cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Favorable Prognosis in Patients With High-Grade Glioma With Radiation Necrosis: The University of Colorado Reoperation Series

Purpose To analyze the pathology, outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients with high-grade glioma undergoing reoperation after radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials Fifty-one patients with World Health Organization Grade 3–4 glioma underwent reoperation after prior RT. The median dose of prior RT was 60 Gy, and 84% received chemotherapy as part of their initial treatment. Estimation of the percentage of necrosis and recurrent tumor in each reoperation specimen was performed. Pathology was classified as RT necrosis if ≥80% of the specimen was necrotic and as tumor recurrence if ≥20% was tumor. Predictors of survival were analyzed using log–rank comparisons and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results The median interval between the completion of RT and reoperation was 6.7 months (range, 1–59 months). Pathologic analysis showed RT necrosis in 27% and recurrence in 73% of cases. Thirteen patients required a reoperation for uncontrolled symptoms. Among them, 1 patient (8%) had pathology showing RT necrosis, and 12 (92%) had tumor recurrence. Median survival after reoperation was longer for patients with RT necrosis (21.8 months vs. 7.0 months, p = 0.047). In 7 patients with Grade 4 tumors treated with temozolomide-based chemoradiation with RT necrosis, median survival from diagnosis and reoperation were 30.2 months and 21.8 months, respectively. Conclusions Patients with RT necrosis at reoperation have improved survival compared with patients with tumor recurrence. Future efforts to intensify local therapy and increase local tumor control in patients with high-grade glioma seem warranted.
Free will in social and psychological contracts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the scientific standing of the concept of free will and its role and functioning in social and psychological contracts.Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper.Findings – Social structures that support the exercise of free will are central to the functioning of both social and psychological contracts.Originality/value – The paper contributes to the debate in the natural and social sciences regarding the existence and functioning of free will in everyday life.
Interferon-γ Activation of a Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase, KFR1, in the Bloodstream Form of Trypanosoma brucei

KFR1, a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase identified in the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, is a serine protein kinase capable of phosphorylating the serine residues in histone H-1, myelin basic protein, and β-casein. It phosphorylates four proteins with estimated molecular masses of 22, 34, 46, and 90 kDa from the T. brucei bloodstream-form lysatein vitro. KFR1 bears significant sequence similarity to the yeast MAP kinases KSS1 and FUS3 but cannot functionally complement thekss1/fus3 yeast mutant. It is encoded by a single-copy gene in the diploid T. brucei, and only one of the two alleles can be successfully disrupted, suggesting an essential function ofKFR1 in T. brucei. KFR1 activity is present at a much enhanced level in the bloodstream form of T. bruceiwhen compared with that in the insect (procyclic) form. This enhanced activity can be eliminated in vitro by the treatment with protein phosphatase HVH2 known to act specifically on MAP kinases. It can also be decreased in the bloodstream form of T. bruceiby serum starvation but induced specifically by interferon-γ. The production of interferon-γ in the mammalian host is known to be triggered by T. brucei infection, and this cytokine, as has been reported, promotes the proliferation of T. brucei in the mammalian blood. Since none of these phenomena can be observed in the procyclic form of T. brucei, activation of KFR1 is most likely involved in mediating the interferon-γ-induced proliferation of T. brucei in the mammalian host.
Evaluation of an IBAD thin-film process as an alternative method for surface incorporation of bioceramics on dental implants: a study in dogs

Thin-film bioceramic coatings are potential alternatives to overcome the limitations provided by other commercially available coating techniques like PSHA, where variable bioceramic dissolution added to a metalloceramic weak link are process- inherent. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the overall and site specific (to 0.5 mm from implant surface) levels of osseoactivity around a thin-film (IBAD processed) coated titanium alloy implant versus a non surface modified (sand-blasted/acid etched) titanium alloy implant in a canine model. The surgical model comprised the proximal tibiae epiphyses with four implants placed in each limb remaining for 2 and 4 weeks in-vivo. 10 mg/Kg oxytetracycline was administered 48 hours prior to euthanization. The limbs were retrieved by sharp dissection, reduced to blocks, and subsequently nondecalcified processed for fluorescent microscopy. Micrographs (20x mag) were acquired around the implant perimeter and merged for overall biological response evaluations, and four micrographs (40x mag. subdivided in rectangles) were acquired along one of the implant sides for tetracycline labeled area fraction quantification. The results showed biocompatible and osseoconductive properties for the thin-film coated and uncoated titanium alloy implants. Tetracycline labeled area fraction analyses showed that the thin-film coated implants presented significantly higher overall and site specific osseoactivity levels at 2 and 4 weeks. The site specific osseoactivity values were significantly higher compared to overall values for control and thin-film coated implants at both times in-vivo. According to the results obtained in this study, thin-film coated implants enhanced biological response at the early implantation times evaluated.
Yield and cost analysis of bubble devices on LPE garnets

Existing data for wafer processing of magnetic bubble devices on LPE garnet substrates indicates that high production yields will be obtained for memory chips of several thousand bits capacity. Conventional processing techniques can be used to obtain bit densities of 10 6 −4×10 6 bits/in. 2 at a manufacturing cost of under 50 millicents/bit. Several applications for bubble memories justify complete development of the garnet film technology for transfer to production.
Exploiting the versatile assembly of arylpyridine fluorophores for wavelength tuning and SAR.

