cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forming severity concept for predicting sheet necking under complex loading histories

Abstract A new method of predicting neck formation in sheets under non-proportional loading is proposed, based on the concept of “cumulative forming severity”. This concept is borrowed from a macroscopic model of ductile fracture where the crack initiation is governed by the accumulated equivalent plastic strain modified by the stress triaxiality and the Lode angle parameter. Such an approach necessitates a representation of the forming limit diagram (FLD) in the space of the equivalent strain to neck and the Lode angle parameter. Another new factor is the assumption of the non-linear accumulation of forming severity for non-proportional and complex loading histories. A class of non-linear weighting function is proposed with only one free parameter. A starting point in the derivation is the known FLD corresponding to proportional loading. This can be determined from Hill's and Storen and Rice analytical solutions, from numerical simulation, or else taken directly from experiments. In the case of proportional loading, necking depends on the final state of stress or strain, so it does not matter if necking severity index is accumulated in a linear or non-linear way. For non-proportional loading, the unknown free parameter of the non-linear accumulation rule must be determined from a test. Experimental data on FLDs under complex strain paths for two types of material, aluminum alloy 6111-T4 [Graf A, Hosford W. The influence of strain-path changes on forming limit diagrams of A1 6111 T4. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 1994;36(10):897–910.] and aluminum-killed sheet steel [Muschenborn W, Sonne HM. Influence of the strain path on the forming limits of sheet metal. Archiv fur das Eisenhuttenwesen 1975;46:597–602], found in the literature are revisited by the proposed model. Calibrated from only one test with non-proportional loading condition, the model is able to predict the remaining tests of complex loading paths with good accuracy.
Prognostic factors in stage I carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract In a series of 177 cases of Stage I epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix, 139 were treated surgically. Increasing depth of invasion of the cervical lesion was associated with greater lateral extension and increasing vascular invasion in the cervix. Increasing depth of invasion in the cervix was significantly associated with (1) increasing incidence of pelvic node metastases, (2) increasing incidence of local extension outside the cervix with negative pelvic nodes, (3) increasing frequency of recurrence, and (4) decreasing 5-year survival. Patients with extension to the corpus and negative pelvic nodes had poor survival rates. Patients with disease confined to the cervix had poor outcome if the tumor invaded more than 10 mm and was present in vascular spaces. Poor prognostic factors to consider in therapeutic planning are (1) a depth of invasion greater than 10 mm, (2) lateral spread to more than half the cervix, (3) invasion of lymph-vascular spaces in the cervix, (4) spread to the pelvic nodes, and (5) spread to the parametria or corpus uteri.
Is There a Role for Endoscopic Therapy as a Definitive Treatment for Post-Laparoscopic Bile Duct Injuries?

Background Excellent results of surgical reconstruction of major bile duct injuries (BDIs) have been well-documented. Reports of successful definitive management of central bile duct leakage and stenoses have been reported infrequently. The aim of this study was to assess treatment and outcomes for operative and endoscopic treatment of BDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and define the role of endoscopy in management. Study Design All patients undergoing treatment for post-laparoscopic BDI from 1998 to 2007 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota were reviewed. Outcomes of surgical and endoscopic intervention were analyzed. Results BDI was identified in 159 patients (mean age 51 years). Injury was recognized intraoperatively in 39 (25%) patients. Primary intervention was surgical in 59 (37%) and endoscopic in 100 (63%) patients. Class A BDIs (n = 77) were successfully treated endoscopically in 76 (99%) patients. Seven had class D BDIs; 4 were managed surgically, and 3 endoscopically. Of 66 patients with E1 to E4 BDI, 44 (67%) were initially managed surgically and 22 (33%) endoscopically. Thirteen of the latter 22 underwent sustained endoscopic therapy (median stent time 7 months), which was successful in 10 (77%). Four patients with E5 were managed surgically. Median follow-up was 45 months. Sixty-three patients underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction at Mayo; 3 (5%) failed and required stenting. None required operative revision. Conclusions Endoscopic management of class A BDI has excellent outcomes. Although surgical management remains the preferred therapy, short-term endoscopic treatment for class E1 to E4 can optimize the patient and operative field for reconstruction. Prolonged stenting in select patients with E1 to E4 characterized by stenosis is successful in the majority.
MYTH, CULT, AND PERFORMANCE: SIR JOHN SOANE'S CAWDOR VASE†

