cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineered cystine knot peptides that bind αvβ3, αvβ5, and α5β1 integrins with low‐nanomolar affinity

There is a critical need for compounds that target cell surface integrin receptors for applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. We used directed evolution to engineer the Ecballium elaterium trypsin inhibitor (EETI-II), a knottin peptide from the squash family of protease inhibitors, as a new class of integrin-binding agents. We generated yeast-displayed libraries of EETI-II by substituting its 6-amino acid trypsin binding loop with 11-amino acid loops containing the Arg-Gly-Asp integrin binding motif and randomized flanking residues. These libraries were screened in a high-throughput manner by fluorescence-activated cell sorting to identify mutants that bound to alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. Select peptides were synthesized and were shown to compete for natural ligand binding to integrin receptors expressed on the surface of U87MG glioblastoma cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 10-30 nM. Receptor specificity assays demonstrated that engineered knottin peptides bind to both alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins with high affinity. Interestingly, we also discovered a peptide that binds with high affinity to alpha(v)beta(3), alpha(v)beta(5), and alpha(5)beta(1) integrins. This finding has important clinical implications because all three of these receptors can be coexpressed on tumors. In addition, we showed that engineered knottin peptides inhibit tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix protein vitronectin, and in some cases fibronectin, depending on their integrin binding specificity. Collectively, these data validate EETI-II as a scaffold for protein engineering, and highlight the development of unique integrin-binding peptides with potential for translational applications in cancer.
ENHANCEMENT OF ULTRAVIOLET OR N‐METHYL‐N'‐ NITRO‐N‐NITROSOGUANIDINE SENSITIVITY OF DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM BY 3‐AMINOBENZAMIDE

— The amoeboid cells of Dktyostelium discoideumNC–4 possess a 3-aminobenzamide(3-ABA)-sensitive repair mechanism for DNA damages induced by UV-irradiation or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-treatment. We have studied the effect of 3-ABA on each step of excision repair in the UV- irradiated cells. Although the nicking of DNA-strand and the excision of pyrimidine dimcrs are insensitive to 3-ABA, the rejoining of DNA strand-breaks is sensitive. The frequency of mutation induced by UV-irradiation or MNNG-treatment is depressed by 3-ABA. The mechanisms of repair inhibition by 3-ABA are discussed.
Toxicity of Fipronil to Susceptible and Resistant Strains of German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) and House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

The toxicity of fipronil, a promising new insecticide, was evaluated against several susceptible and resistant strains of German cockroach and house fly in the presence or absence of the P450 monooxygenase inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Fipronil was highly toxic to German cockroaches based on 72-h LD50 values and PBO had little effect on the toxicity. The Cld-R strain, which has >17,000-fold resistance to dieldrin, was 6.7- to 7.7-fold cross-resistant to fipronil compared with the susceptible strains. This cross-resistance was not effected by PBO. The fipronil LD50 values in 6 other strains of German cockroaches were <2-fold different from the susceptible strains. Fipronil was also highly toxic to house flies and PBO further enhanced this toxicity 10-fold. The LPR strain was 15-fold cross-resistant to fipronil. PBO did not block expression of cross-resistance in LPR, suggesting monooxygenases are not a major mechanism of cross-resistance to fipronil in this strain. The OCR strain was 3, 100-fold resistant to dieldrin and showed 31-fold cross-resistance to fipronil. The AVER strain (abamectin resistant) was 2-fold more sensitive to fipronil than the CS susceptible strain. This increased sensitivity was not effected by PBO. The relatively low levels of cross-resistance we detected suggest that cross-resistance may not be a limiting factor for the use of fipronil against German cockroaches and house flies.
Timcogs: An Educational, Computer Graphics Timber-Marking Simulator

Visualizing complex timber-marking and tree-growth concepts gives forestry students new insights into the problems, confidence in practical techniques, and invaluable experience.
Predicting the Fluency of Text with Shallow Structural Features: Case Studies of Machine Translation and Human-Written Text

Sentence fluency is an important component of overall text readability but few studies in natural language processing have sought to understand the factors that define it. We report the results of an initial study into the predictive power of surface syntactic statistics for the task; we use fluency assessments done for the purpose of evaluating machine translation. We find that these features are weakly but significantly correlated with fluency. Machine and human translations can be distinguished with accuracy over 80%. The performance of pairwise comparison of fluency is also very high---over 90% for a multi-layer perceptron classifier. We also test the hypothesis that the learned models capture general fluency properties applicable to human-written text. The results do not support this hypothesis: prediction accuracy on the new data is only 57%. This finding suggests that developing a dedicated, task-independent corpus of fluency judgments will be beneficial for further investigations of the problem.
Structural connectivity of the frontal lobe in children with drug-resistant partial epilepsy

The superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) II and cingulum are two white matter tracts important for attention and other frontal lobe functions. These functions are often disturbed in children with drug-resistant (DR) partial epilepsy, even when no abnormalities are seen on conventional MRI. We set out to determine whether abnormalities in these structures might be depicted on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in the absence of abnormalities on conventional MRI. We compared the DTI findings of 12 children with DR partial epilepsy with those of 12 age- and gender-matched controls. We found that the SLF II fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the patients were significantly lower than those of the controls (means: 0.398±0.057 and 0.443±0.059, respectively, P=0.002). Similarly, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and parallel diffusivity values for SLF II were also significantly lower in the patients. There were no differences in the FA and ADC values of the cingulum. Our findings are consistent with abnormal structural connectivity of the frontal lobe in children with DR partial epilepsy and provide a possible explanation for the previously reported functional abnormalities related to the SLF II in these patients.
Electron and Ion Runaway in a Fully Ionized Gas. I

Hydrodynamic equations are used to describe the flow of the electrons and ions of a fully ionized gas under the action of an electric field, E, of arbitrary magnitude. The dynamical friction force exerted by the electrons and ions upon each other through the agency of two-body Coulomb encounters is evaluated. In this connection the electrons and ions have been assigned Maxwellian velocity distributions which are displaced from each other by their relative drift velocity. This treatment yields a dynamical friction force which maximizes when the relative drift velocity is equal to the sum of the most probable random electron and ion speeds. For relative drift velocities in excess of this value the friction force decreases rapidly. As a consequence, it is found that a fully ionized gas cannot exhibit the steady-state behavior characterized by time independent drift velocities which has previously been accredited to it by other authors. Instead, it is shown that the electron and ion currents flowing parallel to the existing magnetic fields increase steadily in time (i.e., runaway) as long as a component of the electric field persists along the magnetic field. Drift velocities which greatly exceed the random speeds of the plasma particles can be created in this manner.The theory yields a critical electric field parameter, ${E}_{c}$, which is proportional to the plasma density and inversely proportional to its temperature. It is a measure of the electric field which is required if the velocities are to increase and exceed the most probable random speeds in the gas in one mean free collision time. For electric fields in excess of ${E}_{c}$ runaway proceeds even faster. In smaller fields runaway occurs when Joule heating has depressed ${E}_{c}$ sufficiently. Several interpretations of ${E}_{c}$ are given in terms of the collisional phenomenon involved.Within the framework of the hydrodynamic equations it is shown that the well-known ${(\mathrm{temperature})}^{\frac{3}{2}}$ electrical conductivity law can be recovered, provided $E\ensuremath{\ll}{E}_{c}$ and the electron temperature is held constant.Numerical solutions giving electron temperature and drift velocity as a function of time are presented for a range of the ratio $\frac{E}{{E}_{c}}$. The assumption of the displaced Maxwellian distribution is justified on the basis of a comparison between the rate of Joule heating and the rate of equipartition of random speeds. Moreover, it is found that the use of an anisotropic velocity distribution does not affect the runaway phenomenon in any important way.The possibility of runaway induced across magnetic fields by steep pressure gradients and its relation to diffusion across magnetic fields is examined and discussed in detail.
Laparoscopic colectomy vs traditional colectomy for diverticulitis. Outcome and costs.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for diverticulitis.
Effects of caffeine administration on food and water consumption under various experimental conditions

Abstract The effects of caffeine on food and water intake were assessed in rats maintained under several experimental conditions. In Experiment 1, caffeine, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 50.0 or 100.0 mg/kg was injected into 23 hr food deprived, 23 hr water deprived or ad lib animals. In Experiment 2, animals were adapted to a 21 hr food deprivation schedule and administered the same doses of caffeine as were used in Experiment 1. Results indicate that caffeine both enhances and decreases food and water intake and that the effects observed depend on the experimental circumtances.
Effect of coercion, perceived coercion and treatment on criminal justice and psychiatric outcomes

Methods A comparison study of 174 jail detainees with co-occurring serious mental and addictive disorders assessed on psychosocial, mental health, substance abuse, criminal justice, and satisfaction domains at baseline, 3 and 12months through self-report standardized instruments and services data, and collateral criminal justice data one-year prior and one-year following division. Matched participants were in one of three conditions: diversion eligible but not recruited to a diversion program, diverted through court programs that mandated conditions through deferred sentencing, and diverted through general diversion without follow-up criminal justice sanctions for noncompliance with legal conditions.
Son(s) and Lovers: The Child as Narrative Linchpin in Marcelle Tinayre's La Rebelle

