cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award: A Time-Honored Legacy [History]

In 1979, two years after he was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Patent Office National Inventors Hall of Fame and honored for his invention of a "System of Distribution by Alternating Currents," and 56 years after Charles Proteus Steinmetz left this world shortly after 8 a.m on 26 October 1923, in Schenectady, New York, the IEEE established a technical field award in his honor. The scope of the award is "for exceptional contributions to the development and/or advancement of standards in electrical and electronic engineering" [1].
Cell replacement therapies to promote remyelination in a viral model of demyelination

Abstract Persistent infection of the central nervous system (CNS) of mice with the neuroadapted JHM strain of mouse hepatitis (MHV) is characterized by ongoing demyelination mediated by inflammatory T cells and macrophages that is similar both clinically and histologically with the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Although extensive demyelination occurs in mice persistently infected with MHV there is only limited remyelination. Therefore, the MHV model of demyelination is a relevant model for studying disease and evaluating therapeutic approaches to protect cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage and promote remyelination. This concept is further highlighted as the etiology of MS remains enigmatic, but viruses have long been considered as potential triggering agents in initiating and/or maintaining MS symptoms. As such, understanding mechanisms associated with promoting repair within the CNS in the context of a persistent viral infection is critical given the possible viral eitiology of MS. This review focuses on recent studies using either mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) or human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) derived from human embryonic stem cell (hESC) to promote remyelination in mice persistently infected with MHV. In addition, the potential role for chemokines in positional migration of transplanted cells is addressed.
Click Modification in the N6 Region of A3 Adenosine Receptor-Selective Carbocyclic Nucleosides for Dendrimeric Tethering that Preserves Pharmacophore Recognition

Adenosine derivatives were modified with alkynyl groups on N6 substituents for linkage to carriers using Cu(I)-catalyzed click chemistry. Two parallel series, both containing a rigid North-methanocarba (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) ring system in place of ribose, behaved as A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists: (5′-methyluronamides) or partial agonists (4′-truncated). Terminal alkynyl groups on a chain at the 3 position of a N6-benzyl group or simply through a N6-propargyl group were coupled to azido derivatives, which included both small molecules and G4 (fourth-generation) multivalent poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, to form 1,2,3-triazolyl linkers. The small molecular triazoles probed the tolerance in A3AR binding of distal, sterically bulky groups such as 1-adamantyl. Terminal 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl groups anticipated nucleophilic substitution for chain extension and 18F radiolabeling. N6-(4-Fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-triazolylmethyl derivative 32 displayed a Ki of 9.1 nM at A3AR with ∼1000-fold subtype select...
The expression of Fos within the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the diurnal rodent Arvicanthis niloticus.

Rhythms in the expression of the nuclear phosphoprotein Fos, have been demonstrated in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of nocturnal rodents. When rats are housed in a 12:12-h light/dark (LD) cycle the number of Fos-immunoreactive (-IR) cells within the SCN is higher during the day than at night [9,23]. In the two experiments reported here, Fos-IR was examined in the SCN of a diurnal murid rodent, Arvicanthis niloticus. First, thirty-six adult male A. niloticus housed in a 12:12-h LD cycle were perfused at six equally spaced time points beginning 1 h after lights on (n=6 per time point). Brains were sectioned and treated with immunohistochemical procedures for the identification of Fos. The number of Fos-IR cells in the SCN varied significantly as a function of time, and was highest 1 h after lights on and decreased thereafter. The distribution of Fos-IR within the SCN overlapped with that of arginine-vasopressin-IR (AVP-IR) and vasoactive intestinal peptide-IR (VIP-IR), but not with that of gastrin-releasing peptide-IR (GRP-IR). In the second study, double-labeling techniques revealed extensive Fos expression within SCN neurons containing AVP-IR, but not neurons containing GRP-IR. In conclusion, although the overall rhythm of Fos-IR in the SCN is similar in diurnal and nocturnal rodents, differences may exist with respect to the relative distribution of Fos-immunoreacte cells within different SCN cell populations.
Underwater Acoustic Imaging using Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract This paper studies the underwater acoustic imaging problem using a fleet of autonomous vehicles. Integration of a guidance/control scheme and acoustic imaging process is discussed. A sensor model based on the acoustic sensor's beam pattern is presented. The goal is to obtain an accurate enough image of an underwater profile using a fleet of autonomous vehicles. The dynamic coverage control law used in this paper guarantees that a desired amount of satisfactory quality samples will be collected at every point. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the main results.
Arbitrage, rationality, and equilibrium

