cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous warm blood cardioplegia: A randomized prospective clinical comparison

Seventy-eight patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomized to receive one of two myocardial preservation techniques. Control patients (C) (n=38) had myocardial protection by moderate systemic hypothermia, topical cold saline, and myocardial arrest with antegrade dilute blood/cold potassium cardioplegia with subsequent intermittent retrograde solution every 10–15 minutes during the period of aortic cross-clamping. The experimental group (warm blood, WB) (n=40) had myocardial protection at systemic normothermia, myocardial arrest with antegrade high potassium, and warm blood cardioplegia with subsequent continuous retrograde low potassium warm blood cardioplegia throughout aortic cross-clamping. The two groups were similar preoperatively. After aortic declamping, all WB patients developed a spontaneous rhythm. Only three (7.5%) required intraoperative defibrillation compared with 23 (61%) C patients,p<0.0001. The cross-clamp time per graft was greater with WB,p=0.003. The postoperative need for inotropes, cardiac pacing, incidence of ventricular dysrhythmia, chest tube drainage, and hospital stay did not differ between groups. Perioperative myocardial infarction occurred in 2 WB and 0 C patients (p=0.25). Mortality was not different between groups (WB=1, C=2,p=0.89). It is possible to perform CABG with continuous warm blood cardioplegia with low morbidity and mortality. However, no clear advantage was demonstrated over standard techniques that allow the technical ease of a bloodless field. The metabolic and physiologic significance of spontaneous resumption of sinus rhythm upon aortic declamping remains to be elucidated.
Dynamic transcriptional and epigenomic reprogramming from pediatric nasal epithelial cells to induced pluripotent stem cells

Background Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold tremendous potential, both as a biological tool to uncover the pathophysiology of disease by creating relevant human cell models and as a source of cells for cell-based therapeutic applications. Studying the reprogramming process will also provide significant insight into tissue development. Objective We sought to characterize the derivation of iPSC lines from nasal epithelial cells (NECs) isolated from nasal mucosa samples of children, a highly relevant and easily accessible tissue for pediatric populations. Methods We performed detailed comparative analysis on the transcriptomes and methylomes of NECs, iPSCs derived from NECs (NEC-iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Results NEC-iPSCs express pluripotent cell markers, can differentiate into all 3 germ layers in vivo and in vitro , and have a transcriptome and methylome remarkably similar to those of ESCs. However, residual DNA methylation marks exist, which are differentially methylated between NEC-iPSCs and ESCs. A subset of these methylation markers related to epithelium development and asthma and specific to NEC-iPSCs persisted after several passages in vitro , suggesting the retention of an epigenetic memory of their tissue of origin. Our analysis also identified novel candidate genes with dynamic gene expression and DNA methylation changes during reprogramming, which are indicative of possible roles in airway epithelium development. Conclusion NECs are an excellent tissue source to generate iPSCs in pediatric asthmatic patients, and detailed characterization of the resulting iPSC lines would help us better understand the reprogramming process and retention of epigenetic memory.
A partial skeleton of Proteopithecus sylviae (Primates, Anthropoidea): first associated dental and postcranial remains of an Eocene anthropoidean

Abstract Recent excavation in the Late Eocene quarry L-41 (Fayum Depression, Egypt) revealed two tibiae and a femur in direct association with a mandible of Proteopithecus sylviae , arguably the most generalized African anthropoidean known from cranial remains. This discovery represents the first association of dental and postcranial material belonging to an Eocene anthropoidean, and provides new insights into the functional anatomy and phylogenetic position of Proteopithecus . The hindlimb morphology of Proteopithecus is most similar to small-bodied platyrrhines among living and extinct primates and is consistent with a locomotor repertoire that included a considerable amount of running and pronograde leaping. In certain dental and postcranial features, Proteopithecus differs from the other Fayum anthropoideansand shows a greater resemblance to living and extinct platyrrhines, but it is unclear whether these features are of particular phylogenetic significance.
Biomechanical evaluation of a pre-contoured clavicle plate

Recent attention has been focused on the operative treatment of mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle. This study compares the in-vitro biomechanical properties of a pre-formed titanium clavicle plate (Acumed) to a Synthes 3.5 mm limited-contact dynamic-compression (LCDC) plate using a cadaveric osteotomy model. An osteotomy was performed on 7 pairs of human clavicles and were randomly plated with either a Synthes 3.5 mm LCDC stainless steel plate or an Acumed titanium pre-contoured clavicle plate. After plating, specimens were tested on an EnduraTEC material testing apparatus for axial compression and tension strength, as well as torsional strength in compression and tension. Biomechanical test results for plated specimens are reported for the LCDC plate and the Acumed plate, and the 2 plates are compared. This exploratory study supports investigations with larger sample sizes to determine if the Acumed pre-contoured plate differs from the LCDC plate in biomechanical properties and the clinical implications of such differences.
Ianus: secure and holistic coexistence with kernel extensions - a immune system-inspired approach

