cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Treatment with the LSD1 Inhibitor RN-1 to Increase HbF in Normal, Non-Anemic Baboons

Increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) lessen the severity of symptoms and increase the life span of patients with sickle cell disease. New and more effective strategies to increase HbF are needed because current therapies are ineffective in a significant proportion of patients. The lysine-specific demethylase, LSD1, an enzyme that demethylates Histone H3 mono- and dimethyl- K4 and K9 residues, is a component of the DRED co-repressor complex that represses the γ-globin gene (Cui et al, Mol Cell Biol 31:3298, 2011). Our laboratory has recently shown that RN-1, a pharmacological inhibitor of LSD1, increases γ-globin expression in sickle cell disease (SCD) transgenic mice (Rivers et al, Exp Hematol 43:546, 2015; Cui et al, Blood 126:386, 2015) and in baboons (Rivers et al, Haematol 101:688, 2016), widely acknowledge as the best animal model to test the activity of HbF-inducing drugs. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of RN-1, two normal, non-anemic baboons were treated for an extended period with RN-1 (PA8695, 264d; PA8698, 278d; 0.25mg/kg/d; 5d/wk, sc) and the effect on HbF, F cells, and hematological parameters evaluated weekly. Both animals exhibited weight gain (PA8695: 14.4%; PA8698: 20%) during the course of the study. F retics were increased 8-10 fold by the second week (d9) and were maintained at high levels throughout the course of the study (PA8695: 55.7±17.7% (mean±SD), median (M)=59.0%; PA8698: 56.4±14.5%, M=56.9%). F cell levels increased until d169 and were maintained thereafter at levels 18-25 times greater than pre-treatment (PA8695: 54.5±3.3%, M=54.2%; PA8698: 51.7±3.2%, M=51.4%). HbF levels also increased until d169 and were also maintained thereafter at levels 10-12 times greater than pre-treatment (PA8695: 12.8±1.7%, M=12.1%; PA8698: 11.4±1.4%, M=11.5%). Elevated levels of γ-globin chain synthesis were observed in the peripheral blood on multiple days (d162, d190, d267) of treatment (PA8695, 0.28±0.08 γ/γ+β;PA8698, 0.26±0.08 γ/γ+β). RT-PCR analysis showed that γ-globin mRNA levels were increased 9-22 fold (p Disclosures Rivers:Acetylon: Research Funding. DeSimone:EpiDestiny: Consultancy, Other: patents around decitabine and tetrahydrouridine. Lavelle:Acetylon: Research Funding.
Ultra-low Pt loading catalyst layers prepared by pulse electrochemical deposition for PEM fuel cells

We report the production of efficient, ultra-low Pt loading catalyst layers on fuel cell electrodes via pulse potential deposition (PPD) from a H2Pt(OH)6 plating solution. We show that by optimizing the off time in the PPD pulse sequence, it is possible to deposit very small, crystalline Pt nanoparticles with narrow size distribution (1.36 ± 0.360 nm) on amorphous carbon supports. Electrodes fabricated from these high surface area electrocatalysts display increased fuel cell performance compared to commercial electrodes with up to an order of magnitude less Pt. The improved performance of our electrodes is attributed to a combination of the optimized size of the deposited nanoparticles as well as the decreased thickness of the catalyst layer. In our deposited electrodes the catalyst layers are very thin (<10 μm) and as a result achieve up to twelve times the gravimetric power of commercial electrodes.
Multiview Imaging for Low-Signature Target Detection in Rough-Surface Clutter Environment

Forward-looking ground-penetrating radar (FL-GPR) permits standoff sensing of shallow in-road threats. A major challenge facing this radar technology is the high rate of false alarms stemming from the vulnerability of the target responses to interference scattering arising from interface roughness and subsurface clutter. In this paper, we present a multiview approach for target detection in FL-GPR. Various images corresponding to the different views are generated using a tomographic algorithm, which considers the near-field nature of the sensing problem. Furthermore, for reducing clutter and maintaining high cross-range resolution over the imaged area, each image is computed in a segmentwise fashion using coherent integration over a suitable set of measurements from multiple platform positions. We employ two fusion approaches based on likelihood ratio tests detector to combine the multiview images for enhanced target detection. The superior performance of the multiview approach over single-view imaging is demonstrated using electromagnetic modeling data.
Scan is Good Enough for Stuck Fault, Why Not AC Scan for Delay Faults

First, it may be industry thinks delay testing is just to ensure process variations do not effect our products critical paths and to speed sort. These play to the strengths of functional patterns which are: first, the reuse of design verification patterns for test; second, these patterns place the product into a state where it can be clocked at speed, thereby handling multi-cycle paths, clock domains and specialized clock gating. The weaknesses of functional patterns are: continued designer involvement, the inability to process a large number of products, the reduced likelihood of detecting of random delay defects, and the diagnostics of failures can be tough to impossible.
Probing the frontiers of particle physics with tabletop-scale experiments

