cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conduction and Automaticity in Rat Myocardium

Intraventricular infusion of isotonic potassium chloride solution showed that blocking conduction in the subendocardial tissues of a single ventricle drastically alters normal conduction, with ensuing impulses being transmitted from the opposing ventricle. Blocking the endocardial tissues of both ventricles produces asystole even though the myocardium is capable of contracting as demonstrated by its contractile response to mechanical and electrical stimuli. These observations lend support to the concept that automaticity is a property confined to the specialized tissues of the conduction system.
A psychophysiological study in humans using phasic colonic distension as a noxious visceral stimulus.

Abstract Psychophysiological experiments were performed in 9 humans using constant-pressure, phasic, graded distension (30 sec, 20–70 mm Hg) of the sigmoid colon as a visceral stimulus. Reliable cardiovascular (pressor), respiratory and visceromotor responses in addition to reports of pressure/pain sensations were evoked by colonic distension in 8 of the 9 subjects. The pressure/pain sensations were referred to the lower abdomen, lower back and perineum and their intensity quantified using a visual analogue scale. Responses to colonie distension were graded and increased with repeated distensions at the same intensity (60 mm Hg). The area of referral as indicated by subject drawings increased with repeated distensions as did the intensity of the subjects' sensory and affective descriptors of the sensation. Five of the subjects differentiated between ‘pressure’ and ‘pain’ sensations evoked by colonic distension; the intensity of the ‘pain’ sensation accelerated during the distending stimulus whereas the ‘pressure’ sensation was typically stable or adapting during the distending stimulus.
Effect of indomethacin on modest pressure natriuresis in chloralose-anesthetized, non-laparotomized dogs.

Abstract To determine if indomethacin (indo) would attenuate the effects of changed renal perfusion pressure on sodium excretion as reported by others, we performed clearance studies in chloralose-anesthetized dogs without the major stress of laparotomy. Mean renal arterial pressure was varied by a balloon-tipped catheter indwelling the aorta suprarenally. With pressure decreases to mean values above 85 mm Hg during isotonic saline infusion, sodium output decreased only by 10.7 ± 2.4% per 10 mm Hg pressure decrease without indo pre-treatment but decreased by 22.0 ± 3.8% per 10 mm Hg pressure decrease with indo pre-treatment. The greater, rather than lesser, pressure effect on excretory function after indo in these experiments with chloralose anesthesia suggest that renal prostaglandin (PG) activity does not mediate normally pressure natriuresis. Instead, the data suggest that, in the absence of major stress, the renal pressure effects on excretory function may become more sensitive after indo. In addition, we postulate that the normal acute pressure natriuresis may be modest and may average no more than 20% change for each 10 mm Hg change in mean pressure above 90 mm Hg when stress is minimal and when vasoactive preglomerular autoregulation is nearly perfect. This is a phenomenon which keeps intrarenal tissue pressure and urine output relatively constant with arterial pressure elevations.
Statisticians Can Matter

Abstract Statisticians fall far short of their potential as guides to enlightened decision making in business. Two important explanations are: (1) Decision makers are often more easily convinced by concrete examples, however fragmentary and misleading, than by competent statistical analysis. (2) The effective use of statistics in the process of decision making requires hard thinking by decision makers, thinking that cannot be delegated entirely to the statistical specialist. Modern developments in interactive statistical computing may help to reduce the force of these limitations on exploitation of statistics; used properly, computing can encourage, almost force, the student or business user of statistics to think statistically.
An introduction to cancer communication and aging: theoretical and research insights.

(2003). An Introduction to Cancer Communication and Aging: Theoretical and Research Insights. Health Communication: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 123-131.
Extrapolation of α+ carbon reaction cross sections to astrophysical energies

Abstract R -matrix extrapolations that take into account the effects of subthreshold levels are reported for the α + 12,13 C reaction cross sections. The relatively low extrapolated value S E 1 (300 keV) = 20 keV-b for α + 12 C capture seems compatible with measurements of the β-delayed α-decay spectrum of 16 N, while the extrapolated 13 C( α , n ) 16 O S -factor is found to be nearly two orders of magnitude larger than the Caughlan-Fowler value.
Computer‐based case studies and learning laboratory projects

In this section the System Dynamics Review presents problems having the potential to stimulate system dynamics research. Articles may address real-world dynamic problems that could be approached fruitfully from the system dynamics perspective, or methodological problems affecting the field. A paper submitted to the Research Problems section should concisely motivate and define a problem and start a process of conceptualization or formulation that can open the way for further studies. Manuscripts not exceeding 2,000 words should be sent to George P. Richardson, Milne 308, Rockefeller College, S.U.N.Y., Albany, NY 12222, U.S.A.
Scheduling issues in multimedia query optimization

This paper examines the scheduling of concurrent requests on multimedia storage servers consisting of multiple resources, which is a central issue in processing and optimization of complex queries in multimedia database systems [Chaudhuri 1994]. It introduces a formal model for the demands imposed by multimedia requests on the server resources, described a heuristic algorithm for scheduling the requests that is based on the formal model, and presents a formal result that bounds the performance of the schedule produced by the algorithm compared to the optimal schedule. Scheduling requests that involve continuous media data types, for example, audio and video objects, is a challenging problem due to the following distinguishing characteristics of multimedia environments:
Creating speech recognition grammars from regular expressions for alphanumeric concepts.