Kernel extensions, especially device drivers, make up a large fraction of modern OS kernels (approximately 70% in Linux). Most extensions are benign and represent a convenient approach for extending the kernel functionality and allowing a system to communicate with an increasing number of I/O devices. A small fraction of them are malicious and, as they run in kernel space, pose a threat to kernel integrity. From a security viewpoint this situation is paradoxical: modern OSes depend and must co-live with untrustworthy but needed extensions. Our immune system faces the same challenge: our body is made of a large number of bacteria, which are mostly benign and also carry out critical functions for our physiology. However, a small fraction of them pose a threat to our body as they can cause pathologies. The immune system maintains an homeostatic relationship with its microbiota by minimizing contact between bacteria and cell surfaces and confining bacteria to certain sites. Challenging the current trend that advocates leveraging only a hypervisor to defend the kernel (for considering it too vulnerable to defend itself), this paper advocates that modern OSes, like our immune system, should play an active role in maintaining healthy and safe interactions with their extensions. This work presents Ianus, a proof-of-concept prototype for this paradigm using Linux and the Bochs x86 emulator, which successfully minimized kernel extensions interactions with original kernel. Its security was evaluated with real rootkits and benign modules. Ianus' performance was analyzed with system and CPU benchmarks and it caused an small overhead to the system (approximately 12%).
Well child and preventive care

Primary care health practitioners play an important role in the preventive care of children. In the United States, routine health supervision visits are viewed as an essential means of delivering family centered preventive and primary care. Children who have a regular source of care are more likely to have received health screening including appropriate immunizations. Indeed, Healthy People 2010 [2], has established a goal of increasing from 93% to 97%, the percentage of children with a regular source of health care (excluding the emergency room) [2]. In addition, a recent study in an inner city clinic showed that parents consider well child care important ranking immunizations, growth and development issues and the opportunity to discuss behavior as the most significant individual components of the health maintenance visit.
Quantification of refractory organic material in Amazon mudbanks of the French Guiana Coast

Abstract Sub-oxic overturning mudbanks originating in the Amazon outlet and traveling northwestward along the coast of South America store 3.5 Tg organic carbon on the Amazon shelf, annually. The predominance of old soil carbon burial associated with the sediment has been supported by relatively old bulk radiocarbon ages (~ 2200–3200 14C y) reported, but this amount has yet to be quantified for this dynamic setting. Here, we employ ramped pyrolysis radiocarbon dating to mudbank sediments from three cores to further constrain the amount of refractory sedimentary organic carbon present. Using radiocarbon age as a proxy for reactivity, we find that at least 36% of this organic carbon is pre-aged refractory terrestrial organic carbon, likely sourced from terrestrial soils and averaging ages of 16,100 ± 300 14C y. This implies significant preservation of pre-aged terrestrial soil material in this marine environment despite the mobility and oxygen availability in the muds. Concurrently, an average of 77% of this organic material is aged over 1000 14C y, consistent with previous estimates that the majority of organic carbon buried along the shelf is refractory. Analyses of extracted lignin phenols and terrestrial humic acids also support this preservation of refractory terrestrial material. These data indicate that sediment discharged from the Amazon River may preserve refractory terrestrial carbon in marine sediments at a minimum of 3.1 Tg C/y, which is more efficient than originally thought.
A ground-truthing engine for proofsetting, publishing, re-purposing and quality assurance

We present design strategies, implementation preferences and throughput results obtained in deploying a UI-based ground truthing engine as the last step in the quality assurance (QA) for the conversion of a large out-of-print book collection into digital form. A series of automated QA steps were first performed on the document. Five distinct zoning analysis options were deployed and the PDF output thence generated was used to regenerate TIFF files for comparison to the originals. Regenerated TIFFs failing automated QA or a separate visual QA were tagged for ground truthing. Less than 3% of the pages in a 1.2x106-page corpus required ground truthing, resulting in a throughput rate of "fully-proofed" pages of 2x105 pages/man-week. Among the design advantages crucial for this throughput rate was the use of the identical zoning engine for the original production workflow and for the ground truthing engine.
The outer membrane protein OmpW forms an eight-stranded beta-barrel with a hydrophobic channel.