The field of particle physics is in a peculiar state. The standard model of particle theory successfully describes every fundamental particle and force observed in laboratories, yet fails to explain properties of the universe such as the existence of dark matter, the amount of dark energy, and the preponderance of matter over antimatter. Huge experiments, of increasing scale and cost, continue to search for new particles and forces that might explain these phenomena. However, these frontiers also are explored in certain smaller, laboratory-scale “tabletop” experiments. This approach uses precision measurement techniques and devices from atomic, quantum, and condensed-matter physics to detect tiny signals due to new particles or forces. Discoveries in fundamental physics may well come first from small-scale experiments of this type.
Luciferase Activity of Insect Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetases with Synthetic Luciferins

Long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs) are homologues of firefly luciferase but are incapable of emitting light with firefly luciferin. Recently, we found that an ACSL from the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a latent luciferase that will emit light with the synthetic luciferin CycLuc2. Here, we have profiled a panel of three insect ACSLs with a palette of >20 luciferin analogues. An ACSL from the nonluminescent beetle Agrypnus binodulus (AbLL) was found to be a second latent luciferase with distinct substrate specificity. Several rigid luciferins emit light with both ACSLs, but styryl luciferin analogues are light-emitting substrates only for AbLL. On the other hand, an ACSL from the luminescent beetle Pyrophorus angustus lacks luciferase activity with all tested analogues, despite its higher homology to beetle luciferases. Further study of ACSLs is expected to shed light on the features necessary for bioluminescence and substrate selectivity.
Comparison of the distribution optimal power flow relaxations for unbalanced loads and generations

This paper presents a numerical comparison between the second order cone relaxation for single-phase distribution systems and the semidefinite relaxation for the multiphase distribution systems for the optimal power flow problem considering unbalanced load and generation. Towards this end, the IEEE 37-bus test feeder is adapted using four different distribution line models for the various feeder segments and by populating selected nodes with photovoltaic inverters. Results generated by Matlab Software for Disciplined Convex Programming (CVX) suggest that solutions found using the four line models are almost identical for the multiphase algorithm, but losses may be larger using the single-phase algorithm.
Cardiac Surgery Outcomes in Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Background Cardiovascular disease is a cause of morbidity and mortality in organ transplant recipients. Cardiac surgery after organ transplantation is not uncommon in this population. We evaluated 30-day outcomes and long-term survival of abdominal transplant recipients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution. Methods In all, 138 patients with previous kidney, kidney-pancreas, and liver transplants underwent cardiac surgery from 2000 to 2016. Propensity score (ratio 1:3) matched 115 abdominal transplant with 345 patients undergoing cardiac surgery without a history of abdominal transplant. They were matched for type and year of cardiac surgery, age, sex, body mass index, history of diabetes mellitus, and creatinine level before cardiac surgery. Results Median time from abdominal transplant to cardiac surgery was 7 years (interquartile range, 3 to 12 years). Perioperative variables, including surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp and intubation time, and intensive care unit stay did not differ between the groups. Hospital length of stay and rate of 30-day hospital readmissions did not differ between the groups. Patients with abdominal transplants had more strokes (4% versus 0.6%; p = 0.005) within 30 days after surgery. There were no differences in renal failure, bleeding, site infections, atrial fibrillation, and pneumonia between the groups. Five patients (4%) died within 30 days after surgery in the abdominal transplant group (4 kidneys, 1 liver, 0 kidney-pancreas), and 7 patients (2%) died in the nontransplanted group ( p = 0.24). Conclusions Previous history of abdominal transplant is associated with an increased 30-day incidence of stroke after cardiac surgery. Abdominal transplant does not affect 30-day mortality after cardiac surgery, whereas long-term survival is significantly reduced. Regular patient follow-up and prevention and early treatment of postoperative complications are key to patient survival.
Heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of a-beryllium nitride, Be3N2, from 20 to 315 K

The heat capacity of α-beryllium nitride. Be3N2, was determined from 20 to 315 K and the thermodynamic properties calculated from 0 to 315 K. The entropy at 298.15 K was found to be 34.4 ±0.3 J/K· mol (8.23 ±0.08 cal/K· mol). The precision using a calorimeter of a new design is shown to be ± 0.01 percent over most of the temperature range of the measurements.
Floral Biology of the federally threatened Apios priceana (Fabaceae)1

Apios priceana B. L. Rob. is federally threatened and little is known about its pollination biology. At the Redstone Arsenal population, Alabama, we studied its breeding system, determined major floral visitors and their pollination effectiveness, and explored pollen limitation of fruit and seed production. Fruit initiation was low (3.9%) for cross-pollinated flowers but only marginally greater than for self-pollinated or nonpollinated flowers (none initiated a fruit). Most floral visits (97%) were by bees with 43% of visits by large bees (> 1.5 cm in length) and 51% by medium bees (1–1.5 cm in length). Keel petals of A. priceana flowers enclose the style and stamens: flowers must be “tripped” for pollination to occur. Large and medium bees were equally effective in tripping flowers, whereas small bees (< 1 cm in length) did not trip flowers. Success of large and medium bee species (several Bombus species and Megachile sculpturalis Smith) in initiating legumes after a single floral visit ranged from 17–35% but did not differ significantly among species. Pollen supplementation showed legume production was pollen-limited: 24% of supplemented flowers produced fruits versus 6% of nonsupplemented flowers. Seed counts revealed a marginally nonsignificant trend for more seeds in legumes from pollen-supplemented flowers. We conclude that this rare plant species is dependent on medium and large bees for pollination, and that reproduction is partially pollen-limited. Conservation efforts should include measures to protect bee pollinators of this species to ensure that managed populations of this rare plant continue to reproduce sexually.
Pharmacotherapy considerations for long-term management of patients with left ventricular assist devices.

