cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic stress-based topology optimization of structural frames based upon the second deviatoric stress invariant

Abstract This work pertains to the stochastic stress-based topology optimization of frame structures considering uncertainty. Specifically, this paper presents an investigation of the second deviatoric stress invariant, J 2 , as the measure of stress in the domain where the objective is to minimize the maximum of the expected values of the stress invariant. Analytical expressions for the expected value of the J 2 invariant are developed employing the perturbation approach. The premise being that the J 2 invariant eliminates the square root operator that would otherwise be present if using the von Mises stress, and by eliminating this operator, the nonlinearity in the functional mapping between the random input (magnitude and direction of external forces) and uncertain output (expected values of stress) is reduced. Hence, an improved accuracy can be achieved with an analytical approximation of a given order. The analytical expressions of the expected value of the J 2 invariant to the second order are obtained based on a Taylor series expansion along with the associated sensitivities for gradient-based optimization. The analytical expressions are implemented in an optimization scheme and applied for the design of three ground structures considering different variability in the input random variables. For each example, the relative error between the maximum of the expected values of the J 2 invariant obtained using the analytical expressions and corresponding values evaluated by performing stochastic finite element analysis, whereby the input distribution is sampled using Monte Carlo methods, finite element simulation performed for each sample realization, then computing the expected value of the stress measure using straightforward statistical expressions, and finally estimation of the maximum via the p-norm, were observed to be less than 2%, even for a coefficient of variation of 0.4. The optimized designs were again analyzed using the von Mises stress and the relative error again computed with respect to those obtained from Monte Carlo sampling and finite element simulation. In general, the relative error using the analytical expressions of the von Mises stress was greater than, except in a couple instances, those obtained using the J 2 invariant.
Direct Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A 30-Year Review.

INTRODUCTION Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a difficult to treat condition characterized by debilitating pain and limitations in functional ability. Neuromodulation, in the form of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), have been traditionally used as a treatment for CRPS with variable success. OBJECTIVE This chart review describes the use of implantable PNS systems in the treatment of CRPS of the upper and lower extremities spanning nearly three decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on 240 patients with PNS implanted between 1990 and 2017 at our institution. Of these, 165 patients were identified who had PNS systems implanted for a diagnosis of CRPS. Patient profile, including baseline characteristics, comorbidities, past/current interventions/medications and targeted nerves, was descriptively summarized through standard summary statistics. Patients' pain scores and opioid consumptions at baseline (preimplant), 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months were collected and compared. Device revisions and explants were summarized, and patient functional outcomes were described. RESULTS Pain scores at baseline and at 12-month follow-up were decreased from a mean of 7.4 ± 1.6 to 5.5 ± 2.4 and estimated to be 1.87 (95% CI: [1.29, 2.46], paired t-test p-value <0.001) lower at 12 months. At baseline, 62% of patients were on chronic opioid therapy, compared with 41% at 12 months. Of 126 patients who reported changes in functional status, 64 (51%) reported improvement, 27 (21%) reported worsening, and 35 (28%) did not report any meaningful change. Excluding end-of-life battery replacements, surgical revision occurred in 56 (34%) of patients. Thirteen patients (8%) underwent implantation of a second PNS because of symptomatic expansion outside of the original painful region. Device explant was performed in 32 (19%) of patients. Median length of follow-up was 74 [14, 147] months. Of the 36 patients who continue to follow-up at our institution, 29 (81%) continue to use their PNS. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that PNS is a useful modality to improve function and reduce long-term pain in selected patients suffering from CRPS type I and type II.
Establishing a common metric for patient-reported outcomes in cancer patients: linking patient reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS), numerical rating scale, and patient-reported outcomes version of the common terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE)

Researchers and clinicians studying symptoms experienced by people with cancer must choose from various scales. It would be useful to know how the scores on one measure translate to another. Using item response theory (IRT) with the single-group design, in which the same sample answers all measures, we produced crosswalk tables linking five 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and 15 items from Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE, scored on a 1–5 scale) to the T-Score metric of six different scales from the NIH Patient reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®). The constructs, for which we conducted linking, include emotional distress-anxiety, emotional distress-depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain intensity, and pain interference. We tested the IRT linking assumption of construct similarity between measures by comparing item content and testing unidimensionality of item sets comprising each construct. We also investigated the correlation of the measures to be linked and, by inspecting standardized mean differences, whether the linkage is invariant across age and gender subgroups. For measures that satisfied the assumptions, we conducted linking. In general, an NRS score of 0 corresponded to about 38.2 on the PROMIS T-Score scale (mean = 50; SD = 10); whereas an NRS score of 10 corresponded to a PROMIS T-Score of approximately 72.7. Similarly, the lowest/best score of 1 on PRO-CTCAE corresponded to 39.8 on T-score scale and the highest/worst score of 5 corresponded to 72.0. We produced robust linking between single item symptom measures and PROMIS short forms.
Temperature and Flow Measurements in Incompressible Heated Jets