Escherichia coli OmpW belongs to a family of small outer membrane proteins that are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. Their functions are unknown, but recent data suggest that they may be involved in the protection of bacteria against various forms of environmental stress. To gain insight into the function of these proteins A we have determined the crystal structure of E. coli OmpW to 2.7-A resolution. The structure shows that OmpW forms an 8-stranded β-barrel with a long and narrow hydrophobic channel that contains a bound n-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylamine-N-oxide detergent molecule. Single channel conductance experiments show that OmpW functions as an ion channel in planar lipid bilayers. The channel activity can be blocked by the addition of n-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylamine-N-oxide. Taken together, the data suggest that members of the OmpW family could be involved in the transport of small hydrophobic molecules across the bacterial outer membrane.
Formulation and Numerical Solution of Non-Local Thermal Equilibrium Equations for Multiple Gas/Solid Porous Metal Hydride Reactors

The assumption of local thermal equilibrium (LTE) is very common in the study of reacting flows in porous media. The assumption simplifies the structure of the solutions and places fewer constraints on computational methods for the domain and boundary conditions. However, in certain systems, such as gas/solid metal hydride reactors, the boundary conditions may impose high energy transfer rates which produce slowly evolving phase change fronts coupled with rapid kinetics. Overall performance of the systems is proportional to the release or absorption of hydrogen, and this is sensitively related to temperature. Thus, capturing local departures from LTE is required. This paper directly evaluates the influence of these effects by solving an NLTE (non-local thermal equilibrium) formulation for coupled reactors as a function of the interphase heat transfer coefficient, h sf . The reactor dynamics and overall energy balances are compared to solutions previously obtained from LTE calculations. The results appear to be the first NLTE results for coupled reactors. They confirm the existence of NLTE effects and suggest the magnitude of h sf for which they can be minimized.
Governmental Efficiency in Our Time: Is the “What” Really More Important Than the “How”?

H indy Lauer Schachter argues that obtaining a more accurate and nuanced understanding of public sector efficiency becomes possible when government officials engage citizens in the process of defining desired policy outcomes. In her view, efficiency is a politically defined value. Schachter correctly recognizes that a true dichotomy between politics and administration has always been and will most certainly continue to exist only as an idealized fictional construct. Schachter's analysis also shows how the writings of New Public Management scholars have failed to acknowledge and understand the basic point that efficiency and politics almost always become intertwined in policy debates in the public sector.
Thrombopoietin regulates c-Myb expression by modulating micro RNA 150 expression.

Objective Mice harboring c-Myb hypomorphic mutations display enhanced thrombopoiesis because of increased numbers of megakaryocytes and their progenitors. Thrombopoietin induces these same effects, which lead us to hypothesize that the hormone acts through modulation of c-Myb expression, as c-Myb levels falls during thrombopoietin-induced megakaryocyte (MK) maturation. Micro RNAs (miRs) downregulate gene expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs); we noted that the 3′UTR of c-Myb contains four miR-150 binding sites. Materials and Methods We used quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and reporter gene analyses to assess the response of c-Myb to thrombopoietin stimulation and to gain of and loss of miR-150 expression. Results We found that thrombopoietin reduced c-Myb mRNA and protein levels within 7 hours in megakaryocytes and UT7/thrombopoietin (TPO) cells. Using a reporter gene containing the c-Myb 3′UTR region, including its four miR150 binding sites, we found that expression of miR150 reduced luciferase expression to 50% of baseline at 24 hours and to 25% at 48 hours in UT7/TPO cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting also revealed that miR-150 reduced endogenous c-Myb mRNA and protein to 50% in UT7/TPO cells, and to 65% in mature megakaryocytes. Converse experiments utilizing anti-miR150 increased luciferase activity twofold over control anti-miR. Finally, TPO increased miR150 expression 1.8-fold within 24 hours and 3.4-fold within 48 hours. Conclusions These findings establish that miR150 downmodulates c-Myb levels, and because TPO affects miR150 expression, our results indicate that, in addition to affecting MK progenitor cell growth, TPO downmodulates c-Myb expression through induction of miR-150.
Faith development and Teresa'sInterior Castle

James Fowler's model of faith development is compared with the course of development described by St. Teresa of Avila in her classic work,Interior Castle. Both Teresa and Fowler drew their models from the study of individual lives. The paper first presents a brief summary of Fowler's model, then goes through the different levels of development described by St. Teresa, comparing each of them with corresponding stages in Fowler's model. The paper concludes that, though these models were developed in different cultures, centuries apart, they appear to describe a similar course of religious or spiritual unfolding.
Respiratory supercomplexes: structure, function and assembly

The mitochondrial respiratory chain consists of 5 enzyme complexes that are responsible for ATP generation. The paradigm of the electron transport chain as discrete enzymes diffused in the inner mitochondrial membrane has been replaced by the solid state supercomplex model wherein the respiratory complexes associate with each other to form supramolecular complexes. Defects in these supercomplexes, which have been shown to be functionally active and required for forming stable respiratory complexes, have been associated with many genetic and neurodegenerative disorders demonstrating their biomedical significance. In this review, we will summarize the functional and structural significance of supercomplexes and provide a comprehensive review of their assembly and the assembly factors currently known to play a role in this process.
Mechanisms of UV-Induced Inflammation