The Cawdor Vase was purchased by Sir John Soane in 1800, launching the London architect's career as a collector of antiquities. The Apulian red-figure volute-krater (4th c. BC) is displayed in the dining room of Soane's house-museum at no. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the exact location it occupied when Soane died in 1837. The krater appears in artistic representations and section drawings of the house, as well as in descriptions of the museum and its holdings. Prominent modern scholars (Vermeule and Trendall) studied the object, securing its place in the corpus of South Italian wares. As intriguing as its role in the history of collecting and reception is the Cawdor Vase's unique iconography. On one side is an enigmatic version of the preparations for the chariot race of Oinomaos and Pelops, and on the other a familiar type of naiskos scene. The decoration on the vase, taken as a whole, reveals the different stages of the famous myth and can be connected with textual accounts, the cult of Pelops, Apulian funerary ritual, and the foundation of the Olympic Games.
Alterations of excitation—contraction coupling in stunned myocardium and in failing myocardium

Although both myocardial stunning and chronic heart failure are characterized by contractile dysfunction, there are profound differences in their underlying mechanisms. Changes in cardiac contractile force can be effected by modulation of intracellular [Ca2+] or by alteration of the contractile protein response to intracellular Ca2+. New evidence suggests that the principal lesion in the stunned myocardium resides at the level of the contractile proteins, which may be injured by proteases activated early during reperfusion. In contrast, failing myocardium is known to display abnormal intracellular Ca2+ handling, indicative of dysfunction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Alterations of gene expression and isoform switching of the myofilaments also occur in failing myocardium, consistent with an observed shift of the kinetics of crossbridge cycling. In conclusion, changes in both intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and myofilament function occur in failing myocardium, while stunned myocardium primarily reflects an uncoupling between Ca2+ and contractile force.
Collisionless and Hydrodynamic Excitations of a Bose-Einstein Condensate

Collective excitations of a dilute Bose gas were probed above and below the Bose-Einstein condensation temperature. The temperature dependencies of the frequency and damping rates of condensate oscillations indicate significant interactions between the condensate and the thermal cloud. Hydrodynamic oscillations of the thermal cloud analogous to first sound were observed. An out-of-phase dipolar oscillation of the thermal cloud and the condensate was also studied, analogous to second sound. The excitations were observed in situ using nondestructive imaging techniques.
A political equilibrium approach to trade liberalization in developing countries

The paper addresses two puzzles regarding developing countries' trade policy. First, why have highly protectionist regimes been maintained for so long? Second, why have they been dismantled in the last decade? It is argued that political incentives play a major role in shaping governments' behaviour. The delay in adopting trade reforms is explained through the need of a self-interested government to extract revenue for itself and to maintain consensus among its political support basis, which is a subset of the entire population. The shift in policy occurs when economic crisis leads to a loss of political consensus and makes the government resort to a multilateral agency to obtain ‘conditional’ adjustment funds and relax political acceptability constraints. Empirical findings for sub-Saharan Africa seem to be supportive of this argument.
ZINC STIMULATION OF RNA AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN RHIZOPUS NIGRICANS.

Addition of 1.7 x 10- 5 M zinc sulfate to cultures of Rhizopus nigricans increases growth and substrate utilization. Analysis of cells during the course of growth, after addition of the metal, showed that there was an immediate increase in RNA, followed by a corresponding increase in protein and cell mass. The DNA content was affected to a lesser extent. It is postulated that Zn ++ stimulates growth through a primary effect on RNA synthesis.
Dynamic processes at InP(110) surfaces studied by UHV reflection electron microscopy

Abstract Dynamic events occurring at InP(110) surfaces as a result of thermal annealing have been observed in situ by reflection electron microscopy using a modified ultrahigh-vacuum transmission electron microscope equipped with a specimen heating holder. The motion of screw dislocations across the surface was observed at temperatures in excess of 550°C, resulting in the formation of new surface steps. Thermal dissociation led to desorption of P with consequent visible growth of In particles at 650°C. Initially most in particles grew with hemispherical shapes and linear rates of expansion. Later changes in growth rate were associated with changes in particle shape. Three distinct particle shapes were observed at the end of the annealing suggesting departure from self-similar growth. Cooling to room temperature and overnight ambient annealing in ultrahigh-vacuum resulted in significant changes in particle morphology. Genuine thermal effects were separated from those due to electron irradiation.
Health sector capacity building

Health sector capacity building is closely connected to the healthy community concept in which people are empowered to improve their individual and collective health by changing the physical and social conditions that directly affect health.
Naturally Occurring Human Monoclonal Antibodies Neutralize both 1918 and 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses

The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus exhibits hemagglutinin protein sequence homology with the 1918 pandemic influenza virus. We found that human monoclonal antibodies recognized the Sa antigenic site on the head domains of both 1918 and 2009 hemagglutinins, a site that is hypervariable due to immune selection. These antibodies exhibited high potency against the 2009 virus in vitro, and one exerted a marked therapeutic effect in vivo.
Electrical effects of coal slag in a diffuse mode MHD generator

