cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Localizing Circumferential Compression Device Delayed Death After Artificial Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Envenomation to the Torso of an Animal Model in a Pilot Study

Nearly all prior studies to delay onset of systemic toxicity and death after snake bite use a model of distal extremity envenomation. In the first of a series of planned studies using snake venoms with different toxicity profiles, the application of a novel device in a new model of torso envenomation in the setting of Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) venom (a potent neurotoxin) envenomation showed promise by delaying systemic intoxication. In this pilot study, we investigated this novel localizing circumferential compression (LoCC) device’s ability to delay onset of life threatening systemic toxicity after Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) envenomation, a potent hemotoxic and myotoxic venom. With university approval, four juvenile female pigs (22–25 kg) were anesthetized, sedated, and intubated but not paralyzed to allow for spontaneous respirations. Each animal was injected subcutaneously with 50 mg of C. adamanteus venom in identical preselected areas of the trunk. After 1 min, two treatment animals had the LoCC device applied; two control animals had no intervention. Vital signs were recorded every 10 min for the first 2 h and every 30 min thereafter. Endpoints included cardiovascular collapse (fatal arrhythmia, loss of mean arterial pressure, or pulse) or respiratory arrest (<3 breaths/min, saturation < 80%) or survival to 7 h. The pigs in the treatment group reached an endpoint at an average time of 355 (±65) min compared with control 32 (±3.5) min (p < 0.04). In this pilot study, the LoCC device significantly delayed onset of systemic symptoms and death after torso envenomation with Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake venom in this model.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Surfactant Functionalized Nanoparticles in the Vicinity of an Oil/Water Interface

The localization of nanoparticles (NPs) at fluid/fluid interfaces has emerged as an effective self-assembly method. To understand the fundamentals of this localization mechanism, it is necessary to quantify the physical behavior of NPs in the vicinity of a fluid interface. Conventional theories treat the NP as a rigid object whose equilibrium position is dictated by the balance of its surface tensions with the two fluids. However, most NPs are functionalized with “soft” organic surface layers which play a large role in determining the shape of the NP. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the functionalizing layer also greatly alters the interfacial behavior of the NP beyond the scope of common theory. Furthermore, we characterize the effect of the surface density of functionalizing molecules on the NP deformability. Our results have implications on the experimental interpretation of NP contact angles and may be useful for future theory development.
Service Learning: What's a Political Scientist Doing in Yonkers?

on dialogue about urban politics, I decided to develop a service learning project focusing on urban homelessness and housing. The project would combine elements of a typical undergraduate course and a participant observation project. I wanted a setting in which the students and I would learn together about urban policy problems and better understand their complexity. The shared experience of working in an urban neighborhood for a week would, in a sense, serve as a text, although this "text" would be experienced and discussed contemporaneously. The experiential learning project offered several pedagogical advantages. Markus, King, and Howard (1993) found that students who participated in community service in conjunction with a contemporary issues lecture course reported higher motivations to continue community service and higher levels of individual efficacy visi-vis their abilities to make a difference in their communi-
Algorithms and data structures for adaptive multigrid elliptic solvers

With the advent of multigrid iteration, the large linear systems arising in numerical treatment of elliptic boundary value problems can be solved quickly and reliably. This frees the researcher to focus on the other issues involved in numerical solution of elliptic problems: adaptive refinement, error estimation and control, and grid generation. Progress is being made on each of these issues and the technology now seems almost at hand to put together general purpose elliptic software having reliability and efficiency comparable to that of library software for ordinary differential equations. This paper looks at the components required in such general elliptic solvers and suggests new approaches to some of the issues involved. One of these issues is adaptive refinement and the complicated data structures required to support it. These data structures must be carefully tuned, especially in three dimensions where the time and storage requirements of algorithms are crucial. Another major issue is grid generation. The options available seem to be curvilinear fitted grids, constructed on interactive graphics systems, and unfitted Cartesian grids, which can be constructed automatically. On several grounds, including storage requirements, the second option seems preferrable for the well behaved scalar elliptic problems considered here. A variety of techniques for treatment of boundary conditions on such grids have been described previously and are reviewed here. A new approach, which may overcome some of the difficulties encountered with previous approaches, is also presented.
Multimodal user interfaces: who's the user?