To bring speech recognition mainstream, researchers have been working on automatic grammar development tools. Most of the work focused on the modeling of sentence level commands for mixed-initiative dialogs. In this paper we describe a novel approach that enables the developers with little grammar authoring experience to construct high performance speech grammars for alphanumeric concepts, which are often needed in the more commonly used directed dialog systems in practice. A developer can simply write down a regular expression for the concept and the algorithm automatically constructs a W3C grammar with appropriate semantic interpretation tags. While the quality of the grammar is ultimately determined by the way in which the regular expression is written, the algorithm relieves the developers from the difficult tasks of optimizing grammar structures and assigning appropriate semantic interpretation tags, thus it greatly speeds up grammar development and reduces the requirement of expertise. Preliminary experimental results have shown that the grammar created with this approach consistently outperformed the general alphanumeric rules in the grammar library. In some cases the semantic error rates were cut by more than 50%.
Characterization of cis-acting sequences regulating root-specific gene expression in tobacco.

The expression of the tobacco root-specific gene TobRB7 was characterized. Gel blot hybridizations to RNA isolated from various tobacco tissues demonstrated that steady-state TobRB7 mRNA is not detected in expanded leaf, stem, or shoot apex tissue. To determine the spatial pattern of expression, in situ hybridization to root sections revealed that TobRB7 expression is localized to root meristem and immature central cylinder regions. The 59 flanking region of the gene was studied with respect to its ability to direct root-specific expression. Deletions of 59 flanking sequence were fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and transformed into tobacco. Our data demonstrated that sequences 636 base pairs from the site of transcription initiation are sufficient to direct the root-specific GUS expression in transgenic tobacco, whereas sequences 299 base pairs from the site of transcription initiation fail to direct root-specific expression. A negative regulatory element was apparent between 813 base pairs and 636 base pairs 59 of the transcription initiation site. Histochemical localization of GUS activity in transgenic plants was consistent with in situ hybridization results: GUS activity was localized to the root meristem and central cylinder regions. GUS activity appeared 2 days post-germination in the primary root meristem. In lateral roots, GUS activity was detected from the time of initiation.
Aerial Reconstructions via Probabilistic Data Fusion

We propose an integrated probabilistic model for multi-modal fusion of aerial imagery, LiDAR data, and (optional) GPS measurements. The model allows for analysis and dense reconstruction (in terms of both geometry and appearance) of large 3D scenes. An advantage of the approach is that it explicitly models uncertainty and allows for missing data. As compared with image-based methods, dense reconstructions of complex urban scenes are feasible with fewer observations. Moreover, the proposed model allows one to estimate absolute scale and orientation and reason about other aspects of the scene, e.g., detection of moving objects. As formulated, the model lends itself to massively-parallel computing. We exploit this in an efficient inference scheme that utilizes both general purpose and domain-specific hardware components. We demonstrate results on large-scale reconstruction of urban terrain from LiDAR and aerial photography data.
Improve pointcut definitions with program views

Aspect-oriented programming languages select join points using pointcut constructs that depend on the syntactic structure of the base program. As the base program evolves, the pointcuts may no longer capture the intended set of join points. Also, pointcuts may select join points so that aspects can observe program behavior protected by encapsulation and this makes local reasoning difficult.This work presents an approach for defining pointcuts based on program views, which are the abstractions of the classes and methods of the base program. Pointcuts are defined based on these views and syntactic changes in the base program will not affect the pointcuts if the base program is consistent with the views. A view also includes constraints to limit the set of join points that pointcuts can select and to help maintain modularity.
Efficient Multicarrier Communication for Highly Spread Underwater Acoustic Channels

In this paper we propose a novel method for communication over underwater acoustic channels that exhibit simultaneously large delay spread and Doppler spread, such as those found in the surf zone. In particular, we propose a coded pulse-shaped multicarrier scheme that converts the doubly dispersive channel into an inter-carrier interference (ICI) channel with small ICI spread. The resulting ICI is mitigated using a soft noncoherent equalizer that leverages sparsity in the delay-power profile to generate near-optimal bit estimates with low complexity. The noncoherent equalizer uses a delay-power-profile estimate (rather than a channel estimate) which is obtained from pilots. Numerical simulations with surf-zone-like channels demonstrate performance close to genie-aided bounds.
Incisor labial surface wear striations in modern humans and their implications for handedness in Middle and Late Pleistocene hominids