An experimental study is conducted to perform time-resolved temperature and velocity measurements on a Mach 0.08 jet at total temperatures of 295 K and 353 K. Mean and rms temperature data acquired using two fine wire sensors with diameters 1.3 and 3.8 μm are compared. In order to extend the limited frequency response of the wires, the temperature data are post-processed using a frequency compensation technique available in the literature. Corresponding velocity measurements are performed at cold and heated conditions using single and parallel wire probes. Simultaneously measured temperature and velocity data obtained using the parallel wire probe are used to calculate correlations pertinent to axial turbulent heat flux. In addition to shedding some light on the aerothermal properties of heated turbulent jets, vis-`a-vis their cold counterparts, this study also provides a database for numerical prediction of these flows.
“In A.I. we trust?” The effects of parasocial interaction and technopian versus luddite ideological views on chatbot-based customer relationship management in the emerging “feeling economy”

Abstract Despite the hype surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), the potential of AI in customer relationship management (CRM) remains underexplored in academia. A between-subjects experiment examined the effects of the type of relationship (virtual assistantship versus virtual friendship) consumers build with AI-enabled chatbots on brand personality perception, parasocial interaction (PSI), and CRM. The main effects of the relationship type on brand personality perception appeared for competent brand personality, but not for sincere brand personality. The consumer-chatbot relationship type had effects on CRM-related outcomes (behavioral intention, satisfaction, and trust) through competent brand personality. Consumers who interacted with a friend chatbot experienced stronger PSI with the chatbot, and the relationship type had an influence on brand personality perception through PSI. This mediating effect of PSI was observed for both brand personalities - competence and sincerity. The moderating role of ideological views (technopians versus luddites) in explaining the effect of the relationship type on brand personality perception was detected for sincere brand personality. AI designers and marketers need to develop AI user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) along with marketing strategies that not only can appeal to technopians ready to adopt innovative AI customer representatives but also can ultimately help alleviate luddites’ AI anxiety in the emerging “feeling economy” envisioned by Rust and Huang.
Understanding Black Matriarchal Role Models in the U.S. Attitudes and Beliefs About Breastfeeding

Introduction: Despite the tremendous health benefits for both mother and infant, black women (including African Americans and those who self-identify as black) have lower rates of breastfeeding than all other racial groups. Historically, matriarchal role models have been essential within the black family structure. The purpose of this study was to explore matriarchal role models' attitudes and beliefs about breastfeeding. Methods: Thirty-eight black women between the ages of 46-82 years were surveyed regarding their perceptions of breastfeeding. Results: Our results revealed that 44.1% of the participants believed that breastfeeding is a better infant feeding method. However, 52.6% of the participants did not demonstrate confidence in their ability to breastfeed overall. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while black matriarchal role models have positive attitudes about breastfeeding behaviors, they may need to be educated along with postpartum and/or prenatal women about breastfeeding benefits and techniques to better support and improve black women's initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
How Urban Life Exposure Shapes Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): An Analysis of Older Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China

There has been a long-lasting debate about whether urban settings are beneficial to the health of rural-to-urban migrants. Research in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has documented that exposure to urban life negatively impacts their health, especially in terms of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and attributed the association to health-related behaviors. However, it is unclear if such patterns exist in China, the biggest LMIC and home to 19% of the world population. Meanwhile, given the severe population aging trend, previous research lacks focus on rural-to-urban migrants of older age groups. In addition, different extents of urban life exposure among migrants are either ignored or indirectly measured, and the mediating effects of health behavioral factors have not been quantified. Using data from 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this study examined three major NCD risk factors, hypertension, general obesity, and abdominal obesity, among older adults (45 +) with different residential types (N = 11,126). Employing logistic regression models and mediation analysis, I find that rural-to-urban migrants have significantly higher odds of having all three NCD risk factors than rural dwellers, and have similar risk profiles as urban residents. Among rural-to-urban migrants, years lived in cities significantly and cumulatively predict hypertension. However, health-related behaviors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, only account for a small proportion of the differences between rural-to-urban migrants and rural dwellers, implying other pathways through which urban settings shape older rural-to-urban migrants’ health outcomes.
De re interpretation in belief reports: An experimental investigation