The facile modular assembly of polyarylpyridine fluorophores provides two important advantages in the development of fluorescent chemosensors: it allows rapid dissection of the structural requirements for fluorescent chemosensing and it allows dramatic tuning of emission wavelength by changes in a substituent remote from the binding site.
Kruppel-like Factor 4 Abrogates Myocardin-induced Activation of Smooth Muscle Gene Expression

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) has been shown to be an extremely potent negative regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. Moreover, previous studies have demonstrated that the Kruppel-like transcription factor (KLF) 4 potently represses the expression of multiple SMC genes. However, the mechanisms whereby KLF4 suppresses SMC gene expression are not known, nor is it clear whether KLF4 contributes to PDGF-BB-induced down-regulation of SMC genes. The goals of the present studies were to determine the molecular mechanisms by which KLF4 represses expression of SMC genes and whether it contributes to PDGF-BB-induced suppression of these genes. Results demonstrated that KLF4 markedly repressed both myocardin-induced activation of SMC genes and expression of myocardin. KLF4 was rapidly up-regulated in PDGF-BB-treated, cultured SMC, and a small interfering RNA to KLF4 partially blocked PDGF-BB-induced SMC gene repression. Both PDGF-BB and KLF4 markedly reduced serum response factor binding to CArG containing regions within intact chromatin. Finally, KLF4, which is normally not expressed in differentiated SMC in vivo, was rapidly up-regulated in vivo in response to vascular injury. Taken together, results indicate that KLF4 represses SMC genes by both down-regulating myocardin expression and preventing serum response factor/myocardin from associating with SMC gene promoters, and suggest that KLF4 may be a key effector of PDGF-BB and injury-induced phenotypic switching of SMC.
Differential Regulation of Renal Angiotensin Subtype AT1A and AT2 Receptor Protein in Rats With Angiotensin-Dependent Hypertension

Abstract —This study was designed to investigate distribution and regulation of the renal AT 1A and AT 2 subtype receptors in rats with either systemic angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced hypertension or acute phase renal hypertension (2-kidney, 1-clip [2K1C] or 2-kidney, 1-figure-of-8-wrap [2K1W]). In normal rat kidneys, positive immunostaining for the AT 1A receptor was observed in the intrarenal vasculature, glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules, and collecting ducts. The AT 2 receptor was localized mainly to the glomeruli. The AT 1A but not AT 2 receptor protein expression was significantly reduced in rats with 10-day systemic Ang II–induced hypertension. In both 7-day 2K1C and 3-day 2K1W rats, the AT 1A receptor was significantly reduced in ischemic and contralateral kidneys compared with sham-operated control rats. Reduction in AT 2 receptor expression was observed only in the ischemic kidneys in 2K1C and 2K1W renal hypertensive rats. These results demonstrate that the AT 1A receptor is widely distributed in the glomerulus and all other nephron segments of the rat kidney. Renal AT 1A but not AT 2 receptor protein is downregulated in rats with Ang II–induced hypertension. In renal hypertensive rats, the AT 1A receptor is bilaterally downregulated and the AT 2 receptor is downregulated only in the ischemic kidney.
Perinatal indicators of sudden infant death syndrome: A study of 34 Rhode Island Cases

Abstract Pre- and perinatal characteristics of 34 victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) were compared with those controls matched for sex, race, birthdate, and hospital. Data were collected retrospectively from hospital records. Factors which reliably differentiated the SIDS group from controls included low birth-weight, short second stage of labor, fewer years of maternal schooling, and maternal anemia during pregnancy. The constellation of findings was interpreted as reflecting the interaction of physiological predispositions and environmental “setting conditions”, culminating in sudden and unexpected death. The efficacy of a previously established SIDS risk scale was assessed for these cases. Some issues concerning prediction of outcome from perinatal variables are discussed.
Effect of protonation on electronic structure of guanosine and 5'-guanosine monophosphate and on glycosidic (C-N) bond rotations.

Semiempirical molecular orbital studies were performed on 5′-guanosine monophosphate in its various states of base and phosphate ionization (employing the extended Huckel method) and on guanosine protonated on N-3 and on N-7 (employing CNDO/2). Semiempirical potential energy calculations (Lennard–Jones and Coulombic) failed to pinpoint the reasons for the recent experimental suggestion that guanine protonation increases the syn population in 2′- and 3′-guanosine monophosphates. Changes in electron densities upon base protonation are much in evidence and are a very sensitive function of the site of base protonation assumed. It is suggested that the CNDO/2-type calculations when combined with 13C and 15N pH-dependent chemical shifts can lead to assignment of the site of protonation in the DNA bases.
The arterial system in pre-eclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia.

