ka BP) to the late Heinrich stadial event 1 (HS1, ~16.5–15.5 ka BP), but the model overestimates δ13CDIC reductions in the North Atlantic. Possible reasons for the model–sediment-data differences are discussed. Changes in remineralized δ13CDIC dominate the total δ13CDIC variations in the model but preformed contributions are not negligible. Simulated changes in atmospheric CO2 and its isotopic composition (δ13CCO2) agree well with ice core data. Modeled effects of AMOC-induced wind changes on the carbon and isotope cycles are small, suggesting that Southern Hemisphere westerly wind effects may have been less important for the global carbon cycle response during HS1 than previously thought. Our results indicate that during the early deglaciation the AMOC decreased for several thousand years. We propose that the observed early deglacial rise in atmospheric CO2 and the decrease in δ13CCO2 may have been dominated by an AMOC-induced decline of the ocean's biologically sequestered carbon storage.
A carrier and timing recovery technique for QAM transmission on digital subscriber loops

The asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) service attempts to provide 1.6 Mb/s data transmission over a single twisted-pair copper loop for distances up to 18 kft. A simple timing and carrier recovery scheme for a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) approach is proposed. The algorithm uses the receiver decisions to eliminate the effects of intersymbol interference (ISI) as well as to provide estimates for samples of the pulse response at the demodulator output. These estimates are then used to generate a sampling phase error signal that can be used in a single phase locked loop configuration to correct carrier frequency, as well as timing offsets in the QAM based system. The algorithm exploits the characteristics of both the system as well as the environment, and is simple enough to allow integration with all other receiver blocks on a single integrated circuit. Preliminary results for an ADSL system with blind equalization starting from an unequalized state are presented. The new scheme is shown to be effective at acquiring and tracking frequency offsets as high as 112 ppm, without significantly degrading system performance. >
Interfacing Sensors With the Nervous System: Lessons From the Development and Success of the Cochlear Implant

The cochlear implant is the most successful neural prosthesis to date and may serve as a paradigm for the development or further development of other systems to interface sensors with the nervous system, e.g., visual or vestibular prostheses. This paper traces the history of cochlear implants and describes how the current levels of performance have been achieved. Lessons and insights from this experience are presented in concluding sections.
Breakthrough invasive fungal infection in an immunocompromised host while on posaconazole prophylaxis: an omission in patient counseling and follow-up

Posaconazole (Noxafil (Schering-Plough Corporation) is a triazole antifungal approved in the United States for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis and for the prophylaxis of Candida and Aspergillus infections in the immunocompromised host. Posaconazole is available only as an oral suspension. When used for the prevention of Candida and Aspergillus infections, posaconazole should be taken three times daily with a high fat meal to maximize oral absorption. Failure to take posaconazole with food will lead to subtherapeutic serum levels and decreased clinical effectiveness of the drug.We report the case of a 49-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia who received 4 months of posaconazole as an outpatient for the labeled indication of prophylaxis of Candida and Aspergillus infections. During her last admission, the patient presented with an invasive sinus infection diagnosed as a mixed Aspergillus and Mucor etiology. The patient succumbed to this infection five weeks after presentation. Upon investigation it was found that the patient did not self-administer posaconazole as required in the product labeling, which may have led to drug failure in this patient. We submit this case to illustrate the importance of patient education regarding proper administration of posaconazole. The important role of the outpatient physician, nurse, and pharmacist in this setting is underscored.
Fast and parallel algorithms for pricing American options: keynote

In the Black-Scholes-Merton model, as well as in more general stochastic models in finance, the price of an American option solves a system of partial differential variational inequalities. When these inequalities are discretized, one obtains a linear complementarity problem that must be solved at each time step. This talk presents an algorithm for the solution of these types of linear complementarity problems that is significantly faster than the methods currently used in practice and can exploit parallelism. The new algorithm is a two-phase method that combines the active-set identification properties of the projected Gauss-Seidel (or SOR) iteration with the second-order acceleration of a reduced-space phase. We present numerical results that illustrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Three-dimensional in vitro follicle growth: overview of culture models, biomaterials, design parameters and future directions

In vitro ovarian follicle culture is a new frontier in assisted reproductive technology with tremendous potential, especially for fertility preservation. Folliculogenesis within the ovary is a complex process requiring interaction between somatic cell components and the oocyte. Conventional two-dimensional culture on tissue culture substrata impedes spherical growth and preservation of the spatial arrangements between oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Granulosa cell attachment and migration can leave the oocyte naked and unable to complete the maturation process. Recognition of the importance of spatial arrangements between cells has spurred research in to three-dimensional culture system. Such systems may be vital when dealing with human primordial follicles that may require as long as three months in culture. In the present work we review pertinent aspects of in vitro follicle maturation, with an emphasis on tissue-engineering solutions for maintaining the follicular unit during the culture interval. We focus primarily on presenting the various 3-dimensional culture systems that have been applied for in vitro maturation of follicle:oocyte complexes. We also try to present an overview of outcomes with various biomaterials and animal models and also the limitations of the existing systems.
Evidence That the Human Homologue of a Rat Initiation Factor-2 Associated Protein (p67) Is a Methionine Aminopeptidase