A wide variety of systems require reliable personal recognition schemes to either confirm or determine the identity of an individual requesting their services. The purpose of such schemes is to ensure that only a legitimate user, and not anyone else, accesses the rendered services. Examples of such applications include secure access to buildings, computer systems, laptops, cellular phones and ATMs. Biometric recognition, or simply biometrics, refers to the automatic recognition of individuals based on their physiological and/or behavioral characteristics. By using biometrics it is possible to confirm or establish an individual's identity based on "who she is", rather than by "what she possesses" (e.g., an ID card) or "what she remembers" (e.g., a password). Current biometric systems make use of fingerprints, hand geometry, iris, face, voice, etc. to establish a person's identity. Biometric systems also introduce an aspect of user convenience. For example, they alleviate the need for a user to remember multiple passwords associated with different applications. A biometric system that uses a single biometric trait for recognition has to contend with problems related to non-universality of the trait, spoof attacks, limited degrees of freedom, large intra-class variability, and noisy data. Some of these problems can be addressed by integrating the evidence presented by multiple biometric traits of a user (e.g., face and iris). Such systems, known as multimodal biometric systems, demonstrate substantial improvement in recognition performance. In this talk, we will present various applications of biometrics, challenges associated in designing biometric systems, and various fusion strategies available to implement a multimodal biometric system.
Rolling contact deformation and microstructural changes in high strength bearing steel

Abstract This paper examines the connections between the continuing cyclic plastic deformation, the etching effects and the fatigue life of high strength bearing steel under rolling contact. A finite element model is used to calculate the increments of cyclic plastic strain as the roller translates over the running surface. The cyclic plastic strain is related to the plasticity-induced microstructural changes observed in bearings. The calculations are performed for both elastic linear kinematic hardening plastic and elastic-perfectly plastic material behaviors. Observed fatigue lives under rolling contact are compared with the lives obtained in simple cyclic torsion experiments with the same cyclic plastic strain amplitudes. The rotation of the principal shear direction, the smaller strained volume, and the high hydrostatic pressure attending rolling contact may be responsible for the contact lives, which are seven orders of magnitude longer.
Modelling Details of Fenders in Float-Over Installation Experiments

Fenders are a key element of float-over topsides installations protecting the vessel and jacket legs by absorbing impact energy. Fender capacity is defined in accordance with expected vessel motions, vessel hull strength, and anticipated impact energy. Translating those dependencies from full-scale float-over scenarios to model-scale experiments provides added challenges when devising experimental approaches.This paper describes the design and development of model-scale fenders and their application in float-over topsides installation experiments. Current model fenders use multi-stage cantilevered leaf springs to develop the required non-linear stiffness curve which is calculated from full-scale fender data. Spring material and geometry, relative position, and loading location are key variables used to match the target fender stiffness as changes in these parameters directly affect the force-deflection characteristics of the model-scale fenders.The force-deflection characteristics (stiffness) of the model-scale fenders were checked before, during, and after wave experiments, using both isolated bench tests and in situ verifications. Multiple iterations of stiffness checks were completed during the stiffness curve matching process prior to the experimentation. The achieved load-deflection characteristics of the fender units were within 2% of the target stiffness curve. The damping characteristics of the fenders were not specifically modeled, but were measured for each of the stiffness stages. The model fenders have successfully been used in multiple float-over experimental campaigns.© 2012 ASME
A use of a mathematical model in updating concept selection

This paper presents the use of a mathematical model in updating a decision maker’s belief before selecting a product/system concept and demonstrates a procedure to calculate the maximum monetary value of such a model in terms of the expected value of information. Acquiring information about uncertainty and updating belief according to the new information is an important step in concept selection. However, obtaining additional information can be considered beneficial only if the acquisition cost is less than the benefit. In this paper, a mathematical model is used as an information source that predicts outcomes of an uncertainty. The prediction, however, is imperfect information because the model is constructed based on simplifying assumptions. Thus, the expected value of imperfect information needs to be calculated in order to evaluate the tradeoff between the accuracy and the cost of model prediction (information). The construction and analysis of a mathematical model, the calculation of the expected value of information (model prediction) and updating the belief based on the model prediction are illustrated using a concept selection for a public project.
Tilting Pad Journal Bearings—A Discussion on Stability Calculation, Frequency Dependence, and Pad and Pivot

