cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuronal assembly dynamics in the rat auditory cortex during reorganization induced by intracortical microstimulation

Single neurons, acting alone, cannot account for the complex and rapid computations that are routinely accomplished by the behaving nervous system. Recent studies with separable multineuron recordings are showing that neuronal assemblies can indeed be detected and that their organization is very dynamic, depending on variables such as time, physical stimulus, and context. Here we explore both single-neuron and assembly properties in the rat's auditory cortex. Acoustic stimuli are used as a normal, physiological input, and weak electrical intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) as a perturbation that forces a rapid cortical reorganization. In this setting, various aspects of neuronal interactions are changed by the ICMS. We found that cortical neurons exhibited highly synchronous oscillatory firing patterns that were enhanced by ICMS. Cross-correlation studies between two spike trains showed that statistically significant correlations depended on the anatomical distance between the two neurons. ICMS changed the strength and the local number of such correlations. Joint petristimulus analysis and gravity analysis showed that the correlation between neuronal activities varied dynamically at several time scales. We have identified neuronal assemblies in two ways, defined through similarity of receptive field properties and defined through correlated firing. Close anatomical spacing between neurons was conducive to, but not sufficient for membership in, the same assembly with either definition. ICMS changed cortical organization by altering assembly membership. Our data show that neuronal assemblies in the rat auditory cortex can be established transiently in time and that their membership is dynamic.
Failure of ACTH to mimic the stress-induced activation of rat adrenocortical cholesterol ester hydrolase in vivo.

Abstract Rat adrenocortical cholesterol ester hydrolase activity does not respond to the circadian rhythm of the pituitary-adrenal axis under quiescent conditions. However, stress activates this enzyme, producing a greater increase in activity at the high point of the cycle than at the low point. This stress-induced effect requires the presence of the pituitary. It is not mimicked by administration of exogenous porcine ACTH to either hypophysectomized or dexamethasone-suppressed rats, but homogenates of whole rat pituitary tissue do possess substantial stimulatory capacity.
Characterization of the cardiac myosin binding protein-C phosphoproteome in healthy and failing human hearts

Introduction Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) becomes dephosphorylated in the failing heart and reduced phosphorylation-dependent regulation of cMyBP-C has been implicated in contractile dysfunction. To date, several phosphorylation sites have been identified for human cMyBP-C; however, a comprehensive characterization of the cMyBP-C phosphoproteome is lacking. This study aimed to characterize the cMyBP-C phosphoproteome using two different proteomic-based methods in explanted donor and end-stage failing hearts.
Production and purification of 89Zr, a potential PET antibody label

Abstract The production of 89Zr via the (p, n) reaction on 89Y using 11 MeV protons was studied. Thick target yields at saturation were measured to be 100 ± 10 mCi/μA while thin target (57 mg/cm2; 11 MeV > Ep > 10 MeV) yields were found to be 43 ± 4 mCi/μA. 89Zr was separated from the Y target by extraction into 0.03 M dibutyl phosphate in dibutyl ether. Back-extraction into 4 M HF followed by anion exchange column chromatographic purification results in high purity no carrier added 89Zr with radiochemical yield of 84% ± 4%. Yttrium contamination is estimated to be less than the picogram level. 89Zr-linked to proteins via DTPA may be useful as a PET antibody label.
Immunization against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma with X-irradiated tumor cells.

SummaryPre-immunization with irradiated Ehrlich's ascites tumor cells protected mice against subsequent ip transplants of viable cells. Immunization procedures started one day after sc challenge with the tumor, significantly reduced mortality. Such post-immunization did not inhibit the rapid multiplication that follows ip transplantation of the tumor. The evidence indicated that the immunization procedures employed resulted in a lethal rather than a static effect on transplanted tumor cells.
PS1-20: Hospice Use in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background/Aims Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in the US, with a lifetime risk of 5.1%. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, and is predicted to cause approximately 50,000 deaths in 2011. With a five year survival rate of less than 25%, the majority of patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer face decisions about end of life care. This study seeks to understand what influences hospice utilization among metastatic colorectal cancer patients who are part of the Comparative Effectiveness in Genomics and Personalized Medicine for Colon Cancer (CERGEN) population.
The effective thermal properties of two phase solids

Abstract The effective thermal properties of two phase composites are derived by a direct iterative solution of the heat conduction equation with space fluctuating properties. Improved Voigt and Reuss estimates are obtained for the thermal conductivity and diffusivity. It is further shown that under suitable definitions the effective properties of a multiphase material are given by a weighted geometric mean formula.
CRK9 contributes to regulation of mitosis and cytokinesis in the procyclic form of Trypanosoma brucei.