Objectives To determine if the normal gestational changes in mechanical properties of the arterial system are altered in pre-eclampsia. Design Prospective controlled observational study. Setting University urban tertiary medical centre. Population Eleven pre-eclamptics and 10 chronic hypertensives with superimposed pre-eclampsia were compared with 14 normotensive gravidas experiencing preterm labour, all receiving MgSO4. Two additional control groups were studied as well: (A) nine normal pregnant women receiving neither magnesium nor epidural, for baseline comparisons; and (B) eight normotensive gravidas receiving epidural anaesthesia. Methods Two-dimensional targeted M-mode echocardiograms and continuous wave Doppler velocity were used to obtain instantaneous pressure and flow data. Total vascular resistance (TVR) quantified the steady component of systemic arterial load; pulsatile arterial load was characterised by global arterial compliance (AC), aortic input impedance spectrum (Z1) and characteristic impedance (Z0). Main outcome measures TVR, AC, Z1, Z0. Results Controls, pre-eclamptics and chronic hypertensives with superimposed pre-eclampsia, respectively: TVR index 1328 [299], 1973 [609]*, 2428 [562]*,# dyn second cm−5 m2; AC area index 1.69 [0.46], 1.19 [0.46]*, 0.93 [0.38]* mL mmHg−1 m−2; Z0 index 253.2 [61.3], 327.0 [135.1], 307.5 [130.9] dyn second cm−5 m2; and Z1 index 184.2 [56.5], 283.6 [81.6]*, 357.1 [119.5]* dyn second cm−5 m2 (*P < 0.05 vs control;#P < 0.05 vs pre-eclampsia). Normal gravidas (in secondary controls group A) had decreased mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and increased AC and cardiac indices, compared with women receiving magnesium tocolysis, verifying the need for these primary controls. No differences were noted between normotensive gravidas receiving epidural anaesthesia (secondary controls group B) and the non-anesthetised controls (group A), eliminating epidural as a confounder. Conclusions The normal gestational changes in systemic arterial mechanical properties are significantly altered in pre-eclampsia and these alterations are more marked with superimposed hypertensive disease.
The interaction of visual attention and temporal cortex stimulation on electrical activity evoked in the striate cortex

Abstract Four experiments were directed at finding an index of the activity of the infero-temporal (IT) cortex on the visual system. In the first experiment, electrical stimulation of the IT cortex failed to alter recovery functions in the striate cortex of four monkeys. This result was different from that reported in an earlier experiment, but comparison of the initial recovery functions obtained in the two experiments allowed us to attribute the discrepancy to differences in the attentional state of the monkeys. This suggestion was tested by developing, in the second experiment, a reliable measure of state in the visual system, a measure responsive to environmental variables inducing attention. This measure was used in the third experiment to select and classify recovery cycles on the basis of the state of the visual system. Only when the attentive state was present were the recovery cycles similar to those recorded in the first experiment. Finally, the measure, a potential evoked in the striate cortex by geniculate stimulation, was shown to be sensitive to IT stimulation only when monkeys were in an inattentive state.
THE SLOW SPREAD OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS

We argue that the depth and breadth of the spread of the current crisis from the US subprime market across the globe was due more to the buildup of substantial financial vulnerabilities prior to the crisis than to irrational panic during the crisis. We examine how these developments explain the belated recognition of the severity of the crisis and its slow spread through various channels of contagion. We also discuss lessons for policy and research.
BENEFICIAL OUTCOMES AFTER PCV PLUS RT IN OLIGODENDROGLIAL TUMORS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DETECTION OR RISK OF AN IDH MUTATION.

BACKGROUND: Oligodendroglial tumors harbor IDH mutations and risk of this type of cancer is associated with a germ-line polymorphism at 8q. In addition, when these tumors harbor a co-deletion of 1p19q, they can be highly chemo-sensitive. Indeed, patients with anaplastic tumors (i.e., AO/AOA) with 1p19q co-deletion lived nearly twice as long after chemotherapy and radiation (CRT; 14-16 years) as radiotherapy alone (RT; 7-9 years) in two large randomized trials. In RTOG 9402, some patients with non-co-deleted AO/AOA also lived longer after CRT: for these participants, the survival curves separated after the median had been reached, and significantly more lived 10 years or longer after CRT than RT (25% vs. 10%). Since co-deletion status did not identify all patients benefiting from CRT, we asked whether other molecular hallmarks of AO/AOA – IDH or G-allele status – might be more inclusive markers of benefit from CRT. METHODS: We used tissues and data from RTOG 9402 to explore this hypothesis. RESULTS: IDH status was evaluable in 210 of 291 participants: 156 (74%) had a mutation of IDH1/2. The G allele of rs55705857 was evaluable in 245 of 291 participants: 76 (31%) carried the risk-allele in their germ-line. Presence of either an IDH mutation or the G risk-allele was associated with significantly longer progression-free survival after CRT, and an IDH mutation with much longer overall survival [9.4 vs. 5.7 years, hazard ratio (HR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.40, 0.86), P = 0.006]. For cases in which IDH was intact, CRT did not prolong median survival time [1.3 vs. 1.8 years, HR 1.14, CI (0.63, 2.04), P = 0.67] or 10-year survival rates (CRT 6% vs. RT 4%). As expected, patients with mutated, co-deleted AO/AOA lived longer after CRT than RT (14.7 vs. 6.8 years, HR 0.49, CI (0.28, 0.85), P = 0.01], but so too did those with mutated, non-co-deleted AO/AOA [5.5 vs. 3.3 years, HR 0.56, CI (0.32, 0.99), P < 0.05]. Among the latter, ATRX positive and negative cases had longer overall survival after CRT than RT, but these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In AO/AOA cases in RTOG 9402, the presence or risk of an IDH mutation was associated with ‘benefit’ from CRT. Wild-type IDH was associated with poor overall and long-term survival, and absence of benefit from CRT. IDH mutation status identified more patients who benefited from CRT than did 1p/19q co-deletion status, but patients with co-deleted AO/AOA lived much longer.
Allogeneic transplant for peripheral T-cell lymphoma: a sparkle of hope and many questions