For several years, researchers have presented predictions showing that using a full tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) model (retaining all of the pad degrees of freedom) is necessary to accurately perform stability calculations for a shaft operating on TPJBs. This paper will discuss this issue, discuss the importance of pad and pivot flexibility in predicting impedance coefficients for the tilting-pad journal bearing, present measured changes in bearing clearance with operating temperature, and summarize the differences between measured and predicted frequency dependence of dynamic impedance coefficients. The current work presents recent test data for a 100 mm (4 in.) five-pad TPJB tested in load on pad (LOP) configuration. Measured results include bearing clearance as a function of operating temperature, pad clearance and radial displacement of the loaded pad (the pad having the static load vector directed through its pivot), and frequency-dependent stiffness and damping. Measured hot-bearing clearances are approximately 30% smaller than measured cold-bearing clearances and are inversely proportional to pad surface temperature; predicting bearing impedances with a rigid pad and pivot model using these reduced clearances results in overpredicted stiffness and damping coefficients that are several times larger than previous comparisons. The effect of employing a full bearing model versus a reduced bearing model (where only journal degrees of freedom are retained) in a stability calculation for a realistic rotor-bearing system is assessed. For the bearing tested, the bearing coefficients reduced at the frequency of the unstable eigenvalue (subsynchronously reduced) predicted a destabilizing cross-coupled stiffness coefficient at the onset of instability within 1% of the full model, while synchronously reduced coefficients for the lightly loaded bearing required 25% more destabilizing cross-coupled stiffness than the full model to cause system instability. The same stability calculation was performed using measured stiffness and damping coefficients at synchronous and subsynchronous frequencies. These predictions showed that both the synchronously measured stiffness and damping and predictions using the full bearing model were more conservative than the model using subsynchronously measured stiffness and damping, an outcome that is completely opposite from conclusions reached by comparing different prediction models. This contrasting outcome results from a predicted increase in damping with increasing excitation frequency at all speeds and loads; however, this increase in damping with increasing excitation frequency was only measured at the most heavily loaded conditions.
Teaching Philanthropy in the History of Higher Education: Values and the Public Good

Andrea Waltonexamines the debate about the role of higher education in promoting the public good and whether universities have abandoned their public responsibility by valuing research over teaching and failing to engage students in a critical examination of values that may contribute to the strengthening of moral and civic commitments.
Landsat-4 and Landsat-5 thematic mapper band 6 historical performance and calibration

Launched in 1982 and 1984 respectively, the Landsat-4 and -5 Thematic Mappers (TM) are the backbone of an extensive archive of moderate resolution Earth imagery. However, these sensors and their data products were not subjected to the type of intensive monitoring that has been part of the Landsat-7 system since its launch in 1999. With Landsat-4's 11 year and Landsat-5's 20+ year data record, there is a need to understand the historical behavior of the instruments in order to verify the scientific integrity of the archive and processed products. Performance indicators of the Landsat-4 and -5 thermal bands have recently been extracted from a processing system database allowing for a more complete study of thermal band characteristics and calibration than was previously possible. The database records responses to the internal calibration system, instrument temperatures and applied gains and offsets for each band for every scene processed through the National Landsat Archive Production System (NLAPS). Analysis of this database has allowed for greater understanding of the calibration and improvement in the processing system. This paper will cover the trends in the Landsat-4 and -5 thermal bands, the effect of the changes seen in the trends, and how these trends affect the use of the thermal data.
Heavy meson chiral perturbation theory in finite volume

We study finite volume effects in heavy quark systems in the framework of heavy meson chiral perturbation theory for full, quenched, and partially quenched QCD. A novel feature of this investigation is the role played by the scales Delta and delta_s, where Delta is the mass difference between the heavy-light vector and pseudoscalar mesons of the same quark content, and delta_s is the mass difference due to light flavour SU(3) breaking. The primary conclusion of this work is that finite volume effects arising from the propagation of Goldstone particles in the effective theory can be altered by the presence of these scales. Since Delta varies significantly with the heavy quark mass, these volume effects can be amplified in both heavy and light quark mass extrapolations (interpolations). As an explicit example, we present results for B parameters of neutral B meson mixing matrix elements and heavy-light decay constants to one-loop order in finite volume heavy meson chiral perturbation theory for full, quenched, and N_f=2+1 partially quenched QCD. Our calculation shows that for high-precision determinations of the phenomenologically interesting SU(3) breaking ratios, finite volume effects are significant in quenched and not negligible in partially quenched QCD, although they are generally small in full QCD.
Cardiac motion during deep-inspiration breath-hold: implications for breast cancer radiotherapy.