The Trypanosoma brucei cell cycle is regulated by combinations of cyclin/CRKs (cdc2 related kinases). Recently, two additional cyclins (CYC10, CYC11) and six new CRK (CRK7-12) homologues were identified in the T. brucei genome database [1, 2]. Individual RNAi knockdowns of these new proteins in the procyclic form of T. brucei showed no apparent phenotype except for the CRK9 depletion, which enriched the cells in G2/M phase. But a similar CRK9 knockdown in the bloodstream form caused no apparent phenotype. CRK9 lacks the typical PSTAIRE motif for cyclin binding and the phenylalanine "gatekeeper" but binds to cyclin B2 in vitro and localizes to the nucleus in both forms of T. brucei. CRK9-depleted procyclic-form generated no detectable anucleate cells, suggesting an inhibition of cytokinesis by CRK9 depletion as well. The knockdown enriched cells with one nucleus, one kinetoplast and two closely associated basal bodies with an average distance of 1.08 mm in between, which was shorter than the control value of 1.36 μm, and the cells became morphologically deformed and rounded with time. CRK9 may play a role in mediating the segregation between the two kinetoplast/basal body pairs prior to cytokinetic initiation. Since such a segregation over a relatively significant distance is essential for cytokinetic initiation only in the procyclic but may not be in the bloodstream form, CRK9 could be specifically involved in regulating cytokinetic initiation in the procyclic form of T. brucei.
Long-term palliation after systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt using an internal mammary artery

We report the long-term results after systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts using the internal mammary arteries in 2 patients. The systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts using the internal mammary arteries were created in 2 children. Both of them are doing well 11 years and 7 years after operation. This procedure could be a reasonable alternative to classic Blalock-Taussig shunt for patients with diminutive pulmonary arteries as it offered good long-term palliation.
Local government involvement in disaster preparedness in the USA

The federal government's role in community disaster preparedness in the USA has historically been limited to assisting communities after a disaster has occurred. Recent years, however, have seen an increase in the complexity of disasters, making it more difficult to manage the response. Local organisations often do not have the resources or the training to effectively react to the needs created by a disaster. With the support of federal and state programmes, changes must be implemented to better enable local governments to effectively work with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters, whether natural or man-made. It will be the responsibility of citizens and local government officials to work together to adapt the programmes to their communities preparedness needs. This paper will address the evolution of government involvement in disaster preparedness and examine the history of comprehensive community disaster preparedness planning in the USA.
Icon design to improve communication of health information to older adults

This paper describes the studies undertaken in order to improve and simplify communication of health information for a Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) devices, specifically the BL Healthcare Access Tablet, to older adults. Current icon and information design of the RPM devices are not well designed to reflect the needs, experiences and limitations of the older adults. In addition to this, compliance with self-management schedules is often poor due to complex and unclear instructions and information design. The issue of compliance, with the need for effective communication between chronic disease patients and healthcare professionals emphasize the need for the appropriate information design and communication technology. Communication of health information was improved from the perspective of the user experience (UX) design and information design. For the purpose of addressing the UX redesign, usability studies were conducted, followed by the information redesign and icons design. Although medical peripherals, such as an electronic thermometer, are required to measure the patient information, a mobile or tablet application can easily be used to record, send and view this data. A concept for the RPM mobile application is developed, that could be used on existing tablets and smartphones, thus eliminating the need for the current costly hardware.
Monte Carlo evaluation of real-time Feynman path integrals for quantal many-body dynamics: Distributed approximating functions and Gaussian sampling

In this paper the authors report the initial steps in the development of a Monte Carlo method for evaluation of real-time Feynman path integrals for many-particle dynamics. The approach leads to Gaussian factors. These Gaussian factors result from the use of a generalization of their new discrete distributed approximating functions (DDAFs) to continuous distributed approximating functions (CDAFs) so as to replace the exact coordinate representation free-particle propagator by a {open_quotes}CDAF-class, free-particle propagator{close_quotes} which is highly banded. The envelope of the CDAF-class free propagator is the product of a {open_quotes}bare Gaussian{close_quotes}, exp[{minus}(x{prime} {minus} x){sup 2}{sigma}{sup 2}(0)/(2{sigma}{sup 4}(0) + {h_bar}{sup 2}{tau}{sup 2}/m{sup 2})], with a {open_quotes}shape polynomial{close_quotes} in (x{prime}{minus}x){sup 2}, where {sigma}(0) is a width parameter at zero time (associated with the description of the wavepacket in terms of Hermite functions), {tau} is the time step ({tau} = t/N, where t is the total propagation time), and x and x{prime} are any two configurations of the system. The bare Gaussians are used for Monte Carlo integration of a path integral for the survival probability of a Gaussian wavepacket in a Morse potential. The approach appears promising for real-time quantum Monte Carlo studies based on the time-dependent Schroedinger equation, the time-dependent von Neumann more » equation, and related equations. 38 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs. « less
The Association Between Knee Extensor Force Steadiness, Force Accuracy, and Mobility in Older Adults Who Have Fallen.