No-arbitrage is the fundamental principle of economic rationality which unifies normative decision theory, game theory, and market theory. In economic environments where preferences may be assumed to be convex and money is available as a medium of exchange, no-arbitrage supports the concepts of subjective expected utility maximization in personal decisions, competitive equilibria in capital markets and exchange economies, and correlated equilibria in noncooperative games. The arbitrage principle directly characterizes rationality at the market level; apparent optimizing behavior by individual agents is viewed as a consequence of their adaptation to the market. Concepts of equilibrium behavior in games and markets can thus be reconciled with the ideas that individual rationality is bounded, that agents use evolutionarily-shaped decision rules rather than numerical optimization algorithms, and that personal probabilities and utilities are inseparable and to some extent indeterminate. Risk-neutral probability distributions, interpretable as products of probabilities and marginal utilities, play a central role as observable quantities in economic systems.
Stability analysis of the TPX toroidal field coil

The energy stability margin of the TPX/TF conductor has been calculated as a response to heat pulses with short initial quench zones (IQZ=10, 20 cm for 4, 20, 100 ms), and with long initial quench zones (IQZ=2.28, 4.53 m for 20, 50, 100 ms). The short IQZs approximate ramp-rate induced heating, and the long IQZs approximate heating from a plasma disruption. These IQZs are centered in the bore inner leg of the double pancake, where the operating field and temperature are maximum. Energy margin stability curves are plotted as a function of current. The stability of the 10 cm IQZ differs from that for the 20 cm IQZ by less than 20%. Similarly the stability of the 2.28 m IQZ differs from that for the 4.53 m IQZ by less than 20%. However the stability of the short IQZs (10 and 20 cm) is about twice as high as that of the long IQZs (2.28 and 4.53 m). The friction in the long IQZs prevents the conversion of heat to work by helium expansion during the pulse. At the 33.5 kA design current, the minimum calculated stability margin with short IQZs is 390 mJ/cc. The minimum calculated stability margin with long IQZs is 205 mJ/cc. A comparison of the stability margin with the available enthalpy (short IQZs) and with the available internal energy (long IQZs) shows that the conductor utilizes the available helium energy well. >
Breakaway: an ambient display designed to change human behavior

We present Breakaway, an ambient display that encourages people, whose job requires them to sit for long periods of time, to take breaks more frequently. Breakaway uses the information from sensors placed on an office chair to communicate in a non-obtrusive manner how long the user has been sitting. Breakaway is a small sculpture placed on the desk. Its design is inspired by animation arts and theater, which rely heavily on body language to express emotions. Its shape and movement reflect the form of the human body; an upright position reflecting the body's refreshed pose, and a slouching position reflecting the body's pose after sitting for a long time. An initial evaluation shows a correlation between the movement of the sculpture and when participants took breaks, suggesting that ambient displays that make use of aesthetic and lifelike form might be promising for making positive changes in human behavior.
Significance of Changes in Shoreline Features along Texas Gulf Coast: ABSTRACT

The open Texas coast is characterized by 3 distinct types of shoreline: (1) barrier islands consisting of sand beaches, fore-island dunes, and a vegetated or barren back-island area; (2) peninsulas where beaches are dominated by shell (shell ramps with or without incipient dunes form the crest of the peninsula), and storm channels and washover deposits dominate the back-island area; and (3) strand plain a few to several hundred feet across, where shell material and rock fragments are dominant over terrigenous sand. Physiographic features of strand plains are a steep forebeach and a wide shell ramp that terminates as a steep avalanche face. Only the barrier islands and peninsulas are associated with bays and lagoons. When viewed separately, these shoreline features appear to have a random distribution. However, when their occurrence is considered in the context of Pleistocene and Holocene depositional history of the Texas coastal zone, there is order in their distribution. Barrier islands develop in the same areas as do sand-rich Pleistocene deltas with broad strand plains. Peninsulas are positioned along Pleistocene interdeltaic areas. Strand plains are situated along the distal parts of mud-rich Pleistocene and Holocene deltas. Distribution of these 3 shoreline types along the Texas coast cannot be explained adequately by a sand source from modern rivers being transported by longshore drift. Occurrence of the 3 shoreline types can be explained best by local Pleistocene and early Holocene sediment sources. Broad, sand-rich barrier islands are presently moving toward an equilibrium state where sediment input is about equaled by intensity of physical processes. End_Page 1900------------------------------ Narrow, shell-rich peninsulas are moving toward the mainland at rates of 2-14 ft/year. Narrow, shell-rich strand plains are in a state of rapid erosion--up to 30 ft/year. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1901------------
The Effect of Random Voids in the Modified Gurson Model

The porous plasticity model (usually referred to as the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman model or modified Gurson model) has been widely used in the study of microvoid-induced ductile fracture. In this paper, we studied the effects of random voids on the porous plasticity model. Finite-element simulations were conducted to study a copper/tin/copper joint bar under uniaxial tension using the commercial finite-element package ABAQUS. A randomly distributed initial void volume fraction with different types of distribution was introduced, and the effects of this randomness on the crack path and macroscopic stress–strain behavior were studied. It was found that consideration of the random voids is able to capture more detailed and localized deformation features, such as different crack paths and different ultimate tensile strengths, and meanwhile does not change the macroscopic stress–strain behavior. It seems that the random voids are able to qualitatively explain the scattered observations in experiments while keeping the macroscopic measurements consistent.
Two-Dimensional Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis of Envelope Proteins of Escherichia coli