Over the past four decades several workers have argued that the orientations of striations on the labial surfaces of the front teeth of Middle and Late Pleistocene fossils attributed to Neanderthals and antecedent archaic hominids can tell us something about handedness. These researchers have suggested that such scratches result from stone tools scraping across the incisors during ‘stuff-and-cut’ behaviours, and that they reflect directions of hand movements and handedness. In this study, we examine comparable wear features on the incisors of anatomically modern humans to determine whether striation angle may reflect handedness. The teeth from 66 individuals representing four groups with known differences in subsistence practices (Aleut, Arikara, Illinois Bluff, and Puye) were examined. Photomicrographs were made of the maxillary central incisor labial surfaces of all individuals at 56× magnification. These photomicrographs were scanned to image files, and orientations of all visible wear striations were measured using a semi-automated image analysis procedure. Approximately three-quarters of all labial surfaces showed a preferred striation orientation. Of those, most had preferred apico-cervical or vertical striation orientations, independent of cultural affiliation. Few showed the tendency toward diagonally-oriented scratches expected if handedness is related to scratch orientation. We found no evidence for ‘stuff-and-cut’ striations, despite the fact that at least one of the groups studied—the Aleut—are documented to have used this behaviour. In sum, there is evidently no relationship between striation orientation and handedness in the groups studied. It is, therefore, unlikely that labial scratch orientation in Middle and Late Pleistocene hominids reflects handedness if they used their front teeth in a manner comparable to that of any of the anatomically modern groups considered here. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Taconic Orogeny

The Taconic orogeny of eastern North America was not, as traditionally defined, a single orogenic event that occurred at the end of the Ordovician period, but rather a complex series of orogenic episodes or climaxes spread over the larger part of that period. In most sectors of the northern Appalachians it included at least three of the following: disconformity in an external belt where carbonate was accumulating; severe early deformation in an internal volcanic belt; gravity slides from internal uplifts into the external belt; and widespread deformation, especially in the more external belts. In general, these events did not occur at the same time in the various sectors; each took a considerable time, and they overlapped to some extent. The Taconic orogeny also affected the southern Appalachians and may have been the most important one there, but evidence for this assertion is meager and inconclusive. Detailed analysis of the "fine structure" of the Taconic orogeny combats the dogma that orogenies are sharp, discrete events punctuating the geologic record (separating periods and abruptly terminating geosynclinal sedimentation) and suggests instead that they reflect "random-walk" processes within the Earth, in all likelihood the same as those responsible for sea-floor spreading and the present tectonic state of the Earth.
SPF-Net: A scalable protocol for flexible sensor networks

A protocol has been developed which can work on top of existing off-the-shelf wireless sensor node hardware components. This protocol is scalable and adaptable, providing support for applications development. As a prototype, it has been used as part of a wireless environmental monitoring network. Testing is underway and complete performance, reliability, and scalability results are expected in the near future.
On Pads and Filters: Processing Strong-Motion Data

Processing of strong-motion data in many cases can be as straightforward as filtering the acceleration time series and integrating to obtain velocity and displacement. To avoid the introduction of spurious low-frequency noise in quantities derived from the filtered accelerations, however, care must be taken to append zero pads of adequate length to the beginning and end of the segment of recorded data. These padded sections of the filtered acceleration need to be retained when deriving velocities, displacements, Fourier spectra, and response spectra. In addition, these padded and filtered sections should also be included in the time series used in the dynamic analysis of structures and soils to ensure compatibility with the filtered accelerations.
The North American Soil Moisture Database: Development and Applications

AbstractSoil moisture is an important variable in the climate system that integrates the combined influence of the atmosphere, land surface, and soil. Soil moisture is frequently used for drought monitoring and climate forecasting. However, in situ soil moisture observations are not systematically archived and there are relatively few national soil moisture networks. The lack of observed soil moisture data makes it difficult to characterize long-term soil moisture variability and trends. The North American Soil Moisture Database (NASMD) is a new high-quality observational soil moisture database. It includes over 1,800 monitoring stations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the largest collections of in situ soil moisture observations in North America. Data are collected from multiple sources, quality controlled, and integrated into an online database (soilmoisture.tamu.edu). Here we describe the development of the database, including quality control/quality assurance, standardization, and ...
Economics of residential energy arbitrage in california using a PV system with directly connected energy storage

Falling battery costs and increasing grid power costs have generated new market opportunities. Due to high costs, energy storage systems (ESS) typically require multiple use cases to justify their costs. ESS has shown promise for future economic and technical solutions due to potential benefits from energy storage arbitrage. Historically, ESSs with a directly connected photovoltaic (PV) system could not be placed in a Net Energy Metering (NEM) tariff, due to challenge of determining whether energy comes from a renewable PV source or fossil fuelled energy from a battery. Recent California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) rules have allowed PV paired energy storage systems to interconnect with NEM under very specific conditions. Early reports indicate that some energy arbitrage is possible in Time of Use (TOU) rates. This paper presents a limited economic analysis on the potential of energy arbitrage utilizing a Residential Energy Storage System (RESS) in typical Southern California Homes.
Understanding Bayesian reasoning via graphical displays

