cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of Potential Noninvasive Ultrasound Brain Therapy Through an Intact Skull

Utilization of therapeutic ultrasound in the brain has been seriously limited by the commonly accepted view that these exposures would require that a piece of the skull bone be removed to allow the ultrasound beam to propagate into the brain. In this paper, the feasibility of delivering ultrasound therapy through the intact skull was studied. Sonications were performed through a piece of human skull with focused transducers at 0.248, 0.559, 1.0 and 1.68 MHz. The skull attenuated and distorted the field; however, a sharp focal spot was created at frequencies of 1 MHz or lower. At the higher frequency, the focus was destroyed. To investigate the feasibility of compensating for the ultrasound field distortion caused by the bone, phased array experiments were performed. Two arrays with 64 elements, operating at 0.6 MHz and 1.58 MHz, were used in these experiments. The phase shifts caused by the skull were measured for each element of the arrays and then compensated for by phase-control circuitry. These phase corrections allowed a sharp focus to be generated at both frequencies. Finally, tissue destruction was induced by using pulsed sonication through a piece of human skull in a rabbit brain in vivo at the frequency of 0.559 MHz. In summary, the results showed that transcranial delivery of therapeutic ultrasound into the brain may be feasible.
Cardiac arrhythmias after abrupt clonidine withdrawal

Abrupt clonidine withdrawal may be associated with sharp marked increases in catecholamine levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, which may induce nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. Relatively little information is available on the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in this setting. With continuous ambulatory ECG recordings, we determined the incidence of arrhythmias in seven male hypertensive patients (without active heart disease) after abrupt clonidine withdrawal. Serious ventricular arrhythmias, including brief ventricular tachycardia, developed in two patients who had greater increases in mean systolic blood pressure (28 +/- 3 vs 10 +/- 8 mm Hg) and double product (552 +/- 681 vs 333 +/- 195) than the others. The differences were not significant. Ventricular arrhythmias were not related to age, dose, withdrawal symptoms, initial blood pressure, urinary norepinephrine levels, or ECG abnormalities. We conclude that serious ventricular arrhythmias may be relatively common but unpredictable during clonidine withdrawal, even in patients with no clinically apparent heart disease. The triggering of ventricular arrhythmias should be added to the list of components of clonidine withdrawal syndrome.
Inherited unbalanced subtelomeric translocation in a child with 8p- and Angelman syndromes

A 10 1/2-month-old boy was found to have an unbalanced karyotype, 45,XY,der(8)t(8;15) (p23.3;q13). One of 83 analyzed cells also contained an unidentified small marker. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using cosmid probes for SNRPN, D15S10, and GABRB3 for the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)/Angelman syndrome (AS) critical region were not present on the derived chromosome. The child had some physical findings compatible with monosomy 8p. The mother also was a balanced carrier for the translocation. She also had 2/80 cells with an additional small marker chromosome, similar in size to the extra chromosome in the one cell of the propositus. FISH using an 8 paint did not show the reciprocal exchange on the der(15) but was demonstrated by using an 8p telomeric probe. At 18 months of age the child has some manifestations of AS. Earlier diagnosis may have been masked by the 8p- phenotype, or related to difficulty in diagnosing AS in infants.
Microstructural effects on the hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness of CVD diamond

The hardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) polycrystalline diamond have been investigated on several thick ({approximately}100 {micro}m) free-standing films with regard to the grain size, impurity content and failure mechanisms. Micro-hardness measurements using Vickers indentation, in conjunction with Young`s modulus measurement techniques such as nano-indentation, were employed to estimate the indentation fracture toughness. The toughness of CVD diamond was increased through the addition of non-diamond carbon, which promoted intergranular fracture and enhanced the toughness by grain bridging.
Circulating levels of vitamin E in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

Circulating levels of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) were examined via high-performance liquid chromatography in four female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at the New York Zoological Park between 1983 and 1987. Plasma vitamin E averaged 0.08 μg/ml in 1983, and was considered deficient. Over a four-year period of dietary supplementation ranging from 0.7 to 3.7 IU vitamin E/kg body mass (approximately 50 to 250 IU/kg diet as fed), mean plasma α-tocopherol increased to 0.6 μg/ml. Plasma and dietary vitamin E were found to be significantly correlated (p 0.05) with calculated dietary levels of the vitamin. To achieve the mean value for circulating α-tocopherol in captive elephants (0.5 μg/ml), feed must provide at least 1.0, and more likely 2.0 to 2.5 IU vitamin E/kg body mass (approximately 130 to 167 IU/kg diet).
A SIMULATION MODEL OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM OF A STATE1

This paper describes a simulation model to estimate the enrollments and expenditures associated with various policy alternatives for the post-secondary education system of a state, with Indiana as an example. Enrollments, operating expenditures, and construction costs are predicted for every public and private school for each year until 1985. The basic model-building technique employed is regression analysis on historical data, but it is supplemented by other quantitative techniques and by experts' predictions. The model may be used to predict “most likely” future enrollments and costs, to perform sensitivity analyses to better understand the impact of various exogenous variables upon the system, and to evaluate possible policy alternatives. Including all of the schools in a state makes possible the evaluation of policy alternatives such as possible configurations of new two-year public schools, the effect of tuition changes, and the effect of enrollment ceilings for larger state universities.
Interactions of daunomycin and melanotropin-daunomycin with DNA.

