cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nano finite element modeling of the mechanical behavior of biocomposites using multi-scale (virtual internal bond) material models

It is evident that biocomposites, specifically mineralized Type-I collagen fibrils, have strong mechanical properties, such as a desirable combination of elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and fracture strength. The mineral Hydroxyapatite [Hap] by itself is stiffer, and it is not clear whether a collagen fiber by itself has a lower breaking strength than the mineralized fiber. Hence, the objective of this paper is to develop, outline, apply, and demonstrate issues involving a new nano explicit finite element based framework, by which the mechanical behavior of mineralized collagen fibrils and their constituents can be studied. A multi-scale virtual internal bond model is used to model the material behavior and failure of such biocomposites. In this research two models have been studied. The first model attempts to illustrate the hypothesis that materials are less sensitive to flaws at nanoscale and the second model studies the mechanical behavior of a nano sized dahlite mineral crystal commonly found in collagen fibril. Two important implementation characteristics have been introduced and illustrated, namely that scaled properties can be used at the micro and nano length scales along with scaled dimensions and secondly the loading time can be appropriately scaled without the loading becoming a dynamic loading.
Platinum-rhodium synergism in three-way automotive catalysts

Abstract The interactions between Pt and Rh in three-way automotive catalysts were investigated by conducting laboratory reactor experiments with both a Pt Rh bimetallic catalyst (prepared by stepwise metal impregnation) and a physical mixture of Pt and Rh monometallic catalysts while holding the absolute amount of each of the noble metals constant. Activity measurements in a CONOO2 feedstream have shown that the CO oxidation activity of the bimetallic catalyst is substantially higher than that of the physical mixture over the concentration and temperature ranges characteristic of the converter warmup period. This synergistic enhancement of CO oxidation activity in the bimetallic catalyst can be rationalized by visualizing the catalyst surface structure as a statistical mixture of Pt and Rh sites. It was found that such a desirable surface structure (and the attendant synergistic activity enhancement) cannot be obtained by simultaneous impregnation of the noble metals because this catalyst preparation procedure leads to preferential Rh enrichment on the catalyst surface under the net-oxidizing reaction conditions considered in this study.
Immune recognition of OxLDL in atherosclerosis

The innate nonadaptive immune system plays a crucial role in the acute response to infectious agents. Within hours of exposure to an invading microorganism, well before adaptive cellular or humoral immune responses are engaged, the bulk of most infections is cleared by cells and molecules that bind with broad specificity to structures common to various pathogens. Only when infectious organisms break through these barriers do antigen receptor–bearing effector cells of the adaptive immune system come into play, ensuring that these organisms are cleared. Blurring the distinction between the innate and the cognate aspects of the immune system are subsets of lymphocytes that recognize pathogenic determinants and are expressed even in immunologically naive animals (1). The significance of these lymphocytes is shown by the strong protection, elicited by T-independent natural IgM antibody, against certain viral and bacterial infections (2). The B- or T-cell receptors of these lymphocytes often contain highly conserved sequences, arise reproducibly in all mice, and do not depend on exogenous antigen for their generation. In this respect, they constitute an “evolutionary memory” and form a bridge between pattern recognition molecules — mannose receptors, macrophage scavenger receptors, and other similar molecules (3) — and the classic adaptive responses, which generally require T-cell help both to hone the specificity of the molecular interaction and to maintain immunological memory. These evolutionarily conserved responses to ubiquitously expressed microbial components are not confined to B cells, as there are numerous examples of αβ and γδ T cells that express canonical receptors to microbial components (4, 5). In this issue of the JCI, Shaw et al. (6) show that these structurally distinct receptors functioning in different branches of the immune system nonetheless share patterns of ligand specificity. This provocative finding not only suggests mechanisms that may influence the progression of the disease, but also identifies a hitherto unknown function of an antibody response to a pathogenic bacterium.
Primate puzzleboard: A simple environmental enrichment device for captive chimpanzees

An environmental enrichment device was designed and evaluated for captive chimpanzees. The puzzleboard consisted of a 61-cm, square piece of clear plastic with holes of various sizes drilled into the center. The puzzleboard was bolted to the roof of a chimpanzee enclosure. Flavored primate treats were arranged on top of the board, and the chimpanzee used a finger to manipulate the food across the board to be retrieved through the larger holes. The behavior and puzzle use of 29 chimpanzees housed in eight groups were evaluated while the device was empty and while filled with food. For each group, four 1-hr scan samples were recorded for each condition. Data showed that an average of 40 min elapsed from the time the puzzleboard was filled to the last recorded contact by a subject. Mean individual use ranged from 4.8 to 23.8 min/hr. Female chimpanzees used the puzzle significantly more often than did males. Aggressive, affiliative, inactive, and self-directed behaviors were significantly reduced when the puzzle was filled. In addition, the puzzleboard was inexpensive, sturdy, and easily constructed, mounted, and operated.
Successful Lung Salvage by Ex Vivo Reconditioning of Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema: Case Report