Ten high-temperature (1700-2000 K) platinum-rhodium capped magnesia electrodes were successfully tested in a slagging MHD generator with diffuse mode (non-arcing) current transport at 3 amps/cm/sup 2/ occurring for electrode temperatures over 1800 K. A diffuse mode, two-dimensional model for current density and potential distributions was developed which includes the effects of slag layer hydrodynamics, slag layer energy transport, and assumed plasma boundary layers. Numerical and experimental results are compared and the effects of slag, current density, generator size, wall temperature, and cathode shorting on generator performance are numerically determined. 8 refs.
Autoregulation of the Total Systemic Circulation Following Destruction of the Central Nervous System in the Dog

The quantitative importance of total systemic autoregulation in the whole body was studied in dogs in which the cardiovascular control loops of the central nervous system were eliminated by decapitation and alcohol destruction of the spinal cord. Transient changes in cardiac output, right atrial pressure, oxygen consumption, arteriovenous oxygen difference, and hematocrit that occurred immediately after single-step changes of 25 to 50 mm Hg in arterial pressure were followed by gradual return of the variables toward control values. The time required to reach a new steady state ranged from 13 to 75 minutes with an average of 35 minutes. The calculated open-loop gain of the autoregulation control system ranged from 0.93 to 9.5 with an average gain of 3.32±0.7 (SE) indicating more than 75% compensation. In a second group of animals the arterial pressure was increased from 50 mm Hg to as high as 150 mm Hg in small steps of 10 to 15 mm Hg allowing 5 to 20 minutes on each step for the autoregulation response to occur. The pressure-flow curves showed significant total systemic autoregulation. The return of arteriovenous oxygen difference and oxygen consumption toward control values is consistent with a metabolic mechanism of autoregulation. The absence of significant transcapillary fluid flux in autoregulating preparations indicates (a) that the locus of autoregulatory resistance changes is completely or almost completely in the precapillary vessels of the circulatory system and (b) that autoregulation is important in maintaining capillary pressure at a normal level as well as in maintaining blood flow at the level required by the tissues.
VOS as predicate fronting in Chol

This paper offers a new account of basic VOS word order in Chol (Mayan). I argue that VOS order is not base-generated, as is commonly proposed within Mayan linguistics, but instead is the result of phrasal fronting of the predicate to the specifier of TP. This proposal derives support from restrictions on objects in VOS order. Specifically, the object in a VOS construction may not appear with a determiner, but must be a bare NP. In contrast, VSO constructions require a full DP object. I argue that these facts are best explained under a proposal in which bare NP objects remain inside the raised v P, while full DP objects undergo object shift to a position outside of v P. VSO order, then, is the result of v P remnant movement to Spec,TP. I suggest that the maximal predicate fronts to Spec,TP to check agreement features as a last resort due to the unavailability of v0-to-T0 head movement. In addition to eliminating the need for a specifier–head ordering parameter, this analysis receives empirical support from the placement of certain adverbs and PPs, and may be extended to cover constituent order in the nominal domain.
T lymphocytes in synovia of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The observation that rheumatoid synovial-derived lymphocytes display clonal dominance may have important implications in the understanding of the underlying pathogenic processes in RA. Isolation of the relevant T cell clones will allow further characterization including the development of anti-clonotypic mAb which could be used for diagnostic and possibly even for therapeutic purposes. Functional analysis of the clones could be used as an approach to identify the antigen(s) that trigger the disease.
Stability of automata neural networks I

In an earlier paper, the authors introduced binary automata neural networks, which can be considered a further development of the Hopfield model and BAM. Hopfield model is a one- state automata neural network with only one synaptic connection matrix in the alphabet. BAM is a special two-state automata neural network. In general, there can be any number of states and there can be any number of synaptic connection matrices in the alphabet. In this paper, we first systematically introduce the automata network. The original automata network is called union network in this paper. Several new types of automata networks are developed in this paper. Then we study the stability problem of the automata networks for several cases.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hepatic insulin receptor deficiency impairs the SREBP-2 response to feeding and statins

The liver plays a central role in metabolism and mediating insulin action. To dissect the effects of insulin on the liver in vivo, we have studied liver insulin receptor knockout (LIRKO) mice. Because LIRKO livers lack insulin receptors, they are unable to respond to insulin. Surprisingly, the most profound derangement observed in LIRKO livers by microarray analysis is a suppression of the cholesterologenic genes. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-2 promotes cholesterologenic gene transcription, and is inhibited by intracellular cholesterol. LIRKO livers show a slight increase in hepatic cholesterol, a 40% decrease in Srebp-2, and a 50–90% decrease in the cholesterologenic genes at the mRNA and protein levels. In control mice, SREBP-2 and cholesterologenic gene expression are suppressed by fasting and restored by refeeding; in LIRKO mice, this response is abolished. Similarly, the ability of statins to induce Srebp-2 and the cholesterologenic genes is lost in LIRKO livers. In contrast, ezetimibe treatment robustly induces Srepb-2 and its targets in LIRKO livers, raising the possibility that insulin may regulate SREBP-2 indirectly, by altering the accumulation or distribution of cholesterol within the hepatocyte. Taken together, these data indicate that cholesterol synthesis is a key target of insulin action in the liver.
A Multi-Purpose Temperature Control Method for MEMS Microheaters Without a Separate Temperature Sensor