The specific recognition of fluorescein–melanotropin and melanotropin–ferritin–fluorescein conjugates by melanotropin (MSH) receptors on the surface of murine melanoma cells suggested the possibility of specific site-directed chemotherapy of melanomas1–3. An MSH–daunomycin conjugate has been shown to be more toxic to mouse melanoma cells than free daunomycin, and, at the same concentration, it was not toxic to mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells. Unconjugated daunomycin was equally toxic to both cell lines4. We report here investigation of the interactions of purified DNA with free daunomycin and with MSH–daunomycin conjugate using spectrophotometry and also an agarose gel assay that detects the unwinding of DNA due to ligand binding. We found an association constant of 4.8 × 106 M−1 and an unwinding angle of 10±1.5° for daunomycin, but no detectable binding and an association constant of <4.8 × 103 M−1 for MSH–daunomycin conjugate. We conclude that the cytotoxicity of MSH–daunomycin is not due to its binding to DNA.
A trade-off between energy and delay in data dissemination for wireless sensor networks using transmission range slicing

Data dissemination is an essential function in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A WSN consists of a large number of unattended sensors with limited storage, battery power, computation, and communication capabilities, where battery power (or energy) is the most crucial resource for sensor nodes. Because delay time is also a critical metric for certain applications, data dissemination between source sensors (or simply sources) and a sink (or central gathering point) should be done in an energy-efficient and timely manner. In this paper, we present an approach that characterizes a trade-off between energy and source-to-sink delay (or simply delay). Specifically, we decompose the transmission range of sensors into concentric circular bands (CCBs) based on a minimum transmission distance between any pair of sensors. Our decomposition strategy provides a classification of these CCBs that helps a sensor express its degree of interest (DoI) in minimizing two conflicting metrics, namely energy consumption and delay. We also propose a data dissemination protocol that exploits the above-mentioned decomposition to meet the specific requirements of a sensing application in terms of energy and delay. We prove that the use of sensors nodes, which lie on or closely to the shortest path between a source and a sink, as proxy forwarders in data dissemination from sources to a sink, helps simultaneously minimize energy consumption and delay. Also, we compute theoretical lower and upper bounds on these two metrics. Our simulation results are found to be consistent with our theoretical results, and show that the first CCB minimizes energy consumption; the last CCB minimizes delay; and the middle CCBs trade-off energy consumption with delay in data dissemination in WSNs.
Locoregional Recurrence after Mastectomy: Incidence and Outcomes

Background Locoregional recurrences (LRR) after mastectomy may be ominous events, but incidence and outcomes data are limited by heterogenous study populations and the time period studied. We sought to evaluate the rate of LRR at a single institution in the era of multimodality therapy, identify predictors for isolated LRR, and examine treatment strategies and outcomes of postmastectomy patients with isolated LRR. Study Design In a prospective database, we identified 1,057 patients who underwent mastectomy for invasive cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1995 to 1999. Predictive factors for isolated LRR were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Treatments and outcomes of patients with isolated LRR were reviewed. All patients with at least 2 years of followup were included. Median followup was 6 years. Results Overall, LRR developed in 93 of 1,057 (8.8%) patients. Thirty-four (3.2%) had synchronous distant metastases. Distant recurrences developed in thirty-one (2.9%) during the followup period (median followup, 6 years). Twenty-eight patients with LRR (2.6%) remained free of distant disease during the study period. Multivariate analysis showed age less than 35 years, lymphovascular invasion, and multicentricity as major predictors for isolated LRR. In the 28 patients with isolated LRR, 24 had recurrence in the chest wall, 2 in the axilla, and 2 in more than 1 local site. Seventy-eight percent (22 of 28) of patients were rendered disease free with surgery (15 of 22), radiotherapy (13 of 22), chemotherapy (6 of 22), or hormones (9 of 22). Conclusions Despite widespread use of adjuvant therapies during the study period, we found an LRR rate after mastectomy of 9%. But for patients presenting with LRR without evidence of distant disease, aggressive multimodality therapy is warranted because many of these patients can be rendered disease free.
Distribution of geckos in northern Peru: Long-term effect of strong ENSO events?