The inflammation produced by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been well documented clinically and histologically. However, the mechanisms by which mediators induce this clinical response remain poorly defined. It is clear that photochemistry occurring after UV absorption must be responsible for initiating these events. Some of these underlying mechanisms have been defined. After exposure to UV light, the formation of prostaglandins and the release of histamine are increased. In addition to an increase in the quantity of these mediators, an increase in sensitivity of irradiated tissue to agonist stimulation also occurs. This increased sensitivity may cause tissue to respond to agonist levels previously present. Phospholipase activity also increases, making more substrate available for prostaglandin formation. Oxygen radical - induced peroxidation of membrane lipids caused by irradiation may contribute to increased phospholipase activity. Oxygen-free radicals also participate in sunburn cell formation and in UV-induced decreases in Langerhans cell numbers. Several enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms are present in skin for reducing these highly reactive oxygen species.
The Contribution of Geriatric Health Services Research to Successful Aging

Successful aging seems to refer to a broad set of circumstances that include but transcend healthy aging. The contribution of medical care to successful aging may lie in better management of chronic diseases. Health services research can contribute to successful aging by informing the delivery of medical care in this area. It can provide useful insights into what kinds of new approaches have proven successful and how to implement and sustain these changes. However, many of these lessons from health services research have been ignored in practice to date.
Pyridones as glucokinase activators: Identification of a unique metabolic liability of the 4-sulfonyl-2-pyridone heterocycle

A promising area of novel anti-diabetic therapy involves identification of small molecule activators of the glucokinase enzyme to reduce blood glucose and normalize glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Herein, we report the identification and optimization of a series of 4-sulfonyl-2-pyridone activators. The activators were evaluated for in vitro biochemical activation and pharmacokinetic properties. As part of these efforts, a unique metabolic liability of the 4-sulfonyl-2-pyridone ring system was identified wherein this heterocycle readily undergoes conjugation with glutathione under non-enzymatic conditions.
Cohesive force apparatus for interactions between particles in surfactant and polymer solutions

Abstract Measurement of forces between two individual particles in the millimeter and micrometer size range is difficult to accomplish and yet these are the particles that are normally encountered in many commercial systems. A cohesive force apparatus (CFA) first used by one of the authors [E.D. Shchukin, R.K. Yusupov, E.A. Amelina, P.A. Rebinder, Kolloidn. Zh. 31 (1969) 913] was modified here for studying cohesive force down to 1 nN between particles of various size, shape and chemical nature under different conditions. In this work, the interaction between fused glass surfaces in solutions containing surfactants, polymers and salts was investigated by measuring the detachment force using the cohesive force apparatus. The cohesive force between glass surfaces was found to gradually decrease with increase in pH due to a corresponding increase in their negative zeta potential. Addition of salt can increase the cohesive force significantly. Interestingly, the cohesive force was observed to increase significantly with the increase of DTAB concentration because of the hydrophobic interactions between monolayers of DTAB on glass. However, the force decreased with further increase in DTAB concentration due to electrostatic repulsion between surfaces and decrease of hydrophobic interactions when DTAB bi-layers are formed. In the case of the hydrophobically modified polymer, polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCAP), the cohesive force was shown to be directly proportional to the molecular weight of the polymer and the loading force. The cohesive interactions between PEO adsorbed glass also showed the force to increase as a function of the PEO concentration, reach a maximum, and then decrease gradually, the increase being due to the reduction in the zeta potential of the glass and the decrease due to steric effect between the fully covered layers. Interaction of anionic surfactant with the pre-adsorbed PEO layer can reduce the cohesive force between the surfaces.
Simple existence conditions for zero-one matrices with at most one structural zero in each row and column

We give simple necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a zero-one matrix with given row and column sums and at most one structural zero in each row and column.
Eating patterns, diet quality and energy balance: from the macro- to the microscopic.

Abstract As a discussant for the 2013 IBRC Symposium on Eating Patterns, Diet Quality and Energy Balance at Purdue University, I describe here several reflections I had on the papers as a whole. I initially focus on the keynote address by Dr. Leonard. His address suggested that the evolutionary development of Homo sapiens during the past 2 million years may have “prepared” humans to seek and consume food beyond their immediate energy needs, a predisposition that may have rendered humans particularly vulnerable to modern food environments. Additional observations include: 1) the importance of differentiating between a given appetitive variable (e.g., snacking) as a potential cause versus consequence of an outcome of interest (e.g., obesity), 2) the need to move beyond research on the consummatory phase of appetite to the anticipatory phase of appetite, and 3) the opportunity that exists to take the many obesogenic nutritional influences documented in the symposium and “turn them on their heads” to facilitate, rather than undermine, long-term weight control.
Chemokine-induced cell death in CCR5-expressing neuroblastoma cells