Purpose Current guidelines and research pertaining to pharmacotherapy considerations for management of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are reviewed. Summary LVADs are being used more frequently to sustain patients with end-stage heart failure who are on a waitlist or ineligible for heart transplantation. The devices significantly impact patient physiology leading to unique medical complications and pharmacotherapy considerations. Pharmacists can play a vital role in understanding and relaying relevant medication concerns to the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Although optimal treatment regimens for some complications are still unclear, evolving research provides key information to incorporate into decisions. The introduction of an LVAD requires antithrombotic therapy in the absence of contraindications to prevent thrombosis. Warfarin with a device-dependent International Normalized Ratio (INR) goal is preferred. The baseline INR goal is usually 2–3 but can be adjusted for recurrent thrombosis or refractory bleeding. When infection is suspected, cultures should be obtained, covering likely pathogens with consideration of resistance in long-standing infections. Chronic antimicrobial suppression may be warranted. Elimination rate constant and volume of distribution may be altered. LVAD implantation may improve glycemic control. Doppler probe is preferred to monitor blood pressure, with a goal mean arterial pressure of ≤80 mm Hg. Conclusion Many pharmacotherapy considerations are necessary for the long-term management of patients with an LVAD. Awareness of LVAD structure, pathophysiologic alterations after LVAD implantation, and pharmacologic considerations will help pharmacists provide better recommendations.
The Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics and Plasma Dynamics in Metals Processing Operations

The principles of magnetohydrodynamics and plasma dynamics are reviewed in terms of their applications to fluid flow behavior in metals processing operations. The mathematical formulation of the problem is described in detail, while specific examples include induction stirring, electroslag welding, electric arc melting, and arc welding. It is shown that the calculated predictions of flow behavior in these operations correspond closely to the experimental data and, hence, the procedure outlined provides a useful new tool in understanding metals processing systems.
Family-Centered Care Interventions to Minimize Family Intensive Care Unit Syndrome and Post-intensive Care Syndrome-Family

The purpose of this chapter is to outline family-centered care interventions to be deployed within the intensive care unit stay to optimize family health as recommended within guidelines published by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and endorsed by nine professional agencies worldwide. Facilitated Sensemaking, a midrange theory recommended by the SCCM as one framework from which to apply principles of family-centered care, will be presented. Special situations such as provision of family care that is gender-sensitive, specific to the needs of infants and children, and needs of non-English-speaking families will be addressed. Needs of the unbefriended patient will also be explored. Case studies and personal testimony will be presented to translate abstract concepts into perspective, further emphasizing the importance of strategically deploying family interventions. Methods to optimize clinician resiliency to increase capacity for family-centered care are described.
Chronic Stress-Related Neural Activity Associates With Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Psoriasis: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objectives This study hypothesized that there is an association between chronic stress (as indexed by resting amygdalar activity [AmygA]), hematopoietic system activity (HMPA), and subclinical cardiovascular indexes (aortic vascular inflammation [VI] and noncalcified coronary plaque burden [NCB]) in psoriasis (PSO). The study also hypothesized that treatment of PSO would improve these parameters. Background PSO is a stress-related chronic inflammatory condition that is associated with increased prevalence of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). In individuals without PSO, stress has been linked to CVD through a serial biological pathway that involves the amygdala, hematopoietic tissues, and atherosclerotic plaques. Methods A total of 164 consecutive patients with PSO and 47 healthy volunteers underwent 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans for assessment of AmygA, HMPA, and VI, as well as coronary computed tomography angiography scans for quantifying NCB. Furthermore, a consecutive subset of 30 patients with severe PSO (Psoriasis Area Severity Index Score >10) were followed at 1 year to assess the relationship between skin disease improvement and AmygA, HMPA, VI, and NCB. Results The PSO cohort was middle-aged (mean age: 50 years), had low cardiovascular risk (Framingham risk score: median: 3) and had mild to moderate PSO activity (median Psoriasis Area Severity Index Score: 5.6). AmygA was higher in patients with PSO compared to volunteer participants. AmygA was associated with HMPA (bone marrow activity: β = 0.20, p = 0.01) and subclinical CVD (VI: β = 0.31, p Conclusions In PSO, a chronic inflammatory disease state, AmygA, which is a manifestation of chronic stress, substantially contributes to the risk of subclinical CVD. Additional studies that use psychometric measures of stress are required to explore therapeutic impact.
Peanut butter-based formulations of amoxicillin for pediatric applications.