Abstract Arid ecosystems of western South America that are affected by ENSO events experience short-term pulses in precipitation that trigger changes in the recruitment and growth of vegetation. We hypothesized that strong ENSO events, such as those of 1982/83 and 1997/98, could influence animal communities over several decades. We surveyed populations of three sympatric species of geckos (Phyllodactylus spp.) at the Illescas Peninsula, northern Peru, in 2004, and compared our results with those collected by Huey [1979. Parapatry and niche complementarity of Peruvian desert geckos (Phyllodactylus): the ambiguous role of competition. Oecologia 38, 249–259] in 1968. We found that the number of mesquite trees was much higher in 2004 than it was in 1968. The frequency of the most arboreal species of gecko, Phyllodactylus reissi, was higher in 2004 than it was in 1968. P. reissi was also more likely to be associated with mesquite trees in 2004 than in 1968. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes could not be used to identify the most important source of primary productivity for the diet of geckos, because the values of mesquite trees and Capparis shrubs were similar. However, nitrogen isotopic values suggested that one species of gecko was incorporating marine-derived nutrients in its diet.
Exploring Barriers to Primary Care For Patients with Severe Mental Illness: Frontline Patient and Provider Accounts

The goal of this study was to obtain in-depth descriptions of barriers to primary care for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) and to provide solutions to these barriers. Qualitative interviews were administered to mental health and medical providers, as well as patients. Several major themes were reported including: poor access to care; patient limitations (e.g., psychopathology, cognitive difficulties); societal, health care system, and provider bias; integrated/fragmented care, communication difficulties; and quality of care issues. Results point to a need for nursing professionals to continue to improve access to medical care for this population, as well as to continue to integrate mental health and primary care.
Inhibition of c-Jun-N-terminal Kinase Increases Cardiac Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor α Expression and Fatty Acid Oxidation and Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-induced Heart Dysfunction

Septic shock results from bacterial infection and is associated with multi-organ failure, high mortality, and cardiac dysfunction. Sepsis causes both myocardial inflammation and energy depletion. We hypothesized that reduced cardiac energy production is a primary cause of ventricular dysfunction in sepsis. The JNK pathway is activated in sepsis and has also been implicated in impaired fatty acid oxidation in several tissues. Therefore, we tested whether JNK activation inhibits cardiac fatty acid oxidation and whether blocking JNK would restore fatty acid oxidation during LPS treatment. LPS treatment of C57BL/6 mice and adenovirus-mediated activation of the JNK pathway in cardiomyocytes inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α expression and fatty acid oxidation. Surprisingly, none of the adaptive responses that have been described in other types of heart failure, such as increased glucose utilization, reduced αMHC:βMHC ratio or induction of certain microRNAs, occurred in LPS-treated mice. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with a general JNK inhibitor (SP600125) increased fatty acid oxidation in mice and a cardiomyocyte-derived cell line. JNK inhibition also prevented LPS-mediated reduction in fatty acid oxidation and cardiac dysfunction. Inflammation was not alleviated in LPS-treated mice that received the JNK inhibitor. We conclude that activation of JNK signaling reduces fatty acid oxidation and prevents the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α down-regulation that occurs with LPS.
Dialogically based approaches to “with” and “about” the other: Thoughts on Carl Rogers’ dilemma

Over 50 years ago, Carl Rogers wrote of his personal struggles with two conflicting self-voices, one striving to be empathically “with” another person, and the other seeking abstract, theoretical i...
Sodium current in human intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) generate the electrical slow wave required for normal gastrointestinal motility. The ionic conductances expressed in human intestinal ICC are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine expression of a Na+ current in human intestinal ICC and to determine the effects of the Na+ current on the slow wave. Visually identified, freshly dissociated, single ICC were verified by the presence of c-kit mRNA by using single-cell RT-PCR. Standard whole cell currents were recorded from patch-clamped ICC held at -100 mV between pulse protocols. A Na+ current was identified in human intestinal ICC. The current activated at -55 mV and peaked at -30 mV. Extracellular N-methyl-d-glucamine abolished and QX-314 (500 microM) blocked the Na+ current, but nifedipine and Ni2+ did not. The Na+ current was activated by shear stress. Single-cell RT-PCR detected mRNA for the Na+ alpha-subunit SCN5A in single human intestinal ICC. Lidocaine (200 microm) and QX-314 (500 microM) decreased slow wave frequency, and stretch increased slow wave frequency. A mechanosensitive Na+ channel current is present in human intestinal ICC and appears to play a role in the control of intestinal motor function.
Mechanisms of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase regulation