Marcelle Tinayre first made her mark on the turn-of-the-century publishing world with contributions to newspapers and periodicals and garnered further attention when, after being nominated for the Legion d’honneur, she wrote a satirical piece on the award, which resulted in the removal of her name from the list of candidates. Tinayre published a number of novels, including La Rebelle (1905), which critics have characterized as a “Bildungsroman feminocentrique” (France Grenaudier-Klijn, Une Litterature 81), “the romance of an emancipated ‘New Woman’” (Diana Holmes, “Decadent Love” 17), and a “novel of professional development” (Juliette Rogers). This Belle Epoque novel tells the story of Josanne, a feminist journalist whose child, born of an extramarital affair, may appear to play a secondary role in the novel's plot, but who is in fact its force motrice, the linchpin in Josanne's relationships with men and the figure on which her separate yet interconnected roles as woman, lover, and mother pivot.
Reducing paint waste in a colour sample manufacturing industry

Colour sample manufacturing industry provides an important support for the paint manufacturers. It manufactures colour samples that help original paint manufacturers to sell paint by allowing potential customers to accurately visualise a specific colour. One of the burning issues in colour sampling manufacturing is accurately predicting the tally gallons. It involves an estimation of paint volume to cover a given surface area of paper. The as-is tally gallons estimation process is rudimentary and largely depends upon the human experience. Ideally, this quantity should be enough to cover the target surface area regardless of colour appearance. However, this is not the case with existing process. Currently, lighter colours run out in the middle of the production run while darker colour appearances have significant amount of left over paint. The amount of painting waste is as high as 15% (by volume) in some cases. The objective of this paper is to present a predictive model to better estimate the tally gallons by minimising painting waste. It presents a case study of a US colour sample manufacturing company. The results show that the proposed multiple linear regression approach reduces the leftover paint significantly.
An Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation-Based Model for Measuring Consumer Shopping Oriented Web Site Success

AbstrAct This article develops a new model of Web IS success that takes into account both intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors. The proposed model begins with the Garrity and Sanders (1998) model of technologic acceptance and develops an extended nomological network of success factors that draws on motivation and flow theory. Keywords: e-commerce measurement; Internet trust; IS evaluation; measuring IS success; partial least squares; technology acceptance model An Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation-based Model for Measuring consumer shopping Oriented Web site success Edward J. Garrity, Canisius College, USAJoseph B. O’Donnell, Canisius College, USAYong Jin Kim, Sogang University, Korea and State University of New York at Binghamton, USAG. Lawrence Sanders, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA INtrODUctION The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been the dominant framework for explaining the acceptance and use of IT for nearly 20 years (Keil, Beranek, & Konsynski, 1995). In particular, research has found that
On Measuring Individual Knowledge in Organizations

How can knowledge held by individuals and groups be accurately measured when the a priori ``right'' answers are unknown? This article presents a promising new approach, based on anthropological consensus theory, to solving this common research problem. Using a unique data set, we compare the consensus approach with more traditional approaches (e.g., standardized testing). The results suggest that a consensus-based method may be a highly accurate way to estimate knowledge levels in a number of settings.
Effects of the Perceived Intentionality and Stability of Another's Dependency on Helping Behavior

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects on help-giving of the perceived intentionality and stability of the cause of a dependent person's need. Subjects were asked to lend class notes to a caller whose need for help was described as due either to a lack of ability ("unintentional" dependency) or to a lack of effort ("intentional" dependency). The cause of the caller's dependency was also varied according to its perceived degree of stability (stable vs. unstable). As predicted, more help was elicited (1) when the caller's dependency was attributed to a lack of ability rather than to a lack Df effort, and (2) when the dependency was seen as stable rather than unstable. The results are discussed in terms of theorizing which has attempted to relate outcome attributions to helping behavior.
Spectroscopy from the point of view of the communication theory. Part I. Resolution.

The following factors which affect resolution, the numerical aperture of the instrument D/f, finite entrance and exit slits (2d), absorption of the prism B, and the finite width of the absorption line 2δ, have been treated simultaneously to get the exact relationship between the resolving power 2a and slit width. The results are presented graphically for various values of natural line width and the prism absorption. For B, δ and d/δ large, the relationship can be approximated by a law of quadrature 3a2=4d2+(δ+B)2,where a, d, and δ are measured in units characteristic of the diffraction pattern at wavelength λ, λf/πD. The absorption coefficient in absolute units is multiplied by a quarter of the base of the prism to give B.In the practical range, the law of combination is much stronger, and the resolving power for small δ and B can actually be better than that expected from the geometrical optics of the slits alone.
The Politics of Cultural Performance

The Politics of Cultural Performance. DAVID PARKIN, LIONEL CAPLAN, and HUMPHERY FISCHER, eds. Oxford: Berghahn Books, 1996. xl + 294 pp., select bibliography of works by Abner Cohen, notes, references, contributors, index.
Permeability and Solubility of d‐Limonene Vapor in Cereal Package Liners