Purpose Many patients with left-sided breast cancer receive adjuvant radiotherapy during deep-inspiration breath hold (DIBH) to minimize radiation exposure to the heart. We measured the displacement of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and heart owing to cardiac motion during DIBH, relative to the standard tangential fields for left breast cancer radiotherapy. Methods and Materials A total of 20 patients who had undergone computed tomography-based coronary angiography with retrospective electrocardiographic gating were randomly selected for the present study. The patients underwent scanning during DIBH to control the influence of respiration on cardiac motion. Standard medial and lateral tangential fields were placed, and the LADs were contoured on the systolic- and diastolic-phase computed tomography data sets by the clinicians. Displacement of the LAD during cardiac contractions was calculated in three directions: toward the posterior edge of the treatment fields, left–right, and anteroposterior. Displacement of the entire heart was measured on the maximal and minimal intensity projection computed tomography images. Results The mean displacement of the LAD from cardiac contraction without the influence of respiration for 20 patients was 2.3 mm (range, 0.7–3.8) toward the posterior edge of the treatment fields, 2.6 mm (range, 1.0–6.8) in the left–right direction, and 2.3 mm (range, 0.6–6.5) in the anteroposterior direction. At least 30% of the LAD volume was displaced >5 mm in any direction in 2 patients (10%), and 5 mm in 10 patients (50%). The extent of displacement of the heart periphery during cardiac motion was negligible near the treatment fields. Conclusions Displacement of the heart periphery near the treatment fields was negligible during DIBH; however, displacement of the LAD from cardiac contraction varied substantially between and within patients. We recommend maintaining ≥5 mm of distance between the LAD and the field edge for patients undergoing breast cancer radiotherapy during DIBH.
Ethnic Composition of Special Education Programs in California.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the racial composition of mental retardation (MR), speech impairment (SPEECH), serious emotional disturbance (SED), and specific learning disability (SL...
Micromechanics modeling of fatigue failure mechanisms in a hybrid polymer matrix composite

Abstract Initiation of fatigue damage for a hybrid polymer matrix composite material was studied via 3-Dimensional viscoelastic representative volume element modeling in order to gain further understanding. It was found that carbon fiber reinforced composites perform better in fatigue loading, in comparison to glass fiber reinforced composites, due to the fact that the state of stress within the matrix material was considerably lower for carbon fiber reinforced composites eliminating (or at least prolonging) fatigue damage initiation. The effect of polymer aging was also evaluated through thermal aging of neat resin specimens. Short-term viscoelastic material properties of unaged and aged neat resin specimens were measured using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. With increasing aging time a corresponding increase in storage modulus was found. Increases in the storage modulus of the epoxy matrix subsequently resulted in a higher state of predicted stress within the matrix material from representative volume element analyses. Various parameters common to unidirectional composites were numerically investigated and found to have varying levels of impact on the prediction of the initiation of fatigue damage.
Productivity and wage effects of “family‐friendly” fringe benefits

Family‐supportive employment benefits have become increasingly popular in recent years as an employer response to the increasing labor force participation of women, and the consequent need to balance work and family life. Economic theory predicts that these types of fringe benefits could at least partially pay for themselves through a combination of increased productivity and lower wages. A survey of 120 employers in an upstate New York county provides data on benefits packages and outcome measures that are used to test this hypothesis. We find that employers who offer flexible sick leave and child care assistance experience measurable reductions in turnover. Employers who offer benefits like flexible scheduling policies and child care also appear to offset part of the cost of these benefits by paying lower entry‐level wages than do their competitors.
Transmissible agent in non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Plasma or serum from 4 patients with acute or chronic non-A, non-B post-transfusion hepatitis (P.T.H.) and from a blood-donor implicated in two cases of P.T.H. was inoculated into 5 chimpanzees. Biochemical and histological evidence of hepatitis developed in these 5 chimpanzees but not in a control animal. The mean incubation period in the chimpanzees was 13.4 weeks, compared with 7.7 weeks in the 4 patients with P.T.H. The peak alanine aminotransferase (A.L.T.) levels in the 5 chimpanzees were 265, 212, 219, 70, and 62 I.U./l. Histological changes ranged from mild to conspicuous hepatitis and generally correlated with the degree of A.L.T. elevation. There was no evidence of clinical disease and all animals went on to biochemical and histological recovery. There was no serological evidence of type A or type B hepatitis. Hepatitis was transmitted by serum derived from patients with chronic as well as acute hepatitis, strongly suggesting a chronic carrier state for the agent responsible for non-A, non-B hepatitis. Non-A, non-B hepatitis thus seems to be due to a transmissible agent which can persist and remain infectious for long periods.
BLACK WOMEN HAVE SMALLER ABDOMINAL GIRTHS THAN WHITE WOMEN OF THE SAME RELATIVE WEIGHT

Anthropometric measurements were compared in 312 white and 242 black women (mean age 54) who were participants in the Charleston Heart Study. Body mass index (BMI) was greater in black women (27.8 kg/m2) than in white women (24.7 kg/m2) as were body circumferences. However, when the girth measurements were adjusted for BMI, some racial differences were reversed. Age, smoking and BMI-adjusted abdominal girth was smaller in the black women than in the white women (88.9 cm vs 92.2 cm). The ratio of abdomen to midarm circumference was larger in white women than black women (3.24 vs 3.09), and could be interpreted to indicate a less central fat pattern in the black women. This conclusion should be viewed with caution since circumference measurements, though often used in epidemiologic research, do not differentiate between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.
Letter: Hysteresis of proton binding to tobacco mosaic virus protein associated with metastable polymerization.