The principal objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms regulating the activity of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL; EC 6.3.2.2), the rate limiting enzyme in glutathione biosynthesis. Two phylogenetically divergent species, mouse and the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster were used to test the hypothesis that reversible protein phosphorylation and pyridine dinucleotide phosphate dependent allostery regulate GCL activity. GCL was almost completely inhibited under phosphorylating conditions, involving preincubations with MgATP and endogenous protein kinases. Maximal GCL inhibitions of 94%, 77%, 85%, 87%, 83%, 95% and 89% occurred, respectively, in mouse cerebellum, hippocampus, brainstem, striatum, cortex and heart, and Drosophila. These changes in GCL activity were detected using saturating levels of substrates, suggesting that Vmax was dramatically affected, whereas Km values showed no differences. In vitro activation of GCL, presumably due to dephosphorylation, was blocked by inhibitors of protein phosphatases, suggesting that GCL exists in vivo as a mixture of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms. The reversibility of the dephosphorylation-dependent activation was indicated by the time-dependent inactivation of the in vitro activated Drosophila GCL, by preincubation with MgATP. NADPH increased maximal GCL activity by up to 93%, whereas several other nucleotide analogues did not, thereby demonstrating specificity. Kinetic analysis using Hanes–Woolf replots of initial velocity data suggested that the NADPH-dependent stimulation of GCL activity is brought about by a change in the maximal activity, Vmax, rather than changes in substrate affinity. Results of this study suggest that mechanisms of modulation of eukaryotic GCL enzymes may include specific binding of ligands such as pyridine dinucleotide phosphates and reversible protein phosphorylation.
Meeting Children's Mental and Physical Health Needs in Child Welfare: The Importance of Caregivers

Caregivers in the child welfare system are an important element in ensuring that mental and pediatric health services for their children are utilized appropriately. The high prevalence of mental and physical health problems of children in the child welfare system along with the inadequate utilization of health services make the role of caregivers essential for improving health outcomes. This article explores the barriers to meeting the health needs of this vulnerable population of children and how different types of caregivers (unrelated foster, kinship foster, and birth parents) utilize mental and pediatric health services. Child welfare caseworkers need to increase their communication with caregivers, assess adherence to health care recommendations, and help alleviate barriers to care.
Fugitive Slave on Trial: The Anthony Burns Case and Abolitionist Outrage

Fugitive Slave on Trial: The Anthony Burns Case and Abolitionist Outrage, by Earl Maltz, Lawrence, University Press of Kansas, 2010, x + 174 pp., US$17.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-7006-1736-4 http:/...
Iced-airfoil aerodynamics

Abstract Past research on airfoil aerodynamics in icing are reviewed. This review emphasizes the time period after the 1978 NASA Lewis workshop that initiated the modern icing research program at NASA and the current period after the 1994 ATR accident where aerodynamics research has been more aircraft safety focused. Research pre-1978 is also briefly reviewed. Following this review, our current knowledge of iced airfoil aerodynamics is presented from a flowfield-physics perspective. This article identifies four classes of ice accretions: roughness, horn ice, streamwise ice, and spanwise-ridge ice. For each class, the key flowfield features such as flowfield separation and reattachment are discussed and how these contribute to the known aerodynamic effects of these ice shapes. Finally Reynolds number and Mach number effects on iced-airfoil aerodynamics are summarized.
Identification and correlates of weight loss in adolescents in a national sample.

Objective: Little is known about behaviors associated with successful weight loss during adolescence. The first objective of the current study was to identify meaningful weight loss, weight maintenance, and weight gain in male and female adolescents. The second objective of this study was to apply these methods to U.S. adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 1999 to 2002 data and to identify factors associated with these weight change outcomes. Research Methods and Procedures: The current analyses include 1726 (female, 836; male, 890) 16- to 18-year-old adolescents who completed the questionnaire components and interview for either the 1999–2000 or the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Survey study. Dietary intake, physical activity, and dieting attitudes were compared across the weight loss (L), maintain (M), and gain (G) groups in the entire sample and in a subset of adolescents who are overweight and at-risk-for-overweight (≥85th percentile). Results: The tested method for identifying weight L, M, and G groups has both theoretical and statistical validity and, when applied to the sample, showed the expected direction of changes in weight. Results suggest that more overall physical activity, more vigorous exercise, and less sedentary activity are associated with being in the L group in both the full sample and the overweight and at-risk-for-overweight sample. In addition, fewer teens in the L groups endorsed efforts at trying to lose weight, compared with the M and G groups. Discussion: This study provides a method to determine successful adolescent weight loss for researchers and provides useful concrete information about successful weight loss for clinicians and others who work with adolescents.
The depth of seismic faulting and the upper transition from stable to unstable slip regimes