Determiner phrases (DPs) under intensional operators give rise to multiple interpretations, known as the de re / de dicto ambiguity. Formal theoretical approaches to modeling this ambiguity must rely on nuanced semantic judgments, but inconsistent judgments in the literature suggest that informal judgment collection may be insufficient. In addition, little is known about how these ambiguities are resolved in context and how preferences between these readings vary by context and across individuals, etc. We reported three controlled experiments to systemize the truth-value judgment collection of de re/de dicto readings. While the de dicto readings were robustly accepted by nearly all English speakers, de re readings exhibited strongly bimodal judgments, suggesting an inherent disagreement among speakers. In addition, the acceptability of de re judgments was affected by the DP's internal structure as well as idiosyncratic scenarios. More broadly, our experimental results lend support to the practice of including quantitative data collection within semantics.
Multimedia data mining framework for raw video sequences

In this paper, we propose a general framework for real time video data mining to be applied to the raw videos (traffic videos, surveillance videos, etc.). We investigate whether the existing techniques would be applicable to this type of videos. Then, we introduce new techniques which are essential to process them in real time. The first step of our frame work for mining raw video data is grouping input frames to a set of basic units which are relevant to the structure of the video. We call this unit as segment. This is one of the most important tasks since it is the step to construct the building blocks for video database and video data mining. The second step is characterizing each segment to cluster into similar groups, to discover unknown knowledge, and to detect interesting patterns. To do this, we extract some features (motion, object, colors, etc.) from each segment. In our framework, we focus on motion as a feature, and study how to compute and represent it for further processes. The third step of our framework is to cluster the decomposed segments into similar groups. In our clustering, we employ a multi-level hierarchical clustering approach to group segments using category and motion. Our preliminary experimental studies indicate that the proposed framework is promising.
Successful treatment of refractory metastatic histiocytic sarcoma with alemtuzumab

BACKGROUND: Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an exceedingly rare tumor and carries a dismal prognosis when patients present with advanced-stage disease. Because of the poor response rates to conventional chemotherapy and the rarity of the disease, no standard of care exists for patients with HS. The authors report the single-agent use of the anti-CD52 antibody alemtuzumab in 2 patients who had advanced-stage HS. METHODS: Two patients with chemotherapy-refractory, metastatic HS with tumors that expressed the CD52 antigen received a prolonged course of treatment with the anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab. RESULTS: Resected tumor samples from both patients demonstrated CD52 expression. Both patients had marked responses to single-agent alemtuzumab. One patient had a complete response with no evidence of disease for >5 years. The second patient had a major response to alemtuzumab and also remained alive with no evidence of disease for >4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies need to be performed to examine CD52 expression and function in HS as well as the role of alemtuzumab in a larger cohort of patients. However, the clinical impact of single-agent alemtuzumab in the 2 patients described in this report was very encouraging. Given the toxicity and frequent inefficacy of conventional chemotherapy, patients with incompletely resected HS should be strongly considered for alemtuzumab therapy. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Convicts, Thieves, Domestics and Wives in Colonial Australia: The Rebellious Lives of Ellen Murphy and Jane New

This Article examines the lives of two female convicts who rebelled against the law and the Australian penal system in the early nineteenth century. It follows Ellen Murphy and Jane New from their first arrests through their experiences with and exits from the penal system. As thieves, convicts, domestics, and wives, Ellen and Jane interacted repeatedly with the law. Both the notorious Jane (who was the subject of a habeas corpus action in In re Jane New), and the more representative Ellen, began thieving as young teenagers in the teeming cities of England. The law arrested, tried, and convicted them. Next it transported them to Van Diemen’s Land (now, Tasmania). It then unsuccessfully attempted to manage their lives.The law influenced convict women’s choices in more overt ways than it did free women although, as this Article discusses, many similarities existed between the legal disabilities imposed on both groups and, on occasion, as with Jane New, the law doubly disabled convict women because they were assigned to their husbands. Nevertheless, Ellen and Jane’s interactions with the law illustrate how convict women were able to make meaningful choices even in the heavily regulated penal systems of Governors Arthur of Van Diemen’s Land and Darling of New South Wales.
Sensory integration for reaching: Models of optimality in the context of behavior and the underlying neural circuits

Although multisensory integration has been well modeled at the behavioral level, the link between these behavioral models and the underlying neural circuits is still not clear. This gap is even greater for the problem of sensory integration during movement planning and execution. The difficulty lies in applying simple models of sensory integration to the complex computations that are required for movement control and to the large networks of brain areas that perform these computations. Here I review psychophysical, computational, and physiological work on multisensory integration during movement planning, with an emphasis on goal-directed reaching. I argue that sensory transformations must play a central role in any modeling effort. In particular, the statistical properties of these transformations factor heavily into the way in which downstream signals are combined. As a result, our models of optimal integration are only expected to apply "locally," that is, independently for each brain area. I suggest that local optimality can be reconciled with globally optimal behavior if one views the collection of parietal sensorimotor areas not as a set of task-specific domains, but rather as a palette of complex, sensorimotor representations that are flexibly combined to drive downstream activity and behavior.
Control of the Replication Complex of Bacteriophage P22