CCR5 is expressed in neurons but its function in this cellular context is hitherto poorly understood. We have generated CCR5-expressing SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. CCR5 ligands induced cell death in these cells, but not in control neuroblastoma cells or in CCR5-expressing fibroblasts. CCR5-dependent killing of neuroblastoma cells occurred through apoptosis, since it was accompanied by caspase-3 activation and could be prevented by a caspase-3 inhibitor. Finally, cell killing by activated microglia was more rapid and extensive in CCR5-expressing neuroblastoma cells than in control cells. In summary, CCR5 may act as a death receptor in cells of neuronal lineage and therefore be involved in inflammatory neurodegeneration.
Approximation of the Stokes---Darcy System by Optimization

A solution algorithm for the linear/nonlinear Stokes---Darcy coupled problem is proposed and investigated. The coupled system is formulated as a constrained optimal control problem, where a flow balance is forced across the interface, inflow, and outflow boundaries by minimizing a suitably defined functional. Optimization is achieved by exploiting a Neumann type boundary condition imposed on each subproblem as a control. A numerical algorithm is presented for a least squares functional whose solution yields a minimizer of the constrained optimization problem. Numerical experiments are provided to validate accuracy and efficiency of the algorithm.
The Moral Complexion of Consumption

Vigorous consumption is the sign of a prosperous and confident society. Some critics, however, find a high level of consumption morally objectionable. To see what is valid in these objections, one needs to understand the connection between consumption and the characteristic pattern of technology that is highlighted by the device paradigm and gives rise to paradigmatic consumption. Such consumption induces disengagement from reality and a decline of excellence. The response to these debilities is to accept paradigmatic consumption in some areas of life and to make room for focal things and practices in others. Research is needed to determine the social reality, and to probe the common awareness, of paradigmatic consumption and focal practices.
The three-dimensional morphology of afferent terminal fields in the rat dentate gyrus: periodic variation.

The laminated afferent terminal fields in the rat dentate gyrus molecular layer exhibit differential histochemical staining properties. Dependent variables (e.g., field geometrics, stain intensity) based on this organization can allow evaluation of the effect of independent variables upon the integrity of each afferent, but anatomically justifiable procedures for matching measurement regions across animals are necessary. We describe such a procedure and a serendipitous observation on the normal organization of the terminal fields. From a 10 X 10 mediolateral X anteroposterior array of measurement points per animal, it was determined that each afferent field, and the total molecular layer, exhibits periodic variation in width relative to the granule cell layer. Thus, to reduce statistical variability, either a high dependent variable sampling rate, or sampling within a region of naturally low variability, is suggested. Evidence for such a region is presented, and possible consequences of this novel topology of afferentation are discussed.
MotHEr-iNFaNt WorK aNd itS iMPaCt oN PSyCHoaNalySiS WitH adultS

Experiences from mother-infant psychoanalytic treatments help us understand and handle adult psychoanalyses. Babies flood us with non-verbal expressions of their feeling states. Working with a mother who is soothing her baby, the analyst can observe container-contained interactions from another perspective than in a traditional analytic setting and gain a new understanding of how he himself interacts with his adult patient. The struggles that occur between babies and mothers visualize how they influence each other's inner worlds. Having witnessed such interactions contributes to making the analyst conversant in speaking with adult patients about himself as an external object. At times, this may imply disclosing how unconscious factors behind his interventions and attitudes have influenced the analysand. Work with a 2-week old boy and his mother and with a 35-year-old woman are presented as examples. The baby-mother work inspired the adult analysis, the quality of which gradually shifted from “battlefield”...
Intrastriatal GABAA receptor blockade does not alter dopamine D1/D2 receptor interactions in the intact rat striatum

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intrastriatal blockade of GABA(A) receptors on dopamine D(1)/D(2) receptor interactions in the intact rat striatum. Muscarinic receptors mediate the ability of the D(2) receptor antagonist, eticlopride, to block an increase in striatonigral neuropeptide messenger RNA stimulated by the full D(1) agonist, SKF-82958. However, because D(2) receptor antagonists activate striatopallidal neurons, it is possible that increased GABA release from local medium spiny axon collaterals also contributes to the ability of eticlopride to block the effects of SKF-82958. This hypothesis was addressed by infusing the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline, into the dorsal striatum in rats treated with eticlopride and SKF-82958. In contrast to the actions of the muscarinic antagonist, scopolamine, bicuculline did not affect the increase in behaviors induced by SKF-82958 or the ability of eticlopride to block them. Quantitative in situ hybridization demonstrated that bicuculline did not significantly affect basal preprodynorphin messenger RNA, nor did it affect the ability of eticlopride to decrease SKF-82958-induced preprodynorphin messenger RNA. However, the level of the preprodynorphin hybridization signal in bicuculline plus SKF-82958-treated rats was significantly lower than in saline plus SKF-82958-treated rats. In contrast, bicuculline, eticlopride or SKF-82958 by themselves increased basal preproenkephalin messenger RNA. However, there was no significant interaction among bicuculline, eticlopride and SKF-82958 on preproenkephalin messenger RNA levels.These data indicate that blockade of striatal GABA(A) receptors has only a subtle effect on acute dopamine agonist-induced changes in gene expression. These results are discussed in the context of local intrastriatal interactions.
Usage of Microcomputer Software in AACSB-Accredited Undergraduate and Graduate Marketing Programs