Studies were carried out on the solubility and permeability of limonene vapor in two cereal package liners. The effect of limonene partial pressure on the permeation rate and permeability coefficient was determined over a concentration range of 0.3 to 7 ppm (wt/v). The equilibrium sorption concentration and solubility coefficient of limonene in the liner films were also determined by a microbalance gravimetric technique. Data obtained provided information necessary for the estimation of the storage quality of a packaged fruit-flavored cereal product whose quality is related to the retention of volatile aroma constituents within the package headspace.
A mixed valence form of the iron cluster in the B2 protein of ribonucleotide reductase from Escherichia coli

A mixed valent form of the iron cluster (Fe(II)Fe(III)) in the B2 protein of ribonucleotide reductase has been isolated and characterized. The irons in this state of the protein are ferromagnetically coupled as indicated by the observation of a novel S = 9/2 EPR spectrum. This is the first ferromagnetically coupled Fe(II)Fe(III) cluster reported for a protein and the first observation of the mixed valence form of ribonucleotide reductase.
Why Tyrants Go Too Far: Malignant Narcissism and Absolute Power

This article explores the puzzling behavior of tyrants who undermine themselves once in power. Therealpolitik perspective and a variety of psychological frameworks are used to try to resolve this puzzle in the cases of several ancient and three contemporary tyrants. Although all the frameworks used have explanatory power, the one that most closely fits the tyrants studied here is that of the narcissist with severe superego deficiencies. An individual with such psychological characteristics may have some advantages in rising to power, and his behavior may be an effective response to some real-life factors, but once he has consolidated his position his reality-testing capacities diminish. Fantasies held in check when his power is limited are apt to become his guides to action. As a consequence, his behavior becomes more erratic, he runs into difficulties in meeting his goals, and his paranoid defenses become more exaggerated. The finale of a tyrant’s career depends on the particulars of his political and social situation.
Spawning Success of Fathead Minnows on Selected Artificial Substrates

Abstract Spawning success of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) on six different substrates was tested and evaluated. Egg adhesiveness was equally good on cement-asbestos tile and sand-coated stainless steel substrates, but was poor on unaltered stainless steel, shot-peened stainless steel, stainless steel screen, and glass substrates. Viability and number of eggs spawned were not significantly different for any of the substrates tested.
Advocacy, Politics, and the Betterment of Public Health: 1999 Abraham Jacobi Address

It is a distinct privilege and honor for me to deliver the 1999 Abraham Jacobi Address, especially when I considered the imposing list of previous awardees. This is truly an impressive list, in many respects the leadership of American pediatrics for the past 36 years, and I am honored to stand in their footsteps. Indeed, I come here with a clear vision because I stand on the shoulders of giants. Two individuals deserve particular note. One, Howard Pearson, is well-known to this audience as a past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (the Academy, AAP) and its unofficial historian as chairman of the advisory committee for the Academy's Pediatric History Center. Howard has been both a mentor and a colleague during almost 3 decades at Yale. More than anyone, Howard has been responsible for my involvement with the Academy. In 1984, when the pediatric academic societies decided to reorganize their Washington-based activities, Howard Pearson recommended that I lead this effort. Thus was born the Public Policy Council of the American Pediatric Society, Society for Pediatric Research, and the Association of Medical School Department Chairs and it has been closely connected with the AAP's Department of Federal Affairs, more colloquially the Academy's Washington Office, since then. Howard has also been a rich source of biographical material on Abraham Jacobi, including some rather fascinating early political activities that I will briefly describe. Another who must be mentioned is Jimmy Simon, who has served with me as the American Pediatric Society's representatives to the Public Policy Council for most of these years. The organization and linkages of the Public Policy Council are depicted in Fig 1. Each contributing society appoints 2 members who have also served as liaison representatives to the AAP's Committee on Federal Government Affairs (COFGA), formerly the Council … Address correspondence and reprint requests to Myron Genel, MD, Office of Government and Community Affairs, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208000, New Haven, CT 06520-8000. E-mail:myron.genel{at}yale.edu
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Hydrochlorothiazide in Equine Plasma and Urine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A sensitive, quantitative method has been developed for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide in equine plasma and urine. Thin-layer chromatography is used to screen for the presence of the drug in unknown samples. The TLC screening methods described provide minimum detection limits of 50 ng/mL in plasma and 25 ng/mL in urine. A silica micro chromatography column is used to clean up ethyl acetate extracts for HPLC analysis and mass spectral confirmation. An internal standard, trichloromethiazide, is used to derive quantitative data at concentrations as low as 25 ng/mL for plasma disappearance curves and urinary excretion rates.
A harmonic cancellation technique for an ultrasound transducer excited by a switched-mode power converter