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases with overall aggressive clinical course and dismal prognosis on average [1,2]. For subtypes other than ALK-positive ana...
How can self-regulation enhance our understanding of trauma and dissociation?

More than a century ago, Pierre Janet noted that dissociation results not only from genetic vulnerability, illness, or fatigue but also from exposure to potentially traumatizing events (Nijenhuis &...
Further Results on Stable Recovery of Sparse Overcomplete Representations in the Presence of Noise

Sparse over complete representations have attracted much interest recently for their applications to signal processing. In a recent work, Donoho, Elad, and Temlyakov (2006) showed that, assuming sufficient sparsity of the ideal underlying signal and approximate orthogonality of the over complete dictionary, the sparsest representation can be found, at least approximately if not exactly, by either an orthogonal greedy algorithm or by lscr1-norm minimization subject to a noise tolerance constraint. In this paper, we sharpen the approximation bounds under more relaxed conditions. We also derive analogous results for a stepwise projection algorithm.
Measuring diurnal cycles of evapotranspiration in the Arctic with an automated chamber system

Properly quantifying evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical step in determining water and energy balances, especially in Arctic landscapes where spatial and temporal heterogeneity in soil water content and inundation is pronounced. Although the eddy covariance technique has gained popularity as an approach for estimating ET at aggregate scales, obtaining ET estimates at finer spatial scales remains problematic. Thus, ET is poorly estimated for highly variable tundra landscapes, despite the importance of this process for parameterization and validation of models. To overcome this methodological limitation, we developed an approach to measure diurnal ET by modifying a LI-8100A (LI-COR, Lincoln, NE, USA), a chamber-based instrument typically used for measuring soil CO2 fluxes. To enable the use of the LI-8100A for ET determinations, a calibration method was designed and implemented through laboratory and independent field measurements in Arctic and semi-arid locations. Once calibrated, the instrument was deployed June–September 2013 for diel measurements of ET on the Arctic coastal plain near Barrow, Alaska, USA. We validated the system by comparison to four adjacent plots measured by a LI-6400-09 soil CO2 flux system that was also calibrated to calculate water vapour flux. In conclusion, we determined that with calibration, the LI-8100A can make long-term, high-frequency measurements of ET, even in low flux, continuous-permafrost landscapes. This technique provides an opportunity to assess fine-scale ET and its topographic controls across low-centre and high-centre polygons and to rigorously compare such measurements with aggregate fluxes obtained with eddy covariance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of calcium channel subtypes in calcium transients in hippocampal CA3 neurons

Multiple subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels are differentially localized in brain neurons suggesting that they serve distinct roles in neuronal excitation and signaling. In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, class D (L-type) calcium channels are predominantly located in the cell bodies of CA3 neurons while class B (N-type) and class A (P or Q-type) are localized in dendrites and associated presynaptic terminals with relatively low somal expression. Using specific antagonists to inhibit calcium transients recorded in CA3 neuronal cell bodies, we found that L-type calcium channels have a predominant role in somal calcium transients elicited by trains of strong stimuli applied to either the soma or the distal apical dendrite while class A calcium channels make a smaller contribution. Presynaptic class B (N-type) and class A (P- and/or Q-type) calcium channels are critical for glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission onto the dendrites of CA3 neurons. Postsynaptic class A and B calcium channels detected on the dendritic shaft by immunocytochemistry were not found to contribute substantially to somal calcium transients during repetitive stimulation of distal dendrites, but sodium channels were required for calcium transients elicited by somatic or dendritic stimulation. Our results show that the different calcium channel subtypes serve distinct roles in cellular activation and transmission of signals in CA3 neurons, consistent with their differential subcellular localization.
Typologies of Men’s Friendships: Constructing Masculinity through Them