Abstract Proton binding to tobacco mosaic virus protein at 20 °C has been found to exhibit a reproducible hysteresis which results from the metastability of high molecular weight helical, virus-like rods. In a titration from pH 4 or 5 to 7, the time for depolymerization of such rods, as measured by ultracentrifugation, decreases from days to minutes over a range of about a tenth of a pH unit, near pH 6·6 at 20 °C. Relative to the extent of proton binding in the depolymerized state at 4 °C, the magnitude of the hysteresis near pH 6·2 corresponds to more than 50% of the protons bound per subunit in the equilibrium polymerized state.
The comparative biology of two sympatric paper wasps in Michigan, the native Polistes fuscatus and the invasive Polistes dominulus (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

Polistes dominulus (Christ), an old world paper wasp, was introduced accidentally into the eastern coast of the United States in the late 1970s and has been rapidly spreading westward, displacing the native P. fuscatus (F.). The biology of naturally nesting P. fuscatus and P. dominulus was compared at a field site in Rochester, Michigan. The basic methodology consisted of simultaneously videotaping spatially proximate, matched single-foundress colonies of P. fuscatus and P. dominulus (13 matched sets, 176.8 h of videography). In addition, extensive surveys and censuses were taken of colonies to record colony productivity, dates of nest initiation and first worker emergence, usurpation and parasitism.¶There was no evidence that P. dominulus is negatively impacting P. fuscatus through direct, agonistic encounters. However, P. dominulus is 4-5 times more productive than P. fuscatus, suggesting that P. dominulus is replacing P. fuscatus via exploitative competition. P. dominulus appears to have a number of advantages over P. fuscatus, including earlier production of workers, higher per capita foraging rates by queens and workers, higher queen survivorship, and lack of conspecific pressures. Nest site and/or prey availability may be limiting factors in the competition between the two species.
Exact diagonalization of a 16-spin cluster of solid3He

The spin Hamiltonian for a bcc cluster of 16 atoms interacting via ring exchanges up through 6-spins has been diagonalized exactly. The calculatedHc1 is close to the experimental value. Using a Gaussian ensemble the “phase diagram” for this system has been derived.
The diagnostic validity of digitally captured intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography examinations compared with analog recordings: A pilot study.

Abstract Background: Digital acquisition and storage of echocardiographic studies offer many advantages over analog recordings, but the amount of computer memory required may be large. "Computer compression" of data is done by machines with various algorithms. "Clinical compression" involves limiting the recordings to 1-beat loops, and although it is commonly used, its diagnostic validity has not been demonstrated in the operating room. Methods: This prospective pilot study looked at 51 patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography during cardiac surgery. During continuous videocassette recording, we captured digital loops to demonstrate wall motion abnormalities, ventricular systolic function, aortic insufficiency, and mitral regurgitation. Experts reviewed the loops and tapes. We then compared the diagnoses from the 2 methods. Results: There were major differences in the diagnosis of wall motion between loops and tapes in only 3.4% of myocardial segments. No major differences were seen in the diagnosis of systolic function, aortic insufficiency, or mitral regurgitation in any patients. Conclusion: We conclude that clinical compression is a suitable method to compress data in the operating room. Large numbers of patients are required to definitively demonstrate the small differences. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:974-80.)
Experimental coxsackievirus B4 valvulitis in squirrel monkeys

Abstract Mitral valve lesions were produced experimentally in three of nine squirrel monkeys inoculated intravenously or intraperitoneally with coxsackievirus B4 culture fluid. Aortic valve lesion also developed in one of these monkeys. Pathologic changes associated with acute, subacute, and chronic valvulitis noted in these monkeys are described. These studies demonstrate that coxsackievirus B4, a highly infectious agent to man, can produce valvular lesions in a nonhuman primate, the squirrel monkey. It is suggested that since coxsackieviral infection is common in man and since a substantial number of patients with chronic valvular heart disease present with no history of rheumatic fever and/or streptococcal infections, some instances of acute and chronic valvular disease in man generally attributed to rheumatic fever and the streptococcus are the result of viral infections instead of the streptococcus.
Causality Versus Gauge Invariance in Quantum Gravity and Supergravity

It is proposed that one should admit in the path integral for the quantized gravitational field only those space-times for which the final three-geometry is located in the future of the initial one. As a consequence, and unlike the situation for the Yang-Mills field, the resulting causal amplitude is not annihilated by all the gauge (surface deformation) generators. In supergravity the causal amplitude turns out not to be annihilated by the local supersymmetry generators either.
Los Angeles phonospirometry technique: creating a normogram that correlates with peak expiratory flow measurements in children