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using harmonic cancellation for a therapeutic ultrasound transducer excited by a switched-mode power converter without an additional output filter. A switching waveform without the third harmonic was created by cascading two switched-mode power inverter modules at which their output waveforms were pi/3 phase-shifted from each other. A PSPICE simulation model for the power converter output stage was developed. The simulated results were in good agreement with the measurement. The waveform and harmonic contents of the acoustic pressure generated by a 1-MHz, self-focused piezoelectric transducer with and without harmonic cancellation have been evaluated. Measured results indicated that the acoustic third harmonic- to-fundamental ratio at the focus was small (-48 dB) with harmonic cancellation, compared to that without harmonic cancellation ( -20 dB). The measured acoustic levels of the fifth harmonic for both cases with and without harmonic cancellation also were small (-46 dB) compared to the fundamental. This study shows that it is viable to drive a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer using a switched-mode power converter without the requirement of an additional output filter in many high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) applications.
Bodies Yearning on the Borders of Becoming A Performative Reflection on Three Embodied Axes of Social Difference

Signaling scholarship from Laurel Richardson, this essay is a performative reflection on three embodied axes of social difference as articulated through autoethnographic expressions of experience: a man who suffers from gynocomastia, a woman who suffers with Crohn’s Disease, and another women who was a chronic self-injurer. Each performative reflection serves as a vulnerable act of self-disclosure, resistance, and control. Each, according to Richardson, is a product of critical discernment that cannot be separated from the producer, the mode of production, the method of knowing, and its role as a collective story; displaying an individual’s story by narrativizing the experiences of the social category to which the individual belongs. Each story pivots on the construct of bodies yearning on the borders of becoming.
Lost Crops of the Incas: Little-known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation

Lost Crops of the Incas: Little-known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation. National Research Council. Washington: National Academy Press, 1989. xii + 415 pp., figures. $24.95 (paper). ISBN 0–309–04264-X.
Mexican and Mexican American women in a battered women's shelter: barriers to condom negotiation for HIV/AIDS prevention.

Anecdotal information suggests that, for Hispanic women who are involved with abusive partners, condom use request as an HIV/AIDS sexual risk-reduction behavior may expose the women to risk of both...
Detection of low levels of specific Salmonella species by fluorescent antibodies and flow cytometry

The use of fluorescently-labelled monoclonal antibodies, with detection by multi-parameter flow cytometry, was investigated for the rapid detection of salmonellas in pure cultures. Accurate detection of specific Salmonella serotypes was demonstrated down to levels of below 10 4 cells ml -1 (within 30 min) and 1 cell ml -1 (after 6 h non-selective pre-enrichment). This level of sensitivity was attained even in the presence of high levels of other bacterial species that would otherwise have interfered with the results. With combinations of different antibodies, each with a unique fluorescent label, simultaneous analysis for two species was possible
Tooth Loss in Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta Relative to Other Regions in the United States, 1999–2010

Objectives. We examined regional variation in tooth loss in the United States from 1999 to 2010.Methods. We used 6 waves of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and data on county characteristics to describe regional trends in tooth loss and decompose diverging trends into the parts explained by individual and county components.Results. Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta had higher levels of tooth loss than the rest of the country in 1999. From 1999 to 2010, tooth loss declined in the United States. However, Appalachia did not converge toward the US average, and the Mississippi Delta worsened relative to the United States. Socioeconomic status explained the largest portion of differences between regions in 1999, but a smaller portion of the trends. The Mississippi Delta is aging more quickly than the rest of the country, which explains 17% of the disparity in the time trend.Conclusions. The disadvantage in tooth loss is persistent in Appalachia and growing in the Mississippi Delta. The increas...
Randomized and Distributed Self-Configuration of Wireless Networks: Two-Layer Markov Random Fields and Near-Optimality

This work studies the near-optimality versus the complexity of distributed configuration management for wireless networks. We first develop a global probabilistic graphical model for a network configuration which characterizes jointly the statistical spatial dependence of a physical- and a logical-configuration. The global model is a Gibbs distribution that results from the internal network properties on node positions, wireless channel and interference; and the external management constraints on physical connectivity and signal quality. A local model is a two-layer Markov Random Field (i.e., a random bond model) that approximates the global model with the local spatial dependence of neighbors. The complexity of the local model is defined through the communication range among nodes which corresponds to the number of neighbors in the two-layer Markov Random Field. The local model is near-optimal when the approximation error to the global model is within a given bound. We analyze the tradeoff between approximation error and complexity. We then derive sufficient conditions on the near-optimality of the local model. For a fast decaying wireless channel with power attenuation factor α > 4 , a node only needs to communicate with O(1) neighbors for a local model to be near optimal. For a slowly decaying channel with a power attenuation factor 2 ≤ α ≤ 4, a node may have to communicate with more than O(N(4-α)/4) neighbors to result in a bounded approximation error. If the communication range is kept to be O(1), a bounded approximation error can also be achieved by reducing the density of active links to O(N(α-4)/(α+4)) for α 4 . The two-layer Markov Random Fields enable a class of randomized distributed algorithms such as the stochastic relaxation that allows a node to self-configure based on information from neighbors. We validate the model, the analysis and the randomized distributed algorithms through simulation.
Long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Objective To assess the results of laparoscopic splenectomy as a treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP at our institution between August 1992 and May 1997. Results Of 27 patients who underwent attempted laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP at our institution during the study period, 26 had completion of the procedure without conversion to an open splenectomy. The median postoperative hospital stay was 1.5 days, and no postoperative deaths occurred. In one patient, pancreatitis developed postoperatively. In four patients, splenectomy failed-two initially and two subsequently-and reinstitution of medical therapy was necessary. The other patients have remained free of medication, and 19 patients have platelet counts greater than 100 × 10 9 /L. The 3-year actuarial success rate was 81.5 %. Response to corticosteroid therapy preoperatively may be an indicator of success of splenectomy. Conclusion Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and allows prompt recovery. Long-term response rates are similar to those achieved with open splenectomy.
Transient-Dynamic Model of a Metal V-Belt CVT for Ratio Shift Control Applications