Male friendships are often identified as being instrumental, avoiding expressive intimacy within their friendships. Past research has focused too much on friendship being an outcome of being male or having masculine attitudes, limiting analysis of the social construction of friendships in relation to masculine performances. Focusing on the individual production of friendship limits consideration of the construction of different dyads within one social network. Open-ended interviews with twelve men about each of their close friendships focused analysis on the dyad and not the individual. From the study, it was found that men established four different typologies of friendships (non-active, closed active, open active, expressive). While each friendship dyad differed in form and intimacy, all were influenced by the social construction of masculinity in these men’s lives.
Differential Responses of Eastern Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) to Conspecifics and Centipedes

Abstract: Plethodontid salamanders are known to aggressively interact not only with conspecifics but also with other potential competitors, such as centipedes. Eastern Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) are thus expected to respond aggressively toward potential competitors, both conspecifics and heterospecifics. Additionally, the residency status of a salamander can influence aggression levels. Male P. cinereus were exposed to one of four substrate chemical cue treatments: control, self, conspecific, or centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus) to determine their behavioral reaction to the presence or absence of cues from conspecifics and heterospecifics. Salamanders were additionally paired with a conspecific or a centipede in different "habitats" to determine if behavioral interactions were affected by residency status. Salamanders did not respond aggressively when exposed to chemical cues from conspecifics or heterospecifics. However, P. cinereus increased the time spent in aggressive postures w...
Simple Arc Devices for Spectral Excitation in Controlled Atmospheres

The replacement of air around a carbon arc by other gases has been shown to have several effects in the excitation of spectra, the most obvious being the elimination of cyanogen bands when the atmosphere surrounding the arc contains no nitrogen. Although the effects of controlled atmospheres have been applied in spectrographic analysis, work along these lines has been limited by the practical difficulties involved. These difficulties include delays in changing electrodes between samples, the need for flushing the chamber before excitation can be started, and clouding of chamber windows by deposits of sample and electrode vapors.
Thermal Characterization and Temperature Control of Piezoresistive Microcantilevers

Chemical sensing at low detection limits requires temperature control of the measurement platform. Knowledge of heat transfer coefficients (heff) in the domain of operation is essential for such control. Thermal characterization of a piezoresistive microcantilever was performed and heff for steady-state operation were obtained. A finite difference model was used to model behavior at higher frequencies of upto 1 kHz and average heff was estimated. A reduction in heff over steady-state values is seen at higher frequencies.
Sonochemical destruction of free and metal-binding ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

This study focused on the sonochemical degradation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chromium-EDTA complexes. Degradation of the copper(II)-EDTA complex was also investigated as a comparison metal complex. A 90% degradation of a 150-microM EDTA solution with continuous O2-bubbling was shown for the 20-kHz system in approximately 3 h (kpseudo-first order = 1.22 x 10(-2) min-1) and less than 1 h for the 354-kHz system (kpseudo-first order = 5.42 x 10(-2) min-1). These results are consistent with the higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide found in the higher frequency system and an expected oxidation of EDTA in bulk solution. The presence of a chelated metal decreased the rate of degradation at both frequencies. Cr(III)-EDTA degraded the slowest, supporting the theory that the extremely slow ligand exchange rate of chromium is the determining factor in how fast degradation by hydroxyl radical can occur. The 354-kHz system showed a 17% decrease in the original 150-microM Cr(III)-EDTA complex after 3 h of sonication. All of the chromium from the degraded EDTA complex existed as a combination of oxidized Cr(VI) and possibly small amounts of a new Cr(III)-organic complex (Cr(III)-Y). The 20-kHz system showed a similar extent of degradation (16%) after 3 h of sonication, despite lower hydroxyl radical production. Fifty percent of the chromium from the degraded EDTA complex was found as free Cr3+ ion, with the remaining 50% existing as both Cr(III)-Y and Cr(VI). Varying degrees of bulk oxidation, near-bubble thermolysis, and perhaps different degradation pathways at the two frequencies are responsible for these differences.
Evaluating the service quality of para-transit systems: an exploratory study of the Toledo area regional transit authority

Though essential for the community, paratransit systems are more expensive to sustain than fixed-route based mass transit systems due to their customised, on-demand service requirements. Thus, it is common that many paratransit services in the USA lead to cost overruns. To bail out cost overruns for paratransit service providers, the public transit authority often subsidises the greater portions of paratransit services. In the era of budget shortfalls, the public transit authority is faced with the dilemma of controlling paratransit costs without deteriorating paratransit services. To better cope with such dilemma, this paper identifies a host of factors such as on-time door-to-door or curb-to-curb services, flexible pickup-/drop-off windows, handling of late-cancellations and no-shows, shared rides, short-notice services, peak-hour feeder services, and overnight service that influence the overall service quality of paratransit in the metropolitan Toledo area using the survey questionnaire.
Structurally optimized sandwich panels with prismatic cores