BACKGROUND:: Older adults often experience impaired mobility, lower extremity muscle weakness, and increased fall risk. Furthermore, when older adults perform tasks that require control of submaximal force, impairments in their ability to maintain steady and accurate force output have been reported. Such problems may be related to deteriorating levels of mobility, particularly in older adults who have fallen. PURPOSE:: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an association exists between muscle force steadiness (MFS) or muscle force accuracy (MFA) of the knee extensors and mobility in older adults who have fallen. METHODS:: Twenty older adults (x = 77.5 ± 7 years, 5 males and 15 females) with 2 or more comorbid conditions and who experienced a fall in the past year underwent assessment of maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the knee extensors. A submaximal target force of 50% of their maximal voluntary isometric contraction was used to determine concentric and eccentric (ECC) steadiness (the fluctuations in force production) and accuracy (the average distance of the mean force from the target force) measures. Mobility was indicated by the 6-minute walk test, the Timed Up and Go, stair ascent, and stair descent tests. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between measures of muscle force control and mobility. RESULTS:: The correlations between muscle force steadiness and mobility were not significant (P >.05) for either contraction type. However, MFA during ECC contractions only was correlated significantly with all measures of mobility-6 minute walk test (r =-0.48; P =.03), Timed Up and Go (r = 0.68; P =.01), stair ascent (r = 0.60; P =.01), and stair descent (r = 0.75; P CONCLUSION:: The identification of the relationship between ECC MFA and mobility in older adults who have fallen is novel. Although the correlations are not causal, these relationships suggest that inaccurate force output during ECC contractions of the knee extensors is linked to impaired mobility. Language: en
Improved method for automatic identification of lung regions in chest radiographs

An algorithm is developed for fast, accurate identification of lung fields in chest radiographs for use in various computer- aided diagnosis (CAD) schemes. The method we presented simplifies the current approach of edge detection from derivatives by using only the first derivative of the profiles of each image, and combining it with pattern classification and image feature analysis in determining both the region of interest (ROI) and the actual lung boundaries. Moreover, instead of using the traditional curve fitting to delineate the detected lung field, we applied an iterative contour smoothing algorithm to each of the four detected boundary segments (lateral, medial, top and diaphragm edges) to form a closed smooth boundary for each lung. These improvements result in dramatic reduction of the running time and more accurate boundary detection, especially the diaphragm edges. The proposed algorithm has been tested with 40 posterior- anterior (PA) chest images. The detected left and right lung fields have an averaged accuracy of over 95%.
Economic indicators and the Business Conditions Digest

All enterprises, whether multimillion‐dollar corporations or small mom and pop businesses, have their ups and downs over the course of time. In the event of a single business failure, the effect on the local economy would likely be minimal. In the unfortunate event of multiple business failures or a recession, however, the negative effects on the local economy could be severe. To forecast and predict business fluctuations such as recessions, economists employ economic or cyclical indicators. These are trends based upon statistical data collected regularly on various aspects of the economy (e.g., employment, income, prices, industrial production, and manufacturing inventory).
Detrusorectomy reduces the need for augmentation and use of antimuscarinics in children with neuropathic bladders

Abstract Objective To assess bladder behaviour and long-term outcome after detrusorectomy in children. Material and methods Between 1990 and 2001, 49 detrusorectomies were performed (mean follow-up: 9.6 years) in children with neuropathic bladders (mean age at surgery: 9.8 years). Urodynamic study (UDS) was done before surgery (pre-UDS) and after surgery (UDS-1 and UDS-2). Bladder behaviour was assessed as good, fair or poor depending on the volume and intravesical pressure. In all patients, oxybutynin and clean intermittent catheterization were used preoperatively. In 24 patients, good bladder compliance and capacity were seen before detrusorectomy. Results Good and fair outcomes were observed in 35 (71%) patients at 1 year and in 39 (79%) patients 6 years after detrusorectomy. In 30 (60%) patients, there was hardly any difference between the first and second follow-up. In 9 (18%) patients, formal bowel bladder augmentation was necessary: in 6 (12%) because of poor compliance and in 3 because of small bladder volume and incontinence. Seven patients improved during follow-up, 5 of them after resuming oxybutynin. In 11 patients, oxybutynin could be stopped, and in 2 the dosage could be reduced to once daily. Conclusions The good short-term results of detrusorectomy generally remain unchanged at long-term follow-up. Detrusorectomy can reduce the need for antimuscarinics, and the need for formal bladder augmentation in selected cases.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Introduction to a Featured Collection