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) enhances the fuel economy and acceleration performance of a vehicle by allowing the engine to operate at or near its best specific fuel consumption rate for variable driving scenarios. A large volume of work has been reported on the dynamic modeling a metal V-belt CVT system. Most of the models mentioned in literature are steady-state quasi-static equilibrium based or multibody-formalism based, thereby being unsuitable for CVT control applications. Since steady state models fail to accurately capture inertial effects and multibody models present a challenge for control applications due to the large number of bodies involved, the focus of the current work has been to develop a simulation model relatively quick and accurate enough to predict the power transmission behavior and inertial dynamics of a metal pushing V-belt CVT at transient states. The objective of this research is to develop a detailed continuous one-dimensional transient-dynamic model of a metal V-belt CVT system for control applications. The model presented in this work is able to capture the dynamic correlation between the required pulley axial forces and the corresponding transmission ratio. In addition to this, it takes into account detailed inertial effects and predicts the slip behavior and torque capacity of the CVT system under both transient and steady-state regimes. The model proposed in this work would serve as a powerful tool to develop fast, reliable, and accurate controllers for a CVT-equipped driveline to meet the objectives of reduced losses, higher torque capacity, higher vehicle fuel economy and better acceleration performance. The results from the present model subsequently discuss in detail the transient performance of a metal V-belt CVT drive for high torque loading conditions. Various control strategies can be readily implemented with this detailed transient-dynamic model of a metal V-belt CVT system to achieve minimum slip loss and maximum fuel economy and torque capacity.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Conformational analyses of enzymes and substrates in processing environments.

Souvent, les processus biotechnologiques utilisent les proteines dans des milieux heterogenes et complexes, et leur structure spatiale evolue. Pour comprendre ce phenomene, deux modeles enzymatiques sont etudies, tout d'abord d'un point de vue cinetique, et ensuite par R.P.E. Il s'agit de l'alcool deshydrogenase de foie de cheval, soluble ou immobilisee sur deux supports et en presence de deux substrats; et de la cholesterol oxydase en solution aqueuse, ou en atmosphere gazeuse, avec ou sans solvant organique
We Are All Stakeholders of Gaia: A Normative Perspective on Stakeholder Thinking

This essay takes the normative perspective that we, including humans, institutions and enterprises, other living beings, and ecological systems, are all stakeholders of a core focal entity—the Earth conceived as the living system Gaia. The argument is that for the purposes of considering the long-term health and well-being of humanity, Gaia rightly should be conceived as the ultimate focal entity with a huge variety of other living beings, systems, and future generations, whose well-being is also at stake in the relationship. This perspective highlights the ways in which Gaia affects and is affected by her various stakeholders. It incorporates a rationale for such thinking that relies on recognizing the normative elements of stakeholder theory, particularly those that derive from interactions of stakeholders and planetary elements. It presents a framework of mutual influence and interdependence, with implications for the ways in which humanity needs to act with respect to Gaia.
Respiratory Impairment and the Aging Lung: A Novel Paradigm for Assessing Pulmonary Function

establishing respiratory impairment based on spirometric Z-scores has been shown to be strongly associated with respiratory symptoms, frailty, and mortality. Alternatively, respiratory impairment may be defined by the peak expiratory flow, as measured by a peak flow meter. The peak expiratory flow, when expressed as a Z-score, has been shown to be strongly associated with disability and mortality. However, because it has a reduced diagnostic accuracy, peak expiratory flow should only define respiratory impairment when spirometry is not readily available or an older person cannot adequately perform spirometry. Conclusions. Aging is associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory impairment, which is best defined by spirometric Z-scores. Alternatively, in selected cases, respiratory impairment may be defined by peak expiratory flow, also expressed as a Z-score.
Local variation or global convergence in agricultural biotechnology policy? A comparative analysis