Multifunctional sandwich panels with corrugated and prismatic diamond cores have been analyzed and their behavior compared with panels designed using truss and honeycomb cores. Failure mechanism maps have been devised that account for interactions between core and face members during buckling. The optimal dimensions and the minimum weight have been evaluated. The load capacities predicted for near-optimal designs have been validated by conducting selected finite element calculations. Designs that use diamond prismatic cores (with corrugation order 4) are slightly more weight efficient than trusses, when optimized for a specific loading direction. Honeycomb cores, while somewhat more weight efficient, especially at lower load capacities, are not amenable to the fluid flows needed for cooling. We conclude that the diamond prismatic topology is the most weight efficient among designs amenable to simultaneous load bearing and active cooling.
Prediction of deep reservoir quality using early diagenetic process models in the Jurassic Norphlet Formation, Gulf of Mexico

We have developed process-based models for early grain coats and their impact on deep reservoir quality in the Jurassic eolian Norphlet Formation, Alabama, with implications for exploration and development in other conventional and tight-gas continental reservoirs. The Norphlet, a major gas reservoir to depths of 21,800 ft (6645 m) and temperatures of 419F (215C), displays contrasting intervals of high and low reservoir quality within compositionally similar cross-bedded eolian sands. Study results show that grain coats formed soon after deposition are responsible for differences in deep Norphlet porosity of up to 20% and permeability up to 200 md. Three types of grain coats were identified in Norphlet dune sands, each formed in a different part of a shallow groundwater system, and each with distinctive impact on deep reservoir quality. Diagenetic chlorite coats, formed where dunes subsided into shallow hypersaline groundwater, preserve good deep porosity (to 20%) and permeability (to 200 md). Continuous tangential illitic coats, formed in the vadose zone of stabilized dunes exposed to periodic fresh-water influx, preserve good deep porosity (to 15%) associated with poor permeability (1 md) due to linked formation of later high-temperature diagenetic illite. Discontinuous grain coats, formed in active dunes where grains were abraded by eolian transport, are associated at depth with tight zones of pervasive quartz cement, low porosity (8%), and low permeability (1 md). These concepts plus data from 60 wells were used to derive bay-wide predictive tight and porous-zone isopachs that can be used for well placement, geologic models, and field development.
Low power CMOS adaptive electronic central pattern generator design

In this paper, low power VLSI implementation of adaptive analog controller for autonomous robot is presented using standard CMOS process with 2V supply voltage. Electronic neuron and synapse circuit are developed based on Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model and first order synapse model. In order to achieve low power consumption, CMOS subthreshold circuit techniques are used. The power consumption is 4.8 mW and die size is 2mm by 2mm. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed design is viable for adaptive analog controller for autonomous robots
Expression of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors in human and bovine vascular smooth muscle cells.

AbstractThe expression and synthesis of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) in cultures of bovine and human vascular smooth muscle cells (BSMC and HSMC) was studied. BSMC express and synthesize only bFGF, whereas HSMC express and synthesize both bFGF and aFGF. The presence of bFGF in BSMC is shown by the following criteria: (1) the growth factor activity in BSMC lysates binds to a heparin-affinity column and elutes as a single peak at 1.5-1.7 m NaCl, characteristic for bFGF; (2) this extract is mitogenic for smooth muscle cells; (3) Northern blot analysis demonstrates three distinct bFGF mRNAs of 7.0, 4.0, and 1.9 kb; no aFGF mRNA species were detected. Analysis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells yielded similar results: Heparin-affinity chromatography and Northern blot analysis failed to demonstrate the presence of aFGF despite the detection of bFGF by these techniques. In contrast, HSMC synthesize two growth factor activities: First, they bind to an immobilized heparin colu...
SLAC modulator availability and impact on SLC operation

In 1991, the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) operated, with diverse accelerator systems, at 60% availability. In the more auspicious 1992 and 1993 runs availability improved to over 80%. For the 94/95 run, the availability was also about 80%. Ignoring the eclectic-accelerator, this discussion will assess the dependence of the SLC on the reliability and hence, availability, of 244 klystron modulator systems that provide power to the machine's bunched-particle beams. Klystron modulator availability must be 99% for the accelerator to function at the 75% level. Fortunately, an excess of modulator/klystrons provides some redundancy and, therefore, allows some freedom from the requirement that all 244 systems perform simultaneously. There are, however, 15 specific exceptions. They populate strategic positions at the injector, damping rings, and positron production area of the accelerator complex. These, systems-without-spares, directly influence overall accelerator availability. Their calculated availability as an ensemble is 90%, but by chance they have operated at up to 99%. Individually, a malfunction can bring an experimental program to a halt. The discussion includes a description of several improvements to increase future availability for the modulator system.
A comparative analysis of solar home system programmes in China, Laos, Mongolia and Papua New Guinea

Solar home systems (SHS) can provide energy services to rural households more cost effectively than extending national grids, and without relying on polluting fuels such as kerosene, diesel and coal. This study explores four recent SHS programmes supported by the World Bank’s Asia Sustainable and Alternative Energy Program in China, Laos, Mongolia and Papua New Guinea that budgeted $328.2 million to distribute a targeted 401,500 such systems to nomadic herders, fishers and teachers. It documents three approaches to promote such systems: a technology improvement and market development model, a cross-subsidization and energy service company model, and an end-user direct lending model. After explaining its primary methods of data collection – research interviews and in-country site visits – the study summarizes each programme before focusing on their benefits and implementation challenges. It then connects the successes and failures of these programs to broader lessons about energy development in general. The study finds that programmes dedicated to technology improvement, market development, cross-subsidization, and energy service companies met their targets, whereas the one programme based on end-user finance in Papua New Guinea performed poorly.
German leadership: evidence from retail mortgage rates

The article finds evidence that the converging trend of euro-zone countries' retail mortgage rates, observed before and shortly after the introduction of the euro, is dictated by the German mortgage rate, hence supporting the German leadership role.
Evaluating level of specificity of normative referents in relation to personal drinking behavior.