A method of separating envelope proteins by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is described. Escherichia coli envelopes (inner and outer membranes) were prepared by French pressing and washed by repeated centrifugation. Membrane proteins were solubilized with guanidine thiocyanate and were dialyzed against urea prior to two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis. The slab gel apparatus and conditions were similar to the technique developed by Metz and Bogorad (1974) for the separation of ribosomal proteins. This separation occurs in 8 M urea for the first dimension and in 0.2% sodium dodecyl sulfate for the second dimension. The technique separates about 70 different membrane proteins in a highly reproducible fashion according to both intrinsic charge and molecular weight. Some examples of alterations in the membrane protein pattern are demonstrated. These alterations are caused by a mutation affecting a sugar transport system and by growth in the presence of D-fucose, inducer of the transport system. A further example of membrane protein changes introduced by growth at the nonpermissive temperature of a temperature-sensitive cell division mutant is shown. Finally, it is demonstrated that the major outer membrane component of Escherichia coli K-12 contains more than four proteins of similar molecular weight.
Etretinate therapy reduces polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis—enhancing properties of psoriatic serum

Using a Boyden chamber technic, we measured the directed chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes obtained from control subjects or psoriasis patients when the leukocytes were placed in sera obtained from control subjects or psoriasis patients. The samples from patients were obtained before therapy and after 2 and 4 weeks of etretinate administration. Compared with control sera, the sera from seven untreated psoriasis patients significantly enhanced the chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from control subjects toward a chemotaxin (p
Rebecca's in the Dark: A Comparative Study of Problem-Based Learning and Direct Instruction/Experiential Learning in Two 4th-Grade Classrooms.

Seeking improved student performance in elementary schools has led educators to advocate inquiry-based teaching approaches, including problem-based learning (PBL). In PBL, students simultaneously develop problem-solving strategies, disciplinary knowledge bases, collaborative skills, and dispositions. Research into the efficacy of PBL in elementary school settings is in the seminal stage and reveals mixed results. In this pilot study, 4th graders receiving PBL in science were compared with a corresponding group receiving the same instruction in thematic format. Using a quasi-experimental design, the researchers investigated students’ knowledge of content, stereotypical images of scientists, time-on-task, and transfer of problem-solving skills.
Sibling perception of schizophrenia: impact on relationships, roles, and health

This descriptive field study examined the impact of schizophrenia on 30 adult siblings of patients with schizophrenia. Sibling perceptions of impact on roles, relationships, and health were investigated. Findings revealed that schizophrenia brings about changes in all relationships, but the relationship most affected was that with the ill sibling. Participants experienced grief over loss of the sibling and had difficulty maintaining the relationship. Leisure activities were influenced, as were school and work performance. A significant relationship between health and impact was found. The results of this study provide a basis for developing sibling-specific interventions.
Effect of polymer properties on bubble growth in polymer–paperboard composites

Foamed paperboard is a composite material used in thermally insulated food packaging and beverage containers. The paperboard is sandwiched between a layer of low-density polyethylene and a barrier layer, and the low-density film is foamed through heating. The moisture inside the paperboard vaporizes and serves as the driving force for creating the foam. The bubble growth on the paper surface has been tracked with high-speed photography. The number of generated bubbles has been found to depend on the number of pores on the surface of the paperboard; there is little or no dependence on the properties of the polymer, at least across the range of properties studied. In contrast, the thickness of the foam is relatively insensitive to the paperboard properties but has a strong dependence on the thickness of the initial polymer film, the nature of the polymer, and the speed at which it is extruded onto the paperboard. It is believed that some of these variations arise from differences in the degree of adhesion between the polymer and the paperboard. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Integrating spatially resolved three-dimensional MALDI IMS with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging.

We have developed a method for integrating three dimensional–volume reconstructions of spatially resolved matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) ion images of whole mouse heads with high-resolution images from other modalities in an animal-specific manner. This approach enabled us to analyze proteomic profiles from MALDI IMS data with corresponding in vivo data provided by magnetic resonance imaging.
An unusual paracetamol overdose.