A number of observations indicate that an upper stability transition occurs along well-developed faults, such as the San Andreas, as a result of unconsolidated gouge within shallow regions of these faults. These observations include the depth distribution of seismicity along faults with and without well-developed gouge zones, correlations between seismicity and shallow crustal structure, and modeling of co- seismic and post-seismic slip. In addition, recent experimental friction studies indicate that thick layers of simulated gouge exhibit a positive slip-rate dependence of frictional resistance (velocity strengthening) and thus inherently stable slip, whereas bare rock surfaces and thin gouge layers exhibit potentially unstable velocity weakening behavior. Subduction zones with large accretionary wedges also exhibit an upper stability transition in that slip is aseismic within the accretionary wedge. A stability transition due to the presence of unconsolidated material can also be invoked in this case.
Determination of extracellular fluid volume in uremic patients by oral administration of radiosulfate.

Determination of extracellular fluid volume in uremic patients by oral administration of radiosulfate. Determinations of extracellular fluid volume (ECF) are needed both for understanding and management of problems in patients with hypertension and chronic renal disease. Because of difficulties with i.v. radioisotope markers, accuracy of oral radiosulfate (100 µCi) was assessed in four groups of subjects. In all, radiosulfate space correlated with expected value for weight, but equilibration time and decay rate of plasma levels was significantly more rapid in normal volunteers than it was in chronic renal failure (94 ± 8 vs. 161 ± 16 min and 14.6 ± 0.9 vs. 0.5 ± 0.1%/hr, respectively; P Determination du volume extracellulaire chez les malades uremiques par l'administration orale de radiosulfate. Les determinations du volume extracellulaire (ECF) sont necessaires a la fois a la comprehension et au traitement des problemes survenant chez les malades atteints d'hypertension et d'insuffisance renale chronique. A cause des difficultes liees a l'emploi par voie i.v. de marqueurs radioisotopiques la precision de l'utilisation du radiosulfate (100 µCi) par voie orale a ete evaluee dans quatre groupes de sujets. Chez tous l'espace radiosulfate est correle avec la valeur attendue en fonction du poids mais le temps d'equilibration et la diminution de la concentration plasmatique sont plus rapides chez les volontaires normaux que chez les sujets atteints d'insuffisance renale chronique (94 ± 8 et 161 ± 16 min; 14,6 ± 0.9 et 0,5 ± 0,1%/hr, respectivement, P
The possibility of positive rent gradients reconsidered

Abstract Despite empirical evidence to the contrary most residential location models are consistent only with a negative rent gradient. Richardson has suggested including average neighborhood plot size as an argument of the utility function; a positive rent gradient is not then a priori inconsistent with equilibrium. However, Richardson does not define the concept of equilibrium, and the purpose of this paper is to suggest a reasonable definition and to show that the rent gradient is negative if the utility function is strictly quasi-concave and if individual and average neighborhood plot size are substitutes.
Tocotrienols, the vitamin E of the 21st century: Its potential against cancer and other chronic diseases

Initially discovered in 1938 as a “fertility factor,” vitamin E now refers to eight different isoforms that belong to two categories, four saturated analogues (α, β, γ, and δ) called tocopherols and four unsaturated analogues referred to as tocotrienols. While the tocopherols have been investigated extensively, little is known about the tocotrienols. Very limited studies suggest that both the molecular and therapeutic targets of the tocotrienols are distinct from those of the tocopherols. For instance, suppression of inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, which is closely linked to tumorigenesis and inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, mammalian DNA polymerases and certain protein tyrosine kinases, is unique to the tocotrienols. This review examines in detail the molecular targets of the tocotrienols and their roles in cancer, bone resorption, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases at both preclinical and clinical levels. As disappointment with the therapeutic value of the tocopherols grows, the potential of these novel vitamin E analogues awaits further investigation.
Coronary operations in patients with spinal cord injury

Background. The risk of heart disease in patients with spinal cord injury is similar to that in the general population. The physiologic derangements raise special problems in patients with SCI having coronary operations. Methods. From January 1980 to May 1995, we performed coronary artery bypass procedures on 20 patients with SCI; 4 were tetraplegic and the remainder were paraplegic. The indication for operation was angina: unstable (13), exertional (4), or postinfarctional (3). Bowel and bladder care was given immediately before operation; operating room tables were double padded and a pelvic wrap was used to protect the back. Electric wheelchairs were used for early mobilization. Results. Vasomotor instability from cardiopulmonary bypass was not present in patients with SCI. Pharmacologic support was required in the operating room by 4 patients for low vascular resistance, but in only one case in the intensive care unit. One patient required ventilatory support for more than 24 hours. All patients were able to cough effectively. No thoracic wound complications occurred. There were three operative deaths, all in patients with multiple risk factors. The acute hospital stay averaged 9.3 days; patients were then transferred to an SCI unit for rehabilitation, where upper-extremity weight bearing was restricted for 2 to 4 weeks. Conclusions. Patients should not be denied coronary artery bypass procedures because of an SCI, but their special needs must be managed properly.
Intracellular Ionic Calcium and the Cytoskeleton in Living Cells