This article presents the findings of a survey of AACSB-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs relating to the integration of personal computers into the marketing curriculum. This survey determines the degree of software usage, summarizes faculty evaluation of different marketing applications software, identifies areas which interfere with successful implementation, and evaluates the software acquisition process. A number of recommendations are made to improve microcomputer software integration.
Macrophage matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 gene and protein expression following adhesion to ECM-derived multifunctional matrices via integrin complexation

Macrophages are commonly observed at the biomaterial-tissue interface and interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) mainly by integrin receptors to play a critical role in ECM turnover by secreting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). To investigate beta1 and beta3 containing integrin-mediated adhesion and subsequent MMP-2/-9 protein and gene expression in human blood-derived monocytes, biofunctional peptides immobilized onto flexible polyethylene glycol (PEG) arms were grafted onto a gelatin-based interpenetrating network (IPN). Adherent monocyte density was dramatically greater in the presence of RGD immobilized onto flexible PEG arms of the gelatin-based IPN. Pretreatment of monocytes with either anti-integrin beta1 or beta3 led to a significant decrease in adherent cell density on RGD-PEG-grafted IPNs. MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein and MMP-9 mRNA expression increased in the presence of IPNs initially, independent of ligand identity. Anti-integrin beta1 or beta3 antibody pretreatment of monocytes led to a general decrease in MMP-2/-9 protein expression. These results demonstrate the importance of beta1 and beta3 containing integrins in mediating monocyte adhesion onto RGD immobilized onto flexible PEG arms of the IPN. The results also reveal that MMP-2/-9 protein and gene expression is influenced by the presence of gelatin and not the ligands immobilized on the PEG arms of the IPN.
Unidirectional magnetic field assisted Laser Induced Plasma Micro-Machining

Abstract Laser Induced Plasma Micro-Machining (LIPMM) has demonstrated superior micro-machining capabilities as compared to conventional pulsed laser micro-machining. We report a process modification in LIPMM, by which an external unidirectional magnetic field is used to alter the plasma characteristics, which in turn yields a higher material removal rate on 304L steel workpiece, as compared to regular LIPMM. This study indicates that the plasma energy can increase by about 70% by applying a field of 5400 Gauss in either the longitudinal or transverse direction. Correspondingly, the depth of micro-features obtained in the presence of such a field is approximately 50% greater.
Models for network evolution

This paper describes mathematical models for network evolution when ties (edges) are directed and the node set is fixed. Each of these models implies a specific type of departure from the standard null binomial model. We provide statistical tests that, in keeping with these models, are sensitive to particular types of departures from the null. Each model (and associated test) discussed follows directly from one or more socio‐cognitive theories about how individuals alter the colleagues with whom they are likely to interact. The models include triad completion models, degree variance models, polarization and balkanization models, the Holland‐Leinhardt models, metric models, and the constructural model. We find that many of these models, in their basic form, tend asymptotically towards an equilibrium distribution centered at the completely connected network (i.e., all individuals are equally likely to interact with all other individuals); a fact that can inhibit the development of satisfactory tests.
The role of Synechococcus in vertical flux in the Costa Rica upwelling dome

Abstract Despite evidence that picophytoplankton contribute to export from marine pelagic ecosystems to some extent, few field studies have experimentally evaluated the quantitative importance of that flux or specifically assessed the relative strengths of alternate ecological pathways in transporting picophytoplankton carbon to depth. In experimental studies in the Costa Rica Dome (CRD), we used a combination of methods – flow cytometry (FCM), microscopy, pigments, dilution assays, mesozooplanton gut contents and sediment traps – to follow production, grazing and export fates of the dominant picophytoplankter, Synechococcus spp. (Syn), relative to the total phytoplankton community. Syn accounted for an average of 25% (range 9–50%) of total phytoplankton production during four 4-day drifter experiments at CRD sites. During the same experiments, sediment trap deployments at the base of the euphotic zone measured total organic carbon export ranging from 50 to 72 mg C m−2 d−1. Flow cytometry measurements of the trap samples showed that only 0.11% of this carbon was recognizable as ungrazed sinking Syn. Phycoerythrin (PE) measurements on the same samples, which we attributed mostly to transport of intact cells in mesozooplankton fecal pellets, gave export contributions of unassimilated Syn eight-times higher than ungrazed sinking cells, though still
Niche specialization of novel Thaumarchaeota to oxic and hypoxic acidic geothermal springs of Yellowstone National Park