A patient with complications from surgery was admitted to intensive care with sepsis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and signs of impending renal failure. After 18 days of ventilation, further surgical intervention, and every trick in the microbiologist's book, he had recovered sufficiently for his sedation to be lightened. In addition, his persistent pyrexia gradually came under the control of paracetamol 1 g four times daily. Nutrition was supplied via a jejunostomy tube, and as his condition improved the paracetamol was administered in a soluble preparation by the same route. By day ten he was much improved, with his sepsis resolving. Yet his sodium concentration was 159 mmol/L—13 mmol/L above our laboratory's upper limit. Changing jejunostomy feed to a low-sodium preparation, and swapping normal saline infusions to dextrose saline had no effect, and we assumed that a polyuric renal crisis was evolving. Then one of the authors (MS), a senior staff nurse, remembered that soluble paracetamol contains sodium. Further investigation revealed that the preparation we were using contained 388 mg of sodium in each 500 mg tablet. In other words, the patient was receiving 3 g sodium a day, and had been doing so for 6 days. Back-of-envelope calculations then showed: 3 g Na=0.130 mmol Na In a patient weighing 85 kg, this gives a body water volume of 59.5 L. Thus each day he received 0.130/59.5=218 mmol/L Over 6 days the excess sodium equals 13 mmol/L, which happens to be the exact amount over the upper limit of normal.
The South China Sea Throughflow Retrieved from Climatological Data

Abstract The salinity distribution in the South China Sea (SCS) has a pronounced subsurface maximum from 150–220 m throughout the year. This feature can only be maintained by the existence of a mean flow through the SCS, consisting of a net inflow of salty North Pacific tropical water through the Luzon Strait and outflow through the Mindoro, Karimata, and Taiwan Straits. Using an inverse modeling approach, the authors show that the magnitude and space–time variations of the SCS thermohaline structure, particularly for the salinity maximum, allow a quantitative estimate of the SCS throughflow and its distribution among the three outflow straits. Results from the inversion are compared with available observations and output from a 50-yr simulation of a highly resolved ocean general circulation model. The annual-mean Luzon Strait transport is found to be 2.4 ± 0.6 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). This inflow is balanced by the outflows from the Karimata (0.3 ± 0.5 Sv), Mindoro (1.5 ± 0.4), and Taiwan (0.6 ± 0.5 Sv) Str...
Perspective on Selected Issues in Cardiovascular Disease Research With a Focus on Black Americans

Case Presentation: Mr A is a healthy 38-year-old black male who comes to the clinic as a self-referral after a blood pressure check during “Health Day” at his job. Mr A is concerned because “high blood pressure” runs in his family. He reveals that his 58-year-old mother recently suffered a mild stroke and also takes water pills to reduce swelling in her legs. He denies any other health problems, is a non-smoker, and takes no medications. On physical examination, his supine blood pressure is 165/85, his heart rate is 74 bpm, and his weight is 72 kg. An ECG shows normal sinus rhythm at 76 bpm and evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. A fasting lipid profile shows a total cholesterol level of 196 mg/dL, a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of 120 mg/dL, a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level of 50 mg/dL, a triglyceride level of 130 mg/dL, and C-reactive protein level of 3.5 mg/L. What clinical strategy would be most appropriate for Mr A? What is the available scientific evidence to support your choice(s)? Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), morbidity and mortality from CVD is higher among black Americans than among white, Hispanic, and Asian Americans.1 Although black Americans are often considered to have less obstructive coronary heart disease than age-matched whites,2,3 the prevalence of traditional risk factors for CVD such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity disproportionately affects black Americans. However, the relative importance of these risk factors and others, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, dyslipidemia, and novel risk determinants such as C-reactive protein and lipoprotein (a), on morbidity and mortality is unclear. At the population level, research efforts have focused primarily on the components of the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Equation that were developed in a predominantly white cohort. …
Fourier pulse shaping with enhanced spectral control using a 2-D VIPA grating pulse shaper

We demonstrate Fourier pulse shaping over a wide bandwidth with high spectral resolution allowing a large number of controllable features utilizing a grating and a VIPA in a 2 dimensional configuration as the spectral disperser.
Secure and Serverless RFID Authentication and Search Protocols

With the increased popularity of RFID applications, different authentication schemes have been proposed to provide security and privacy protection for users. Most recent RFID protocols use a central database to store the RFID tag data. The RFID reader first queries the RFID tag and returns the reply to the database. After authentication, the database returns the tag data to the reader. In this paper, we propose a more flexible authentication protocol that provides comparable protection without the need for a central database. We also suggest a protocol for secure search for RFID tags. We believe that as RFID applications become widespread, the ability to securely search for RFID tags will be increasingly useful.
Needs Assessments: An Integrated Assignment in Civic Service.

An undergraduate social work program developed a service‐learning experience in partnership with a local United Way organization to complete a community needs assessment project. The experience integrated the curricula of a social work research methods course and a generalist‐macro practice course with the principles and actions of experiential and service‐ learning, evidence based practice, and civic responsibility. This integrated curricula project yielded practical, “real world” outcomes for the local community and learning outcomes for the students. Needs assessments conducted by social students resulted in particular groups of community citizens receiving targeted services from agencies receiving funding from United Way. Evidence obtained from the students who participated in this experience indicates that two important learning outcomes were achieved; a heightened awareness of the local community's resource system and a sense of connection to the local community, along with the enhancement of studen...
Model representation of the nonlinear step response in cardiac muscle.