Background Child mortality is a major global health challenge, especially in regions of limited resources. Accessibility to lifesaving medicine and adequate nutrition is essential to reduce child mortality and improve the health and well-being of the world's most vulnerable children. Methods We have developed NutMox, a novel pediatric formulation of the β-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin in a matrix of peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) consisting of peanut butter, sugar, vegetable oil, dry milk and vitamins. NutMox is ready to use and thermostable, requires no chewing or pill swallowing and provides both an antibiotic and nutrition. Results Amoxicillin in NutMox formulations was stable for at least 12 months at storage temperatures of 4°C, 25°C and 37°C. Amoxicillin formulated in NutMox displayed similar pharmacokinetics in mice to that in suspension. Conclusions Our results demonstrated the feasibility of a peanut butter-based matrix for pediatric formulations of amoxicillin, suggesting that such a matrix can serve as a base for delivering medications in addition to its current use as an RUTF.
பண்டைய ரோமானிய அரசுடனான தமிழக வணிகத் தொடர்புகள் பற்றிய ரோமானிய ஆவணங்கள் கூறும் செய்திகள் (Roman Trade Links with the Ancient Tamil Countries-Roman Documents)

Abstract This paper deals with the ancient Roman Manuscripts and documents referencing Ancient Tamil countries' trade networks. This paper examines recorded information in The Peutinger Map, Muziris Papyrus, The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, Bernardus Sylvanus Map as well as related sources in Plini the Elder and Strabo. It discusses the harbors, cities and infrastructure that were instrumental in trade exchanges between the Tamil countries of that time with the Roman entities, concomitantly with the commercial activities in the Indian Ocean. Research on selected ancient Roman Manuscripts and maps are included in this paper with the focus on trade route, goods and traders with special emphasis on cities like Muziris and Alexandria. This paper suggests for an extensive study that includes wide range of further Roman period Manuscripts and emphasizes on the importance and the need for further archaeological excavation projects at the ancient South Indian Malabar coastal cities and Coromandel coast. Key Words: Muziris, Thondi, Pandion, Korkai, Muziris Papyrus, Red Sea, Egypt. ஆயவுசசுருககம இககடடுரை பணடைய தமிழ நாடுகளுடனான ரோமானிய வரததகம தொடரபான ரோமானிய ஆவணஙகளை ஆராயகினறது. பணடைய ரோமானிய ஆவணஙகளான போயிடடிஙகர வரைபபடம, முசிறி பாபபிரஸ, செஙகடல பயணக கையேடு, பெரனாடுஸ சிலவானுஸ அவரகளது நில வரைபபடம ஆகியவை இநத ஆயவில பயனபடுததபபடடுளளன. இவறறோடு பளினி, ஸடராபோ ஆகியோரது பணடைய தமிழகம பறறிய ஆவணக குறிபபுககளும ஆயவுககுடபடுததபபடடுளளன. எவவகையில இநத ஆவணஙகளும குறிபபுககளும பணடைய தமிழக வணிகச சூழலை விவரிககினறன எனபதை இநத ஆயவுககடடுரை வெளிபபடுததுகினறது. இவவாயவுககடடுரை, பணடைய ரோமானிய மறறும தமிழக வணிக நகரஙகளைப பறறியும, துறைமுகஙகளைப பறறியும, துறைமுகஙகளில பணடைய ரோமானிய அரசு ஏறபடுததியிருநத வணிக நடைமுறைகளையும, அனறைய சூழலில வழககிலிருநத வரததக சூழலையும, வணிக இடைததரகரகளைப பறறியும, நிலவழி மறறும கடலவழி வணிகப பாதைகளையும, வணிக ஒபபநதஙகள, ஏறறுமதி இறககுமதி செயயபபடட வணிகபபொருடகள பறறியும விவரிககினறது. பணடைய தமிழக வணிகச சூழலை ஆவணபபடுததியிருககும ரோமானிய ஆவணஙகள, வணிகப பெருவழிகளில கையாளபபடட நடைமுறைகளை விவரிபபதோடு தமிழகததின கடறகரையோர நகரஙகள, அதில குறிபபாக முசிறி மறறும எகிபதிய வணிகமையமான அலெகசாநதிரியா ஆகிய நகரஙகளின வணிக முககியததுவததையும இககடடுரை ஆராயகினறது. தமிழகததின பணடைய வணிகம தொடரபான விரிவான ஆயவுகளுககு ஐரோபபியரின ஆவணக குறிபபுகள மிக முககியமானவையாக அமைகினறன. இவை மேலும விரிவாக தேடபபடவேணடும, ஆராயபபடவேணடும எனனும கருததை முனவைபபதோடு, தெனனிநதியாவின பணடைய துறைமுகப பகுதிகளிலும அதன சுறறுபபுரததில அமைநதுளள ஊரகளிலும அகழவாயவுப பணிகள தவிரபபடுததபபட வேணடும எனபதையும இககடடுரை வலியுறுததுகினறது. குறிபபுச சொறகள: முசிறி, அகழவாயவுகள, அலெகசாநதிரியா, எகிபது, இநதியப பெருஙகடல, செஙகடல, பாரசகக கடல.
Low aflatoxin levels and flowering delay in Aspergillus flavus-resistant maize lines are correlated with increased corn earworm damage and enhanced seed fumonisin content