Objective: Research has found perceived descriptive norms to be one of the strongest predictors of college student drinking, and several intervention approaches have incorporated normative feedback to correct misperceptions of peer drinking behavior. Little research has focused on the role of the reference group in normative perceptions. The current study sought to examine whether normative perceptions vary based on specificity of the reference group and whether perceived norms for more specific reference-group norms are related to individual drinking behavior.
Emergent Ghosts in the Developmental Machine

Coan’s article persuasively argues for an emergent variable model of emotion. This commentary highlights one version of such an approach that has been adopted by some developmental researchers, the dynamical systems perspective.
Energy Partitioning in Fish: The Activityrelated Cost of Osmoregulation in a Euryhaline Cichlid

SUMMARY We have investigated how the maintenance, net cost of swimming and total (maintenance + net cost of swimming) metabolic rates of red, hybrid tilapia {Oreochromis mossambicus $ XO. hornorum cf) responded to different acclimation salinities, and if these responses correlated with changes in ion-osmoregulation (= osmoregulation) costs. Three groups of fish were acclimated to either fresh water (FW, 0%o), isosmotic sea water (ISW, 12%o) or full strength sea water (SW, 35 %o) and oxygen consumption was measured while they swam at 10, 20, 30 and 40cms" 1 . Maintenance oxygen consumption (estimated by extrapolation), for an average fish (63g), increased among groups in the following order: FW<ISW<SW . The net cost of swimming increased in the order ISW< SW< FW, and total oxygen consumption (maintenance + net cost of swimming) increased in the order ISW < FW < SW. We assumed that the contribution of cardiac, branchial and swimming muscles to the net cost of swimming was proportional to swimming speed only, and therefore, at similar speeds, differences in the net cost of swimming among salinities were due to changes in the activity-related cost of osmoregulation. Consequently, the order in which the net cost of swimming increases from one group to another is the same as the order in which the cost of osmoregulation increases. Since the sequences for maintenance and total metabolic rates differed from that for the net cost of swimming, salinity-related increases in these rates cannot be attributed exclusively to changes in osmoregulation cost. We conclude, based on the differences in the net cost of swimming, that osmoregulation in FW is more expensive than in SW, and that it is cheapest in ISW. Although we were not able to estimate the total cost of osmoregulation in FW and SW, we estimated the activity-related cost, relative to the cost in ISW, at different swimming speeds (net cost of swimming in FW or SW minus net cost of swimming in ISW at each speed). For a 63-g fish in FW, this cost increased from zero at rest, to 41mgO 2kg~'h~ 1 (16% of the total metabolic rate, 24% of the net cost swimming) at 40 cm s~'. In SW the same cost increased only to 32 mg O2 kg~' h~' (12 % of the total metabolic rate, 20% of the net cost of swimming) at 40cms"'. The net cost of swimming in FW or SW increased with swimming speed at a rate 3-4 times faster
Cell-based cartilage repair strategies in the horse

Damage to the articular cartilage surface is common in the equine athlete and, due to the poor intrinsic healing capabilities of cartilage, can lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Joint disease and OA are the leading cause of retirement in equine athletes and currently there are no effective treatments to stop the progression of OA. Several different cell-based strategies have been investigated to bolster the weak regenerative response of chondrocytes. Such techniques aim to restore the articular surface and prevent further joint degradation. Cell-based cartilage repair strategies include enhancement of endogenous repair mechanisms by recruitment of stem cells from the bone marrow following perforation of the subchondral bone plate; osteochondral implantation; implantation of chondrocytes that are maintained in defects by either a membrane cover or scaffold, and transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells into cartilage lesions. More recently, bioengineered cartilage and scaffoldless cartilage have been investigated for enhancing repair. This review article focuses on the multitude of cell-based repair techniques for cartilage repair across several species, with special attention paid to the horse.
Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus and Selected Gram-positive Bacteria by Chelation of Essential Metal Cations by Polyphosphates.