A replication complex for the vegetative synthesis of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the temperate phage P22 previously has been described. This complex is an association of parental phage DNA, most of the newly synthesized phage DNA made during pulses with (3)H-thymidine, and other cell constituents, and has a sedimentation rate in neutral sucrose gradients of at least 1,000S. The complex is one of the intermediates, intermediate I, in the synthesis and maturation of phage P22 DNA after infection or induction. Evidence supporting the replicative nature of intermediate I is presented. Phage replication is repressed in lysogenic bacteria. On superinfection of P22 lysogens with nonvirulent phage, little association of the input phage DNA with a rapidly sedimenting fraction is demonstrable. However, after induction with ultraviolet light, the superinfecting parental phage DNA quickly acquires the rapid sedimentation rate characteristic of intermediate I; phage DNA synthesis follows; and progeny phages are produced. Infection with a virulent mutant of P22 produces progeny phages in lysogens. Its DNA associates with intermediate I. In mixed infection with the virulent phage, replication of nonvirulent phage P22 is still repressed, even though the virulent replicates normally. The nonvirulent input DNA does not associate with intermediate I. The repressor of the lysogenic cell prevents replication by interfering with the physical association of template material with intermediate I. A phage function is required for association of phage template with the replication machinery.
Mass spectra of prostaglandins. IV. Trimethylsilyl derivatives of prostaglandins of the F series.

Abstract The mass spectra of the trimethylsilyl ester trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of prostaglandins F1α, F2α and F2β are reported and discussed. Accurate masses from the high resolution spectra of these compounds are also presented. These spectra are interpreted with the aid of those of the corresponding d9-trimethylsilyl derivatives and selectively labeled trimethylsilyl ester-d9-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives. It was found that metastabledefocusing was helpful in elucidation of the mechanisms of formation of some ions.
Neural Transplantation in Spinal Cord under Different Conditions of Lesions and Their Functional Significance

Research on the problems of trauma and regeneration in the spinal cord has a long history. The importance of this research lies in the fact that trauma to this structure deprives the individual of voluntary control over the basic motor functions, such as movement of limbs involved in locomotion. The severity of trauma and the level of spinal cord where it is inflicted determine the nature and magnitude of loss of motor functions. Understanding the complexity of pathological events ensuing from the trauma, the nature and permanency of the functional loss, and the difficulties inherent in the restitution of the lost functions has been a concern for investigators in many fields. Pathologists, neuro-biologists, neuroembryologists, and neurosurgeons, among others, have contributed to a considerable extent within their respective domains towards explaining why, following a serious trauma, there is no functional recovery, and have speculated variously on how to achieve it. At different periods, various investigators claimed recovery of lost locomotor functions following surgical or pharmacological treatments. But those claims could not be supported by other investigators working independently. Thus, despite the great progress made towards an understanding of the pathological events and the problems of limited or no regeneration of damaged fiber systems, the goal of achieving recovery of the lost motor functions has remained beyond our reach.
Addressing the memory bottleneck in packet processing systems

The design of packet processing systems is guided by two requirements: (1) high packet processing throughput, and (2) ease-of-programming. Meeting these two requirements simultaneously has proved to be challenging primarily because, packet processing aggravates the well-known problem of memory bottleneck. To overcome the memory bottleneck, today's packet processing systems support a wide-range of mechanisms such as exposed memory hierarchy, multithreading, and non-blocking multi-word accesses. However, supporting many such mechanisms without clear guidelines for their usage complicates programmability and wastes system resources. In this dissertation, we ask two fundamental questions: (1) what minimal set of mechanisms should a packet processing system support to simultaneously achieve the goals of high throughput and ease-of-programming? and (2) how should one allocate common system resources such as chip area and off chip memory bandwidth to these competing mechanisms? We make three contributions. First, we demonstrate that the minimal set must include data caches and multithreading for two reasons: (1) contrary to the widely-held belief, packet processing exhibits considerable data locality and (2) relying exclusively on either data locality or packet-level parallelism leads to low packet throughput. Second, we demonstrate that no fixed configuration of caches and multithreading works well across a spectrum of deployments (combinations of application, workload, and system characteristics). Achieving high throughput in all cases requires a malleable architecture that allows deployments to trade off resources between data caching and multithreading. Third, we develop such a malleable architecture based on a novel predictive register prefetcher that efficiently overlaps the execution of a thread with the thread-switch. Our predictor is accurate and imposes no significant overheads. We demonstrate that for the same chip area and memory bandwidth, our architecture achieves four times the throughput of current commercial systems. We argue that our architecture simplifies programmability. Data caches, unlike the mechanisms used today, are transparent to programmers and compilers. Farther, our architecture eliminates the need for explicit thread scheduling as threads can be switched on cache misses. Thus, our approach simultaneously achieves both, high throughput and ease-of-programming. In addition, our findings lay the foundation for managing data accesses in the broader class of high-throughput, request-processing systems.
Malignant pleural effusions