ABSTRACT Preharvest mycotoxin contamination of field-grown crops is influenced not only by the host genotype, but also inoculum load, insect pressure and their confounding interactions with seasonal weather. In two field trials, we observed a preferred natural infestation of specific maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes by corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and investigated this unexpected interaction. These studies involved four maize lines with contrasting levels of resistance to Aspergillus flavus. The resistant lines had 7 to 14-fold greater infested ears than the susceptible lines. However, seed aflatoxin B1 levels, in mock- or A. flavus-inoculated ears were consistent with maize genotype resistance to A. flavus. Further, the corn earworm-infested ears had greater levels of fumonisin content in seeds than uninfested ears, indicating that the insect may have vectored native Fusarium verticillioides inoculum. The two maize lines with heavy infestation showed delayed flowering. The availability of young silk for egg-laying could have been a factor in the pervasive corn earworm damage of these lines. At the same time, H. zea larvae reared on AF-infused diet showed decreasing mass with increasing AF and >30% lethality at 250 ppb. In contrast, corn earworm was tolerant to fumonisin with no significant loss in mass even at 100 ppm, implicating the low seed aflatoxin content as a predominant factor for the prevalence of corn earworm infestation and the associated fumonisin contamination in A. flavus resistant lines. These results highlight the need for integrated strategies targeting mycotoxigenic fungi and their insect vectors to enhance the safety of crop commodities. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. not only cause ear rots in maize leading to crop loss, they can also contaminate the grain with carcinogenic mycotoxins. Incorporation of genetic resistance into breeding lines is an ideal solution for mycotoxin mitigation. However, the goal is fraught by a major problem. Resistance for AF or FUM accumulation is quantitative and contributed by several loci with small effects. Our work reveals that host phenology (flowering time) and insect vector-mycotoxin interactions can further confound breeding efforts. A host genotype even with demonstrable resistance can become vulnerable due to seasonal variation in flowering time or an outbreak of chewing insects. Incorporation of resistance to a single mycotoxin accumulation and not pairing it with insect resistance may not adequately ensure food safety. Diverse strategies including host-induced silencing of genes essential for fungal and insect pest colonization and broad-spectrum biocontrol systems need to be considered for robust mycotoxin mitigation.
Patient Evaluation and Diagnosis of Trigger Sites: A Practical Guide

Patient selection is one of the most important variables to ensure success in migraine surgery. The prevalence of patients who are candidates for surgery is unknown, but it is clear that not everyone with migraines/headache/nerve pain is eligible. This chapter is a step-by-step guide detailing our approach to successful patient selection from screening to the preoperative visit. Screening questionnaires with detailed descriptions and in-depth review of all trigger sites are included. The specific pain patterns, pain sketches, symptoms, physical exam, imaging findings, nerve block or Botox injections, and differential diagnoses are discussed for each trigger.
Advocacy in Pediatric Psychological Consultation

Advocacy has been characterized as the process of giving a voice to those without a voice. Pediatric psychologists are uniquely trained to conceptualize a child holistically; integrate medical, developmental, familial, and psychological factors in treatment; as well as inform comprehensive care of the child and family, all the while stimulating system-level changes. The relative dearth of published activity in pediatric psychology focusing on the development of evidence-based advocacy strategies and interventions needs to be addressed. The present chapter is intended to provide a systematic overview of advocacy and practical interventions for the pediatric psychologist to “champion” for the needs and rights of the most vulnerable in the health-care system.
Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Era of Biologics.

The advent of monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease has greatly changed the multidisciplinary management of these patients, including surgical approaches. As an increasing number of inflammatory bowel disease patients are being medically managed with monoclonal antibody therapy or combination therapy with immunomodulators, more patients are coming to the operating room having been exposed to these medical therapies. A search of the relevant literature regarding monoclonal antibody therapy and postoperative outcomes was performed. Significant controversy remains regarding the association between monoclonal antibodies and postoperative outcomes. Different classes of monoclonal antibodies may have different impacts on infectious complications. Operations for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis alter how we think about a change in care in the era of monoclonal antibodies. In Crohn's disease, intestinal diversion may be considered in patient and disease specific scenarios and in ulcerative colitis, the use of a 3-stage approach to an ileal pouch is now more often used.
Insights and Comparison of Structure-Bulk Property Relationships In Low Generation Hydroxylated Polyester Dendrimer and Hyperbranched Polymer Prepared From Bis-MPA Monomer

Abstract In this study a second generation, perfectly branched dendrimer (D2) was synthesized using an iterative method via anhydride coupling from a bis-MPA monomer and a pentaerythritol core. The multigram scale production of this dendrimer in the lab enabled a multifaceted investigation of structure-bulk property relationships and a subsequent comparison with those of the second generation of a chemically similar but hyperbranched polymer (HBP2) produced via rapid one-pot synthesis from a bis-MPA monomer and an ethoxylated pentaerythritol core. Several characterization tools such as 1H NMR, FTIR, DSC, WAXS, and high-pressure dilatometry were employed to explicate fundamental differences and similarities between these two important dendritic polymer subclasses. Specifically, high pressure dilatometry permitted an investigation of temperature and pressure effects on specific volume (PVT) of the dendrimer and its HBP analogue. Fitting PVT data to the Simha-Somcynsky (S–S) equation of state (EOS) for the melt state enabled demonstration the power of this EOS, originally developed for linear polymers, to also fully describe the PVT surfaces of the dendrimer and HBP in this study. Generated molecular parameters from the S–S model were compared with those for other polymeric systems. Finally, fractional free volume for the dendrimer and HBP, determined from the PVT data and the S–S model, at various temperatures and pressures was compared.
Computer Supported Collaborative LANGUAGE Learning (CSCLL)