The environmental occurrence of trace organic compounds such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, and hormones, and their potential adverse effects on aquatic and terrestrial life and on human health is an issue that concerns not only scientists and engineers, but also the general public. Such trace organic compounds are being found with increasing frequency in the environment on a global scale (Halling-Sorensen et al., 1998; Kolpin et al., 2002; Ashton et al., 2004; Moldovan, 2006; Gulkowska et al., 2007). Research has shown that there is a wide variety of sources and pathways for these compounds to enter the environment (Campagnolo et al., 2002; Bound and Voulvoulis, 2005; Clara et al., 2005; Glassmeyer et al., 2005; Lindqvist et al., 2005; Brown et al., 2006; Conn et al., 2006; Larsson et al., 2007; Watkinson et al., 2007). Detection capabilities for organic compounds in the environment continue to be refined and detection levels continue to become ever lower. This has lead to the documented presence of many targeted compounds in water resources around the world including in sources of public drinking water (Wiegel et al., 2004; Focazio et al., 2008). Recent studies have focused on questions concerning contaminant environmental fate and behavior (Loffler et al., 2005), as well as wastewater and drinkingwater-treatment efficacies (Stackelberg et al., 2004; Westerhoff et al., 2005). As the evidence mounts that some of these contaminants can have human or ecological health effects (Smital, 2008) there is a need for both better understanding of their fate in environmental systems and better communication of what the results of scientific investigations mean to the general public.
Structure Function Studies of the Proton Coupled Folate Transporter

Folate vitamins are essential for DNA replication and cellular proliferation. However, mammalian organisms are devoid of folate biosynthesis and rely on dietary sources to meet their metabolic requirement for folate cofactors. The proton coupled folate transporter (PCFT/SLC46A1) has been recently identified as the molecular entity responsible for intestinal folate uptake displaying optimal transport activity at acidic pH. PCFT is also involved in transport of chemotherapeutically used antifolates. Currently, there is limited experimentally derived information about the structure and transmembrane topology of PCFT. Hydropathy analysis suggests 10 to 12 transmembrane segments for PCFT. The aim of our study is to construct a reliable homology model and study the structure function interplay in more detail experimentally. We have made various DNA constructs with different N- and C-terminal tags for the heterologous expression and purification of PCFT: 1) for bacterial expression of the gene, 2) for expression in oocytes and mammalian cells, 3) for cell free expression using the Membrane Max cell free expression kit. We will screen the expression systems to determine which is optimal for generating suitable quantity / quality protein that will be used for structural studies. We will engineer individual Cysteines to study the topology with the Substituted Cysteine Accessibility Model (SCAM). Accessibility will be assessed by Western Blotting (PEGylation, biotinylation). The lipid-protein interface will be investigated by hydrophobic photoaffinity labeling. Both SCAM and photoaffinity labeling will be used to study substrate pathways. We will complement these studies with functional assays (uptake and two electrode voltage clamping). Results from our structure function studies of PCFT will be used in exploring therapeutic strategies for folate malabsorption and in optimizing antifolate drug therapies.
Small interfering RNA-producing loci in the ancient parasitic eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei

At the core of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in Trypanosoma brucei is a single Argonaute protein, Tb AGO1, with an established role in controlling retroposon and repeat transcripts. Recent evidence from higher eukaryotes suggests that a variety of genomic sequences with the potential to produce double-stranded RNA are sources for small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). To test whether such endogenous siRNAs are present in T. brucei and to probe the individual role of the two Dicer-like enzymes, we affinity purified Tb AGO1 from wild-type procyclic trypanosomes, as well as from cells deficient in the cytoplasmic (Tb DCL1) or nuclear (Tb DCL2) Dicer, and subjected the bound RNAs to Illumina high-throughput sequencing. In wild-type cells the majority of reads originated from two classes of retroposons. We also considerably expanded the repertoire of trypanosome siRNAs to encompass a family of 147-bp satellite-like repeats, many of the regions where RNA polymerase II transcription converges, large inverted repeats and two pseudogenes. Production of these newly described siRNAs is strictly dependent on the nuclear DCL2. Notably, our data indicate that putative centromeric regions, excluding the CIR147 repeats, are not a significant source for endogenous siRNAs. Our data suggest that endogenous RNAi targets may be as evolutionarily old as the mechanism itself.
Life Cycle Assessment of Titania Perovskite Solar Cell Technology for Sustainable Design and Manufacturing