Motivated by the need for an analytical tool that can be used routinely to analyze data collected from isolated, detergent-skinned cardiac muscle fibers, we developed a mathematical model for representing the force response to step changes in muscle length (i.e., quick stretch and release). Our proposed model is reasonably simple, consisting of only five parameters representing: (1) the rate constant by which length change–induced distortion of elastic elements is dissipated; (2) the stiffness of the muscle fiber; (3) the amplitude of length-mediated recruitment of stiffness elements; (4) the rate constant by which this length-mediated recruitment takes place; and (5) the magnitude of the nonlinear interaction term by which distortion of elastic elements affects the number of recruited stiffness elements. Fitting this model to a family of force recordings representing responses to eight amplitudes of step length change (±2.0% baseline muscle length in 0.5% increments) enabled four things: (1) reproduction of all the identifiable features seen in a family of force responses to both positive and negative length changes; (2) close fitting of all records from the whole family of these responses with very little residual error; (3) estimation of all five model parameters with a great degree of certainty; and (4) importantly, ready discrimination between cardiac muscle fibers with different contractile regulatory proteins but showing only subtly different contractile function. We recommend this mathematical model as an analytic tool for routine use in studies of cardiac muscle fiber contractile function. Such model-based analysis gives novel insight to the contractile behavior of cardiac muscle fibers, and it is useful for characterizing the mechanistic effects that alterations of cardiac contractile proteins have on cardiac contractile function.
In Defense of Color Categories in Thought and Language (Hardin and Maffi, eds.): A Response to B. A. C. Saunders's Review

One of the more troubling forms of recent popular culture is the "docudrama." The rules of the genre permit the author to present the audience with an ostensibly factual account while massaging the details for dramatic effect. The final product is sometimes, but not always, presented with a disclaimer. Barbara Saunders's latest docudrama purports to be a review of Color Categories in Thought and Language (AA 101[3]:657-659) of which we are the editors. It contains, alas, no disclaimer, so we would like to offer one here.
Advanced computing with words using syllogistic reasoning and arithmetic operations on linguistic belief structures

In this paper, we present solutions to an Advanced Computing with Words problem that is equivalent to one of Zadeh's challenge problems on linguistic probabilities. We use a syllogism based on the entailment principle to interpret the problem so that it yields two linguistic belief structures. Then we perform an addition of those linguistic belief structures to obtain a belief structure on the variable about which linguistic probabilities have to be inferred. We show that pessimistic (lower) and optimistic (upper) probabilities can be inferred from such a belief structure using Linguistic Weighted Averages and pessimistic and optimistic compatibility measures. Then, we choose vocabularies for linguistic attributes (lifetimes of products) and linguistic probabilities that are involved in the problem statement. The vocabularies are modeled using interval type-2 fuzzy sets. We calculate optimistic (upper) and pessimistic (lower) probabilities, and map them into words present in the vocabulary of linguistic probabilities, so that the results can be comprehended by a human.
Reliability Weighted Voting Games

We examine agent failures in weighted voting games. In our cooperative game model, R-WVG, each agent has a weight and a survival probability, and the value of an agent coalition is the probability that its surviving members would have a total weight exceeding a threshold. We propose algorithms for computing the value of a coalition, finding stable payoff allocations, and estimating the power of agents. We provide simulation results showing that on average the stability level of a game increases as the failure probabilities of the agents increase. This conforms to several recent results showing that failures increase stability in cooperative games.
Age-of-onset of hypertension vs. a single measurement of systolic blood pressure in a combined linkage and segregation analysis

Background Often, multiple measures of a trait are available in a genetic linkage analysis. We compare Monte Carlo Markov chain analysis of two very different measures of hypertension in the simulated Genetic Analysis Workshop 13 data to examine how choice of measure affects the results. The measures selected were age-of-onset of hypertension and systolic blood pressure at first visit.
Interaction of CmeABC and CmeDEF in conferring antimicrobial resistance and maintaining cell viability in Campylobacter jejuni

OBJECTIVES To determine the role of CmeDEF in conferring antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and examine the interaction of CmeABC and CmeDEF in mediating antimicrobial resistance and maintaining cell viability. METHODS Single and double mutants of cmeF and cmeB were generated in multiple strains using insertional mutagenesis. The mutants were compared with their wild-type strains for antimicrobial susceptibility and growth characteristics. Transcription fusion was used to quantify the expression of cmeDEF and cmeABC. Ethidium bromide (EB) accumulation assay was used to measure the efflux function. RESULTS Insertional mutagenesis of the cmeF gene in C. jejuni NCTC 11168 resulted in a 2-fold decrease in the resistance to ampicillin, polymyxin B and EB, whereas the same mutation in C. jejuni 81-176 and 21190 led to a 2-4-fold increase in the resistance to multiple antimicrobials and toxic compounds. The increased resistance in the cmeF mutants of 81-176 and 21190 was associated with the elevated efflux in the mutants. Compared with the cmeB mutant, the cmeF/cmeB double mutants of 81-176 and 21190 showed further decrease in the resistance to various antimicrobials and toxic compounds. Transcription fusion assay indicated that the expression level of cmeF was substantially lower than that of cmeB. Notably, the cmeB/cmeF double mutation, not the single mutations, impaired cell viability in Campylobacter. CONCLUSIONS CmeDEF interacts with CmeABC in conferring antimicrobial resistance and maintaining cell viability in C. jejuni. CmeABC is the predominant efflux pump in C. jejuni, whereas CmeDEF plays a secondary role in conferring intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials.
Fibulin-5 Blocks Microenvironmental ROS in Pancreatic Cancer