As the title suggests, the concept of Computer-Supported Collaborative Language Learning (CSCLL) adopts and shares many aspects of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL). This article is an attempt to incorporate CSCL in English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts, and to examine the potential applicability of CSCL in ESL and EFL classes. The goal of this article is to examine potential effects of CSCL in ESL and EFL. To validate its usefulness, the theoretical framework of CSCL and the effects of collaboration in language learning are introduced. With guidelines for task design, a sample of CSCLL is presented. The specific description of the sample is designed to enhance the ESL and EFL teachers' understanding and to motivate them to use CSCLL in their teaching contexts. Practical tips for classroom implementation will be also included. In addition, potential benefits and limitations are discussed. Among these are increased authenticity, eliciting students' active participation and interaction, flexibility, reduced anxiety and higher motivation, scaffolding and collaboration, learnercenteredness, developing electronic literacy and promoting ownership and personal responsibility by webpublishing. Affordability, practicality and heavy work-load for the teachers can be considered as potential limitations. Finally, pedagogical implications for teachers and researchers are suggested.
Reinterpreting Islamic Historiography: Harun al-Rashid and the Narrative of the Abbasid Caliphate

Acknowledgements List of abbreviations and note on the dates Genealogical table: the line of the early 'Abbasid caliphs 1. Historical background and introduction 2. Harun al-Rashid: where it all started and ended 3. Al-Amin: the challenge of regicide in Islamic memory 4. Al-Ma'mun: the heretic Caliph 5. The structure of civil war narratives 6. Al-Mutawakkil: an encore of the family tragedy Conclusion Select bibliography Index.
Resolution of an Orbital Issue: A Designed Experiment

Design of Experiments (DOE) is a systematic approach to investigation of a system or process. A series of structured tests are designed in which planned changes are made to the input variables of a process or system. The effects of these changes on a pre-defined output are then assessed. DOE is a formal method of maximizing information gained while minimizing resources required.
Graph Labelings and Continuous Factors of Dynamical Systems

A labeling of a graph is a function from the vertex set of the graph to some finite set. Certain dynamical systems (such as topological Markov shifts) can be defined by directed graphs. In these instances, a labeling of the graph defines a continuous, shift-commuting factor of the dynamical system. We find sufficient conditions on the labeling to imply classification results for the factor dynamical system. We define the topological entropy of a (directed or undirected) graph and its labelings in a way that is analogous to the definition of topological entropy for a shift space in symbolic dynamics. We show, for example, if $G$ is a perfect graph, all proper $\chi(G)$-colorings of $G$ have the same entropy, where $\chi(G)$ is the chromatic number of $G$.
Instructing with Advanced Collaboration Technology

This paper provides lessons learned and some unexpected transformations in the learning process when advanced collaboration technology was used to overcome limitations of a popular, existing collaboration technology. The activities pursued in these advanced undergraduate and graduate computer and information sciences courses replicate many of the activities in collaborative knowledge work in organizations. Therefore, the lessons learned should be applicable to transforming other kinds of joint knowledge work in general.
NEUROPEPTIDE Y STIMULATION OF MYOSIN LIGHT CHAIN PHOSPHORYLATION IN CULTURED AORTIC SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is released from an extensive network of postganglionic sympathetic perivascular neurons. NPY has been shown to affect vascular tone postsynaptically by 1) directly stimulating contraction; 2) inhibiting vasorelaxation; and 3) potentiating contraction elicited by exogenous vasoconstrictors. The molecular mechanisms mediating these effects of NPY are undefined. Therefore, we examined the possibility that NPY could stimulate smooth muscle contraction through myosin light chain phosphorylation in cultured porcine aortic smooth muscle cells. NPY (100 nM) caused a rapid, transient increase in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, an important regulatory event in the initiation of smooth muscle contraction. NPY-stimulated MLC phosphorylation was prevented by preincubation of cells with pertussis toxin and was independent of extracellular Ca2+. In parallel studies, NPY alone had no detectable effect on cellular cAMP or cGMP content; however, NPY potently inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation (IC50 = 0.03 nM) through a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway. NPY had no detectable effect on basal phosphoinositide hydrolysis or protein kinase C activation but enhanced angiotensin II-stimulated production of inositol phosphates and activation of protein kinase C. These results indicate that NPY-stimulated MLC phosphorylation can occur in the absence of detectable changes in cAMP content, cGMP content, inositol phosphate production, or protein kinase C activation; however, the interactions between NPY and other vasoactive agents may be mediated by the indirect effects of NPY on adenylate cyclase activity and phosphoinositide hydrolysis.
Quality and productivity through process management

Summary form only given, as follows. It is pointed out that, too often, the implementation of total quality management is characterized as a wholesale assault with a variety of quality tools. The key to successful implementation is a strategically driven, integrated approach to managing the organization's critical processes. For the most part, though, when executives first try to think in terms of processes rather than in terms of their functional stovepipes, they find a great deal of difficulty in making the translation. Putting aside parochial interests in favor of cross-functional processes which benefit the entire corporation is essential. Process management begins by assigning ownership for the process. Functions which in the past were retained as prerogatives of management now become the purview of the process action team. The first responsibility of the process action team is to clearly define the process. The next step is process simplification. After simplification, it is time to measure the performance of the process. At this point, one is ready to move to process control by examining key variances to determine where they occur, why they occur, and how they can be prevented. when the process is in control, then one is in a position to look for breakthrough opportunities. >
Cosmology from Antarctica