Bayesian reasoning, updating subjective probability in light of new information, is notoriously difficult. One factor that may contribute to this difficulty is lack of a mental model for how to combine the three key parameters in any Bayesian problem. An experiment was conducted contrasting four representations of Bayesian problems: three types of diagrams and a two by two contingency table. All four representations led to extremely good performance on a Bayesian task. This advantage also extended to a superficially dissimilar task and also persisted beyond the day of training, suggesting that graphic and tabular representation can lead to flexible and durable changes in the way people think about such problems.
Nonclinical Pharmacokinetics, Disposition, and Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of a Novel d-Amino Acid Peptide Agonist of the Calcium-Sensing Receptor AMG 416 (Etelcalcetide)

AMG 416 (etelcalcetide) is a novel synthetic peptide agonist of the calcium-sensing receptor composed of a linear chain of seven d-amino acids (referred to as the d-amino acid backbone) with a d-cysteine linked to an l-cysteine via a disulfide bond. AMG 416 contains four basic d-arginine residues and is a +4 charged peptide at physiologic pH with a mol. wt. of 1048.3 Da. The pharmacokinetics (PK), disposition, and potential of AMG 416 to cause drug-drug interaction were investigated in nonclinical studies with two single (14)C-labels placed either at a potentially metabolically labile acetyl position or on the d-alanine next to d-cysteine in the interior of the d-amino acid backbone. After i.v. dosing, the PK and disposition of AMG 416 were similar in male and female rats. Radioactivity rapidly distributed to most tissues in rats with intact kidneys, and renal elimination was the predominant clearance pathway. No strain-dependent differences were observed. In bilaterally nephrectomized rats, minimal radioactivity (1.2%) was excreted via nonrenal pathways. Biotransformation occurred primarily via disulfide exchange with endogenous thiol-containing molecules in whole blood rather than metabolism by enzymes, such as proteases or cytochrome P450s; the d-amino acid backbone remained unaltered. A substantial proportion of the plasma radioactivity was covalently conjugated to albumin. AMG 416 presents a low risk for P450 or transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions because it showed no interactions in vitro. These studies demonstrated a (14)C label on either the acetyl or the d-alanine in the d-amino acid backbone would be appropriate for clinical studies.
Nickel catalytic graphitized porous carbon as electrode material for high performance supercapacitors

Abstract Whey-protein-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon has been prepared by preliminary carbonization at 400 °C and final KOH activation at 700 °C combined with catalytic graphitization. Physical characterization indicated that the nitrogen-doped activated electrode material had a large specific surface area (2536 m 2 g −1 ) and plenty of interconnected cavities, which greatly improved the performance of supercapacitors. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the as-prepared activated electrode material had exceptionally high capacitance of 248 F g −1 at charge/discharge current density of 0.1 A g −1 . Moreover, the prepared supercapacitors exhibited ideal capacitive behavior with nearly no capacitance loss in 6 mol L −1 KOH at different charge/discharge current densities ranging from 0.1 to 5 A g −1 after 1000 charge/discharge cycles. The derived energy density was 12.4 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 495 W kg −1 under operational conditions. These results suggested that the whey-protein-derived porous carbon is a promising supercapacitor electrode material.
High-Redshift Superclustering of Quasi-stellar Object Absorption-Line Systems on 100 h−1 Mpc Scales

We have analyzed the clustering of C IV absorption-line systems in an extensive new catalog of heavy-element quasi-stellar object (QSO) absorbers. The catalog permits exploration of clustering over a large range in both scale (from about 1 to over 300 h-1 Mpc) and redshift (z from 1.2 to 4.5). We find significant evidence (5.0 σ; Q = 2.9 × 10-7) that C IV absorbers are clustered on comoving scales of 100 h-1 Mpc (q0 = 0.5) and less—similar to the size of voids and walls found in galaxy redshift surveys of the local universe (z < 0.2)—with a mean correlation function ξaa = 0.42 ± 0.10 over these scales. We find, on these scales, that the mean correlation function at low (zlow = 1.7), medium (zmed = 2.4), and high redshift (zhigh = 3.0) is ξaa = 0.40 ± 0.17, 0.32 ± 0.14, and 0.72 ± 0.25, respectively. Thus, the superclustering is present even at high redshift; furthermore, it does not appear that the superclustering scale, in comoving coordinates, has changed significantly since then. We find seven QSOs with rich groups of absorbers (potential superclusters) that account for a significant portion of the clustering signal, with two at redshift z ~ 2.8. We find that the superclustering is just as evident if we take q0 = 0.1 instead of 0.5; however, the inferred scale of clustering is then 240 h-1 Mpc, which is larger than the largest scales of clustering known at present. This discrepancy may be indicative of a larger value of q0 and hence Ω0. The evolution of the correlation function on 50 h-1 Mpc scales is consistent with that expected in cosmologies with density parameter ranging from Ω0 = 0.1 to 1. Finally, we find no evidence for clustering on scales greater than 100 h-1 Mpc (q0 = 0.5) or 240 h-1 Mpc (q0 = 0.1).
Design and Analysis of an Active Leading Edge Wing