Perovskite solar cells have attracted enormous attention in recent years due to their low cost and superior technical performance. However, the use of toxic metals, such as lead, in the perovskite dye and toxic chemicals in perovskite solar cell manufacturing causes grave concerns for its environmental performance. To understand and facilitate the sustainable development of perovskite solar cell technology from its design to manufacturing, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been conducted on titanium dioxide nanotube based perovskite solar cells by using an attributional life cycle assessment approach, from cradle to gate, with manufacturing data from our laboratory-scale experiments and upstream data collected from professional databases and the literature. The results indicate that the perovskite dye is the primary source of environmental impact, associated with 64.77% total embodied energy and 31.38% embodied materials consumption, contributing to more than 50% of the life cycle impact in almost all impact categories, although lead used in the perovskite dye only contributes to about 1.14% of the human toxicity potential. A comparison of perovskite solar cells with commercial silicon and cadmium-tellurium solar cells reveals that perovskite solar cells could be a promising alternative technology for future large-scale industrial applications.
Transformer circuit impedance calculations

The purpose of this paper is to present a general method of impedance calculation equally applicable to all transformer circuits and all construction types. An effort is made to show how the ``circuit method'' can be used and to prove some of the circuit properties and relations that are pertinent to the problems involved.
Suppression of hypoglossal motoneurons during the carbachol-induced atonia of REM sleep is not caused by fast synaptic inhibition

The depression of upper airway motor activity that develops during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep is a major factor allowing upper airway obstructions to occur in patients with sleep apnea syndrome. Microinjections of carbachol, a cholinergic agonist, into the dorsal pontine tegmentum of chronically instrumented cats produce REM sleep. In acutely decerebrate cats, carbachol induces postural atonia, eye movements and a depression of the motor output to respiratory pump and upper airway muscles. In lumbar motoneurons, the depression of activity is due to a glycinergic inhibition that has the same characteristics during natural REM sleep in chronic cats and carbachol-induced atonia in decerebrate cats (Neurophysiology, 57 (1987) 1118-1129). The mechanisms that lead to the suppression of upper airway motoneuronal activity during REM sleep are unknown. In this study, we assessed whether the depression of hypoglossal (XII) nerve activity induced by pontine carbachol injections is caused by inhibitory amino acids acting within the XII nucleus. In decerebrate, paralyzed and artificially ventilated cats, we recorded the activities of both XII nerves (genioglossal branches), one phrenic and a cervical motor branch (to monitor postural activity). Postural atonia and respiratory depression were induced by pontine carbachol injections. The inhibitory amino acid receptor antagonists, strychnine (glycine receptors) or bicuculline (GABAA receptors), were injected (100-250 nl; 1.0-2.5 mM) into one XII nucleus (the other served as control) in an attempt to reduce or abolish the depression subsequently induced by pontine carbachol. Prior to the carbachol injections, both antagonists caused similar elevations of XII nerve activity on the treated side (30-40%). However, following carbachol, the XII nerve activity on the treated side was depressed to about 25% of the (pre-antagonist and pre-carbachol) control level, whereas the depression on the untreated side was slightly greater, to 10-15% of the control. Additional injections of antagonists during the carbachol-induced depression produced no further increase in nerve activity. This minor effect of the antagonists on the carbachol-induced depression of XII nerve activity was in contrast to the marked disinhibitory effects that both antagonists had on the XII nerve response to electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve. The latter was used as a control for the ability of strychnine and bicuculline to exert disinhibitory effects within the XII nucleus. Thus, there is little, if any, contribution of these inhibitory amino acids to the depression of XII motoneurons during the carbachol-induced, REM sleep-like postural and respiratory depression; mechanisms other than fast synaptic inhibition must be involved.
The omega-3 index as a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Because blood concentrations of n-3 (or omega-3) fatty acids (FAs) (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) are a strong reflection of dietary intake, it is proposed that a n-3 FA biomarker, the omega-3 index (erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid), be considered as a potential risk factor for coronary heart disease mortality, especially sudden cardiac death. The omega-3 index fulfills many of the requirements for a risk factor including consistent epidemiologic evidence, a plausible mechanism of action, a reproducible assay, independence from classic risk factors, modifiability, and, most important, the demonstration that raising levels will reduce risk for cardiac events. Measuring membrane concentrations of n-3 FAs is a rational approach to biostatus assessment as these FAs appear to exert their beneficial metabolic effects because of their actions in membranes. They alter membrane physical characteristics and the activity of membrane-bound proteins, and, once released by intracellular phospholipases from membrane stores, they can interact with ion channels, be converted into a wide variety of bioactive eicosanoids, and serve as ligands for several nuclear transcription factors, thereby altering gene expression. The omega-3 index compares very favorably with other risk factors for sudden cardiac death. Proposed omega-3 index risk zones are (in percentages of erythrocyte FAs): high risk, 8%. Before assessment of n-3 FA biostatus can be used in routine clinical evaluation of patients, standardized laboratory methods and quality control materials must become available.
A polyadenylation factor subunit implicated in regulating oxidative signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Background Plants respond to many unfavorable environmental conditions via signaling mediated by altered levels of various reactive oxygen species (ROS). To gain additional insight into oxidative signaling responses, Arabidopsis mutants that exhibited tolerance to oxidative stress were isolated. We describe herein the isolation and characterization of one such mutant, oxt6.
Structure Discovery Queries in Disk-Based Semantic Web Databases