Abstract Previously, we cloned a human cDNA encoding a protein which has a 92% amino acid sequence identity to a rat initiation factor-2 associated protein (p67). Rat p67plays an important role in translational regulation by preventing the phosphorylation of the α subunit of initiation factor-2. Interestingly, several lines of indirect evidence suggested that this protein may also function as a methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP). To test this hypothesis, we expressed the human cDNA in a baculovirus system, purified it to homogeneity and characterized it. Using 13 different peptide substrates, we found that the human p67has a similar substrate specificity with other MetAPs. Kinetic analyses revealed that the Kcat/Kmvalues of the human MetAP on two representative substrates are similar to those of yeast and porcine MetAPs. Furthermore, we found that this enzyme, like other MetAPs, is also a cobalt-dependent metalloenzyme.
Direct numerical simulation of the two-way coupled interaction between particles and mixing layer

It is well known that large‐scale vortex structures dominate the dispersion of particles at intermediate Stokes numbers in three‐dimensional shear flows. Understanding the two‐way momentum coupling effects in such flows is very important for practical applications. Using a pseudo‐spectral method and a Lagrangian approach, the effects of two‐way momentum coupling on three‐dimensional particle‐laden mixing layers are studied. It is found that for particles at an intermediate Stokes number, higher mass loading results in lower energy of the large‐scale vortex structures and less particle dispersion. While particles at intermediate Stokes numbers stabilize the flow, particles at small Stokes numbers at a particular mass loading tend to destabilize the flow and enhance the mixing. The presence of particles suppresses the flow energy at low wavenumbers and enhances the flow energy at high wavenumbers.
Preparticipation evaluation for athletics.

Increasing participation in physical activities and sports has been noted in all age groups. The increase is encouraging from a health promotion, disease prevention, and sociologic perspective. As a result of the increased participation, sports-related medical problems are being recognized with increasing frequency. Injuries and sudden unexpected deaths resulting from physical activity are being described with increasing frequency. Injuries are especially likely to occur as previous nonathletes begin involvement without adequate preparation. The increased interest in exercise, sports, and health-related activities involves children as well as adults. Organized sports for preschool children now exist in most communities. Estimates suggest that more than 20 million children are involved in community-based sports programs. High school sports are no longer restricted to a relatively few male-predominated sports. More than 30 sports are now approved for male participation and 27 for female participation. The concept of the female athlete continues to change as each new accomplishment plateau is achieved and increasing numbers of young women become involved. Pediatricians are now faced with questions and issues that have only recently surfaced as pediatric problems. Young children are involved in "adult" sports (ie, marathons, adolescent olympic-level gymnastics) in which overuse injuries are likely to occur. These injuries may interfere with a child9s ability to enjoy sports later in life.
Optical efficiency of image sensor pixels

The ability to reproduce a high-quality image depends strongly on the image sensor light sensitivity. This sensitivity depends, in turn, on the materials, the circuitry, and the optical properties of the pixel. We calculate the optical efficiency of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor pixel by using a geometrical-optics phase-space approach. We compare the theoretical predictions with measurements made by using a CMOS digital pixel sensor, and we find them to be in agreement within 3%. Finally, we show how to use these optical efficiency calculations to trade off image sensor pixel sensitivity and functionality as CMOS process technology scales.
Myopic Justice? The Juvenile Court and Child Welfare Systems

The two major institutions set up to assist at-risk youths—the juvenile court and the child welfare system—have failed at their common historical mission to treat, supervise, rehabilitate, protect, and care for youths. Institutional survival has almost always taken precedence over this core mission. The result has been the unintended but not unexpected victimization of their vulnerable, often already victimized young clientele. There are profound political, social, and institutional forces intense balance surrounding the two systems. Some of these forces keep the two institutions from coming apart and crumbling. Others keep them from pursuing the basic required changes that would presage meaningful institutional reform and, perhaps, revival. Despite these obstacles to change, there are still possibilities for embarking upon a politically and socially sound process of change. This process might enable the juvenile court and the child welfare system to better fulfill their mission.
In-Situ Visualization of Evaporation Induced Self-Assembly Phenomena of Nanofluids Detecting the Interfacial Surface Plasmon Reflectance