The calcium ion is present in the cytoplasm of living cells at resting concentrations of between 50 and 150 nanomolar while total cellular calcium concentrations, primarily bound non-ionic calcium, are in the millimolar range. Over the past several decades this ion has been suggested to play a critical role in the control of a wide range of cellular functions including excitability, endocytosis, exocytosis, motility, and cell division. Attention has focused on calcium activation of various enzymes and on an expanding class of calcium-binding proteins. Except for the case of electrophysiological responses, most of our insight into calcium control mechanisms has been derived from studies on cell fractions rather than intact cells. The exceptions to this have been those which have used cells large enough to penetrate with calcium-sensitive ion selective electrodes or cells which have been injected with the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin. Both of these approaches have serious limitations to their application. In the past five years the development and exploitation of calcium-sensitive fluorescent reporter dyes1 has enabled the measurement of nanomolar concentrations of the cytoplasmic ionic calcium ([Ca2+]i) in living cells. In the studies reviewed here, I shall move away from the nervous system, which has been the focus of this symposium, to non-neural cells in culture in order to discuss the possible role of the calcium ion in the local control of cytoskeletal function in interphase cells, in mitosis, and finally in Alzheimer's disease.
Circulating high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) concentrations are elevated in both uncomplicated pneumonia and pneumonia with severe sepsis.

Objective High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been proposed as a late mediator of sepsis, but human data are sparse and conflicting. We describe plasma HMGB1 concentrations in humans with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the most common cause of severe sepsis, and test the hypotheses that HMGB1 levels are higher in CAP than healthy controls, higher in CAP with severe sepsis than CAP without severe sepsis, and higher in severe sepsis nonsurvivors than survivors. Design Random, outcome-stratified sample from a prospective study of 1,895 subjects hospitalized with CAP. Setting Twenty-eight U.S. teaching and community hospitals. Patients There were 122 CAP subjects (43 never developed severe sepsis, 49 developed severe sepsis and survived hospitalization, and 30 developed severe sepsis and died) and 38 healthy controls. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Median day of onset of severe sepsis was day of admission. HMGB1 was measured daily for the first week and analyzed using repeated-measures models with and without multivariable adjustment for baseline characteristics. HMGB1 concentrations were higher in CAP subjects compared with controls (median concentration on day of admission vs. controls, 190 vs. 0 ng/mL, p = .0001; 93.7% of all CAP measurements were elevated). HMGB1 remained elevated throughout the hospital course with no significant trend (p = .64) and did not differ between those with and without severe sepsis (p = .30). HMGB1 concentrations were higher in severe sepsis nonsurvivors than survivors (p = .001). HMGB1 concentrations remained elevated at discharge (median final HMGB1 measure, 176 ng/mL). Findings persisted in multivariable models and were robust to sensitivity analyses using alternative definitions of severe sepsis. Conclusions HMGB1 is elevated in almost all CAP subjects, and higher circulating HMGB1 is associated with mortality. But immunodetectable HMGB1 levels were also persistently elevated in those patients who fared well. Thus, additional work is needed to understand the biological activities of serum HMGB1 in sepsis.
Procalcitonin-guided antibiotics in severe sepsis.

Subjects 79 adult patients with suspected severe sepsis or septic shock. Intervention All patients had circulating PCT levels drawn daily. In patients randomly assigned to the intervention group, antibiotics were stopped when PCT levels had decreased 90% or more from the initial value (if clinicians agreed) but not before Day 3 (if baseline PCT levels were 1 mg/L). In control patients, clinicians decided on the duration of antibiotic therapy based on empirical rules.
Immune-enhancing enteral diet increases blood flow and proinflammatory cytokines in the rat ileum