Summary Recurrent malignant pleural effusion is a relatively common problem that often occurs many months before the terminal stages of a patient's malignant disease. Despite careful evaluation, it is often impossible to identify the exact physiologic cause of an effusion and difficult to identify a pragmatic course of therapy. Aggressive management including chest tube drainage, with or without instillation of inflammation-inducing drugs, and radiotherapy or surgery in selected cases is indicated for palliative treatment and probably for increased survival. In formulating a treatment plan, attention should be given to a variety of factors including pathogenic forces in the formation of malignant pleural effusion, tissue type of the metastatic malignancy, general clinical status of the patient, the presence of pleural loculations and adhesions, and the exclusion of other non-malignant causes of pleural effusion.
In VitroEffect of Lead on Ca2+-ATPase in Synaptic Plasma Membranes and Microsomes of Rat Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum☆

Abstract Earlier investigations from this laboratory suggest that lead interferes with the calcium homeostasis of rat brain through modulation of an inositol polyphosphate second-messenger system. The present investigation was initiated to study the comparative effects of lead chloride and lead acetate on synaptosomal and microsomal Ca2+-ATPase of rat cerebral cortex and cerebellumin vitro.The synaptic plasma membranes and microsomes were prepared by using sucrose gradient (1.2–0.8M). The assay of Ca2+-ATPase was done by hydrolysis of ATP and the liberated inorganic phosphate was estimated. Both lead chloride and lead acetate at micromolar concentrations significantly inhibited the Ca2+-ATPase of synaptic plasma membranes and microsomes of cerebral cortex and cerebellum in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50values of Ca2+-ATPase for both lead salts in synaptosomes were significantly lower (P
Doxorubicin conjugated gold nanoparticles as water-soluble and pH-responsive anticancer drug nanocarriers

Water-soluble, doxorubicin (DOX) conjugated gold nanoparticles (DOX conjugated Au NPs) exhibiting a significant pH-responsive drug release profile have been prepared and characterized in this study. The Au NPs were stabilized by thiolated methoxy polyethylene glycol (MPEG-SH) and methyl thioglycolate (MTG) at an equal molar ratio. The anticancer drug DOX was conjugated to the MTG segments of the thiol-stabilized Au NPs using hydrazine as the linker. The resulting hydrazone bonds formed between the DOX molecules and the MTG segments of the thiol-stabilized Au NPs are acid cleavable, thereby providing a strong pH-responsive drug release profile. The MPEG segments attached to the Au NPs provide the Au NPs with excellent solubility and stability in an aqueous medium while potentially enhancing the circulation time. The DOX loading level was determined to be 23 wt.%. The DOX release rate from the DOX conjugated Au NPs in an acid medium (i.e., pH 5.3) was dramatically higher than that in physiological conditions (i.e., pH 7.4). The DOX conjugated Au NPs and/or the DOX released from them were found both at the perinuclear regions and the nuclei of 4T1 tumor cells after incubation in a DOX conjugated Au NPs solution for 28 h. These novel DOX conjugated Au NPs have the potential to simultaneously enhance CT imaging contrast and facilitate photothermal cancer therapy while delivering anticancer drugs to their target sites.
Role of activation of calcium-sensitive K+ channels and cAMP in opioid-induced pial artery dilation

The present study was designed to investigate the role of activation of Kca+2 channels and cAMP in opioid-induced pial artery dilation in newborn pigs equipped with closed cranial windows. Methionine enkephalin, an endogenous mu agonist, elicited dilation that was modestly attenuated by the Kca+2 channel antagonist, iberiotoxin (10(-7) M) (7 +/- 1, 11 +/- 1 and 16 +/- 1 vs. 4 +/- 1, 7 +/- 1, and 11 +/- 1% for methionine enkephalin 10(-10), 10(-8), 10(-6) M in the absence and presence of iberiotoxin, respectively). Dilator responses to leucine enkephalin and dynorphin, endogenous delta and kappa agonists, as well as the synthetic analogues DAMGO, DPDPE, deltorphin and U50488H all were similarly attenuated by iberiotoxin. Dilation in response to methionine enkephalin was accompanied by increased CSF cAMP concentration (1170 +/- 21, 1358 +/- 22, 1473 +/- 26, and 1575 +/- 24 fmol/ml for control, 10(-10), 10(-8), 10(-6) M methionine enkephalin, respectively). Methionine enkephalin-induced dilation was attenuated by Rp 8-bromo cAMPs (10(-5) M), a cAMP antagonist (7 +/- 1, 11 +/- 1 and 17 +/- 1 vs. 2 +/- 1, 4 +/- 1, and 7 +/- 1% for methionine enkephalin 10(-10), 10(-8), and 10(-6) M in the absence and presence of Rp 8-bromo cAMPs, respectively). Dilation by the other endogenous and synthetic opioid analogues was also accompanied by elevated CSF cAMP and attenuated by Rp 8-bromo cAMPs. Additionally, dilation produced by the cAMP analogue, 8-bromo cAMP, was blunted by iberiotoxin. These data show that both cAMP and activation of Kca+2 channels contribute to opioid-induced pial artery dilation. Further, these data suggest that opioids elicit dilation, at least in part, via the sequential release of cAMP and subsequent activation of Kca+2 channels by this second messenger.
Denervation of transplanted porcine lung causes airway obstruction.