Liberalization in donor selection criteria allowed centers to increase the number of lung transplants, yet less than 25 % of all donors had lungs utilized for transplantation in the United States in 2013. Less than 5% of all transplanted donors deviate 3 or more criteria from the ideal donor. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) provides the opportunity to increase the percentage of used donors by acting on modifiable selection criteria such as oxygenation, contusion and pulmonary infiltrates. We report the pre-transplant use of EVLP in the salvage of lungs from a donor that developed neurogenic pulmonary edema -PaO2 188 mmHg-. The recipient had a lung allocation score of 69.3. The post-operative course was excellent and was discharged home after 15 days. He is alive and doing well 780 days after transplant. In this report the pre-transplant use of EVLP led not only to transplanting lungs that otherwise would not have been used by many centers, but also to a very short and typical period of post-operative mechanical ventilation and hospital stay.
HIGHER ORDERS OF LONG-PERIOD X-RAY DIFFRACTION IN POLYETHYLENE FIBERS

Second- and even third-order maxima are reported for meridional long- period diffraction from many oriented, experimental fibers of linear polyethylene. (T.R.H.)
Acyl-CoA synthetase activity links wild-type but not mutant α-synuclein to brain arachidonate metabolism

Because alpha-synuclein (Snca) has a role in brain lipid metabolism, we determined the impact that the loss of alpha-synuclein had on brain arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) metabolism in vivo using Snca-/- mice. We measured [1-(14)C]20:4n-6 incorporation and turnover kinetics in brain phospholipids using an established steady-state kinetic model. Liver was used as a negative control, and no changes were observed between groups. In Snca-/- brains, there was a marked reduction in 20:4n-6-CoA mass and in microsomal acyl-CoA synthetase (Acsl) activity toward 20:4n-6. Microsomal Acsl activity was completely restored after the addition of exogenous wild-type mouse or human alpha-synuclein, but not by A30P, E46K, and A53T forms of alpha-synuclein. Acsl and acyl-CoA hydrolase expression was not different between groups. The incorporation and turnover of 20:4n-6 into brain phospholipid pools were markedly reduced. The dilution coefficient lambda, which indicates 20:4n-6 recycling between the acyl-CoA pool and brain phospholipids, was increased 3.3-fold, indicating more 20:4n-6 was entering the 20:4n-6-CoA pool from the plasma relative to that being recycled from the phospholipids. This is consistent with the reduction in Acsl activity observed in the Snca-/- mice. Using titration microcalorimetry, we determined that alpha-synuclein bound free 20:4n-6 (Kd = 3.7 microM) but did not bind 20:4n-6-CoA. These data suggest alpha-synuclein is involved in substrate presentation to Acsl rather than product removal. In summary, our data demonstrate that alpha-synuclein has a major role in brain 20:4n-6 metabolism through its modulation of endoplasmic reticulum-localized acyl-CoA synthetase activity, although mutant forms of alpha-synuclein fail to restore this activity.
Simulating the effect of DNA polymerase mutations on transition-state energetics and fidelity: evaluating amino acid group contribution and allosteric coupling for ionized residues in human pol beta.

The control of the catalytic power and fidelity of DNA polymerases involves the complex combined effect of the protein residues, the Mg2+ ions, and the interaction between the DNA bases. In an attempt to advance the understanding of catalytic control, we analyze the effect of the protein residues, taking human DNA polymerase β as a model system. Specifically, we examine the ability of different theoretical models to reproduce the effect of ionized residues on the transition state (TS) binding energy and the corresponding kpol/KD. We also explore the role of the Mg2+ ions in the binding and catalysis processes. The application of the microscopic linear response approximation (LRA) and the semimacroscopic PDLD/S-LRA methods to a benchmark of mutational studies produces a semiquantitative correlation and indicates that these methods can provide predictive power. However, pre-steady-state and steady-state kinetic studies currently available do not give a unique benchmark, owing principally to widely varying e...
Sex hormone-binding globulin and thyroxine-binding globulin levels in premature thelarche

Premature thelarche is defined as the isolated development of breast tissue in girls less than 8 years of age. Although breast development is an estrogen-dependent process, these girls do not have elevated serum estrogen levels, and the hormonal basis for their condition is unclear. We studied the levels of two estrogen-dependent transport proteins, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), in order to determine if there was evidence for a more subtle estrogen effect in girls with premature thelarche. SHBG levels in girls with premature thelarche were not significantly different from those of prepubertal girls of the same ages and were significantly lower than those in girls undergoing pubertal development at the appropriate age (P less than 0.05) and in normal women (P less than 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in TBG levels between the girls with premature thelarche and prepubertal controls. There was also no significant difference in TBG levels between prepubertal girls and girls in early puberty. In contrast, women had TBG levels that were significantly lower than those in all girls studied. We conclude that the estrogen exposure (whether endogenous or exogenous) of girls with premature thelarche is less than that of girls in early true puberty and similar to that of other prepubertal girls. Further, changes in serum TBG are not as sensitive an indicator of estrogen effect as is breast development or changes in SHBG. This study also suggests that large amounts of exogenous estrogens are not an element in the development of premature thelarche.
A Further Report on the Validity and Reliability of the Personal Attribute Inventory for Children as a Self-Concept Scale