1 Lift is greatly dependent on the velocity of the air flowing over the wing. Using balsawood, basswood, and MonoKote, a wing was built with an active leading edge surface, which will spin about it axis when powered by an electric motor. This rotating leading edge will "grab" the air and accelerate its flow over the top of the wing, effectively combining the concepts of lift generated by an airfoil and lift generated by a rotating cylinder. Presumably, the faster-moving air over the top of the wing will increase the pressure differential, in turn increasing lift. The active leading edge is paired with a simple control system, consisting of an electric motor, a potentiometer, and a power supply connected in series. Testing of the active leading edge wing was performed in a subsonic wind tunnel using two different test stands. Quantitative and qualitative results proved the active leading edge to be effective in increasing lift generated by the wing.
Spouse adaptation to mate's CABG surgery: 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe spouses' life stressors, supports, perceptions of illness severity, role strain, physical and mental symptoms of stress, and marital quality 1 year after the mate's coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS This descriptive study was the third component of a longitudinal panel investigation. (The first component was a period within 48 hours of surgery, and the second was 6 weeks after discharge.) One year after the mate's surgery, spouses received the following instruments in the mail: the Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes, the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, the Cantril Ladder Scale, the Strain Questionnaire, the Role Strain Scale and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Subjects were a convenience sample of 49 women whose husbands were alive 1 year after their first bypass surgery. Of the women in the sample (n = 49), 98% were white, and the mean age was 56 years. RESULTS Social support was moderate and significantly less 1 year after surgery than during the first two components (48 hours and 6 weeks after surgery). Women still perceived their husbands to have some illness severity 1 year after surgery. They continued to have physical and mental symptoms of stress and had significantly greater role strain than during the first two periods. Marital quality was average. Spouses reported making several life-style changes. DISCUSSION During the first year after the patient's bypass surgery, spouses experienced many changes. Although physical and mental symptoms of stress remained the same, role strain increased and social support decreased. The findings suggest testing of such interventions as stress management and time management techniques, support groups, and other psychoeducational interventions. CONCLUSIONS Although the situation remains difficult for the spouse 1 year after the patient's surgery, nurses and physicians can foster and support spouses through many adjustments and changes.
The Investigation of Flow Field Structure with New Geometry of Leading Edge on HP Turbine Rotor Blade

In order to control the generation and development of horseshoe vortex,a new method for designing rotor blade has been put forth,in which the leading edge has geometry of protrusive,a small rounded as well as reversal curvature and thick blade root. The neo- blade has the effect of bowed blade cascade designed by the 3D system and stacking method. In this paper,an HP turbine rotor blade is investigated by comparing new blade with original blade from the coefficient of energy loss,the pressure distribution along profile and the transformation of vortex along flow passage. The result shows that horseshoe vortex is under control with new leading edge and the flow condition in flow field improves dramatically.
Analysis of scattering for the flow field of a hypersonic flight vehicle

A hypersonic flight vehicle flow filed was simulated by adopting the 7species chemical model.Based on the flow field,apiecewise linear current density(JE)recursive convolution finite-difference time-domain(PLJERC-FDTD)algorithm was applied to calculate the vehicle backward RCS and bistatic RCS in P,L-band.The effects of incidence wave frequency and bistitic angle on the radar cross section(RCS)were analyzed.The results illustrate that in most range of calculation frequency,the backward RCS of plasma sheath flow field is smaller than that of the vehicle itself.Simultaneously,the angle of attack has an influence on the RCS.When the incidence wave frequency is close to the plasma frequency,the plasma sheath can improve the vehicle stealth performance.On 1GHz frequency,the RCS of the plasma sheath flow field and vehicle itself varies with the bistatic angle and the bigger one occur alternately without a good rule.
Abstract 57: NT-proBNP Decreases Exponentially Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation and Can Predict Future Hospitalization

Background: Unlike in classic heart failure populations where natriuretic peptides (NPs) are well-validated biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, the utility of NPs in patients with mechanical circulatory support is unknown. No prior study has systematically evaluated the predictive value of changes in NP levels on outcomes among contemporary patients after LVAD implantation. Methods: We reviewed records for all consecutive patients implanted with a continuous-flow LVAD at our institution from 2008-2012. Trends in NT-proBNP during LVAD support were measured, and the association of pre-implant NT-proBNP, as well as relative change in NT-proBNP, with mortality and hospitalization were analyzed. Results: Ninety-eight patients were included - 79 as bridge to transplantation (BTT), 19 as destination therapy (DT). Median follow-up was 256d, during which 24 patients died, 31 received a heart transplant, and 43 remained on LVAD support. Median NT-proBNP (pre-implant = 5540 pg/mL) decreased exponentially following device implant and stabilized at 60d (1950 pg/mL; Fig 1). In a Cox-proportional hazards model, neither pre-implant nor 60d NT-proBNP levels were associated with survival or readmission. However, a greater relative decrease in NT-proBNP from pre-implant to 60d was significantly associated with freedom from hospitalization (HR 1.77, p=0.04; Fig 2). Conclusions: NT-proBNP decreased exponentially and reliably, before reaching a steady state at 60d following device implantation. Our study is the first to show that serial changes in NPs may be useful in predicting LVAD outcomes. Future study should focus on whether NT-proBNP changes are influenced by baseline variables, and if NPs can be used to guide clinical management. ![Graphic][1] ![Graphic][2] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif
SU‐F‐T‐137: Out‐Of‐Beam Dose for a Compact Double‐Scattering Proton Beam Therapy System