Innovative optical techniques based on nano-biophotonics such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging and R-G-B natural fringe mapping techniques are developed to characterize the transport and optical properties of nanofluids in situ, real-time, and full field manner. Recent results regarding the characterization of nanofluids are summarized and future research directions are presented.47 nm Al2O3 nanoparticles are dispersed in water with various concentrations. Al2O3 nanofluids droplets are placed on substrates and evaporated in room temperature. In-situ visualization of evaporation-induced self-assembly is conducted to detect concentration, effective refractive index, and different self-assembled pattern including cavity with various nanofluids concentrations and surface hydrophobbicities with SPR and fringe mapping.During the evaporation, time-dependent and near-field nanoparticle concentrations are determined by correlating the SPR reflectance intensities with the effective refractive index (ERI) of the nanofluids.With increasing the concentrations of nanofluids, the existence of hidden complex cavities inside a self-assembled nanocrystalline structure or final dryout pattern is discovered in real-time. R-G-B natural fringe mapping allowed the reconstruction of the 3D cavity formation and crystallization processes quantitatively. The formation of the complex inner structure was found to be attributable to multiple cavity inceptions and their competing growth during the aquatic evaporation.Furthermore, the effect of surface hydrophobicity is examined in the formation of hidden complex cavities, taking place on three different substrates bearing different levels of hydrophobicity; namely, cover glass (CG), gold thin film (Au), and polystyrene dish (PS).These surface plamson resonance imaging and natural fringe mapping techniques are expected to provide a breakthrough in micro-nanoscale thermal fluids phenomena and nano-biochemical sensing when coupled with localized surface Plasmon and metamaterials techniques.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
THE DESIGN IMPLICATIONS OF CHAOTIC AND NEAR-CHAOTIC VIBRATIONS IN MACHINES

Accurate performance prediction is key to the design of high performance machines. It is shown here that connection clearance and component flexibility can result in machine dynamic behaviors that are hypersensitive to small variations of system design parameters and operating conditions. These hypersensitivities, which can limit the usefulness of computer dynamic simulations for design, are associated with chaotic and near chaotic behavior. The dynamic behaviors of two systems, an Impact Beam System and a Spatial Slider Crank, are studied. The chaotic vibration of these systems is confirmed numerically and experimentally. Hypersensitivity is shown for both chaotic and periodic response regions, in which case actual dynamic behavior of such machines could be very different in practice from that predicated by design simulation studies. Design guidelines are developed for evaluating the fatigue life and the reliability of machines under these conditions.
Perpetuating Passivity: Reliance and Reciprocal Determinism in Physician-Patient Interaction

This study introduces, profiles, and tests the explanatory value of reliance, a construct that emerged from, and is expected to illuminate, consideration of perceived control in medical encounters. The investigation also links communication science with the truly interactive perspective of reciprocal determinism, highlighting the impact of personal relations and the significance of perceived control. Data from 271 encounters between general practitioners and patients in Oxford (England) were collected by means of videotapes, patient questionnaires, medical record reviews, and physician questionnaires. The analysis indicates that physician-reliant patients (i.e., those who rely on physicians to make decisions for them) tend to be older and from a more working-class background than were self-reliant patients (i.e., those more interested in participating in choices about their health care). The physician-reliant patients also had more externally oriented outcome expectations and tended to see physicians more often than did their self-reliant counterparts. In addition to defining reliance at the conceptual and operational levels, this study provides preliminary evidence that reciprocal determinism is operating in medical encounters: Despite their preference for patients who feel in control of their health, physicians tended to adapt to patients' reliance orientation, sharing decisions with self-reliant patients and making decisions for physician-reliant patients. Accommodating the passive orientation of physician-reliant patients is likely to diminish patients' chances for maintaining control in the medical encounter, which has implications for health outcomes, cost, and compliance.
Levator Ptosis Repair in the Aesthetic Patient With and Without Blepharoplasty