A total of 390 elementary school students from grades three through eight of a Midwestern school system were administered both the Personal Attribute Inventory for Children (PAIC) and the Children's Self-Concept Scale (CSCS). A correlation of .32 (p < .001) was found between these two scales. Over a four week interval a test-retest correlation of .88 (p < .001) was obtained for the PAIC. Researchers are urged to consider using the PAIC as it not only provides a relatively reliable and valid measure of children's self-concepts, but also a very easy one to administer and to score.
Genetics of the Ability of the Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor, to Survive on Wheats Having Different Genes for Resistance

The genetics of the ability of the Great Plains race and Races A and E of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), to survive on wheat cultivars ‘Seneca’ and ‘Monon,’ which have different genes for resistance (antibiosis), was studied in 3 crossing experiments. Results of reciprocal crosses between Great Plains race (larvae cannot survive on either cultivar) and Race A (larvae survive on Seneca but not on Monon) and between Great Plains race and Race E (larvae survive on Monon but not on Seneca) showed that the ability of Race A to survive on Seneca and of Race E to survive on Monon are controlled by single recessive gene pairs. The F2 and backcross generations demonstrated that males transmit only maternally derived chromosomes and that paternally derived chromosomes are eliminated during spermatogenesis. Since the F1 males of reciprocal crosses bred as if they were homozygous for the genotype of their female parent, the phenotype of F2 and backcross progenies differed according to the direction of the cross between the F1 parents. In a test for allelism, the reciprocal crosses between Race A and Race E produced F1 progenies that were the phenotype of the Great Plains race. Therefore, the ability to survive on Seneca and the ability to survive on Monon are controlled by genes at different loci and not by alleles of the same gene. Then the genie systems of the insect and host are complementary since there is a gene-for-gene relationship, and each resistant gene in wheat has a complementary gene for survival in the insect.
Loss of Renal Allografts Secondary to Candida Vascular Complications in Two Recipients from the Same Donor

Infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant patients. Organ recipients are also susceptible to donor-derived pathogens and the majority of donor infections are easily treatable. Rarely, some pathogens have produced life-threatening complications by compromising the vascular anastomosis. In this case series we report loss of two kidney allografts secondary to vascular complications due to Candida albicans. Both recipients received grafts from a common donor, in whom Candida bacteremia in the donor was not apparent at the time of organ acceptance but became apparent on delayed cultures.
Rehabilitation and Dialysis: A Collaborative Program

Persons with end-stage renal disease who receive dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) are candidates for rehabilitation when stroke, amputation, or debilitation affects their ability to function independently. A collaborative program between the rehabilitation and dialysis departments was developed to enable dialysis clients to participate fully in a rehabilitation program while they undergo dialysis treatments. Clients receiving hemodialysis are treated in the dialysis department three times week, while peritoneal dialysis clients are treated on the nursing unit. All dialysis clients receive the same therapy program as other rehabilitation clients do, with modifications as necessary. Hemodialysis clients may receive therapy during dialysis as deemed appropriate by the interdisciplinary team, which includes the dialysis nurses.
Characteristic dimensions and the micro-mechanisms of fracture and fatigue in `nano' and `bio' materials

The behavior of small-volume (so-called `nano') structures, where size-scales are comparable with microstructural dimensions, and biological/bio-implantable materials, which invariably display a hierarchy of structural dimensions, is currently much in vogue in materials science. One aspect of this field, which to date has received only limited attention, is the fracture and fatigue properties of these materials. In this paper, we examine two topics in this area, namely the premature fatigue failure of silicon-based micron-scale structures for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and the fracture properties of mineralized tissue, specifically human bone.
Person-Centered Care, Autonomy, and the Definition of Health

Entwistle and Watt (2013) discuss an important aspect of the movement to person-centered care (PCC) and emphasize the intrinsic value of treating patients as persons. They argue that other definiti...
Estradiol improves cardiac and hepatic function after trauma-hemorrhage: Role of enhanced heat shock protein expression

Although studies indicate that 17β-estradiol administration after trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) improves cardiac and hepatic functions, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because the induction of ...
Assessing cooperation in human control of heterogeneous robots