In this paper, a temperature-controlled method that does not use a separate temperature sensor is presented for different MEMS electrical resistance heaters. Instead of using a R esistance T emperature D etectors (RTD) sensor or micro-thermocouple for closed-loop control of the temperature, which will have a finite distance between the heater and sensor and a response delay due to the thermal mass of the substrate on which the sensor resides, we use the change in resistance with temperature of the electrical heating element itself for the control input.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Patient With Metastatic Adenocarcinoma Imitating Lumbar Herniated Nucleus Pulposis

Objective To highlight the utility of Cyriax's selective tissue-tensioning principles, specifically the “Sign of the Buttock,” in identifying mechanical behavior of pain of pathologies not amenable to conservative treatment. Clinical Features A 41-year-old man was referred to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Spine Specialty Center with a diagnosis of L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposis that was recalcitrant to treatment. The onset of symptoms had been 5 months before the patient's appointment at the Spine Center and 6 months after an apparent precipitating trauma. The patient had been followed up by his primary care physician, referred to urology, neurosurgery, and physical medicine and rehabilitation before being referred to the Spine Specialty Center. Intervention and Outcome Clinical examination using Cyriax's Sign of the Buttock implicates the hip joint, while it helps to rule out the lumbar spine. Review of previous imaging studies failed to rule out hip pathology. Pelvis and hip magnetic resonance imaging led to suspicion of lytic lesions, and a diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma was made via biopsy. Conclusion We have found Cyriax's Sign of the Buttock to have diagnostic value in this case. When positive, this test may help identify serious extracapsular hip or pelvic pathology.
Acanthosis nigricans, hypothyroidism, and insulin resistance

Acanthosis nigricans has been associated with multiple endocrinopathies. The common denominator appears to be insulin resistance. Three patients are described (one woman and two men) who presented with hypothyroidism and acanthosis nigricans. All the patients had elevated insulin levels in the fasting state and in response to an oral glucose load. The mechanism for the resistance to insulin was a post-receptor binding defect or a structural abnormality in circulating insulin, since glucose tolerance and plasma cortisol, somatomedin, growth hormone, and insulin receptor concentrations in peripheral monocytes were all normal. Antibodies to insulin or the insulin receptor were absent. Neither insulin resistance nor acanthosis nigricans diminished following correction of the hypothyroidism. It is concluded that hypothyroidism may be associated with acanthosis nigricans, that hyperinsulinemia is a regular correlate of the skin disorder, and that treatment of the hypothyroidism does not resolve the hyperinsulinemia or the acanthosis nigricans.
Visually controlled graphics

Interactive graphics systems that are driven by visual input are discussed. The underlying computer vision techniques and a theoretical formulation that addresses issues of accuracy, computational efficiency, and compensation for display latency are presented. Experimental results quantitatively compare the accuracy of the visual technique with traditional sensing. An extension to the basic technique to include structure recovery is discussed. >
Two-dimensional electronic structure in InAs-GaSb superlattices

Abstract We have achieved by molecular-beam-epitaxy the new type of superlattice of InAs and GaSb whose energy gaps do not overlap. The observed Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations manifest the two-dimensional electronic subband structure, corroborating theoretical calculations. The deduced electron mass is enhanced primarily as a result of the strong nonparabolicity in the conduction-band of InAs.
A phase transition model for hemolysis

Abstract A phase transition model of red cell membrane rupture is developed based on the interaction of lipid and water at the membrane surface. It is shown that when the membrane tension increases, the water concentration of the membrane surface must increase. When a critical concentration of water is reached, large pores may open up in the membrane surface, allowing the hemoglobin to escape.
The olfactory-trigeminal response to odorants

Abstract The olfactory-trigeminal response produced by two odor stimuli, isopropyl alcohol and octane, was studied in awake, restrained rabbits with recording electrodes permanently implanted in one olfactory bulb and in the anterior sensory motor cortex for measurement of spontaneous activity. Surface electrodes were used to measure respiration and EKG. Xylocaine hydrochloride injected via cannulae permanently implanted at the root of both trigeminal nerves was used as a blocking agent. That the results obtained with the xylocaine-treated rabbits after odor stimulation were due to trigeminal block, and not to changes in the central nervous system by infiltration of the drug to adjacent tissue, was proven by the results obtained with an animal whose trigeminal nerves were lesioned with electrical current. The response to odorants was characterized by changes in respiratory and heart rates, by a typical cortical “arousal” reaction, and by changes in bulbar activity. Blocking the trigeminal nerves by injection of xylocaine or by lesioning produced changes only in the cortical EEG and bulbar spontaneous activity, according to stimulus concentration. Respiration and heart rate remained unchanged during odor presentation. These data support the hypothesis that the olfactory response to many odorants is really an “olfactory-trigeminal” response. Further, the aversive response of the rabbit to high concentrations of odor stimuli is inhibited when the trigeminal nerves are blocked.
Peer coaching as a technique to foster professional development in clinical ambulatory settings.