Purpose: The out-of-beam dose is important for understanding the peripheral dose in radiation therapy. In proton radiotherapy, the study of out-of-beam dose is scarce and the treatment planning system (TPS) based on pencil beam algorithm cannot accurately predict the out-of-beam dose. This study investigates the out-of-beam dose for the single-room Mevion S250 double scattering proton therapy system using experimentally measured and treatment planning software generated data. The results are compared with those reported for conventional photon beam therapy. However, this study does not incorporate the neutron contribution in the scattered dose. Methods: A total of seven proton treatment plans were generated using Varian Eclipse TPS for three different sites (brain, lung, and pelvis) in an anthropomorphic phantom. Three field sizes of 5×5, 10×10, and 20×20 cm2 (lung only) with typical clinical range (13.3–22.8 g/cm2) and modulation widths (5.3–14.0 g/cm2) were used. A single beam was employed in each treatment plan to deliver a dose of 181.8 cGy (200.0 cGy (RBE)) to the selected target. The out-of-beam dose was measured at 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 cm from the beam edge in the phantom using a thimble chamber (PTW TN31010). Results: The out-of-beam dose generally increased with field size, range, and volume irradiated. For all the plans, the scattered dose sharply fell off with distance. At 2.0 cm, the out-of-beam dose ranged from 0.35% to 2.16% of the delivered dose; however, the dose was clinically negligible (<0.3%) at a distance of 5.0 cm and greater. In photon therapy, the slightly greater out-of-beam dose was reported (TG36; 4%, 2%, and 1% for 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 cm, respectively, using 6 MV beam). Conclusion: The measured out-of-beam dose in proton therapy excluding neutron contribution was observed higher than the TPS calculated dose and comparable to that of photon beam therapy.
CHAPTER 294 – Transcriptional Activity of Notch and CSL Proteins

The Notch receptor controls diverse cell fate decisions developmentally and functions in a variety of processes in adults. It is clear from the study of Notch signaling in development that Notch transcription is often extremely dynamic as well as versatile in the activation of targets. This chapter presents a summary of the biochemical functions of Su(H), ICD, and proteins participating in the Notch transcriptional complex, followed by evidence supporting models of Notch transcriptional activity in vivo. In this chapter, recent literature is also reviewed analyzing the biochemical activities that underlie Notch transcription, with the hope that themes would emerge to account for such behavior. One such theme is that a multiplicity of cofactors is associated with the Notch transcriptional complex. Some of these cofactors such as mam are required for ICD-mediated transcription in many if not most cases. Others such as SKIP, Nrarp, HATs, and modifying activities such as kinases may be required for transcriptional activity in vivo but also may play important regulatory roles in both turning on and turning off the transcriptional complex. A second theme is that Notch seems to function as an on/off switch in that it converts Su(H) from a repressor into an activator. This switch presumably accounts for the large dynamic range over which Notch regulates expression of its targets during development. A third theme is that the up-regulation of Notch target genes is in many cases the result of combinatorial activity between ICD/Su(H) and other transcription factors. This feature of Notch transcription presumably accounts for the diversity of Notch target genes in different developmental contexts.
Wave Mixing in Photorefractive Polymers: Modeling and Selected Applications

This chapter summarizes our work in the area of photorefractive polymers, a material which can be engineered to specifications for potential applications to holography, 3D displays, and energy exchange through two-wave mixing. In usual photorefractive polymers, holes are the primary mobile carriers which give rise to the electrostatic field and the induced refractive index. After a brief introduction to the material equations for modeling the photorefractive effect in the steady state, the phase shift between the intensity grating and the induced refractive index grating is discussed in detail. The material equations, in conjunction with the optical propagation equation, is next used to describe two-wave mixing leading to energy exchange in the material, taking into account the effect of beam fanning. Generation of higher non-Bragg orders is also considered, particularly in light of its potential applications to image processing. Examples of image processing such as edge enhancement, image correlation, and adaptive filtering are discussed. Finally, the transient response of these materials is considered, and it is shown that in addition to holes, there may be contributions from electrons over a range of applied bias fields, which can compromise the two wave coupling gain of the polymer.
Management of Autoimmunity and Inflammation