Human control of multiple robots has been characterized by the average demand of single robots on human attention. While this matches situations in which independent robots are controlled sequentially it does not capture aspects of demand associated with coordinating dependent actions among robots. This paper presents an extension of Crandall's neglect tolerance model intended to accommodate both coordination demands (CD) and heterogeneity among robots. The reported experiment attempts to manipulate coordination demand by varying the proximity needed to perform a joint task in two conditions and by automating coordination within subteams in a third. Team performance and the process measure CD were assessed for each condition. Automating cooperation reduced CD and improved performance. We discuss the utility of process measures such as CD to analyze and improve control performance.
Sphaleron rate in the symmetric electroweak phase

Recently Bo''deker presented an effective infrared theory for the dynamics of Yang-Mills theory, suitable for studying the rate of baryon number violation in the early universe. We extend his theory to include the Higgs boson fields, and study how much the Higgs boson affects the baryon number violation rate in the symmetric phase, at the phase coexistence temperature of a first order electroweak phase transition. The rate is about 20% smaller than in pure Yang-Mills theory. We also analyze the sphaleron rate in the analytic crossover regime. Our treatment relies on the ergodicity conjecture for 3D scalar {phi}{sup 4} theory.
Enhancing Information Literacy in an Interdisciplinary Collaboration

ABSTRACT The study examined the impact of an interdisciplinary collaborative on the information literacy of its participants by using legitimate peripheral participation (Lave & Wenger, 1991) as a conceptual framework. The objectives of this exploratory study were to document participants' qualitative gains in information technology knowledge and uses, and to analyze expert involvement in supporting learning by novices. Data were gathered by using a participation observation approach, interviews, and survey. Participants cited more frequently the non-technical aspects of information literacy as being more beneficial than gains in technical know-how. Varying degrees of expert involvement ranging from enabling to instructing were identified. The implications in terms of convening and managing communities of practice and the development of legitimate peripheral participation theory are discussed.
The impact of short-term economic fluctuations on kindergarten enrollment ☆

Abstract For some 5-year-olds, delayed kindergarten enrollment may result in long-term academic benefits. Although waiting an additional year allows for further development prior to the start of formal education, the economic costs of the next best alternatives can be significant. This study examines the impact of short-term economic fluctuations on a household's kindergarten enrollment decision. I find that during economic downturns kindergarten enrollment increases. To explore a potential mechanism through which this effect may arise, I propose an instrumental variables approach to identify the causal effect of fluctuations in household resources due to the business cycle on the timing of kindergarten enrollment.
Optical T-Bench Method for Measurement of Optical Path Difference

A visual optical T-bench method for the measurement of optical path difference nA in units of wavelength is described. The method employs an optical T-bench equipped with nodal slide, a movable double-slit system, and an angle measuring telescope. Determinations of longitudinal spherical aberration in millimeters and optical path difference in units of wavelength are based upon measurements of angular deviations in small selected regions of the collimated beam emergent from the lens under test. The theory of the method is presented together with a description of the apparatus used and the technique of measurements. Results of measurement on a single lens are included.
Mechanism of cholesterol reduction to coprostanol by Eubacterium coprostanoligenes ATCC 51222.

Abstract The mechanism of reduction of cholesterol to coprostanol by Eubacterium coprostanoligenes ATCC 51222 was studied by incubating the bacterium with a mixture of α- and β-isomers of [4- 3 H,4- 14 C]cholesterol. Coprostanol, isolated after incubation of [4- 3 H,4- 14 C]cholesterol in a growth medium under anaerobic conditions, retained 97% of the tritium originally present in cholesterol. The majority of this tritium (64%), however, was in the C-6 position in coprostanol, which showed that the conversion of cholesterol into coprostanol by E. coprostanoligenes involved the intermediate formation of 4-cholesten-3-one followed by the reduction of the latter to coprostanol. In resting cell assays in which washed bacterial cells were incubated with micellar cholesterol in phosphate buffer at 37°C, both 4-cholesten-3-one and coprostanone were produced in addition to coprostanol. Furthermore, 5-cholesten-3-one, 4-cholesten-3-one, and coprostanone were converted efficiently to coprostanol by E. coprostanoligenes . These results support the hypothesis that the major pathway for reduction of cholesterol by E coprostanoligenes involves the intermediate formation of 4-cholesten-3-one followed by reduction of the latter to coprostanol through coprostanone as an intermediate.
A RE‐EVALUATION OF CORALLINE RED ALGAL TAXONOMY USING ULTRA‐STRUCTURAL INFORMATION