Introduction: Few studies have examined how peer coaching is an eflective educational and development technique in contexts outside the clussroom. This research focused on peer coaching as a platform to study the process of professional development for physicians. The purpose was to identib perceived benefits coaches received from a coaching encounter and how this relates to their own process of professional development. Methods: Critical incident interviews with 13 physician coaches were conducted and tape recorded. Themes were identified using a thematic analysis technique. Results: Themes emerged clustering around two distinct benefit orientations. Group 1, reflection and teaching coaches, tended to focus on others and discuss how positively they experienced the encounter. Group 2, personal learning and change coaches, expressed benefits along more persona1 lines. Discussion: Peer coaching contributes to physicians ’professional development by encouraging reflection time and learning, Peer coaching affords positive impact to those who coach in addition to those who receive the coaching. The two clusters of benefits support the performance, learning, and development theory in that there are multiple modes to describe adult growth and development. Programs of this type should be considered in medical faculty development activities associated with medical education.
Meta‐analysis: vitamin D and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

SummaryBackground Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent condition. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Aim To review systematically the association between vitamin D levels, measured as serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], and NAFLD. Methods We used PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify all studies that assessed the association between vitamin D and NAFLD up until 22 April 2013, without language restrictions. We included studies that compared vitamin D levels between NAFLD cases and controls and also those that compared the odds of vitamin D deficiency by NAFLD status. Pooled standardised differences and odds ratios were calculated using an inverse variance method. Results Seventeen cross-sectional and case–control studies have evaluated the association between vitamin D and NAFLD. NAFLD was diagnosed using biopsy (4 studies), ultrasound or CT (10 studies) and liver enzymes (3 studies). Nine studies provided data for a quantitative meta-analysis. Compared to controls, NAFLD patients had 0.36 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.32, 0.40 ng/mL) lower levels of 25(OH)D and were 1.26 times more likely to be vitamin D deficient (OR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.35). Conclusions NAFLD patients have decreased serum 25(OH)D concentrations, suggesting that vitamin D may play a role in the development of NAFLD. The directionality of this association cannot be determined from cross-sectional studies. Demonstration of a causal role of hypovitaminosis D in NAFLD development in future studies could have important therapeutic implications.
Expulsion Protective Gaps

Discussion and authors' closure of a paper by W. J. Rudge, Jr., and E. J. Wade published In the May 1937 issue, pages 551–7, and presented for oral discussion at the lightning {protective equipment session of the summer convention, Milwaukee, Wis., June 24,1937.
The diagnosis and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in the patient under the age of twenty‐one

The diagnosis and management of 260 patients between the ages of 15 and 21 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is discussed. These patients represented 22% of all new patients seen in the Colposcopy Clinic of The Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 1975 and December 1979. Sixty-six percent of the patients were referred for evaluation of two Papanicolaou smears which were compatible with the diagnosis of CIN I while only 1.5% of the patients were referred with the cytologic diagnosis of CIN III. The colposcopic impression in the majority of patients was CIN I. There was excellent correlation between the colposcopic impression and histopathology. Thirteen percent of the patients evaluated had surgical procedures, 11% (29 patients) under-went conization and 2% (five patients) hysterectomy. The majority of patients under the age of 21 had minimal degree of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The importance of conservative management is discussed.
Bactericidal activity of norfloxacin and nine other urinary tract antibiotics against Gram–negative bacilli causing bacteriuria in chronically catheterized patients

We compared the bactericidal activities of norfloxacin and nine other oral urinary tract antibiotics against 344 Gram-negative bacilli causing bacteriuria in chronically catheterized patients. Norfloxacin killed all organisms at 32 mg/l, 91% of isolates at 2 mg/l, and was the most active antibiotic tested.
Beyond the Intersection: A New Culinary Metaphor for Race-Class-Gender Studies*

Few would argue that race, class, and gender are unrelated, now that scholars of inequality have spent decades making the once devalued but now widely accepted case that structures of oppression like these cannot be understood in isolation from one another. Yet the imagery on which the field has relied—race, class, and gender as “intersecting” or “interlocking”—has limited our ability to explore the characteristics of their relationships in empirical and theoretical work. In this article I build on the gender framework articulated by Leslie Salzinger to articulate new imagery—via a metaphor of sugar—which highlights how race, class, and gender are produced, used, experienced, and processed in our bodies, human and institutional. This metaphor allows us to emphasize structural and individual forces at work in their continual and mutual constitution.
Who Wants Electoral Competition and Who Wants to Win