Observation of the CMB is central to observational cosmology, and the Antarctic Plateau is an exceptionally good site for this work. The first attempt at CMB observations from the Plateau was an expedition to the South Pole in December 1986 by the Radio Physics Research group at Bell Laboratories. Sky noise and opacity were measured. The results were sufficiently encouraging that in the Austral summer of 1988-1989, three CMB groups participated in the "Cucumber" campaign, where a temporary site dedicated to CMB anisotropy measurements was set up 2 km from South Pole Station. Winter-time observations became possible with the establishment in 1990 of the Center for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica (CARA), a National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center. CARA developed year-round observing facilities in the "Dark Sector", a section of Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station dedicated to astronomical observations. CARA scientists fielded several astronomical instruments: AST/RO, SPIREX, White Dish, Python, Viper, ACBAR, and DASI. By 2001, data from CARA, together with BOOMERANG, a CMB experiment on a long-duration balloon launched from McMurdo Station on the coast of Antarctica, showed clear evidence that the overall geometry of the Universe is flat, as opposed to being positively or negatively curved. In 2002, the DASI group reported the detection of polarization in the CMB. These observations strongly support the concordance model of cosmology, where the dynamics of a flat Universe are dominated by forces exerted by the Dark Energy and Dark Matter. The South Pole Telescope (SPT) is a newly-operational 10 m diameter offset telescope designed to rapidly measure anisotropies on scales much smaller than 1 degree.
Sulforaphane Retards the Growth of Human PC-3 Xenografts and Inhibits HDAC Activity in Human Subjects

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. This anticarcinogen was first identified as a potent inducer of Phase 2 enzymes, but evidence is mounting that SFN acts through other cancer chemopreventive mechanisms. We recently reported on a novel mechanism of chemoprotection by SFN in human colon cancer cells and prostate epithelial cells, namely the inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC). In the present investigation, we sought to test whether SFN also might inhibit HDAC activity in vivo. When consumed in the diet at an average daily dose of 7.5 μmol per animal for 21 days, SFN suppressed the growth of human PC-3 prostate cancer cells by 40% in male nude mice. There was a significant decrease in HDAC activity in the xenografts, as well as in the prostates and mononuclear blood cells (MBC), of mice treated with SFN, compared to controls. There also was a trend towards increased global histone acetylation in the xenografts, prostates, and MBC. In human subjects, a single dose of 68 g BroccoSprouts inhibited HDAC activity significantly in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) 3 and 6 hrs following consumption. These findings provide evidence that one mechanism through which SFN acts as a cancer chemopreventive agent in vivo is through the inhibition of HDAC activity. Moreover, the data suggest that HDAC activity in PBMC may be used as a biomarker for assessing exposure to novel dietary HDAC inhibitors in human subjects.
The K+ Channel Gene Ether a Go-Go Is Required for the Transduction of a Subset of Odorants in Adult Drosophila melanogaster

The functional identity of an olfactory receptor neuron is determined in part by its repertoire of responses to odorants. As an approach toward understanding the contributions of particular conductances to olfactory neuron excitability and odor discrimination, we have investigated the role of the putative cyclic nucleotide-modulated K+ channel subunit encoded by the ether a go-go (eag) gene in odorant responsiveness in Drosophila melanogaster. Four independent mutant eag alleles exhibited reduced antennal sensitivity to a subset of nine odorants, all having short aliphatic side chains: ethyl butyrate (EB), propionic acid, 2-butanone, and ethyl acetate. Significantly fewer eag antennal neurons responded to EB compared with control neurons; the proportion sensitive to 2-heptanone was similar to controls. Two aspects of the character of EB-induced excitability were affected by mutations ineag. First, fewer EB-induced inhibitory responses were observed in eag mutants, and second, fewer excitatory odorant responses dependent on extracellular Ca2+were observed. Furthermore, modulation of neuronal excitability by membrane-permeant cyclic nucleotide analogs was largelyeag dependent. Focal application of high K+ saline to sensillae altered the excitability of the majority of neurons from wild-type but not eagantennae, suggesting that Eag may have a dendritic localization.
A transcription factor with SH2 and SH3 domains is directly activated by an interferon α-induced cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase(s)

Abstract Interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3), the primary transcription factor induced by interferon α, is a complex of four (113, 91, 84, and 48 kd) proteins. This paper reports that the 113, 91, and 84 kd (ISGF3α) proteins of ISGF3 contain conserved SH2 and SH3 domains. A specific interferon α-induced cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase(s) can form a transient complex with ISGF3α proteins. These ISGF3α proteins can be immunoprecipitated by anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies only after interferon α treatment. Phosphoamino acid analyses of 32 P-labeled ISGF3α proteins confirm that ISGF3α proteins are directly tyrosine phosphorylated both in vitro and in vivo in response to interferon α, and this tyrosine phosphorylation can be inhibited by staurosporine and genistein. Phosphatase treatment of these ISGF3α proteins results in inhibition of ISGF3 complex formation in vitro. These observations indicate that interferon α-induced direct tyrosine phosphorylation of ISGF3α proteins is necessary for activation of the transcription factor ISGF3.
A critical evaluation of the use of the dit in accounting ethics research