Abstract Background. Enteral feeding improves outcome following surgery. Benefits depend on timing, route (enteral vs parenteral), and nutrient composition (standard vs immune-enhancing diets; IED). IED augments intestinal immunity and stimulates gut blood flow during absorption in a nutrient-specific manner. We hypothesize that a mechanism for the gut protective effect of IED is augmentation of blood flow to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in the terminal ileum. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–230 g) were fed for 5 days either an IED (Impact, Novartis) or an isocaloric, isonitrogenous control diet (CD, Boost, Mead-Johnson) matched to the daily caloric intake (rat chow). Rats were then anesthetized and cannulated for microsphere determination of whole organ blood flow. Blood glucose levels and blood flow to abdominal organs were determined at baseline and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after gastric gavage (2 ml) with IED or CD. Intestinal tissues were harvested for cytokine levels (ELISA: IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IgA). Results. Chronic IED increased baseline blood flow in the distal third of the small intestine compared to chow-fed and CD. Baseline blood flow was comparable between IED and CD in all other organs. CD and IED produced different blood flow patterns after gavage. CD increased blood flow compared to baseline and IED in antrum, duodenum, and jejunum. Ileal blood flow remained elevated in IED rats for 2 h, perhaps suggesting maximal blood flow. IED increased blood glucose compared to CD. Chronic IED increased IL-4 and decreased IL-10 in the terminal ileum. Conclusions. Chronic IED exposure increases and sustains ileal blood flow compared to CD with altered proinflammatory cytokine expression. Our data suggest that a mechanism for the IED effect involves the selective perfusion of the terminal ileum and contiguous GALT during IED nutrient absorption.
1 and 1 is 11 New Ways to Mentor and Reorganize an Inpatient Neurosurgery Service

Contemporary departments in academic medical centers face challenging obstructions to the sometimes conflicted missions of education, research, and patient care. While the ward demands of patients and families have remained stable or increased, the availability of both attending faculty and residents has often decreased due to the requirements of relative value unit production and trainee duty hour limitations. The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington has evolved a novel solution to provide senior level attending coverage and bedside mentoring to help fill these gaps.
Sugarcane and corn: Biofuel-based study abroad programs in Brazil

This paper discusses observations and affective qualities of student experiences in a three-week (short-term) study-abroad program in Brazil entitled "The Biofuels Puzzle: Exploring the Food, Water, Fuel Triangle." In this 2009 study-abroad course conducted through the University of Washington (UW) Exploration Seminars program, a team of four program leaders, from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, led a group of 21 students (14 in engineering) to south-central Brazil. The 6-credit course and the description provided in this paper look at academic, cultural, and field aspects of the program, observations of student experiences, and affective self-report from students in the program. Student survey data for connection to community and individual capacity were analyzed for this paper to compare (1) students who participated in this program with those who did not go abroad and (2) engineering and non-technical students in the program. Engineering students, in their written work, show more and deeper consideration of the broader impacts of a chosen technology in the global picture while studying off-campus (compared to on-campus work). All of the results support the positive benefit of enabling engineering students to study abroad, especially if the content of their study emphasizes technology and its impact on society.
A role for casein kinase 1 epsilon in the locomotor stimulant response to methamphetamine.

Rationale We previously colocalized a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of methamphetamine (MA) with a QTL for expression of casein kinase 1 epsilon (Csnk1-ɛ) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Subsequently, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in CSNK1E (rs135745) that was associated with increased sensitivity to the subjective effects of d-amphetamine in healthy human subjects. Based on these results, we hypothesized that differential expression of Csnk1-ɛ causes differential sensitivity to MA-induced locomotor activity in mice.
A low-power mixed-signal baseband system design for wireless sensor networks

We present the design methodology and a silicon implementation of a baseband system for use in wireless sensor network applications. Starting from the RF interface, our design process began with a system level phase inspired by the platform-based design (PBD) methodology extended to the analog domain. The functional design was based on an early-late gate synchronization scheme. The PBD approach was used to explore two alternative solutions: a predominantly digital one and a predominantly analog one. To validate the functional aspect of the design, a prototype implementation based on an FPGA and a field programmable analog array (FPAA) was derived using the PBD approach. Finally, we mapped the system level description to silicon aiming at an ultra low power implementation exploiting weak inversion in a 0.13/spl mu/CMOS process leading to an overall power consumption of 200/spl mu/W with a 1V supply.
Microwave measurement of the solid propellant pressure-coupled response function

The results of an investigation are presented on the applicability of a microwave Doppler shift technique for directly determining propellant response functions over the desired frequency range. The investigation consisted of three phases. In Phase 1 the validity of the technique was established by comparing measured pressure-coupled response function data to existing data from T-burners and rotating valve tests. In Phase 2 a new microwave burner-pressure modulation system capable of achieving frequencies and mean chamber pressures of at least 1500 Hz and 10.5 MPa (1500 psia), respectively, was developed. During Phase 3 test firings are being carried out to define the frequency limit, response function resolution, and precision of the new design.
Genotype and Haplotype Reconstruction from Low-Coverage Short Sequencing Reads

Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies have led to orders of magnitude higher throughput compared to classic Sanger sequencing (see [3] for a review). Coupled with continuously decreasing sequencing costs, HTS data provides opportunities to study genome structure, function, and evolution at an unprecedented scale, and is profoundly transforming biomedical research.
Development of polysilicon TFTs for 16 MB SRAMs and beyond