Elevated oxidative stress is an aberration seen in many solid tumors, and exploiting this biochemical difference has the potential to enhance the efficacy of anticancer agents. Homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important for normal cell function, but excessive production of ROS can result in cellular toxicity, and therefore ROS levels must be balanced finely. Here, we highlight the relationship between the extracellular matrix and ROS production by reporting a novel function of the matricellular protein Fibulin-5 (Fbln5). We used genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and found that mutation of the integrin-binding domain of Fbln5 led to decreased tumor growth, increased survival, and enhanced chemoresponse to standard PDAC therapies. Through mechanistic investigations, we found that improved survival was due to increased levels of oxidative stress in Fbln5-mutant tumors. Furthermore, loss of the Fbln5-integrin interaction augmented fibronectin signaling, driving integrin-induced ROS production in a 5-lipooxygenase-dependent manner. These data indicate that Fbln5 promotes PDAC progression by functioning as a molecular rheostat that modulates cell-ECM interactions to reduce ROS production, and thus tip the balance in favor of tumor cell survival and treatment-refractory disease.
The Sources for the Marian References in the Qur'an

En depit de la reticence de l'islam a accepter la possibilite d'une discussion des sources textuelles du Coran, la similitude entre les textes coraniques et chretiens est un argument convaincant de la dependance. Bien que les recits apocryphes et les legendes chretiennes au sujet de Marie et Jesus aient influence le Coran, cela ne veut pas dire que les textes ont ete recopies au mot pres. Pour la tradition syriaque, il existe une relation profonde entre le Saint Esprit (qui sanctifie) et Marie (qui est sanctifiee). Cette tradition comporte egalement de nombreuses descriptions mythologiques permettant de reflechir sur le mystere de Jesus
Soviet Foreign Policy Toward Different Audiences and with Conflicting Premises: The Case of Nicaragua

Growing Soviet economic and military involvement in Nicaragua has seriously complicated an emerging but inchoate "post detente" mood in Soviet-American relations. It has been the catalyst for a partisan debate in the United States where bitterness has been of a very high order. It has also raised major questions about the alleged discontinuity between Brezhnev's and Gorbachev's Third World policies. This study will examine that policy under the following rubrics. First, it will deal with American national security concerns about growing involvement. Nicaragua will be placed in the late Brezhnev period global ideological context, Soviet perceptions of the characteristics of the Sandinista revolution will be presented and Soviet policy will be described briefly. Moscow's assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Nicaraguan regime will be outlined. This will be followed by a presentation of Soviet perceptions of American policies and the opportunities and dilemmas those U.S. policies present to Soviet policy makers. Finally, SovietAmerican diplomatic sparring over Nicaragua will be outlined in terms of Moscow's attempts to reconcile its competing demands and conflicting pressures.
The Birth of Unocal - A Brief History

Justice Moore's commentary on the history of Unocal is a first-hand account of the Delaware Supreme Court's Unocal decision. He provides the history of corporate takeovers prior to Unocal, and then takes the reader through the development of the case itself, including the history of the company, the trial court's involvement and the personalities behind the curtain. He also provides insight into how the court decided to adopt the so-called Unocal intermediate standard of review and he explains the essential features of the court's decision. Justice Moore concludes with how Unocal, along with Moran v. Household International, Inc., heard by the Delaware Supreme Court four days after its Unocal decision, forever changed hostile corporate takeovers.
Organic Acidemias and Disorders of Fatty Acid Oxidation

Most organic acids derive from the catabolism of amino acids. Blocks in their metabolic pathways lead to increased accumulation of the substrate of the deficient enzyme as well as the production of aberrant metabolites through alternative enzyme pathways. Pathogenesis typically relates to the cellular toxicity caused by either type of compound. Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation is primarily a pathway of energy generation and is active during times of fasting or physiologic stress. Deficiencies present with catalysis-induced symptoms including hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis. Rapid treatment of both groups of disorders is critical to reducing long-term sequelae. Many can be identified presymptomatically through newborn screening with tandem mass spectrometry of blood spots.
Qualitative Neuromuscular Monitoring: How to Optimize the Use of a Peripheral Nerve Stimulator to Reduce the Risk of Residual Neuromuscular Blockade