The history of attention to local variation in science and technology studies notwithstanding, there is a growing emphasis in the study of science policy on global convergence. In this paper, we undertake a multi-state comparative study of agricultural biotechnology policies, illustrating the continuing value of attending to policy variation and the factors that mold it. We acknowledge the growing influence of supranational entities and transnational cultural exchanges in shaping policy. However, our research does not indicate the homogenization of agricultural biotechnology policies across the globe. Instead, we find three broad models of agricultural biotechnology governance: ‘liberal science-based’ regulation, ‘precautionary science-based’ regulation, and ‘social values-based’ regulation. While states are constrained by global and local factors, they actively shape policies by blending parts of these three policy models in distinct ways.
Improving classification performance through kinematic decisions

We analyze the relationship between classification performance (i.e., the mutual information and the probability of misclassification) and sensor abilities. The analysis suggests an effective region of sensor space that can improve the classification performance when multiple measurements are to be taken sequentially, and possible sensor allocation strategies are discussed. Based on the analysis, we apply the sensing strategies to a UAV path planning problem where the sensor performance depends on the relative position (i.e., range and azimuth) of the UAV with respect to the object of interest. Specifically, we use two sliding mode controllers, each of which accounts for a particular sensing strategy, with a hybrid-system switching scheme. We validate our approach with numerical simulation results.
Analysis of laryngoscopic features in patients with unilateral vocal fold paresis

Objectives/Hypothesis The diagnosis of paresis in patients with vocal fold motion impairment remains a challenge. More than 27 clinical parameters have been cited that may signify paresis. We hypothesize that some features are more significant than others. Study Design Prospective case series. Methods Two laryngologists rated laryngoscopy findings in 19 patients suspected of paresis. The diagnosis was confirmed with laryngeal electromyography. A standard set of 27 ratings was used for each examination that included movement, laryngeal configuration, and stroboscopy signs. A Fisher exact test was completed for each measure. A kappa coefficient was calculated for effectiveness in predicting the laterality of paresis. Results Left-sided vocal fold paresis (n = 13) was significantly associated with ipsilateral axis deviation, thinner vocal fold, bowing, reduced movement, reduced kinesis, and phase lag (P < .05). Right-sided vocal fold paresis (n = 6) was significantly associated with ipsilateral shorter vocal fold, axis deviation, reduced movement, and reduced kinesis (P < .05). Using these key parameters, the senior author was accurately able to diagnose the side of paresis in 89.5% of cases for a kappa coefficient of 0.78. Conclusions Of the multiple features on laryngoscopy, glottic configuration, ipsilateral thin vocal fold, vocal fold bowing, reduced movement, reduced kinesis, and phase lag were more likely to be associated with vocal fold paresis. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 2015
Identifying With the Brand Placed in Music Videos Makes Me Like the Brand

ABSTRACTThree studies are reported here, designed to answer two questions: (1) Does self-congruity influence brand attitude in music video product placements? (2) If so, under what conditions? Three correlational studies were conducted to answer these questions. Study 1 demonstrates the self-congruity effect of product placement in music videos: Consumers who experience high levels of self-congruity with the brand personality are more likely to have a favorable attitude toward that brand than those who experience low self-congruity with the same brand personality. The second study hypothesized that the self-congruity effect is likely to be stronger under high than under low conditions of involvement with the celebrity musician. However, the results showed that self-congruity had a main effect on brand attitude with no interaction with involvement with the celebrity musician. The third study hypothesized that the self-congruity effect is also more evident under high than under low conditions of congruence ...
Experimental Validation of the EBF3PanelOpt Vibro-acoustic Analysis of Panels with Straight and Curvilinear sti[|#11#|]ffeners

The vibro-acoustic experiments are performed at Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission (SALT) facility of Langley Research Center to measure the sound radiation from and transmission loss (TL) of two panels with straight and curvilinear stiffeners, respectively. The focus of the work addressed in this article is to validate the Vibro-acoustic analysis methods implemented in a multi-objective design optimization framework, EBF3PanelOpt. The stiffened test panels with six stiffeners have been designed using EBF3PanelOpt for turbulent boundary layer (TBL) excitation. To build the confidence in finite element models, free vibration tests of the manufactured stiffened panels are also performed. The excited experimental mode shape and eigen frequencies match quite well with the finite element analysis results for the free vibration test. A medium density fiberboard and aluminum frame is used to clamp the stiffened panels in the SALT transmission loss window. Due to strong coupling of the stiffened test panels with the frame, a finite element model of the stiffened panels with frame is developed. To capture the effect of the bolted joints in the test setup, bush elements with optimal values of rotational and translational stiffnesses are used. Measurements are also performed to estimate the damping in the stiffened panels with the rame. The numerical prediction of sound radiation from and TL of stiffened panels is in fair agreement with the measured values for both the panels.
Substrate Surface Morphology and Growth Evolution of Low Temperature Silicon Nitride on Transparent Plastics