Abstract This paper discusses the Defining Issues Test (DIT) which has been used extensively in accounting ethics research. The adjustments that the instrument’s originator, James Rest, has made to Kohlberg’s stage theory of the development of cognitive ethical reasoning are discussed. In addition, potential biases of the instrument with respect to gender, religion, culture, and political stance are reviewed. Finally, the paper examines measurement issues related to the instrument, and the correlation between the p-score of the DIT and ethical behavior. The paper concludes with a summary of some of the issues that continued use of the DIT represents for accounting ethics research.
Release of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) by intraluminal osmotic stimuli.

Abstract VIP was released by intraduodenal osmotic challenge. This was accompanied by the release of immunoreactive insulin, as a first demonstration of the effect of the endogenous release of the peptide. Our present experiments further the claim of VIP to hormonal status. The possible contribution of VIP release in response to hyperosmolar challenges in the small bowel is discussed.
Ruptured uterus: Sonographic diagnosis

Sonography was able to suggest a diagnosis of uterine rupture by demonstrating intra- or extraperitoneal hematoma in the correct clinical setting. A pelvic abscess complicating a uterine rupture was seen in one case. Previous uterine scar, use of prostaglandins for induction of labor, trauma with a currette, and cornual pregnancy were the implicated etiologic factors. Although the rupture site was never directly visualized by sonography, the combination of sonographic and clinical findings was strongly suggestive of the correct diagnosis.
Cyclic AMP maintenance of rabbit reticulocyte haem and protein synthesis in the presence of ethanol and benzene.

SUMMARY. Haemin is necessary for maximal protein synthesis in intact reticulocytes and their cell-free lysate preparations. Under conditions of haemin deficiency a translational protein repressor of initiation (HCRA) forms from a non-inhibitory form of the same protein (HCR1) and protein synthesis ceases. It has recently been suggested that this repressor is a protein kinase and that high concentrations of 3′,5’cyclic AMP could substitute for haemin in maintaining reticulocyte lysate cell-free protein synthesis. The present study was undertaken, therefore, to investigate if cAMP had a similar function in intact rabbit reticulocytes. The cells were incubated with eidier epinephrine (10-6 M), isoproterenol (10-4 M), theophylline (10-4 M) or dibutyryl cAMP (10-4 M). All these compounds elevated the intracellular concentration of cAMP within the first 2 min of incubation, as measured by a specific competitive binding assay. This indicates that rabbit reticulocytes contain both adenyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase systems. The cells were incubated with an inhibitor of haem synthesis (either 0.1 M ethanol or 0.1 M benzene) to form HCRA prematurely and inhibit protein synthesis. When the cells were incubated simultaneously with any one of these inhibitors and either epinephrine, isoproterenol, theophylline or dibutyryl cAMP, there was no inhibition of haem or protein synthesis and no demonstrable HCRA. Furthermore, dibutyryl cAMP reversed the inhibition of both haem and protein synthesis induced by ethanol or benzene. Dibutyryl cAMP relieved the inhibition of haem synthesis prior to relieving the inhibition of protein synthesis, which indicates that sufficient haemin must be present before maximal protein synthesis may resume. In contrast, elevation of cyclic AMP levels did not protect against iron deficiency inhibition of either haem or protein synthesis. This indicates that in intact cells cAMP does not directly convert HCRA to HCR1 On the basis of these findings, we postulate that in intact reticulocytes (in contrast to cell-free systems) a major role of cAMP is maintenance of maximal haem synthesis, even in the presence of inhibitors. Intracellular haemin concentration appears to be a major control mechanism of protein synthesis via prevention and reversal of HCRA. This model assures a balance between haem and globin synthesis in erythroid precursors.
Towards Creating Test Cases Using Code Search

Testing and testing code are critical to maintaining modern, evolving systems. Yet generating a good set of relevant test cases that covers what is important remains a difficult task. We propose a new approach to generating test cases through the use of code search. Open source repositories have made an enormous amount of code available. These contain unit tests for a wide variety of programs where the programmer has often given substantial thought to what should be tested, what is important to test, and how to test it. Our approach is to extract the relevant tests from on-line repositories and use these as the basis for test cases for user code.
Sins and Crimes

In 'Sins and Crimes',1 A. R. Louch argues that the dispute between H. L. A. Hart2 and Lord Devlin,3 which is generally thought to revolve around the legal enforcement of morals, is in reality a dispute about the morality of the acts Devlin and other 'legal moralists' believe to be fit objects of criminal legislation. Since he finds 'something compelling about the move from the charge of gross immorality to punishment' (p. 39), Louch contends that 'the libertarian view depends . . . on taking a moral position counter to that advanced by the legal moralist' (p. 47). I shall examine the reasoning which leads Louch to view the law-morals controversy in this way and try to show that: (i) his interpretation of Hlart is mistaken and (2) he fails to establish that the libertarian must deny the immorality of the acts outlawed by 'morals legislation' in order to show that such laws ought not to exist.