This review provides recommendations for anesthesia providers who may not yet have quantitative monitoring and sugammadex available and thus are providing care within the limitations of a conventional peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) and neostigmine. In order to achieve best results, the provider needs to understand the limitations of the PNS. The PNS should be applied properly and early. All overdosing of neuromuscular blocking drugs should be avoided and the intraoperative neuromuscular blockade should be maintained only as deep as necessary. The adductor pollicis is the gold standard site and must be used for the pre-reversal assessment, also when the ulnar nerve and thumb were not accessible intraoperatively. Spontaneous recovery should be maximized and neostigmine should be administered after a TOF count of 4 has been confirmed at the adductor pollicis. Extubation should not occur within 10 min after administration of an appropriate dose of neostigmine.
Functional Model-Based Design Methodology for Automotive Cyber-Physical Systems

The high complexity of cross-domain engineering in combination with the pressure for system innovation, higher quality, time to market, and budget constraints makes it imperative for automotive companies to use integrated engineering methods and tools. Computer engineering tools are mainly focused on a particular domain, and therefore, it is difficult to integrate different tools for system-level analysis. In this paper, a novel multidisciplinary systems engineering methodology and associated design automation algorithms for the complex automotive cyber-physical systems are presented. Rather than starting from the domain-specific architecture/simulation models where most resources are spent, we preemptively target the early design stage at the functional level that determines 75% of an automobile's cost. In our methodology, the marriage of systems engineering principles with high-level synthesis techniques from design automation area results in a functional modeling compiler capable of generating high-fidelity simulation models for the design space exploration and validation of multiple cyber-physical automotive architectures. Using real-world automotive use cases, we demonstrate how functional models capturing integrated cyber-physical aspects are synthesized into high-fidelity multidomain simulation models.
Nodal distribution of free polyamines in cotton ovaries

The nodal distribution of free polyamines (important regulators of flower induction) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) ovaries was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The objective of the study was to investigate the nodal distribution of putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Sp) of cotton lines (G. hirsutum L.), and to determine whether there are differences in ovarian polyamine content among three commercial cotton cultivars. A field study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 using the cultivars FM960BR, ST5599BR and DP444BR. Free polyamines Put, Spd and Sp were determined in ovarian tissue of first-position white flowers starting at the beginning of anthesis and collected from the 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th main-stem nodes for four consecutive weeks. There was no significant nodal position by cultivar interaction; thus, the main effects were tested. Put content decreased acropetally along the main stem of the cotton plant with the highest content observed at the 7th node and the lowest at the 13th node. Spd content decreased below and above the 9th node, with the 9th node showing the highest amount of Spd and the 13th node the lowest in both years of the study. Similarly, Sp content decreased below and above the 9th node. In general, the 7th and the 9th node had the highest titre of free polyamines. Among the cultivars tested, FM960BR showed higher polyamine content in one season; however, the observation was not consistent from year to year. The highest amounts of polyamines were observed at the 7th and the 9th node of cotton and this may be associated with the known yield distribution: almost 0·80 of the total yield of cotton is derived from these nodal positions.
Respirable Fines Produced by Impacts of Simulated Alternative High-Level Waste Materials

Standardized comparative drop weight impact tests were conducted on solid alternative waste forms under consideration for immobilizing Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) defense wastes. The fragment size distributions were measured in the size ranges of ∼5 to 8000 µm. All waste form fragment size distributions could be described accurately by lognormal plots. Respirable sizes (≤10 µm) were measured. Borosilicate glass and SYNROC specimens yielded the same mass fractions of respirable sizes; FUETAP concrete, high silica and alkoxide glass specimens yielded ∼2–3 times more mass fractions of particles of respirable sizes, whereas tailored (Spinel) ceramic specimens yielded the smallest mass fractions of respirable sizes, ∼2-1/2 times less.
Efficacy Evaluation of Methadone Maintenance Therapy on Drug Users in Huarong Country from 2008 to 2009

Objective To know the treatment effectiveness of methadone maintenance therapy(MMT) on drug users after six-month continuous treatment in Huarong County from 2008 to 2009,and to evaluate the function of MMT ambulatory. Methods The way of interview and questionnaire was adopted to record the general conditions,drug abuse,sexual behavior,society and family function of the drug users.Database was established by EXCEL software and the data were analyzed with SPSS16.0 software.Before and after the treatment,the individual behavior and social behavior of the drug users were compared using χ2 test. Results Totally 220 drug users were investigated,including 186 men and 34 women,the proportion of male and female was 5.5:1.The age of the drug users was mainly between 20 and 58 years(30.26±4.37).41.8% of the drug users had culture degree with senior middle school or technical secondary school.The drug users receiving junior college education or above and junior middle school education accounted for 29.54% and 26.85%,respectively.46.36% of the drug users were married,and 66.36% were unemployed.There were statistically significant differences in drug abuse,sharing injectors,using condoms and the behaviors of crime between before and after the treatment expect sexual life.There were 26 missing cases during the course of the treatment,with the total maintenance rate of 88.12%(194/220).The total rate of the patients who were satisfied with MMT service attitude was 92.73%(204/220). Conclusions MMT can reduce the frequency of drug taking and the ratio of sharing injectors,modify the related individual behaviors and social behaviors of the drugs users,increase the safety of sexual behavior,and decrease the occurrence of sexual transmitted diseases.It is worth popularizing among the drug users.
Current and future role of noninvasive studies in acute myocardial ischemia and infarction.