Two competing subfamily classification schemes for the red algal family Corallinaceae are in general agreement with respect to the taxonomic value of cell connection type (cell fusions versus secondary pit connections), but differ over the relative weight given to the character of genicular presence/absence. Consequently, Corallinoideae, Melobesioideae and Metagoniolithoideae are recognized as distinct subfamilies. One scheme subsumes the geniculate Amphiroideae into the nongeniculate Lithophylloideae (based on the common presence of secondary pit connections) and the nongeniculate Mastophoroideae into the geniculate Corallinoideae (based on the common presence of cell fusions); the other maintains these subfamilies as four separate lineages. Small subunit rRNA gene sequence data confirms the integrity of Corallinoideae and Melobesioideae and fully supports a revised classification subsuming Amphiroideae into Lithophylloideae. Surprisingly, Mastophoroideae and Metagoniolithoideae (cell fusions) have a closer affinity to the emended Lithophylloideae (secondary pit connections) than with Corallinoideae (cell fusions). These preliminary results cast doubt on the value of using cell connections as a primal character. From ultrastructural investigations of 28 corallinoidean genera, including seven mastophoroidean genera and two lithophylloidian genera, it appears that the presence/absence of an electron- dense material (EDM) surrounding nuclei during sporogenesis is a more reliable indicator of subfamily affiliation than cellular connections. Our findings support the revised classification of Lithophylloideae and suggests closer affinity to Lithophylloideae (secondary pit connections, no EDM) than to Corallinoideae (cell fusions, EDM). However, EDM data indicates that Mastophoroideae may be polyphyletic as three genera have EDM and four do not.
Comparison Of Theory And Experiments For Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) Of Microrough Surfaces

The vector theory of scattering from slightly rough surfaces is applied to metallic surfaces. BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) curves are calculated for several wavelengths and angles of incidence. These are compared with experimental data for the same condition.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Jet Pump Cavitation

Mixing-throat cavitation in a liquid jet pump results from high jet velocities, low suction (NPSH) pressure, or low discharge pressure. Incipient cavitation at the jet boundary has no effect on jet pump efficiency, but under severe conditions it spreads to the walls. A limiting flow condition results which is independent of discharge pressure. Efficiency deteriorates rapidly and the pump head-flow characteristics can no longer be predicted by conventional theory. Eight correlation parameters (1937–1968) and their interrelations are examined. A Cavitation Index σL is recommended for correlation of cavitation-limited flow results. Limiting flow data from 14 references on water, oils, and mercury, plus additional data on three water jet pumps are compared, showing that 11 sets of data on water, oils, and mercury can be represented by the single-number index σL , with a range of 0.8 to 1.67. Conventional jet pumps are described by σL = 1.0 to 1.4 and σL = 1.35 is recommended for conservative use. The limiting flow function Y (NPSH) is shown to be a useful tool in comparing cavitation response to design changes. System design to avoid cavitation is facilitated by a simple limiting flow equation, ML (R, σL , NPSH, Vn ), and the equation is compared with recently published data. Cavitation can be avoided by reducing Vn , and R, or by raising suction port pressure. Flow passage contours, including nozzle-to-throat spacing, influence σL and the limiting flow ratio can also be improved by reducing σL (0.9 or less) through careful design. Systems handling high gas-solubility liquids can be improved by reducing gas content; fluid properties otherwise have little effect on this jet pump phenomenon.
A new solution for dilaton-Maxwell gravity

An interesting static spherically symmetric solution corresponding to Einstein-Maxwell gravity coupled to a dilaton field with negative kinetic term has been obtained. This solution is characterized by the set of two arbitrary parameters, the physical massΜ 0 and electric chargeQ. It has two horizons on which the metric, scalar curvature and both dilaton and electromagnetic fields are regular. Another feature of this solution is that the physical mass is bounded by the electric charge asΜ 0≥√2¦Q¦ (unlike the Reisner-Nordstrom solution for whichΜ 0>-¦Q¦). The structure of the scalar curvature has been analyzed.
Musical intelligence: explication, measurement, and implications for consumer behavior

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to develop and test a psychometrically valid scale for musical intelligence as an individuating variable. This scale can elicit individual differences on reactions to sonic branding stimuli such as audio logos, radio jingles and commercial music. Design/methodology/approach – A two-step confirmatory factor analysis followed by structural equation modeling was used to develop and test the scale. Data were collected across three studies consisting of 470 participants. The scale was developed and nomologically validated. Findings – Findings suggest that musical intelligence discriminates reactions to music as evidenced by the three component conceptualization of musical intelligence. Originality/value – This study offers an original, three-component conceptualization of musical intelligence, proposes a measurement scale and then presents evidence of construct validity. Finally, the paper discusses potential applications of the scale in personality research.
Abstract LB-81: Autophagic degradation of BCR/ABL by arsenic trioxide and the role of cysteine cathepsins