A simple well-plate technique was utilized to determine the effect of various metals on the growth of microorganisms in media containing different polyphosphates. Aspergillus flavus and four gram-positive bacteria were completely inhibited by media containing 1% of various alkaline polyphosphates, whereas four gram-negative bacteria were not. Significant differences were observed between the type of polyphosphate added, the type of metal added, and the species of gram-positive bacterium inhibited. The addition of Mg2+ stimulated growth of A. flavus and Bacillus cereus in the presence of tetrasodium pyrophosphate, whereas Mn2+ permitted growth of A. flavus and Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of sodium hexametaphosphate. Iron supplementation allowed the growth of S. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes on media containing 1 % tetrasodium pyrophosphate. A method for determining the amount of calcium and magnesium in water was modified to detect free Mg2+ by replacing EDTA with phosphate. The addition of free Mg2+, but not Mg2+ chelated by tetrasodium pyrophosphate, permitted the growth of B. cereus on a medium containing tetrasodium pyrophosphate. It is speculated that polyphosphates specifically inhibited A. flavus and gram-positive bacteria by removing essential metals from cation-binding sites located within their cell walls.
Windsor, Federalism, and the Future of Marriage Litigation

In United States v. Windsor, the United States Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Now that section 3 has been invalidated, section 2 of DOMA may well also be challenged. This article discusses Windsor’s implications for section 2 of DOMA, including some possible constructions of the provision and some of the differing constitutional implications of these alternate constructions, as well as the decision’s possible implications for state same-sex marriage bans. The article concludes that while Windsor could have been clearer with respect to its implications for section 2 or for some of the state same-sex marriage bans, the most plausible interpretation of it establishes the constitutional invalidity of DOMA’s section 2 and of many state mini-DOMAs, in part if not in whole.
Frequency-Domain System Identification and Simulation of a Quadrotor Controller

Using frequency-domain system identification techniques, the closed-loop dynamic model of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle is extracted using the computer program CIFER ® . The resulting dynamic model is verified by comparing its predicted response against previously collected flight-test data. The results show that an accurate model was successfully extracted, which could be utilized for simulations and control system development. Simulation of the extracted model and analysis of the transient response are also provided.
DEVELOPMENT OF A DUNE EROSION MODEL USING SUPERTANK DATA

A model predicting dune erosion under storm conditions has been developed using data from SUPERTANK laboratory experiments. In this model, the swash approach is applied with the basic assumption that the volume eroded from the dune is a function of the swash force acting on the dune. The swash force is characterized with swash parameters, specifically the swash height, the swash velocity and the swash period. For given storm conditions, the model predicts wave height variation across-shore, swash height variation on the beach face, swash velocity, swash period, swash forces and finally volume eroded at the dune. Predictions of swash parameters and dune erosion are compared with measurements from SUPERTANK laboratory experiments.
Perpetrator Prevention: Stopping the Development of Sexually Abusive Behavior

This paper documents perpetrator prevention as an essential component in the prevention of sexual assault and abuse. Traditional approaches to the prevention of sexual abuse have focused primarily on changing the behavior of potential victims. Preventive interventions that have the potential for changing the behavior of potential perpetrators are explored. Although there is little empirical work to review in the prevention of perpetrator development in boys and men, some of the correlates of sexually abusing behavior are identified and related research highlighted. Three of the risk factors linked with sexually abusive behavior are explored: gender inequity, the negative effects on children and young men of media exposure to violence-particularly sexual violence against women, and the increased risk of sexually abusive behavior by males with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Preventive interventions to reduce these risks are considered. The incorporation of perpetrator prevention into an ecological app...
The effect of injection speed and serial injection on propidium iodide entry into cultured HeLa and primary neonatal fibroblast cells using lance array nanoinjection.

Background Although site-directed genetic engineering has greatly improved in recent years, particularly with the implementation of CRISPR-Cas9, the ability to deliver these molecular constructs to a wide variety of cell types without adverse reaction is still a challenge. One non-viral transfection method designed to address this challenge is a MEMS based biotechnology described previously as lance array nanoinjection (LAN). LAN delivery of molecular loads is based upon the combinational use of electrical manipulation of loads of interest and physical penetration of target cell membranes. This work explores an original procedural element to nanoinjection by investigating the effects of the speed of injection and also the ability to serially inject the same sample.
Optimization modelling of anaerobic biofilm reactors

A rigorous steady state model of acetate-utilizing methanogenic biofilms is developed accounting for the mass transfer of neutral and ionic species, pH changes within the biofilm, pH-dependent Monod kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electroneutrality, gas production within the biofilm, and the presence of a concentration boundary layer (CBL). In contrast to traditional biofilm models where the pH is assumed to be constant within the biofilm, an increase in pH in acetate-utilizing methanogenic biofilms is predicted. Furthermore, significant differences can exist between the flux predictions using the traditional models and when pH changes within the biofilm are taken into account. The optimum pH for acetate-utilizing biofilms is less than the optimum defined for suspended-growth systems. The biofilm model is coupled to a model of a completely-stirred tank reactor (CSTR), and strategies for the optimization of biofilm reactor performance are examined. For a fixed set of operating conditions, an optimum influent pH can be defined that corresponds to the maximum removal efficiency and flux of acetate into the biofilm.
A phase I trial of the safety and immunogenicity of a DNA-based vaccine encoding the HER2/neu (HER2) intracellular domain in subjects with HER2+ breast cancer.

616 Background: Vaccination with the intracellular domain (ICD) of HER2 in pre-clinical models is both immunogenic and protective against the development of mammary tumors. This study was designed ...