A regulated immune response is necessary to protect against pathogens while preventing autoimmunity/immune dysregulation that could lead to excessive inflammation and organ damage. Primary immune deficiency disorders (PIDDs)are associated with a high rate of autoimmune or inflammatory complications in the presence or absence of infection. Proper assessment and treatment of infection, autoimmunity or inflammatory complications, as well as the underlying immunodeficiency, are critical to prevent organ damage. This chapter will discuss the proposed mechanisms that result in autoimmune or inflammatory complications, and how these complications can be treated.
A Unified Energy-based Framework for Learning to Rank

Learning to Rank (L2R) has emerged as one of the core machine learning techniques for IR. On the other hand, Energy-Based Models (EBMs) capture dependencies between variables by associating a scalar energy to each configuration of the variables. They have produced impressive results in many computer vision and speech recognition tasks. In this paper, we introduce a unified view of Learning to Rank that integrates various L2R approaches in an energy-based ranking framework. In this framework, an energy function associates low energies to desired documents and high energies to undesired results. Learning is essentially the process of shaping the energy surface so that desired documents have lower energies. The proposed framework yields new insights into learning to rank. First, we show how various existing L2R models (pointwise, pairwise, and listwise) can be cast in the energy-based framework. Second, new L2R models can be constructed based on existing EBMs. Furthermore, inspired by the intuitive learning process of EBMs, we can devise novel energy-based models for ranking tasks. We introduce several new energy-based ranking models based on the proposed framework. The experiments are conducted on the public LETOR 4.0 benchmarks and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models.
Effect of Addition of Glucose, Citrate and Citrate-Lactic Acid on Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics of Steaks from Normal and Dark, Firm and Dry Beef Carcasses Displayed in Polyvinyl Chloride Film and in Vacuum Packages 1

Pseudomonas spp. and Brochothrix thermosphacta were a major or dominant part of the microbial flora of normal and dark, firm and dry (DFD) beef steaks with or without added glucose, citrate or citrate plus lactic acid and displayed for 3 to 6 d in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film. When normal and DFD steaks with or without the additives were displayed in high oxygen-barrier film, Lactobacillus and/or Leuconostoc spp. were dominant. Addition of glucose (50-500 μg/g meat) had little, if any, effect on the aerobic plate count (APC), pH, lean color, odor and surface discoloration scores of both normal and DFD steaks displayed in PVC or in high-oxygen barrier film. Addition of citrate or citrate plus lactic acid also had little effect on steaks except for lowering pH values and surface discoloration scores of steaks.
BIRM, an Andean plant extract, down regulates androgen receptor and shows anti-tumor activity in prostate cancer

3816 Background: BIRM is a root extract of an Andean plant, Solanum dulcamara. Previously we reported the potent antiproliferative and anti-tumor activities of BIRM against prostate tumor models. The glycosaminoglycan-rich oligosaccharides make up the most active components of BIRM. Our preliminary data suggested that BIRM caused ablation of androgen receptor (AR). Thus, activity of BIRM against prostate cancer (CaP) cells was investigated to uncover the molecular basis of its antitumor activity. Methods: Anti-proliferative activity of BIRM on AR-positive and negative cell lines (LAPC-4, LNCaP, C4-2 and PC-3ML) was investigated by [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay and flow cytometry. Effect of BIRM against AR expression and activity was investigated by immunoblotting, luciferase assay and PSA ELISA. Results: BIRM caused a dose and time-dependent down regulation of total AR and phospho-AR levels in androgen-sensitive LAPC-4 and LNCaP cells as well as androgen-resistant C4-2 cells, suggesting its potential activity in both androgen-responsive and unresponsive prostate cancer. AR down regulation was due to increased proteosome-mediated degradation and was independent of PI-3 kinase/Akt pathway. AR degradation by BIRM was followed by suppression of PSA promoter activity (70.2±3.4%) and decreased PSA production (86±2.7%). BIRM inhibited DNA synthesis in all examined CaP cells (IC 50: 1.0 μl/ml). BIRM induced cell-cycle arrest with increases in G2M (80-112% increase) with a concomitant decrease in S-Phase (23-38%). Further more, BIRM treatment showed cytotoxicity in CaP cells, confirmed by PARP cleavage and MTT assay (IC 50: 28μl/ml). Lower concentration of BIRM caused AR degradation and cell growth arrest, while much higher concentration of BIRM was required for its cytotoxicity. BIRM decreased tumor growth in both LNCaP and PC-3ML tumor xenografts by 71% and 72.2%. Starting the treatment immediately following tumor implantation was more effective in preventing tumor incidence (25% in treated versus 90% in saline control) than starting the treatment after tumors are palpable (100% incidence in either cases), thus implicating potential chemopreventive potential of BIRM against prostate cancer. Discussion: The plant extract BIRM has significant anti-proliferative activity, contributed by its ability to induce cell-cycle arrest and AR down regulation. Studies with AR-positive LAPC-4, LNCaP, C4-2 as well as AR-negative PC-3 tumor models suggest a potential chemopreventive function of BIRM on both AR sensitive and AR resistant prostate cancer. [Supported by NIH Grant 2R01 CA 61038 (to BLL)].
Cybernetic Analysis of Natural Intelligence