This article employs data gathered in a 2006 national survey to study how the American electorate evaluates a trade-off between competitive elections and winning to implement preferred policies. Th...
Abstract 1535: Increasing integrin function from within the cell sensitizes melanomas to chemotherapy

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin disease for which there are no effective therapies. Emerging evidence indicates that melanomas can be sensitized to chemotherapy by increasing integrin function. Current therapies work by targeting integrins from outside the cell, resulting in complete gains or losses of integrin function that lead to mechanism-based toxicities. An attractive alternative approach would be to target proteins, such as vinculin, that associate with the integrin cytoplasmic domains and regulate its ligand binding properties. Here we report that a novel reagent, denoted vinculin activating peptide or VAP, increases integrin activity from within the cell, as measured by elevated: (1) active integrins on the cell surface, (2) adhesion of cells to extracellular matrix ligands, (3) numbers of cell-matrix adhesions, and (4) downstream signaling. These effects are dependent on both integrins and a key regulatory residue A50 in the vinculin head. We further show that VAP enhances integrin function independent of both its mode of delivery and the melanoma cell type tested. Furthermore, VAP dramatically increases the sensitivity of melanomas to chemotherapy in clonal growth assays and in vivo mouse models of melanoma. Finally, we demonstrate that the increase in chemosensitivity results from increases in p53-dependent DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Collectively these findings demonstrate for the first time that integrin function can be manipulated from within the cell and validate integrins as a new strategy for the treatment of chemoresistant melanomas. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1535. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1535
Endoscopic transphenoidal pituitary surgery with real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to report and show the technique, results, and complications of combined endoscopic and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (IMRI) surgical treatment of pituitary disease from both a technical and a surgical perspective. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of 10 endoscopic, endonasal resections of 10 pituitary macroadenomas using the Polestar N-10 IMRI system in a tertiary health care facility. The patient demographics, tumor measurements, and postoperative symptoms and complications were assessed. The effect of the magnetic field on the video screen, the image quality of the IMRI images, and IMRI detection of residual tumor were evaluated also. RESULTS IMRI images were obtained in all cases and were of sufficiently high quality to indicate adequate decompression of the optic chiasm and the removal of all suprasellar tumor. However, there was significant distortion of the video monitor regardless of the viewing angle. This was overcome with a wall-mounted plasma screen. Residual tumor was found with IMRI and resected endoscopically in three cases. In two other cases, suspected residual tumor on IMRI was examined endoscopically and found to be a normal postoperative change. In two cases no tumor was seen on the IMRI. Five patients who had preoperative progressive visual loss preoperatively improved postresection and two patients who had increased insulin growth factor 1 preoperatively normalized postoperatively. No delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks or any other complications occurred. CONCLUSION Combining intraoperative endoscopy and IMRI is an effective surgical modality for pituitary surgery. Each technology provides complimentary information, which can assist the surgeon in safely maximizing the extent of resection.
Dr. Bronner's "Magic Soaps" Religion: A Tikkun Olam Response to the Holocaust, the Atom Bomb, and the Cold War

This essay explores the historical and cultural context in which the late Emanuel Bronner began marketing Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, a natural brand known for its unusual labels that promote an "All-One-God-Faith" solution for saving "spaceship Earth." An amalgamation of Judaism and American pluralism, Dr. Bronner's plan for world peace was a response to the anxieties caused by the Holocaust, the advent of atomic weaponry, and the ongoing Cold War. Although Dr. Bronner was an escapee from an insane asylum and came to be regarded as a kook, it should be recognized that he conformed to the behaviour of a prophet or holy fool. His message corresponds with tikkun olam, the Jewish vision of "repairing the world." Dr. Bronner's natural soaps and the accompanying call for global harmony served as a purification ritual for the American counterculture youth of the 1960s and 1970s.
Precipitation in Ni-11.1 at.% Al and Ni-13.8 at.% Al alloys☆

Abstract The precipitation reactions in Ni-11.1 at.% Al and Ni-13.8 at.% Al alloys at 425 and 450°C were investigated by measuring the change in the Curie temperature and form of the magnetization vs. temperature curve during aging. While the reaction goes essentially to completion in the 11.1 at.% Al alloy, it does not in the more concentrated alloy. Further, the magnitude of the maximum slope of the magnetization vs. temperature curve decreases with initial aging snowing that the magnetic phase has become highly inhomogeneous. The 13.8 at.% Al alloy is thought to decompose via fluctuations which are large in extent but small in degree, i.e. spinodal decomposition or Cahn—Hilliard non-classical nucleation. There is evidence for two stage precipitation in the 11.1 at.% Al alloy. A precipitate which is ferromagnetic at 77°K appears to precede the stable phase, γ', Ni 3 Al, which was presumed to be the second stage precipitate.
Potential problem when using the new lower-prime hollow-fibre membrane oxygenators with uncoated stainless steel heat exchangers.