AbstractObjective: Measurement of peak expiratory flow (PEF) is recommended in the assessment of patients with asthma. However, the use of PEF involves multiple barriers, which have limited its use. Phonospirometry, as assessed by a novel Los Angeles phonospirometry technique, has shown good correlation to standard PEF measurements in a pilot study on symptomatic patients with asthma. We sought to develop a normogram for phonospirometry, and to validate the PEF normogram. Methods: A convenience sample of asymptomatic children ages 3–17 years old was approached for participation in the Emergency Department. Sample size calculations determined that at least 30 children per age group (n = 450) were needed. Children were asked to perform PEF measurements and phonospirometry, measured as the length of time (in s) the child was able to chant “lalala” in a single breath. Results: 510 children were enrolled. Spearman's rho between PEF and phonospirometry was 0.722. Phonospirometry correlated with both age and hei...
Risk Factors for Early Revision After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Medicare Patients

Background Patient, surgeon, health system, and device factors are all known to influence outcomes in THA. However, patient-related factors associated with an increased risk of early failure are poorly understood, particularly in elderly patients.
Abstract 4612: Cell-type dependent responses to selenium and knockdown of SBP2

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Selenium is a trace element essential for human health. Evidence from previous epidemiologic studies and clinical trials suggested that selenium is associated with prostate cancer prevention, but its failure in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) to reduce prostate cancer incidence diminished its promise. The question of whether some patients could benefit from selenium supplementation while others might not demands a clearer understanding of selenium's mechanisms of action. One of the ways in which selenium acts as a chemopreventive agent is through incorporation into selenoproteins, which are antioxidant enzymes required to maintain redox homeostasis; however, selenoproteins’ large number and redundant functions make analyzing their effects on cellular functions difficult. Therefore, we recently targeted selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 (SBP2), required for selenoprotein synthesis; knocked down SBP2 expression in different cell lines; and examined the effect on cell survival, cell cycle, and cell survival pathways. We found that knocking down SBP2 resulted in apoptosis in NIH/3T3 and HEK-293 cells, especially in the presence of H2O2. Interestingly abrogation of SBP2 function affected the level of p21 protein in a cell type-specific manner. Additionally, sodium selenite or seleno-methionine treatment led to distinct changes in p21 and p53 protein status in HEK-293, LNCaP, and DU145 cells. Molecular effects induced by knocking down SBP2 were cell-type dependent. Further studies involving a combinational approach are expected to contribute to understanding how selenium and selenoproteins mediate chemopreventive effects in prostate cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4612. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4612
Effects of nucleoside analogs on transcription of simian virus 40

Abstract Brief incubation of BSC-1 cells with 5-fluorouridine (FUrd) produces an irreversible inhibition of RNA synthesis. The drug has no effect on the appearance of nuclear T-antigen or on the rate of viral DNA synthesis during lytic infection of BSC-1 cells. The ultimate yield of infectious virus is inversely related to the length of exposure to FUrd before infection. We have also followed the synthesis of virus-specific RNA in 3T3 cells transformed by SV40. The relative amount of hybridizable, virus-specific RNA in the cytoplasm of 3T3 cells transformed by SV40 and treated with FUrd is at least equal to or greater than in control, untreated cells. A strong inhibition of virus-specific RNA is found in cells treated with 5-bromotubercidin. These findings are consistent with previous conclusions that FUrd selectively inhibits rRNA but not mRNA synthesis, whereas 5-bromotubercidin reversibly inhibits both mRNA and rRNA.
Chemical compositions and source identification of PM2.5 aerosols for estimation of a diesel source surrogate

Exposure to traffic-related pollution during childhood has been associated with asthma exacerbation, and asthma incidence. The objective of the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS) is to determine if the development of allergic and respiratory disease is associated with exposure to diesel engine exhaust particles. A detailed receptor model analyses was undertaken by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF) and UNMIX receptor models to two PM₂.₅ data sets: one consisting of two carbon fractions and the other of eight temperature-resolved carbon fractions. Based on the source profiles resolved from the analyses, markers of traffic-related air pollution were estimated: the elemental carbon attributed to traffic (ECAT) and elemental carbon attributed to diesel vehicle emission (ECAD). Application of UNMIX to the two data sets generated four source factors: combustion related sulfate, traffic, metal processing and soil/crustal. The PMF application generated six source factors derived from analyzing two carbon fractions and seven factors from temperature-resolved eight carbon fractions. The source factors (with source contribution estimates by mass concentrations in parentheses) are: combustion sulfate (46.8%), vegetative burning (15.8%), secondary sulfate (12.9%), diesel vehicle emission (10.9%), metal processing (7.5%), gasoline vehicle emission (5.6%) and soil/crustal (0.7%). Diesel and gasoline vehicle emission sources were separated using eight temperature-resolved organic and elemental carbon fractions. Application of PMF to both datasets also differentiated the sulfate rich source from the vegetative burning source, which are combined in a single factor by UNMIX modeling. Calculated ECAT and ECAD values at different locations indicated that traffic source impacts depend on factors such as traffic volumes, meteorological parameters, and the mode of vehicle operation apart from the proximity of the sites to highways. The difference in ECAT and ECAD, however, was less than one standard deviation. Thus, a cost benefit consideration should be used when deciding on the benefits of an eight or two carbon approach.
Model reduction and frequency-weighted optimal vibration control of smart panels