Abstract Lung transplantation can be complicated by a form of small airway obstruction known as bronchiolitis obliterans. We tested the hypothesis that lung denervation causes small airway obstruction in young pigs (10 ± 1 weeks). Control pigs had an innervated native lobe, and study pigs had either a denervated native lobe or a denervated transplant lobe. Transplanted pigs received standard immunosuppression. At 10 weeks we measured isolated left lobe pulmonary mechanics. Dynamic resistance in both study groups was significantly higher than in the lobectomy group, whereas dynamic compliance in both study groups was significantly lower than in the lobectomy group. No significant difference in resistance or compliance was noted between the transplant and reimplant groups. Histologic changes consistent with rejection were noted in the transplant lobes. We conclude that the small airway obstruction noted in this model is due to operative denervation rather than to immunosuppression or rejection.
Diet selection following area postrema/nucleus of the solitary tract lesions

Abstract Ten adult Long-Evans male rats were offered access to fat, protein and carbohydrate from separate sources. After adaptation to this diet, 5 animals received thermal lesions of the area postrema and adjacent caudal-medial portion of the nucleus of the solitary tract (AP/cmNTS). The remainder were sham-operated. AP/cmNTS lesioned rats ate significantly less and lost more weight than controls during the first postsurgery measurement period (Days 4–13 after lesioning). The decrease of food intake of AP/cmNTS lesioned rats was due to reduced fat consumption. Carbohydrate and protein intakes of lesioned animals did not differ from those of controls. Food intakes and weight changes of lesioned rats did not differ from those of controls during days 14–23 after lesioning. Intake of fat by lesioned animals remained low but was no longer significantly different from that of controls. Carbohydrate and protein intakes of lesioned rats increased slightly but did not differ significantly from those of nonlesioned controls.
Impact of Rocuronium and Succinylcholine on Sedation Initiation After Rapid Sequence Intubation

Abstract Background Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) involves a rapidly acting sedative plus a neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) to facilitate endotracheal intubation. Rocuronium and succinylcholine are NMBAs commonly used in RSI with drastically different durations of action. Objectives Evaluate whether patients receiving RSI with a longer-acting NMBA had a greater delay in sedation or analgesia than patients that received a short-acting NMBA. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients presenting to the emergency department requiring endotracheal intubation. Exclusions included age Results A total 106 patients met inclusion criteria, 76 patients receiving rocuronium and 30 receiving succinylcholine. Mean time to sedation or analgesia was longer in the rocuronium group when compared to the succinylcholine group at 34 ± 36 min vs. 16 ± 21 min (p = 0.002). In the presence of an EPh, the mean time to sedation or analgesia was 20 ± 21 min, vs. 49 ± 45 min (p Conclusions Patients receiving rocuronium in RSI had a significantly longer time to sedation or analgesia when compared to patients receiving succinylcholine. The presence of an EPh significantly decreased the time to administration of sedation or analgesia after RSI.
Estradiol levels during the menstrual cycle differentially affect latencies to right and left hemispheres during dichotic listening: An ERP study

Many behavioral studies have found high-estrogen phases of the menstrual cycle to be associated with enhanced left-hemisphere processing and low-estrogen phases to be associated with better right-hemisphere processing. This study examined the changing of hemispheric asymmetry during the menstrual cycle by analyzing event-related potential (ERP) data from midline and both hemispheres of 23 women during their performance of a dichotic tasks shown to elicit a left-hemisphere response (semantic categorization) and a right-hemisphere response (complex tones). Each woman was tested during her high-estrogen follicular phase and low-estrogen menstrual phase. Salivary assays of estradiol and progesterone were used to confirm cycle phase. Analyses of the ERP data revealed that latency for each hemisphere was differentially affected by phase and target side, such that latencies to the left hemisphere and from the right ear were shorter during the high-estrogen phase, and latencies to the right hemisphere and from the left ear were shorter during the low-estrogen phase. These findings supply electrophysiological correlates of the cyclically based interhemispheric differences evinced by behavioral studies.
The Potential Hazard of Oxygen after Bilateral cordotomy