A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the trans-oxygenator pressure gradient across three different hollow-fibre membrane oxygenators during routine cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Sixty consecutive open-heart surgery patients were randomly divided into three groups each receiving a different model of membrane oxygenator. Inlet and outlet pressures, as well as patients' pressures, blood flow, revolutions per minute and tympanic membrane temperature were recorded every 15 min during CPB. Within the study groups, there were subsets of patients who exhibited high trans- oxygenator pressures. Although most of these episodes were transient and resolved over a period of time, there were several cases during which the high trans-membrane pressures persisted, resulting in decreasing oxygenator performance. In one such case, oxygenator change-out was required. After extensive analysis and review, the only similarities or correlation that could be made were with the marriage of the newer lower- prime hollow-f...
Fundamental aspects of recoupled pair bonds. I. Recoupled pair bonds in carbon and sulfur monofluoride

Formation of a bond between a second ligand and a molecule with a recoupled pair bond results in a recoupled pair bond dyad. We examine the recoupled pair bond dyads in the a3B1 states of CF2 and SF2, which are formed by the addition of a fluorine atom to the a4Σ− states of CF and SF, both of which possess recoupled pair bonds. The two dyads are very different. In SF2, the second FS–F bond is very strong (De = 106.3 kcal/mol), the bond length is much shorter than that in the SF(a4Σ−) state (1.666 A versus 1.882 A), and the three atoms are nearly collinear (θe = 162.7°) with only a small barrier to linearity (0.4 kcal/mol). In CF2, the second FC–F bond is also very strong (De = 149.5 kcal/mol), but the bond is only slightly shorter than that in the CF(a4Σ−) state (1.314 A versus 1.327 A), and the molecule is strongly bent (θe = 119.0°) with an 80.5 kcal/mol barrier to linearity. The a3B1 states of CF2 and SF2 illustrate the fundamental differences between recoupled pair bond dyads formed from 2s and 3p lon...
Inference in Autoregression under Heteroskedasticity

. A scalar pth-order autoregression (AR(p)) is considered with heteroskedasticity of the unknown form delivered by a transition function of time. A limit theory is developed and three heteroskedasticity-robust test statistics are proposed for inference, one of which is based on the nonparametric estimation of the variance function. The performance of the resulting testing procedures in finite samples is compared in simulations and some suggestions for practical application are given.
Calories versus protein in onset of renal disease in NZB x NZW mice

Abstract Autoimmunity-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 (B/W) female mice are used as a model of human lupus erythematosus. When full-fed, these mice die of glomerulonephritis between 7 and 11 (average 9) months of age. When food intake is restricted to 60% of calories, the onset of this disease is delayed and the mice live greatly prolonged lives free of disease. Since high protein intake is commonly associated with acceleration of kidney damage in humans and experimental animals, the current experiments were designed to employ diets in which protein concentration was as high as possible. The observations demonstrate clearly that with this model of autoimmune disease, total calorie intake (from whatever source) exerts an overriding influence on life span. A higher calorie intake leads to early death and restricted-calorie intake leads to an increased life span. When B/W mice are full-fed, with respect to calories, feeding diets of greatly differing protein composition did not influence life span significantly. By contrast, calorie restriction of diets, even of very high protein content or of lower protein content, greatly prolonged life of B/W mice. Even with exceedingly high protein intake (greater than 83% of the calories) it is not protein per se but the total calorie intake that exerts the greatest influence that determines length of life in mice of this autoimmunity- and glomerulonephritis-prone strain.
Robust stability of Markovian jumping stochastic neural networks with interval time-varying delay

This paper studies the robust stability problem for a class of Markovian jumping stochastic neural networks (MJSNNs) with interval time-varying delay. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and stochastic analysis approach, a new delay-dependent sufficient condition is obtained in the linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) format such that for all admissible uncertainties delayed MJSNNs is globally asymptotically stable in the mean-square sense. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by a numerical example.
A framework for declarative updates and constraint maintenance in object-oriented databases

A framework for supporting ad-hoc declarative update requests in an object-oriented database (OODB) while maintaining database consistency and atomicity of update requests is described. The framework is based on the emulation of classic update methods in an OODB by a controlled, active, and user-transparent interaction between a predefined set of elementary updates and a set of integrity methods designed to maintain database consistency upon violations of integrity constraints. Given an object-oriented data model and a declarative query language, this framework is extended by isolating declaratively stated integrity constraints as a separate concept, developing a high-level update language on top of the query language, and developing active integrity methods from the integrity constraints. The advantage of this approach is that users can freely pose declarative ad-hoc updates without jeopardizing database consistency. >
Nonlinearities in frequency dividers