The optimal control algorithm is one of the feasible feedback algorithms for vibration suppression of flexible structures. One of the commonly encountered problems of the optimal control implementation is the spillover problem. The spillover generally occurs when modeling a continuous structure that has infinite number of resonance modes as a nominal model with finite modes for controller design. This paper presents a design of an optimal controller that is low order and can prevent the spillover problem when the unmodeled resonance modes perturb the feedback control loop. For low order controller design, this paper proposes modal Hankel singular values (MHSV) for efficient nominal model reduction. Low order controller can be derived from the reduced nominal model. For design of more stable controller, this paper applies frequency dependent weight functions to the cost function. The weight functions prevent the spillover by making optimal controller not to excite the resonance modes that are not included in nominal model. The optimal controller is derived from the nominal model. This weight function approach optimizes the control performance and control stability by smoothening the discrepancy between the weights of on the modeled modes to be controlled and unmodeled modes to be stabilized. A finite element model is exploited to develop the controller and to test its control performance and stability against high resonance mode spillover.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fault tolerant real time control system for steer-by-wire electro-hydraulic systems

Abstract A steer-by-wire (SBW) control system is presented with emphasis on safety issues. The applications are in articulated vehicles such as the wheel type loaders, articulated trucks, and others. The electro-hydraulic (EH) power circuit is controlled by two embedded electronic control modules (ECM), the primary ECM and backup ECM. The two ECMs monitor each others condition. If one detects fault in the other, it takes over the control functions. There are two main control algorithms that run in the ECMs in real-time: the steering valve control algorithm and the failure detection algorithm. The valve control algorithm basically generates command signal to the steering valve based on operator steering column signal as well as other machine condition sensors. The failure detection algorithm implements a fault detection logic for both input sensors and output drivers, and flags the corresponding warning for to the operator, and take a predefined action depending on the type of the failure detected. A unique fault strategy organization is implemented by inspecting the failure behavior on both the component and the system levels. The failure detection algorithm also determines the most likely “good” sensor signal from a set of redundant sensors for each critical measurement. Based on these good sensors data, the steering control algorithm sends two output signals: the control signal to the steering EH circuit valve and the control signal to the steering wheel force feedback device (i.e. a brake or a motor) to give operator feedback about the steering conditions. Finite state machine (FSM) concept is used to design the fault handling algorithms for both the component level and the system level failure. The probability of the system being at normal steering state or at any other steering failure state is determined. Failure mode probabilities of steering system components are also determined.
Human parvovirus 4 in the blood supply and transmission by pooled plasma‐derived clotting factors: does it matter?

The paper by Sharp et al in this issue of Transfusion reports the transmission of human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) by “virus-inactivated” plasma pool-derived clotting factors, demonstrating that infection by non lipid-membrane viruses continues to be a concern for hemophiliacs and other recipients of such products 1. While the inactivation of lipid enveloped viruses such as HIV and HCV by solvent/detergent and/or heating now used in the manufacture of plasma derivatives is highly effective, such treatments (at least as performed before 1992) were not sufficient to prevent the transmission of PARV4 1. Recipients of non-pooled (from a single or few donors), non-inactivated, blood products such as plasma or platelets, while at lower risk of receiving a PARV4 containing transfusion, must also be exposed to this recently characterized virus.
First Order Phase Transition and Evidence for Frustrations in Polyampholytic Gels

Polyampholyte gel, frustrated by the conflicting interactions between its positive and negative monomers, can undergo a sharp discontinuous phase transition driven by changing either gel composition or solvent quality and/or permeability. This finding completes the investigation of all four major interactions involved in the biomolecular machinery with respect to their role in the behavior of polymer gels, considered here as a model of biopolymer system. The result also sheds light on the possible role of frustrations in biomolecular systems, such as proteins.
Are evidence-based cardiovascular prevention therapies being used? A review of aspirin and statin therapies