The potential hazard of oxygen administration to patients who have had bilateral cervical cordotomy was demonstrated in two patients. Both patients developed sleep-induced apnea (Ondine's curse) after cordotomy. The administration of oxygen resulted in a unique cyclic breathing pattern the exact mechanism of which remains obscure. In one patient there was also marked hypoventilation while breathing oxygen. This increased dependence on the aortic-carotid reflex mechanism to regulate ventilation indicated a depression of central chemosensitivity, which could be ascribed to ablation of the reticular system pathways in the spinal cord with deafferentation of the reticular formation. These observations provide further support for the hypothesis that there are afferent fibers concerned with respiratory control in the ventral quadrant of the cervical spinal cord.
Spinal modulation of the muscle pressor reflex by nitric oxide and acetylcholine

Static contraction of skeletal muscle activates the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn increases cardiovascular function. These changes are mediated, in part, by a reflex arising from the contracting muscle. This reflex is termed the exercise pressor reflex or, more simply, the muscle pressor reflex (MPR). Over the past few years, studies have been performed investigating the sensory processing that occurs in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord as it pertains to the MPR. Several putative neurotransmitters and receptors have been implicated in mediating the MPR at the level of the dorsal horn. In addition, several receptor systems have been shown to modulate the MPR at the dorsal horn. We have recently performed studies investigating the potential modulatory role of dorsal horn nitric oxide (NO) and acetylcholine (ACH) on the MPR. Along these lines, our experiments suggest that NO enhances the excitability of dorsal horn cells receiving input from muscle afferent neurons, while ACH decreases the MPR when its concentration in the dorsal horn is elevated. The purpose of this manuscript is to review recently published findings from our laboratory and apply this information in an effort to better understand the integration of sensory input that occurs in the dorsal horn as it pertains to cardiovascular regulation. This review is also designed to stimulate questions as to how these two neurochemicals exert their actions and whether or not they represent or can represent important physiological mechanisms involved in regulating the dorsal horn integration of the MPR.
From Skeletons to Bridges & Other STEM Enrichment Exercises for High School Biology.

The national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Initiative favors a curriculum shift from the compartmentalization of math and science classes into discrete subject areas to an integrated, multidisciplinary experience. Many states are currently implementing programs in high schools that provide greater integration of math, sciences, and technology. Program evaluation results indicate that students participating in multidisciplinary team projects of this type exhibit significantly higher levels of motivation and develop greater cognitive skills than students in the traditional, compartmentalized curriculum (Ross & Hogaboam-Gray, 1988; Venville et al., 2000).
MuSE: a novel experiment for CMB polarization measurement using highly multimoded bolometers

One of the most exciting targets for cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization measurements is the faint signal from the primordial gravity waves predicted by inflationary models. Currently existing experiments and those under construction would constrain or detect such a signal at around r = 0.01, where r is the tensor to scalar ratio. In order to further improve the measurement, experiments for the next generation have to combine the following three: 1) excellent sensitivity, 2) multi-frequency measurement for the removal of galactic foregrounds, and 3) well-controlled systematics. We propose the Multimoded Survey Experiment (MuSE), which uses highly multimoded polarization-sensitive bolometers developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). MuSE, consisting of 69 pixels, will achieve a sensitivity equivalent to several thousand single-moded bolometers. Each pixel can be configured to be sensitive to a different frequency band, allowing very wide frequency coverage by a single focal plane. This enables us to clean galactic synchrotron and dust components with our data alone. MuSE achieves an effective array sensitivity to the CMB of 8 μK√s even after accounting for the sensitivity degradation from foreground removal and reaches a 2-σ error on r of 0.009 with two years of operation.
Innovative Method Using Magnetic Particle Tracking to Measure Solids Circulation in a Spouted Fluidized Bed

We describe an innovative method for measuring particle motion inside spouted fluidized beds. The method uses a magnetic tracer particle, which follows the bulk particle flow and is continuously tracked by multiple magnetic field detectors located outside the bed. We analyze signals from the detectors to determine the tracer position at each instant in time. From statistical analysis of the tracer trajectory, characteristic measures of the bulk particle flow, such as the average recirculation frequency, can be determined as a function of operating conditions. For experiments with a range of particle sizes and densities in a 3.9-cm-diameter spouted bed, we find that average solids recirculation rates correlate with excess velocity (superficial minus minimum spouting velocity), particle density, and bed depth.
Discriminative stimulus control in instrumental electrodermal conditioning in the monkey (Cebus albifrons)