Novel lineages of the phylum Thaumarchaeota are endemic to thermal habitats, and may exhibit physiological capabilities that are not yet observed in members of this phylum. The primary goals of this study were to conduct detailed phylogenetic and functional analyses of metagenome sequence assemblies of two different thaumarchaeal populations found in high-temperature (65–72 °C), acidic (pH∼3) iron oxide and sulfur sediment environments of Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Metabolic reconstruction was coupled with detailed geochemical measurements of each geothermal habitat and reverse-transcriptase PCR to confirm the in situ activity of these populations. Phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal and housekeeping proteins place these archaea near the root of the thaumarchaeal branch. Metabolic reconstruction suggests that these populations are chemoorganotrophic and couple growth with the reduction of oxygen or nitrate in iron oxide habitats, or sulfur in hypoxic sulfur sediments. The iron oxide population has the potential for growth via the oxidation of sulfide to sulfate using a novel reverse sulfate reduction pathway. Possible carbon sources include aromatic compounds (for example, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate), complex carbohydrates (for example, starch), oligopeptides and amino acids. Both populations contain a type III ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase used for carbon dioxide fixation or adenosine monophosphate salvage. No evidence for the oxidation of ammonia was obtained from de novo sequence assemblies. Our results show that thermoacidophilic Thaumarchaeota from oxic iron mats and hypoxic sulfur sediments exhibit different respiratory machinery depending on the presence of oxygen versus sulfide, represent deeply rooted lineages within the phylum Thaumarchaeota and are endemic to numerous sites in YNP.
Hippocratic, religious, and secular ethics: The points of conflict

The origins of professional ethical codes and oaths are explored. Their legitimacy and usefulness within the profession are questioned and an alternative ethical source is suggested. This source relies on a commonly shared, naturally knowable set of principles known as common morality.
Developing the “Good Citizen”: Digital Artifacts, Peer Networks, and Formal Organization During the 2003–2004 Howard Dean Campaign

ABSTRACT The 2003–2004 Howard Dean campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination is often heralded as the prototypical example of peer-driven politics. Building from an emerging body of literature on the Dean campaign, through interviews with key staffers and a survey of public documents I complicate this view by analyzing the interplay between the formal campaign organization, digital artifacts, and citizen networks. I demonstrate that from the earliest days of the primary the campaign developed strategies and innovative organizational practices for convening and harnessing citizen networks. Drawing on analytical perspectives that combine Foucauldian “governmentality” and actor-network theory, I argue that this was facilitated through the deployment of a set of artifacts that realized and leveraged “networked sociality.” Finally, I argue that while the Internet Division of the campaign adopted many “postbureaucratic” practices, it was embedded in a formal organizational hierarchy that shaped its te...
Piezoelectric accelerometer for high temperature (1300°C) sensing

Piezoelectric devices have gained popularity due to their low complexity, low mass and low cost as compared with other high temperature technologies. Despite these advantages, currently piezoelectric sensors for high temperatures are limited by the temperature limits of piezoelectric materials and electrodes to under 1000°C. During this study, a sensor capable of operating in temperatures up to 1250°C has been developed. The shear mode design is featured with low profile and insensitive to mass-loading effects. Because current electrode materials cannot withstand temperatures above 1000°C for an extended period, an electrode-less design was implemented. This sensor prototype was tested at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1250°C in the frequency range of 100-300Hz, showing stable performance. In addition, when tested for an extended dwelling time, the accelerometer demonstrated very stable behavior once it reached a steady operation at 1250°C.
Floorplanning for 3-D VLSI design

In this paper we present a floorplanning algorithm for 3-D ICs. The problem can be formulated as that of packing a given set of 3-D rectangular blocks while minimizing a suitable cost function. Our algorithm is based on a generalization of the classical 2-D slicing floorplans to 3-D slicing floorplans. A new encoding scheme of slicing floorplans (2-D/3-D) and its associated set of moves form the basis of the new simulated annealing based algorithm. The bestknown algorithm for packing 3-D rectangular blocks is based on simulated annealing using sequence-triple floorplan representation. Experimental results show that our algorithm produces packing results on average 3% better than the sequence-triple-based algorithm under the same annealing parameters, and our algorithm runs much faster (17 times for problems containing 100 blocks) than the sequence-triple. Moreover, our algorithm can be extended to consider various types of placement constraints and thermal distribution while the existing sequence-triple-based algorithm does not have such capabilities. Finally, when specializing to 2-D problems, our algorithm is a new 2-D slicing floorplanning algorithm. We are excited to report the surprising results that our new 2-D floorplanner has produced slicing floorplans for the two largest MCNC benchmarks ami33 and ami49 which have the smallest areas (among all slicing/nonslicing floorplanning algorithms) ever reported in the literature.
Solution structure of a core peptide derived from scyllatoxin