True eyelid ptosis can be present in the patient seeking aesthetic blepharoplasty. It is important to identify, evaluate, and discuss this eyelid malposition with the patient preoperatively. When ptosis is present, the surgeon must be prepared to address it, if desired by the patient, to prevent postoperative dissatisfaction. The levator aponeurotic approach to ptosis repair is a powerful technique which may be the only option of ptosis repair in selected patients. Successful surgery requires a detailed knowledge of eyelid anatomy, significant experience with the procedure, and a comfort level with surgery on the awake patient and intraoperative surgical adjustments. As compared to standard blepharoplasty, ptosis repair is more complex and time consuming, and can more commonly affect lid dynamics and result in postoperative complications. The best outcomes occur when the procedure is performed by surgeons who undertake it routinely.
Success Rates for Notification of Enrollment in Exception From Informed Consent Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVES Exception from informed consent (EFIC) for research in emergency settings requires investigators to notify enrolled subjects, family members, or legally authorized representatives about inclusion in the study. We examined the success rate of a notification strategy including mail services for subjects enrolled in EFIC trials. METHODS We describe notification attempts for subjects in three out-of-hospital cardiac arrest clinical trials in both urban and rural areas around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, between the years 2000 and 2014. We examined the time required to notify subjects and the success of contacting subjects or their representatives when notified in person (if alive), by mail (if alive and unable to reach in person), or by mail (if the subject was deceased). We characterized comments received from subjects or their representatives as positive, neutral, or negative. RESULTS We attempted notification on a total of 1,912 subjects, 1,762 by mail, and 163 in person. Of these, 1,767 (92%) notification forms were successfully delivered, and 431 (24%) were signed and returned. Only 16 subjects or representatives (0.91%) requested to withdraw from the study. In-person notifications were more likely to be signed than mailed notifications (69% vs. 20%; p < 0.001). A total of 3.2% of recipients contacted investigators by phone or letter in response to notifications, but only five recipients expressed negative attitudes toward the trial. Ninety percent of subjects were notified within 35 days of the incident. Time to notification was shorter for in person (median = 5 days, interquartile range [IQR] = 2 to 10 days) than for deceased and mailed (11 days, IQR = 8 to 14 days) or alive and mailed (20 days, IQR = 14 to 29 days). CONCLUSIONS It is possible to successfully notify recipients of enrollment in a study using EFIC over 90% of the time within 35 days, although only 24% of recipients will sign and return a form. Fewer than 1% of subjects withdraw from the study, and fewer than 5% contact investigators, usually for neutral reasons.
Presynaptic suppression of dorsal horn inhibitory transmission by μ-opioid receptors

Opioids modify sensory experience at many levels in the CNS. The mechanisms of this action, including the ways opioid receptors affect synaptic transmission, are not yet fully understood. Here we show that the selective activation of μ-opioid receptors suppressed inhibitory transmission between spinal cord dorsal horn neurons in vitro. μ-Opioid receptor activation reduced evoked inhibitory postsynaptic current (eIPSC) amplitude by acting presynaptically, because it altered the paired-pulse ratio, did not affect GABA-evoked currents, and decreased miniature IPSC (mIPSC) frequency. The mechanism of this effect was independent both of presynaptic Ca2+ entry and of the pathway linking presynaptic kainate (KA) receptors to suppression of inhibitory transmission in the same cells. These data identify μ-opioid receptors as important presynaptic modulators of dorsal horn inhibitory transmission.
Competition, Strategy, and Price Dynamics: A Theoretical and Empirical Investigation:

The authors explore how competition affects dynamic pricing of new products. Dynamics of diffusion, saturation, and cost reduction due to experience are all considered, with emphasis on the last. T...
Distribution signature analysis between intussusception and rotavirus diarrhea in young children

Objective To investigate the annual incidence rate of intussusception over a 5-year period in Suzhou and to determine whether there was a potential link between intussusception rotavirus diarrhea. Methods Outpatient and inpatient data from 1999 through 2003 retrospectively were reviewed for young children (<2 year old) whose diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography or radiography and patients were reduced by air enema or surgery. From September. 2001, to August. 2003, inpatients with diarrhea (<2 year old) were detected rotavirus antigen in the stool by ELISA technology. Results From 1999 through 2003, 1101 cases were reported in children below 2 years old. The incidence rate of intussusception under 1 year age each year was 275.3, 338.2, 547.0,515.3,and 425.4 per 100 000 child years respectively(the average annual incidence was 418.1 per 100 000 child years),and the incidence of intussusception increased over time from 1999 to 2003. A peak age distribution of intussusception was infants 4 to 10 months old (692/1101,62.85%) and mean age was 9.62±5.65 months, which were greatly different from those of patients with rotavirus diarrhea, whose peak age distribution was 5 to 16months old (252/331,76.13%), and mean age was 11.42±5.14 months(Z=6.90,P<0.01). The peak month distribution of intussusception was from April to August (595/1101,54.04%), which was distinct from that of patient with rotavirus diarrhea, whose peak month distribution was between October and January (232/331,70.09%). Test: X2=226.06,P<0.001. Conclusion The annual incidence rate of intussusception for<1 year of age was 418.1 per 100000 child years in Suzhou. We found no epidemiologic evidence for an association between intussusception and rotavirus diarrhea. Key words: Infant, newborn; Child, preschool; Intussusception; Rotavirus infections