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Autophagy is increasingly an area of high potential therapeutic interest in hematopoietic malignancies, but its precise involvement in the control of leukemic cell growth and survival remain to be defined. We provide evidence that arsenic trioxide (As2O3) targets the BCR-ABL oncoprotein for degradation via autophagy, involving the p62/SQSTM1 and the protease cathepsin B. Utilizing either florescence probes or gold-conjugate antibodies we show co-localization of BCR-ABL and p62/SQSTM1 in autolysosomes. Also, by drug inhibition of either autophagy or cathepsin B, or by molecularly targeting p62/SQSMT1, Atg7 or cathepsin B, we documented reversal of the suppressive effect of As2O3 on BCR-ABL expressing cells, including primitive leukemic precursors from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. Altogether, our data indicate that autophagy-induced degradation of BCR-ABL is critical for the generation of As2O3 antileukemic effects. These results raise the potential of targeting the autophagic machinery to enhance the antileukemic properties of arsenic trioxide on leukemia initiating stem cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-81. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-81
A STRIKING, NEW SPECIES OF ROUPALA (PROTEACEAE) FROM THE VENEZUELAN ANDES

Roupala barnettiae from the Montanas de Misisi in Edo. Trujillo, Venezuela is described and illustrated. Its taxonomic affinities are also discussed.
Using a multiple analytical distribution filter for underwater localization

This paper presents a high efficiency algorithm, Multiple Analytical Distribution Filter (MADF), to estimate location for underwater navigation. Using small grid sampling around candidate areas of high probability, MADF computes probabilities directly from the known analytical distributions of each beacon. The algorithm is deterministic and achieves similar results to particle filters, but at a lower computational cost in our tests. MADF and particle filters represent improvements over Kalman Filters for environments characterized by non-Gaussian noise distribution.
Parental investment and pair-bond behavior among canvasback ducks (Aythya valisineria, Anatidae)

Hypothetical patterns of male and female cumulative reproductive effort in canvasback ducks were used to predict the efforts of males and females in pair-bond reinforcing behavior through a breeding sequence. The predictions were that, at any point in time in a monogamous breeding system, given certain assumptions, (a) the sex investing less should be more active in reinforcing the pair bond, and (b) this relationship should shift within and between breeding attempts with the pattern of cumulative reproductive effort per brood by the male and female. Data on the behavior of newly-formed pairs were obtained by observing apparently paired but unmarked canvasbacks during spring migration. Later, 11 individuallymarked pairs were followed through breeding sequences, including repeated nesting attempts. Observed affiliative behavior fit the predictions reasonably well. That sex whose cumulative reproductive effort was less tended to be more active in maintaining proximity to its mate, initiating bouts of mutual display, and coordinating pair activities. Predictions were met in 14 of 24 cases, results were contrary in 3 cases, and in 7 cases trends were not statistically different (P>0.05). Shifts in relative male and female reinforcement efforts that coincided with major changes in investment were apparent. These results support the proposition that factors other than simple parental investment-related desertion costs might be important to an individual's behavioral ‘decisions’ regarding pairbond reinforcement and ultimately mate abandonment. Discrepancies in a few predicted outcomes further suggest that males and females may use and balance various pair-reinforcement tactics differently through a breeding season.
Elevated lactate suppresses neuronal firing in vivo and inhibits glucose metabolism in hippocampal slice cultures.

Abstract Glucose is well accepted as the major fuel for neuronal activity, while it remains controversial whether lactate also supports neural activity. In hippocampal slice cultures, synaptic transmission supported by glucose was reversibly suppressed by lactate. To test whether lactate had a similar inhibitory effect in vivo , lactate was perfused into the hippocampi of unanesthetized rats while recording the firing of nearby pyramidal cells. Lactate perfusion suppressed pyramidal cell firing by 87.5 ± 8.3% ( n = 6). Firing suppression was slow in onset and fully reversible and was associated with increased lactate concentration at the site of the recording electrode. In vivo suppression of neural activity by lactate occurred in the presence of glucose; therefore we tested whether suppression of neural firing was due to lactate interference with glucose metabolism. Competition between glucose and lactate was measured in hippocampal slice cultures. Lactate had no effect on glucose uptake. Lactate suppressed glucose oxidation when applied at an elevated, pathological concentration (10 mM), but not at its physiological concentration (1 mM). Pyruvate (10 mM) also inhibited glucose oxidation but was significantly less effective than lactate. The greater suppressive effect of lactate as compared to pyruvate suggests that alteration of the NAD + /NADH ratio underlies the suppression of glucose oxidation by lactate. ATP in slice culture was unchanged in glucose (1 mM), but significantly reduced in lactate (1 mM). ATP in slice culture was significantly increased by combination of glucose (1 mM) and lactate (1 mM). These data suggest that alteration of redox ratio underlies the suppression of neural discharge and glucose metabolism by lactate.
Role of early parenting and motor skills on development in children with spina bifida