The effect of nonlinearities in injection-locked frequency dividers is investigated and it is shown that the presence of nonlinearities, such as in a CML DFF-based divider, results in a wider frequency locking range. A new divider topology is presented that exhibits both higher operating frequencies and similar wide-locking range compared to the conventional CML DFF-based topology. The chip was fabricated through Jazz Semiconductor 0.18-µm CMOS process.
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Adapter Protein SH2B1β (SH2-Bβ) Is Required for Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth and Enhancement of Expression of a Subset of NGF-Responsive Genes

The adapter protein SH2B1 (SH2-B, PSM) is recruited to multiple ligand-activated receptor tyrosine kinases, including the receptors for nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin, and IGF-I as well as the cytokine receptor-associated Janus kinase family kinases. In this study, we examine SH2B1's function in NGF signaling. We show that depleting endogenous SH2B1 using short hairpin RNA against SH2B1 inhibits NGF-dependent neurite outgrowth, but not NGF-mediated phosphorylation of Akt or ERKs 1/2. SH2B1 has been hypothesized to localize and function at the plasma membrane. We identify a nuclear localization signal within SH2B1 and show that it is required for nuclear translocation of SH2B1beta. Mutation of the nuclear localization signal has no effect on NGF-induced activation of TrkA and ERKs 1/2 but prevents SH2B1beta from enhancing NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. Disruption of SH2B1beta nuclear import also prevents SH2B1beta from enhancing NGF-induced transcription of genes important for neuronal differentiation, including those encoding urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, and matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 10. Disruption of SH2B1beta nuclear export by mutation of its nuclear export sequence similarly prevents SH2B1beta enhancement of NGF-induced transcription of those genes. Nuclear translocation of the highly homologous family member SH2B2(APS) was not observed. Together, these data suggest that rather than simply acting as an adapter protein linking signaling proteins to the activated TrkA receptor at the plasma membrane, SH2B1beta must shuttle between the plasma membrane and nucleus to function as a critical component of NGF-induced gene expression and neuronal differentiation.
Can Patients Be Anticoagulated After Intracerebral Hemorrhage? A Decision Analysis

Background and Purpose— Warfarin increases both the likelihood and the mortality of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), particularly in patients with a history of prior ICH. In light of this consideration, should a patient with both a history of ICH and a clear indication for anticoagulation such as nonvalvular atrial fibrillation be anticoagulated? In the absence of data from a clinical trial, we used a decision-analysis model to compare the expected values of 2 treatment strategies—warfarin and no anticoagulation—for such patients. Methods— We used a Markov state transition decision model stratified by location of hemorrhage (lobar or deep hemispheric). Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Data sources included English language literature identified through MEDLINE searches and bibliographies from selected articles, along with empirical data from our own institution. The base case focused on a 69-year-old man with a history of ICH and newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrilla...
The effects of owl predation on the foraging behavior of heteromyid rodents

Researchers have documented microhabitat partitioning among the heteromyid rodents of the deserts of North America that may result from microhabitat specific predation rates; large/bipedal species predominate in the open/risky microhabitat and small/quadrupedal species predominate in the bush/safer microhabitat. Here, we provide direct experimental evidence on the role of predatory risk in affecting the foraging behavior of three species of heteromyid rodents: Arizona pocket mouse (Perognathus amplus; small/quadrupedal), Bailey's pocket mouse (P. baileyi; large/quadrupedal), and Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami; large/bipedal). Both kangaroo rats and pocket mice are behaviorally flexible and able to adjust their foraging behavior to nightly changes in predatory risk. Under low levels of perceived predatory risk the kangaroo rat foraged relatively more in the open microhabitat than the two pocket mouse species. In response to the presence of barn owls, however, all three species shifted their habitat use towards the bush microhabitat. In response to direct measures of predatory risk, i.e. the actual presence of owls, all three species reduced foraging and left resource patches at higher giving up densities of seeds. In response to indirect indicators of predatory risk, i.e. illumination, there was a tendency for all three species to reduce foraging. The differences in morphology between pocket mice and kangaroo rats do appear to influence their behavioral responses to predatory risk.
A methodology for the identification of worst-case test vectors for logical faults induced in CMOS circuits by total dose

A new methodology was developed for the identification of the worst-case combination of irradiation and postirradiation test vectors. The methodology significantly simplifies total-dose testing of CMOS VLSI devices. It also provides more accurate assessment of failure levels for such devices. >
The Mechanical Properties of Polyimide Films after Exposure to High pH

Wiring failures linked to insulation damage have drawn much attention in the aerospace industry and concerns have developed regarding the stability and safety of polyimide insulated electrical wire. Several polyimides were selected for evaluation for resistance to degradation by various aqueous alkaline solutions. The polyimides under evaluation include commercially available films such as Kapton (tk), Apical (tk), LaRC(tk)-TPI, and Upilex(tk)R and S, as well as a number of experimental films prepared by NASA Langley. Thermally imidized films were studied for their retention of mechanical properties after exposure to high pH solutions under stressed conditions.