Link analysis tasks are fundamental to analytical applications in scientific research, business, national security, etc. Such tasks involve finding associations or interactions between entities e.g. people, chemical or genes. In graph theoretic terms, this amounts to finding arbitrary sub-graph structures that link a given set of entities. On the other hand, the traditional graph pattern matching query paradigm focuses on finding sub-graphs that match the structure given in a query. Consequently, an important problem is developing methods for evaluating such queries, particularly, when data resides on disk. In such cases, query processing techniques must avoid loading the whole database graph into memory and must utilize indexing and query processing techniques that mitigate the inherently I/O bound nature of navigating disk based graphs. In this paper, we present a computational framework for efficiently evaluating a class of structure discovery queries. It is based on an algebraic approach to solving path problems that leads to a natural disk storage model for graph data using traditional B+ tree index structures. We present some very promising preliminary evaluation results which show a very significant improvement in query performance over other approaches.
Modeling-based design optimization of wafer-level and chip-scale packaging for RF-MEMS devices

A wafer-level chip-scale package for RF-MEMS devices - specifically RF-MEMS switches - has been developed that meets the criteria needed for encapsulation of these devices. The RF-MEMS devices within the package are of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) configuration and were designed for operation from 1 to 10 GHz. High resistivity silicon (HRS) and low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) were chosen due to their ease of processing, mechanical properties, and electrical performance. Representative models of capping substrates for the RF-MEMS switches were developed to simulate and optimize the designs using Microwave Office from Applied Wave Research. Data were obtained from the models in the form of scattering or S-parameters. The results show that for substrates with thicknesses below 300 /spl mu/m, the electrical performance is acceptable for the use of HRS and LTCC as capping-substrate materials.
Disease gene patenting: the clinician's dilemma.

One strategy for defenders of gene patenting is to adopt a constructivist interpretation of genetic testing to avoid the “product of nature doctrine.” I argue that accepting this view (which seems to be the approach of the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks) results in an intolerable dilemma for physicians. They must either infringe patents or fail to act on all the medically relevant information they possess (malpractice).
Probabilistic-based Circuit Design for Bio-Medical Applications

Biomedical systems are expected to be much more prone to signal faults than conventional electrical systems. Recent development in bio-medical research require a new approach to circuit design that can tolerate noisy data. In this paper, we propose probabilistic-based circuits utilizing the Markov random field. Simulation results show that these circuits are more noise immune than conventional circuits, and thus are more suitable for bio-medical applications
Meeting the learning needs of home health nurses

Nurses entering the rapidly expanding field of home health nursing face experiences and as signments different from those in acute care settings. A comprehensive approach to orientation and continuing education can assist the nurse in his or her professional development in a new role. Orientation must be designed to introduce the nurse to the skills and knowledge necessary to function in the home, and continuing education must focus on the development of the expert practitioner. The article describes an organized approach to orientation and professional devel opment based on a learning needs assessment of staff. Key words: home health nursing, orienta tion, professional development
Immobilization‐induced changes in motor unit force and fatigability in the cat

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 3 weeks of immobilization on the mechanical properties of motor units in a cat hindlimb muscle. The muscle, tibialis posterior, was immobilized in a shortened position. Motor units were classified as type FF, F(int), FR, or S. Force, axonal conduction velocity, fatigability, and proportions of motor unit types were compared in control and immobilized muscles. All properties exhibited some change after immobilization, including slower axonal conduction velocities, greater twitch forces, slower twitch contraction times, and greater tetanic forces. In addition, most motor units were less fatigable after immobilization. The number of motor units that could not be included in one of the four classification categories increased significantly after immobilization; these units exhibited normal axon conductivity but failed to produce measurable force or associated EMG. Short-term immobilization induced a variety of physiological adaptations in neuromuscular processes that varied with motor unit type.
Interpreting the Lack of Future Concerns among the Elderly

The lack of concern among the elderly with future crises has been related either to the presence of security or to the avoidance of threat. To explore these conflicting hypotheses a measure of anticipation, planning and preparation in the areas of health, living arrangements and finances (APP) was correlated with measures of demographic characteristics, functional status, past experience, emotional states, futurity, interpersonal relationships and self-in-interaction. For the sample of sixty, all seventy years or over, the security explanation was supported: low APP was associated, for example, with less anxiety, more perception of self as dominant and affiliative in interaction, and more appropriate expectations of responsible others. Concern with future adversities is apparently nonfunctional, reflecting a preoccupation with events that may not occur because of “event uncertainty” and “timing of event uncertainty.”
Some new results in multiphase geometrical optics