During the last 10 years, the pathophysiologic events that follow acute interruption of coronary arterial flow have been extensively worked out. It is now known that the ultimate size of acute myocardial infarction is a function of time after occlusion, size of the arterial territory deprived of arterial blood (area-at-risk), and available collateral flow at the time of occlusion. These concepts are the basis for application of medical therapies, e.g., reperfusion by thrombolysis, which are designed to limit infarct size. Noninvasive imaging aimed at assessing acute myocardial ischemia and infarction is the subject of this review. Potentials and limitations of gamma-radiation single photon emission computed tomography, positron-emission computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are discussed in this review within the context of the known pathophysiology of acute ischemic events.
Return to Sport Decision-Making for Endurance Athletes

Injury and illness affect all endurance athletes at some point during their careers. The challenge in treating the athlete is not always the diagnosis or initial treatment but instead in returning the athlete to competition. Rarely does an injury or illness involve one body part or system. For example, tendinitis may be most apparent at the site of tendon injury. However, the secondary effects include a reduced aerobic capacity due to the inability to maintain the same training load and an alteration in caloric expenditure for which the athlete’s diet must be adjusted. Neglecting the full extent of an injury can result in a delay in the athlete’s return to racing or adversely affect performance. Guiding an athlete in their successful return to sport often requires a multidisciplinary care team to recognize and address the various consequences of an injury.
Pre-Transplant Variables Affecting the Outcome of Submyeloablative Allogeneic HSCT in Uniformly Treated Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

Abstract The outcome of 63 consecutive submyeloablative allografts (27–66 y, median 52) performed for hematologic malignancies after 100 mg/m2 melphalan without (n=21; prior autograft) or with (n=42; no prior autograft) 50 mg/kg cyclophosphamide was analyzed to study the effect of pre-transplant characteristics. GVHD prophylaxis comprised cyclosporine-mycophenolate (n=37; HLA-identical sibling donors) or tacrolimus-mycophenolate (n=26, 1-locus mismatched sibling or 9–10/10 allele-matched unrelated). No growth factors were administered routinely post-transplant and supportive care was uniform. 14 patients experienced transplant-related mortality (TRM), and 32 relapsed. 24 relapsing patients died, and 7 of the other 8 are alive in CR or with declining disease. The following factors were analyzed in a Cox model for their effect on TRM and relapse: chemosensitive (n=25) vs refractory disease (n=38), age ≤55 (n=44) vs >55 (n=19), normal (n=32) vs abnormal (n=31) LDH, HLA match (n=56) vs mismatch (n=7), prior autograft or not, performance status 0–1 (n=47) vs 2–3 (n=16). Outcome Favorable factor RR (95% CI) P TRM Age ≤55 0.20 (0.04–0.86) 0.03 HLA matched 0.21 (0.05–0.89) 0.04 Performance status 0-1 0.25 (0.06–0.99) 0.05 Relape Chemosensitive disease 0.28 (0.11–0.73) 0.01 Download : Download high-res image (146KB) Download : Download full-size image Fig 1 shows TRM for patients with 0, 1 or 2 high-risk factors for TRM. Download : Download high-res image (192KB) Download : Download full-size image Fig 2 shows overall survival (OS) for patients with 0 or 1 high-risk factors for TRM by disease chemosensitivity. Table 2 shows the causes of death by risk factors for TRM and disease chemosensitivity. Group (n) Alive TRM Death from disease A: 2 risk factors for TRM (7) 1 (14%) 5 (71%) 1 (14%) B: 1 risk factor for TRM + Refractory (19) 2 (11%) 6 (32%) 11 (58%) C: 1 risk factor for TRM + Sensitive (9) 5 (56%) 1 (11%) 3 (33%) D: 0 risk factor for TRM + Refractory (12) 3 (25%) 1 (8%) 8 (67%) E: 0 risk factor for TRM + Sensitive (16) 13 (81%) 1 (6%) 2 (13%) These data suggest that while the current treatment approach is optimal for patients falling in Group E, modified approaches are needed for other patients. Based on the causes of failure, the following modifications appear to be warranted. Group A: A completely non-ablative regimen to reduce toxicity. Group B: A completely non-ablative regimen to reduce toxicity with augmentation of graft-vs-tumor effects by elective donor leukocyte infusions and/or abbreviated immunosuppression. Group C: Augmentation of graft-vs-tumor effects by elective donor leukocyte infusions and/or abbreviated immunosuppression. Group D: Conventional-intensity rather than reduced-intensity allogeneic HSCT.