FourCebus albifrons monkeys received 24 sessions of multiple avoidance-punishment conditioning of the skin conductance response (SCR) with no discriminative stimuli, followed by 24 additional sessions with visual discriminative stimuli identifying the avoidance and punishment components. Four other monkeys that had previously been conditioned with the discriminative stimuli were given 24 additional sessions without them. Yoked controls were run with this group and received the electric shock noncontingently. The presence of the discriminative stimuli clearly facilitated acquisition and maintenance of higher SCR frequencies in avoidance as compared with punishment. Acquisition was retarded with the stimuli absent, and higher overall response levels resulted. Adding the stimuli improved differentiation and resulted in lower overall rates. Removing the stimuli likewise resulted in higher response frequency. When the stimuli were absent initially, higher shock frequencies were administered, and when they were removed, shock frequency increased. The yoked controls increased in response frequency but did not differentiate between the avoidance and punishment conditions. Overall, the presence of the stimuli appeared to facilitate differentiation and reduce trauma, as compared with when they were absent.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and gemcitabine.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and life-threatening complication of gemcitabine treatment. Since the approval of this nucleoside analog for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by the FDA in 1996, reported incidence varies from 0.015 to 1.4%. The classic ‘pentad’ describing the disease process (fever, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological complications and renal impairment) is not always present to the same extent in every patient. Here, we present a rare case of TTP associated specifically with gemcitabine treatment, and further, we briefly discuss the manifestations, treatment options and outcomes related to the complication. In our opinion, it is important to realize that as the indications for the use of gemcitabine increase and its use becomes more widespread, TTP and other disorders on the spectrum of thrombotic microangiopathies are important considerations to remember in patients with worsening anemia and thrombocytopenia. New onset or exacerbation of underlying hypertension may provide a clue to diagnose the disease entity earlier in this subgroup of patients.
Attempts to enhance the properties of EPON 830‐4,4′‐methylene bis cyclohexylamine epoxy resin systems by exposing them to 0.1290 to 0.8810 Tesla magnetic fields while thermally curing them

This effort determined if enhancements to the properties of fully cured EPON 830-4,4′-Methylene Bis Cyclohexylamine epoxy resin systems (ERSs) could be induced by thermally curing them, while also simultaneously exposing them to economically generated magnetic fields (MFs). Stoichiometric mixes were cured for 5 hours at 121°C while being exposed to MFs between 0.1290 and 0.8810 Tesla. Exposed and control specimens were simultaneously cast from the same mix in each run. The resulting specimens were mechanically and thermally tested to find any property differences. This effort determined that under these conditions there were no modifications to the properties of MF exposed, fully thermally cured, ERSs relative to their controls.
Depression as a confounding variable in the estimation of habitual sleep time

Self-reported habitual sleep time is an important variable because short and long sleep times are associated with mortality. Speculation with regard to these results usually focuses on physical health, rather than psychological factors. We investigated the role of anxiety and depression in reports of habitual sleep times by examining the relative and absolute discrepancy between individuals' initial estimates of their sleep times and sleep diaries made over a 2-week period. Results indicated that depressed mood was associated not only with a tendency initially to underestimate length of sleep (relative discrepancy), but also to exaggerate reported sleep time regardless of direction (absolute discrepancy). These results imply that studies that examine relationships between reported sleep times and mortality should take mental health factors into account.
Joint processing of vector-magnetic and acoustic-sensor data

We address fusion of vector magnetometer and acoustic data for the purpose of classifying civilian vehicles such as cars, SUVs, and trucks. We use an Anderson function model to estimate the source speed and reduce the vector-magnetic data to 9 parameters. The joint statistics of magnetic-acoustic data are learned using nonparametric probability density estimation, and the magnetic-acoustic data is fused by extracting features for classification that maximize an information-theoretic criterion. We apply the approach with measured magnetic-acoustic data from civilian vehicles and demonstrate the ability to discriminate between cars and SUVs. Discrimination is improved when the features and classifier are designed with additional information about the vehicle's track, specifically, the speed and direction of motion (left-to-right or right-to-left along a road).
The Motivational Effects of Participation Versus Goal Setting on Performance

The motivational effects of participative decision making (PDM) in work strategies versus goal setting were examined in performance of college students assigned to a toy assembly project. The resul...
Pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation: potential predictors of intraoperative blood loss and coagulation status monitoring

The authors reviewed 14 potential risk factors associated with blood loss in each of 70 liver transplant patients. Although on a statistical basis age correlated as a predictor of intraoperative blood loss, this association was not strong enough to be of clinical value. The authors were unable to predict which patients will have greater intraoperative blood loss. Preparation for massive transfusion should be used for all patients undergoing liver transplantation.