In order to accommodate solutions with multiple phases, corresponding to crossing rays, we formulate geometrical optics for the scalar wave equation as a kinetic transport equation set in phase space. If the maximum number of phases is finite and known a priori we can recover the exact multiphase solution from an associated system of moment equations, closed by an assumption on the form of the density function in the kinetic equation. We consider two different closure assumptions based on delta and Heaviside functions and analyze the resulting equations. They form systems of nonlinear conservation laws with source terms. In contrast to the classical eikonal equation, these equations will incorporate a finite superposition principle in the sense that while the maximum number of phases is not exceeded a sum of solutions is also a solution. We present numerical results for a variety of homogeneous and inhomogeneous problems.
The role of cultural context in the development of low-capital ocean leisure activities.

Abstract The ocean beaches of the United States are an economically important resource. As American culture has become increasingly more preoccupied with leisure activities, however, traditional commercial interests along the beach have been replaced by expressive activities. In terms of the number of participants, the vast majority of beach users have performed their leisure activities without the benefit of sophisticated equipment or infrastructure, and without high‐capital expenditure; that is, they have been engaged in low‐capital beach uses. With particular reference to these low‐capital beach uses, this paper examines the role of culture in determining leisure beach activities using the example of the differential development of marine recreational fishing and surfing on the East and West Coasts of the United States. Based on participant observation, legal histories, and popular and academic literature one location on each coast was chosen, and the development of these two leisure activities compare...
Synopsis of tracheal sounds

A review is presented of the latest progress in studies of tracheal sounds. In particular, characterization of respiratory and heart-valve sounds to explore and develop automated methods for analysis and diagnosis of pulmonary insufficiency, cardiac, and neurological information is presented. Results from these studies indicate that automated analysis of pulmonary pathology is possible but not without impediments. The mean frequency of respiratory sound spectra is linearly related to respiratory flow rates less than 1 l/s. Respiratory sound spectral estimates are affected by heart-valve sounds, which could adversely affect results of discriminant analysis for patient classification. Static lung volume affects heart-valve sound spectra. >
Combined in Situ Infrared and Kinetic Study of the Catalytic CO + NO Reaction on Pd(111) at Pressures up to 240 mbar

The CO + NO reaction on Pd(111) has been studied at pressures up to 240 mbar using in situ polarization modulation infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRAS), which simultaneously provides information on the in situ adsorption behavior as well as the reaction kinetics via gas-phase infrared absorption. Under reaction conditions (>500 K) and at pressure ratios PCO/PNO ≥ 1.5, besides CO and NO, isocyanate is adsorbed on the surface as evidenced by isotope experiments. The kinetics of the CO + NO reaction to form CO2, N2O, and N2 was followed by monitoring the evolution of gas-phase CO2 and N2O. Above 550 K, a substantial increase in activity was observed. Kinetic measurements between 590 and 650 K showed an increase in the N2O selectivity as a result of temperature-dependent changes of the ratio [NO]a/[CO]a. Within this temperature range and on the basis of the CO2 yields, the apparent activation energy of the reaction was determined to be 54 ± 21 kJ/mol.
Screening adults for type 2 diabetes: a review of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Study Selection: Trials and observational studies that directly addressed the effectiveness and adverse effects of screening interventions were included. Randomized, controlled trials were used to assess the effectiveness of diabetes and prediabetes treatments. For diabetes interventions, trials of patients with disease for 1 year or less were included, as well as trials comparing outcomes among diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Data Extraction: Relevant data were abstracted in duplicate into a standardized template. Data Synthesis: Data were synthesized in a qualitative manner, and a random-effects meta-analysis of the effects of interventions in prediabetes on the incidence of diabetes was performed. Limitations: Most of the data on diabetes treatment were not from primary trial data but from subgroup analyses. Participants in intensive lifestyle interventions for prediabetes may not be representative of general prediabetic populations. Conclusion: Direct evidence is lacking on the health benefits of detecting type 2 diabetes by either targeted or mass screening, and indirect evidence also fails to demonstrate health benefits for screening general populations. Persons with hypertension probably benefit from screening, because blood pressure targets for persons with diabetes are lower than those for persons without diabetes. Intensive lifestyle and pharmacotherapeutic interventions reduce the progression of prediabetes to diabetes, but few data examine the effect of these interventions on long-term health outcomes.
Inductor design for high power applications with broad spectrum excitation

The design of high-power inductors for applications with broad current spectrum excitation is a challenging task. The resonant inductor of a resonant DC-link inverter (RDCLI) is one such example. The inductor current consists of a resonant current component, a DC component, which supplies the active power to the load and a modulation component, which depends on the modulation strategy. In addition, the frequency and amplitude of the dominant current components change with operating point. Conventional inductor designs for single-frequency excitation do not perform well in broad-spectrum applications. In order to improve these designs, the impact of broad current spectrums on winding design, core selection, power density, and thermal-handling capability must be investigated. In this paper, alternate inductor topologies, which better address the above issues, are proposed and investigated.
Access to and Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department.