Surface morphology and nucleation are important for forming electronic thin films on plastic substrates. We have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) with an oscillating cantilever to examine various transparent substrates, including 7059 glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated PET, and polycarbonate, and studied the effect of deposition processes on these surfaces. Studies include: 1) differences in dielectric nucleation on plastics and glass; 2) dielectric growth evolution; and 3) the effect of plasma exposure on surface roughness. The surface morphology of the different substrate materials varied significantly with the PET showing the largest roughness values; all the polymers were more rough than typical 7059 glass (rms <0.5 nm). Furthermore, the initial nucleation on both polymers were different than on glass. Very thin layers (<30A nominal thickness) of plasma deposited silicon nitride films on polycarbonate and glass produced flat, smooth surfaces, with rms roughness of ≈0.5 nm. On the PET substrates, the nitride growth began with broad, thin deposits and developed a coarse, large-grained structure as growth progressed. With exposure to a NH3 + N2 plasma, the glass and PET surfaces showed detectable changes in surface roughness, which are discussed below. These results demonstrate that plasma-deposited insulators nucleate and grow differently on plastic substrates than on glass, which has implications for electronic devices fabricated directly on plastics.
Recent Advance on the Detection of Staphylococcus Aureus Enterotoxins

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human and zoonotic pathogen widely spreading in the nature.It can produce staphylococcal enterotoxins(SE) and induce food poisoning.Detection of SE is listed in food safety inspection regulations with the improving of people's awareness about food safety.It is necessary to establish a rapid and sensitive method for detection of SE to insure food safety.
No plan survives contact: experience with cybercrime measurement

An important mode of empirical security research involves analyzing the behavior, capabilities, and motives of adversaries. By definition, such measurements cannot be conducted in controlled settings and require "engagement" directly with adversaries, their infrastructure or their ecosystem. However, the operational complexities required to successfully carry out such measurements are significant and rarely documented; blacklisting, payment instruments, fraud controls and contact management all represent real challenges in such studies. In this paper, we document our experiences conducting such measurements over five years (covering a range of distinct studies) and distill effective operational practices for others who might conduct similar experiments in the future.
Calcium and Zinc Absorption from Human Milk, Soy Formula and Dephytinized Soy Formula

Dietary calcium (Ca) is essential for regulation of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and for normal growth and bone development in infants. Some clinical disturbances in the postnatal period may be due to a low bioavailability of Ca from infant diets. Therefore, an adequate supply of Ca is necessary. Little information is available on the absorption of Ca from human milk, soy formula and dephytinized soy formula. To investigate this we used 14 day old rat pups as a model to measure the absorption of Ca. As a comparison, and to verify our model, we also studied the absorption of zinc (Zn). The major objectives of this study were (1) to investigate if a certain level of dephytinization of soy formula leads to a beneficial_ effect on Ca and Zn absorption; and (2) to investigate the influence of various diets on the uptake of Ca by passive diffusion. At this age it is possible to study the latter process, since the vitamin D-regulated active transport of Ca does not occur until rats are about 20 days old (1).
Characterizing the Compression Behavior of Al2O3/Si3N4 Nano Sized Particulate Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites

Objectives: Nano sized objects are exhibiting extra ordinary potential in all the aspects of properties. Objective of this work is to develop the composite of alumina reinforced with nano sized silicon nitride particles to analyze the compression behaviour of the developed composite materials against compacting pressure and % of reinforcement. Methods: Powder metallurgical techniques were used to manufacture the sample specimens of composites. The specimens were prepared with various proportions Si3N4 reinforcement ranges from 1 wt% to 20 wt%. Alumina was functionalized with 5 wt% of Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) at 80°C using water as plasticizer to enhance the dispersion and flow behaviour essential for forming the material. The composites were cold formed in two cycles where compacting pressure was maintained as 510 MPa and 725 MPa. The sintering temperature was maintained as 1400°C for soaking period of 30 minutes. Findings: The results revealed that the reinforced composites showed 35% more compressive strength than unreinforced monolithic material. It was found that the reinforcement content of silicon nitride increased the compressive strength of the composite as expected. The barrelling behaviour was not observed during compression. The compressive strength of monolithic alumina at 725 MPa was 0.7 times greater than of 510 MPa. It was observed that 12.5% of reinforcement experienced maximum peak load of failure. The 1400°C for sintering was observed as not sufficient to make plastic flow in powder metallurgical preforms. Application/Improvements: The betterment in result can be achieved by increasing the sintering temperature to 1800°C for soaking time 30 minutes. This study reveals that this particular combination of ceramic matrix composites exhibit better results in compressive behaviour. This can be further analyzed for wear and can be used as outstanding material in hybrid ceramic bearings.