Over thirty years ago, we conjectured that the bilateral brain capable of introreflection is a multi-level disystem (a sufficient condition) for generating natural intelligence and consciousness. Cascading introreflections can generate a hierarchy of semantic systems wherein each level contains emergent structures (e.g. new cognitive categories and new higher level semantic systems) capable of controlling lower level systems. During the thirty-third annual meeting of this Society we presented experimental evidence that such cascading introreflections may be generated by neural network metabolism.A cybernetic approach to human development in which heredity and environment are joined by a self-determined (teleogenic) component provides insight into the so-called “hard problems” associated with studying natural intelligence and consciousness. Standard local analysis discloses that a general continuous control system with m inputs, n outputs, and p state variables is (1) controllable iff the matrix governing the relation between the inputs and the canonical state variables has no rows which are zero and (2) completely observable if the matrix governing the relation between the canonical variables and the outputs has no columns which are zero. These two theorems may be applied to disystems with cascading introreflections to (1) identify state variables that are self-determined (a necessary condition for teleogenesis) or (2) become unobservable to an external observer. From the point of view of the external observer, systems that become unobservable may experience a period similar to the Verschrankung coined by Erwin Schrodinger in the context of quantum entanglement but measured in much longer “intelligence bits” (“ibits”). Unlike many current conjectures about consciousness, this hierarchy is neither reductionist nor mystical.
Unsettled belonging: educating Palestinian American youth after 9/11

At the crossroads of political turmoil, statelessness, and globalization, Palestinian American youth negotiate their sense of a transnational belonging and citizenship as Palestinians and Americans...
Secretion of the endoplasmic reticulum stress protein, GRP78, into the BALF is increased in cigarette smokers

Identification of biomarkers of cigarette smoke –induced lung damage and early COPD is an area of intense interest. Glucose regulated protein of 78 kD (i.e., GRP78), a multi-functional protein which mediates cell responses to oxidant stress, is increased in the lungs of cigarette smokers and in the serum of subjects with COPD. We have suggested that secretion of GRP78 by lung cells may explain the increase in serum GRP78 in COPD. To assess GRP78 secretion by the lung, we assayed GRP78 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in chronic smokers and non-smokers. We also directly assessed the acute effect of cigarette smoke material on GRP78 secretion in isolated human airway epithelial cells (HAEC). GRP78 was measured in BALF of smokers (S; n = 13) and non-smokers (NS; n = 11) by Western blotting. GRP78 secretion by HAEC was assessed by comparing its concentration in cell culture medium and cell lysates. Cells were treated for 24 h with either the volatile phase of cigarette smoke (cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or the particulate phase (cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)). GRP78 was present in the BALF of both NS and S but levels were significantly greater in S (p = 0.04). GRP78 was secreted constitutively in HAEC. CSE 15% X 24 h increased GRP78 in cell-conditioned medium without affecting its intracellular concentration. In contrast, CSC X 24 h increased intracellular GRP78 expression but did not affect GRP78 secretion. Brefeldin A, an inhibitor of classical Golgi secretion pathways, did not inhibit GRP78 secretion indicating that non-classical pathways were involved. The present study indicates that GRP78 is increased in BALF in cigarette smokers; that HAEC secrete GRP78; and that GRP78 secretion by HAEC is augmented by cigarette smoke particulates. Enhanced secretion of GRP78 by lung cells makes it a potential biomarker of cigarette smoke–induced lung injury.
Proximal Humerus Nonunions

Proximal humerus fractures are common and most unite uneventfully. A small percentage will develop a nonunion but small studies cause difficulties determining the true incidence. Proximal humerus nonunions present challenges due to the biologic insults from the injury and surgeries, bone loss, osteopenia, contractures, and infection. Risk factors include fracture translation and metaphyseal comminution, nutritional or metabolic deficiencies, smoking, and medical comorbidities. Nonunions are identifiable as early as three months after injury based on restricted range of motion, Constant scores, and difficulty resuming daily living activities. Nonunions treated within six months of injury may be more successful due to decreased glenohumeral contracture rates. If addressed later, treatment of soft tissue contractures must be performed. Treatments range from nonsurgical management to osteosynthesis with plates or intramedullary implants, or arthroplasty. Fractures amenable to fixation have better prognoses due to simpler patterns, adequate bone stock, and vascularity. Patient factors such as younger age and less medical comorbidities predict better functional outcomes. Locking plate and interlocking nail design advances have expanded the nonunions amenable to osteosynthesis. Arthroplasty offers favorable pain control but an unpredictable range of motion, which seems related to tuberosity union. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasties are less dependent on tuberosity union but more research is needed to elucidate their role in proximal humeral nonunions.