Author(s): Sanders, Jason; Noble, Vicki E.; Raja, Ali S.; Sullivan, Ashley F.; Camargo, Jr., Carlos A. | Abstract: Introduction: Growing evidence supports emergency physician (EP)-performed point-of-care ultrasound (PoC US). However, there is a utilization gap between academic emergency departments (ED) and other emergency settings. We elucidated barriers to PoC US use in a multistate sample of predominantly non-academic EDs to inform future strategies to increase PoC US utilization, particularly in non-academic centers.Methods: In 2010, we surveyed ED directors in five states (Arkansas, Hawaii, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming; n=242 EDs) about general ED characteristics. In four states we determined barriers to PoC US use, proportion of EPs using PoC US, use privileges, and whether EPs can bill for PoC US.Results: Response rates were g80% in each state. Overall, 47% of EDs reported PoC US availability. Availability varied by state, from 34% of EDs in Arkansas to 85% in Vermont. Availability was associated with higher ED visit volume, and percent of EPs who were board certified/board eligible in emergency medicine. The greatest barriers to use were limited training (70%), expense (39%), and limited need (perceived or real) (32%). When PoC US was used by EPs, 50% used it daily, 44% had privileges not requiring radiology confirmation, and 34% could bill separately for PoC US. Only 12% of EPs used it ≥80% of the time when placing central venous lines.Conclusion: Only 47% of EDs in our five-state sample of predominantly non-academic EDs had PoC US immediately available. When available, the greatest barriers to use were limited training, expense, and limited need. Recent educational and technical advancements may help overcome these barriers.
Self-Optimizing Photoelectrochemical Growth of Nanopatterned Se–Te Films in Response to the Spectral Distribution of Incident Illumination

Photoelectrochemical growth of Se–Te films spontaneously produces highly ordered, nanoscale lamellar morphologies with periodicities that can be tuned by varying the illumination wavelength during deposition. This phenomenon has been characterized further herein by determining the morphologies of photoelectrodeposited Se–Te films in response to tailored spectral illumination profiles. Se–Te films grown under illumination from four different sources, having similar average wavelengths but having spectral bandwidths that spanned several orders of magnitude, all nevertheless produced similar structures which had a single, common periodicity as quantitatively identified via Fourier analysis. Film deposition using simultaneous illumination from two narrowband sources, which differed in average wavelength by several hundred nanometers, resulted in a structure with only a single periodicity intermediate between the periods observed when either source alone was used. This single periodicity could be varied by man...
Growth by Optimization of Work (GROW)

Growth by Optimization of Work (GROW) is a new modeling tool that automates fracture initiation, propagation, interaction, and linkage. GROW predicts fracture growth by finding the propagation path and fracture geometry that optimizes the global external work of the system. This implementation of work optimization is able to simulate more complex paths of fracture growth than energy release rate methods. In addition, whereas a Coulomb stress analysis determines two conjugate planes of potential failure, GROW identifies a single failure surface for each increment of growth. GROW also eliminates ambiguity in determining whether shear or tensile failure will occur at a fracture tip by assessing both modes of failure by the same propagation criterion. Here we describe the underlying algorithm of the program and present GROW models of two propagating faults separated by a releasing step. The discretization error of these models demonstrates that GROW can predict fault propagation paths within the numerical uncertainty produced by discretization. Model element size moderately influences the propagation paths, however, the final fault geometry remains similar between models with significantly different element sizes. The propagation power of the fault system, calculated from the change in work due to fault propagation, indicates when model faults interact through both soft- and hard-linkage. First program to model fault growth through work optimization.Fault growth by work minimization as alternative to Coulomb failure planes.GROW models fault initiation, propagation and interactions.Work optimization detects soft- and hard-linkage.
Abstract TP420: Sphingolipid Profile Changes In The Cerebrospinal Fluid Of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Background: The pathogenesis of brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is multifactorial and not completely understood. We recently described that profound changes in the ceramide (Cer) p...
The APRU Global Health Program: Past and Future.

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is an international consortium of 45 universities in the Pacific Rim, representing 16 economies, 130 000 faculty members and more than two million students. The APRU Global Health Program aims to expand existing collaborative research efforts among universities to address regional and global health issues. Since its launch in 2007–08, the program has covered a significant range of topics including emerging public health threats, ageing and chronic diseases, infectious diseases and health security issues, among others. The Program’s activities in research, training, and service around the globe illustrate the diverse dimensions of global health. In this paper, the major activities to date are outlined and future planned activities are discussed.