Abstract The impact of parenting and motor skills on the development of cognitive, language, and daily living skills was examined in 165 children (91 with spina bifida, SB), from 6–36 months of age. Motor scores significantly influenced cognitive, language, and daily living skills. Higher quality parenting was associated with higher levels of development and faster growth in cognitive and language skills for both groups. However, on daily living skills, an interaction among parenting, motor skills and group revealed that higher quality parenting was associated with higher levels and faster rates of growth only for the typically developing children with better motor skills. Early parenting style was found to have a directional impact (mother to child) on child development by 26 months of age. Results are discussed relative to intervention considerations for children with SB.
Medical imaging education in biomedical engineering curriculum: Courseware development and application through a hybrid teaching model

Medical Imaging is a key training component in Biomedical Engineering programs. Medical imaging education is interdisciplinary training, involving physics, mathematics, chemistry, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and applications in biology and medicine. Seeking an efficient teaching method for instructors and an effective learning environment for students has long been a goal for medical imaging education. By the support of NSF grants, we developed the medical imaging teaching software (MITS) and associated dynamic assessment tracking system (DATS). The MITS/DATS system has been applied to junior and senior medical imaging classes through a hybrid teaching model. The results show that student's learning gain improved, particularly in concept understanding and simulation project completion. The results also indicate disparities in subjective perception between junior and senior classes. Three institutions are collaborating to expand the courseware system and plan to apply it to different class settings.
Efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for craniotomy: a meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis of published randomized studies comparing prophylactic antibiotics to placebo in craniotomies was performed. Ten studies were examined; eight met criteria for inclusion into the meta-analysis. The analysis showed an advantage of antibiotics over placebo at the P<10 -8 level. Tests for homogeneity of effect size between the individual studies showed similar effects of antibiotic treatment between trials, despite variation in the randomization methods and antibiotic regimens used. No statistically significant difference was detected between antibiotic regimens that did or did not cover gram-negative organisms or between single- and multiple-dose regimens
Railroad and rail transit noise sources

The railroad or rail transit system design team must predict A-weighted, or preferably, octave band sound pressure levels near passing trains. This is the first step in estimating noise over any area of potential impact and in subsequent selection among noise abatement design alternatives. In this paper recently reported measurements of locomotive and railcar noise emission are reviewed and presented for use in making such design predictions. Locomotive noise is largely confined to the range of 75 to 95 dB(A) at 30 m (100 ft) for all speeds. For various railcars on tie and stone ballast track the trend of data suggest that A-weighted sound levels increase uniformly with speed over the speed range of available data, now reaching 400 km/h (250 mile/h). At a given speed these data typically have a noise level range of 15 dB. The data show an apparent lower bound for noise among steel wheel on steel rail vehicles operating today. Octave band spectra are given relative to A-levels for various locomotive and railcar types. These recent data disagree with some average spectra based on data from 1970 and earlier. Reported measurements and estimates of noise level reductions from various locomotive, railcar and track design factors are tabulated; the data exhibit considerable scatter. Two current procedures in which the above-mentioned data are used to predict pass-by noise levels and spectra are described and evaluated. It is concluded that for estimating noise level reduction due to combinations of treatments, or for estimating octave band reduction, procedures and useful data are limited. To provide more precise design information future experiments must take better account, either deterministically or statistically, of all factors which influence measured noise, including some discussed herein which cannot always be controlled by test team or design team decisions.
Estimating multiple transmitter locations from power measurements at multiple receivers

We consider the estimation of the locations of multiple transmitters based on received signal strength measurements at a network of randomly-placed receivers. We generalize the expectation-maximization (EM) method to create a quasi EM algorithm for localization under lognormal shadowing. Simulated performance is compared to a state-of-the-art global optimizer and to random guessing. Results reveal that the proposed quasi EM algorithm outperforms both alternatives in median and ninety-fifth percentile error, especially as the number of receivers increases.
The anterior cingulate cortex mediates processing selection in the Stroop attentional conflict paradigm.

Regional cerebral blood flow, an index of local neuronal activity, was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) during the performance of the classic Stroop color/word task in eight healthy right-handed subjects. In the first condition of this paradigm, subjects name the color of the words presented on a video monitor. All the words are the color names congruent to the color presented (e.g., the noun "red" displayed in red color). In the second condition, subjects also name the color of the words presented on the monitor. However, during these trials all words are color names incongruent to the color presented (e.g., the noun "red" displayed in green color). The difference in brain activity between these two conditions (i.e., incongruent minus congruent) could reveal brain systems involved in the attentionally mediated resolution of the conflict between the habitual response of reading words vs. the task demands of naming the color of the words--i.e., the Stroop interference effect. The most robust responses occurred in the anterior cingulate cortex. Other responses noted were in the left premotor cortex, left postcentral cortex, left putamen, supplementary motor area, right superior temporal gyrus, and bilateral peristriate cortices. These data provide support for the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in attentional processing through the selection and recruitment of processing centers appropriate for task execution. Furthermore, the extensive distributed network of activated regions suggests that the Stroop interference effect cannot be explained simply in terms of stimulus encoding or response interference.
Detection of K-ras mutations in lung carcinomas: relationship to prognosis.