An analysis of the sequences of scyllatoxin and charybdotoxin suggested that it would be possible to design a core peptide sequence which would still fold to give the beta-hairpin and helix seen in the toxins, but which would eliminate one disulfide and connecting residues. The core sequence was modeled, then synthesized and purified. The cysteines oxidize in air to give the same disulfide pairings as seen in the parent toxins as the major product. The three-dimensional structure of the core sequence peptide, termed Max, was determined using proton NMR spectroscopy and found to be identical in secondary structure to the toxins. However differences were found in the relative orientation of the beta-hairpin and helix. The use of this structural motif, found in many insect toxins, as a disulfide framework for exploring sequence/structure/activity relationships is discussed.
Baroclinic and barotropic tides in the Weddell Sea

Barotropic and baroclinic tides were simulated for the Weddell Sea using ROMS. The model estimates for both tidal elevations and velocities showed good agreement with existing observations. The rms differences were 9 cm for elevations and 1.2–1.7 cm s−1 for the major axes of the tidal ellipses for the semidiurnal constituents and 6–8 cm and 4.5 cm s−1 for the diurnal constituents, respectively. Most of the discrepancies occurred deep under the ice shelf for the semidiurnal tides and along the continental slope for the diurnal tides. Along the continental slope, the model overestimated the generation of diurnal continental shelf waves. The diurnal tides were barotropic throughout the basin. However, internal tides were generated at semidiurnal frequencies over rough topography. Over the continental slope, semidiurnal baroclinic tidal generation was enhanced by the existence of continental shelf waves, through their harmonics. Baroclinic tides generated over rough topography in the northern Weddell Sea incited inertial oscillations as they propagated south. These inertial oscillations varied with depth since they were incited at different depths at different times as the internal tide progressed. Both the baroclinic tides and inertial oscillations induced vertical shear in the water column and increased the divergence of the horizontal surface velocities.
Towards a West Nile Virus Vaccine

Towards a West Nile Virus Vaccine West Nile virus (WNV) is a significant mosquito-borne human pathogen belonging to the Flaviviridae family with dengue, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. Recently, WNV has emerged as an important public health concern in the Western hemisphere, where it has established an endemic zoonotic cycle. Outcomes of WNV infection range from benign, non-symptomatic infection to flu-like febrile illness to severe central nervous system (CNS) manifestations.
The Mumford-Shah digital filter pair (MS-DFP) and applications

We present a novel coupled filter pair for denoising, segmentation, and inpainting, based on the well known Mumford-Shah image model. Our self-contained digital extension to a general graph domain makes it possible to cheaply and universally benefit from this conventionally expensive yet very powerful image model.
BlockTree - Pedagogical Information Visualization for Heuristic Search

BlockTree is an information visualization tool that helps students explore nuances of heuristic search algorithms, such as A* and WA*. The goal of such exploration is to achieve a level of understanding that is deeper than merely being able to trace the algorithm on an artificially small domain. Instead, BlockTree presents a single execution snapshot of a heuristic search tree encompassing up to hundreds of thousands of nodes and offers a robust GUI that encourages viewing such a treefrom avariety of perspectives. Byexperimenting withthe visualizations generated by the problem domains already incorporated into BlockTree, students are exposed to the same large-scale issues that AI practitioners face on a regular basis. Beyond these built-in problem domains, BlockTree offers an extensible object-oriented framework that can be used as the basis for programming assignments. As students implement additional domains in BlockTree, their solutions are automatically visualized in the same fashion as the built-in domains.
Results of the Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide Combination Regimen in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of combination therapy with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) based on data suggesting in vitro synergistic activity of the two agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients with CLL were treated with fludarabine 30 mg/m2 intravenously daily for 3 days and cyclophosphamide at either 500 mg/m2 daily for 3 days (n = 11), 350 mg/m2/d for 3 days (n = 26), or 300 mg/m2 daily for 3 days (n = 91). The cyclophosphamide dose was decreased because of myelosuppression in the early part of the study. Patients were divided into four groups based on the expectation for response to single-agent fludarabine, including previously untreated patients, patients previously treated with alkylating agents, patients successfully treated with alkylating agents and fludarabine but relapsing, and patients refractory to fludarabine with or without alkylating agents. RESULTS: Fludarabine and cyclophosphamide produced ≥ 80% response rates in all...