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and other developed countries. While therapeutic lifestyle changes are integral to general risk reduction, drug therapy proves necessary for patients whose cardiovascular risk is above critical thresholds. Among proven medical treatments, antiplatelet therapy (mainly aspirin) and cholesterol-lowering therapy (mainly statins) are unequivocally recommended for the reduction of cardiovascular risk. Therapeutic indications for both therapies share great similarities, while critical differences are identifiable. Despite the compelling evidence, the gap between recommended practice and actualized practice is large. Between the two therapies, aspirin tends to be more underused than statins despite its more favorable cost-effectiveness. Admittedly, barriers to optimal translation and implementation of science to practice are considerable, but they are not insurmountable and effective interventions are available to overcome a variety of commonly cited barriers. This article reviews current practice guidelines regarding antiplatelet therapy and cholesterol-lowering treatment for cardiovascular prevention, available data of treatment gaps, documented barriers to guideline adherence, and promising interventions for practice improvement.
Effects of prostaglandin E2 and preincubation on lectin-stimulated proliferation of human T cell subsets

Abstract Our laboratory as well as others has previously noted that sensitivity of lymphocytes to inhibition by prostaglandin (PG)E 2 is lost after overnight preincubation. We now show that the change in sensitivity to PGE 2 with preincubation varies depending upon the T-cell subset in the culture. In phytohemaglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cultures of fresh cells, PGE 2 inhibits proliferation of T cells as well as OKT4 (+) cells and OKT8(+) cells. In PHA-stimulated cultures of preincubated cells, PGE 2 slightly augments proliferation of T cells; however, PGE still inhibits OKT4(+) cells and causes marked augmentation of OKT8(+) cells. Thus the “loss in sensitivity” to PGE 2 with preincubation is actually a result of the balancing effect of PGE 2 inhibiting OKT4(+) cells and stimulating OKT8(+) cells.
Curricular Reform in Mathematics and Science Since A Nation at Risk

Concerns about both the content and lack of focus of the U.S. mathematics and science curriculum, both as it is stated in state-level curricular frameworks and how it is implemented in the classroom, have appeared in major studies since the early 1980s (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2000a). In 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education (NCEE) concluded in A Nation at Risk (NAR) that the curricular "smorgasbord" then offered in American schools, combined with extensive student choice, explained a great deal of the low performance of U.S. students (NCEE, 1983, p. 18). Since the publication of NAR 20 years ago, most states have increased the number of mathematics and science courses required for high school graduation as a way to address this concern and many have instituted one form or another of high-stakes testing to build student, teacher, and school-level accountability into the equation. Furthermore, a number of states and districts have also implemented "systemic" or "standards-based" reform efforts to align curricular content with
Efficient finite element electromagnetic modeling of thin wires

A computationally efficient methodology is presented for the finite element modeling of thin conducting wires of diameter comparable with or smaller than the numerical grid size. The proposed model relies upon the insertion of lumped circuit elements at element edges along the wire axis and the proper compensation of the electric permittivity and magnetic permeability values for mesh elements in the immediate neighborhood of the wire to reproduce the electromagnetic attributes of the wire accurately. In this manner, the need for local mesh refinement along the wire is eliminated. The proposed model is useful for the computationally efficient finite element modeling of inhomogeneous structures with wire antennas attached to them and of electronic packaging structures for high-speed integrated circuits containing wire bonds and high-density vertical interconnects. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 350–354, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23060
Vascular reconstruction for limb salvage in the spinal cord injured patient

Severe arterial insufficiency of the lower extremity secondary to atherosclerosis is manifested in the clinical setting by the development of gangrene and ulceration. Clinicians caring for the spinal cord injured (SCI) patient with a threatened ischaemic extremity have previously advocated primary amputation. At our institution, we have adopted an alternative approach to the clinical problem utilising vascular reconstruction for limb salvage. During the period October 1980 to February 1988, 6 spinal cord injured patients were identified who were treated for limb-threatening ischaemia by vascular reconstruction in lieu of primary amputation. A combined approach of local wound care (debridement) and improvement of the arterial inflow by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or operative vascular reconstruction successfully avoided major amputation in 6 of 7 threatened extremities. Follow-up data was complete in all patients and ranged from 4 to 52 months with an average of 20 months. In the review period, there was no operative mortality with a cumulative limb salvage rate of 86%. The clinician caring for the spinal cord injury patient with an ischaemic limb should: (1) proscribe the patient's use of tobacco products; (2) consider vascular reconstruction in lieu of primary amputation whenever feasible. Limb salvage may be of benefit to the SCI population with improvements in body image, sedentary stability and the activities of daily living.
Relative asymmetric induction in the hydroboration of bi-1-cyclohexen-1-yls

Abstract Hydroboration-oxidation of the bi-1-cyclohexen-1-yls 1 and 8b gave single 1,4-diols, d,1 2 and meso 10b, respectively, whereas the chiral bi-1-cyclohexen-1-yl 8a, synthesized from (−)- trans -3,5-dimethylcyclohexanone, led to a mixture of two 1,4-diols (9a and 10a).