The K-ras mutation is one of the most common genetic alterations found in human lung cancer. To evaluate the prognostic value of ras gene alterations in lung cancer in a U.S. population, we have screened 173 human lung tumors, which included 127 adenocarcinomas, 37 squamous carcinomas, and 9 adenosquamous carcinomas, for mutations in the K-ras gene using the combination of the PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Forty-three tumors contained K-ras mutations. Of these, 41 were identified among the adenocarcinomas (32%), 1 among the squamous carcinomas (2.7%), and 1 among the adenosquamous carcinomas (11%). Forty of these mutations were found in codon 12 and consisted of 24 G to T transversions, 12 G to A transitions, 2 G to C transversions, and 1 double GG to TT mutation. Two other G to T transversions were found in codon 13, and 1 A to C transversion was found in codon 61. The data showed that gender did not seem to affect the incidence and the types of the K-ras mutations or amino acid changes. Examination of the mutations in adenocarcinomas in relation to overall survival showed no difference in adenocarcinomas with K-ras mutations compared with K-ras-negative adenocarcinomas. However, the substitution of the wild-type GGT (glycine) at codon 12 with a GTT (valine) or a CGT (arginine) showed a strong trend (P = 0.07) toward a poorer prognosis compared with wild-type or other amino acid substitutions. Substitution of the wild-type glycine for aspartate (GAT) showed a strong trend (P = 0.06) for a better outcome than the valine or arginine substitution. Although these trends will require larger patient populations for verification, these data suggest that the prognostic significance of K-ras mutations may depend on the amino acid substitution in the p21(ras) protein.
Lattice and Aperture Considerations in the Cold Magnet Synchrotron (CMS)

With either superconducting or cold aluminum coils the optimum design of bending magnets for a synchrotron tends to have approximately equal horizontal and vertical apertures. It is therefore advantageous to tailor the lattice and beam parameters so that horizontal and vertical requirements are equal; this imposes the severest constraints on the horizontal aperture, and the vertical tune vz may be allowed to be less than vx. A lattice has been designed with 48 focusing periods, six magnet superperiods each containing an 8-m straight section, vz = 7-1/ 3, vx = 10.45. This choice avoids low-order superperiod resonances and facilitates resonant vertical beam extraction. With 30-GeV injection from the AGS, a gross semiaperture of 20 mm accommodates all requirements, provided field error corrections are obtained from beam position measurements.
Health Promotion and Patient Education Benefits for Employees

One step that employers can take to assure that employees receive such education services is pursuing coverage of education as a separate service. For some time now, insurers have shown interest in patient education services (15-17, 61), but patient education "integral to care" is typically covered only as a part of the "per diem" in the case of hospitals or as part of the visit fee in the case of outpatient visits. Education for patients with diabetes is being covered experimentally as a separate service in at least 17 states. Physicians whose practice is composed largely of "cognitive services" rather than "procedures" are also interested in education as a reimbursable service. The same arguments as described in relation to coverage of risk reduction services generally apply to this case. Education programs for employees who are under medical care can improve their adherence to the recommended regimen and hence can improve the effectiveness of care. Education and counseling prior to surgical and other stressful procedures decrease stress and the need for pain medications, and they can shorten the length of hospital stays. Education is an important component of programs to substitute home care for hospital care or expensive outpatient care. Currently, however, a patient cannot rely on usual providers of medical care to offer adequate education. Reimbursement for patient education on a selected, experimental basis is probably warranted for chronic conditions requiring complex adjustments and regimens. Cases of asthma where there is a history of hospitalization or emergency room visits is an excellent possibility. The experience of covering diabetes education should be monitored to help resolve the debate.
Factors That Influence Parents' Assessments of the Risks and Benefits of Research Involving Their Children

Objective The ability to assess accurately the risks and benefits of a study are important to ensure that the subject can make an informed decision regarding his or her own or his or her surrogate's participation. This study was designed to examine factors that influence parents' assessments of the risks and benefits of anesthesia and surgery research involving their children. Methods The study population consisted of parents of 505 children who had been approached to participate in 1 of several ongoing clinical studies. Regardless of their decision to allow or decline their child's participation in a study, parents completed a questionnaire that elicited information regarding their perceptions of the risks and benefits of the study and factors that had influenced their decision. Results Factors that influenced positive risk/benefit assessments by the parents included use of a placebo, the designated risk category of the study, the clarity of information given, the parents' perceptions of the amount of time provided to make a decision, and the amount of privacy afforded them in making a decision. Furthermore, positive risk/benefit assessments were associated with low decisional uncertainty and greater trust in the medical system. Conclusions Identification of factors that influence parents' perceptions of the risks and benefits of a research study is important as a means to optimize the manner in which consent information is disclosed and to ensure that parents and subjects can assess accurately the relative importance of the risks and benefits.