Summary form only given. The authors discuss the development and optimization of polysilicon grain microstructure, gate dielectric ,and light doped drain offset (LDO) for thin-film transistors (TFTs). The nominal TFTs used in this study had a W/L of 0.7/1.2 mu m with a drain offset of 0.3 mu m. Different gate dielectrics (SiO/sub 2/, NO, ONO) with thickness of 10-50 nm were evaluated. The results suggest that an LDO implant is essential for obtaining ON/OFF ratios greater than 10/sup 5/ while reducing the TFT sensitivity to drain-offset misalignment. The ONO dielectric is superior to NO stacks or oxide in terms of oxide leakage and ON/OFF ratios. A 3*10/sup 14/ Si implant after solid-phase crystallization (SPC) improves the slope by reducing the interface trap density. Therefore, significant performance enhancements in leakage ( 10/sup 6/) can be realized using LDO TFTs with stacked gates and an Si implant following SPC. >
Polymerizable viscoelastic fluids

Rheological, elongational flow, and scanning electron microscopy measurements have been performed on cationic monomers associated with specific counterions. The monomers are formed through the reaction of allyl bromide and a variety of dimethylalkylamine derivatives. The results show that above a specific monomer–counterion concentration, highly elongated structures are formed in solution. These structures are adequately described as polymerizable rod-like micelles. The physical properties of these fluids are interpreted in terms of a micellar sphere to rod transition which gradually occurs over a specific concentration range (>1g/dL, in general). At higher concentrations, these rod-like entities are capable of interacting with each other. Therefore, even though the forces holding the structures together are certainly weaker than a chemical bond, polymeric-like properties are observed in these polymerizable viscoelastic fluids.
USING THE DRUG ABUSE SCREENING TEST (DAST-10) TO ANALYZE HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION AND COST FOR SUBSTANCE USERS IN A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING

The dual purpose of this study was to: determine whether problematic drug users, defined through the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), exhibited differences in health services utilization and cost relative to a combined group of non-problematic drug users and non-drug users; and assess whether the findings were similar to those for chronic drug users (CDUs) and injecting drug users (IDUs). Results showed that health services utilization and total cost were very similar for problematic drug users defined through quantity-frequency (i.e., CDU, IDU) and diagnostic (i.e., DAST-10) criteria. Findings suggest that quantity/frequency criteria for problematic drug use were reasonable approximations for diagnostic-based measures. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]
A platform for dynamic simulation and control of movement based on OpenSim and MATLAB

Numerical simulations play an important role in solving complex engineering problems and have the potential to revolutionize medical decision making and treatment strategies. In this paper, we combine the rapid model-based design, control systems and powerful numerical method strengths of MATLAB/ Simulink with the simulation and human movement dynamics strengths of OpenSim by developing a new interface between the two software tools. OpenSim is integrated with Simulink using the MATLAB S-function mechanism, and the interface is demonstrated using both open-loop and closed-loop control systems. While the open-loop system uses MATLAB/Simulink to separately reproduce the OpenSim Forward Dynamics Tool, the closed-loop system adds the unique feature of feedback control to OpenSim, which is necessary for most human movement simulations. An arm model example was successfully used in both open-loop and closed-loop cases. For the open-loop case, the simulation reproduced results from the OpenSim Forward Dynamics Tool with root mean square (RMS) differences of 0.031 for the shoulder elevation angle and 0.061 for the elbow flexion angle. MATLAB’s variable stepsize integrator reduced the time required to generate the forward dynamic simulation from 7.1 s (OpenSim) to 2.9 s (MATLAB). For the closed-loop case, a proportional–integral–derivative controller was used to successfully balance a pole on model’s hand despite random force disturbances on the pole. The new interface presented here not only integrates the OpenSim and MATLAB/Simulink software tools, but also will allow neuroscientists, physiologists, biomechanists, and physical therapists to adapt and generate new solutions as treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.
Chemical ionization of ethylene dibromide with ammonia gas

Under ammonia chemical ionization conditions, a fragment ion of ethylene dibromide undergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction which is demostrated to be highly pressure-dependent upon the reagent gas concentration. This reaction is strongly influenced by the stability of the intermediate carbonium ion and the ability of the substituted product ion to be stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
Power System Level Impacts of PHEVs

This paper presents investigations into various aspects of how plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) could impact the electric power system. The investigation is focused on impacts on the power system infrastructure and impacts on the primary fuel utilizations due to PHEV charging. The investigation is presented in terms of examples of typical systems. Methodologies are presented for computing loss of life of distribution transformers, which sets the basis for needed expansion or upgrades of systems with PHEV penetration. In addition, a methodology is presented for evaluating the impact on primary fuel source utilization considering all the operating constraints of an electric power system. Examples of fuel utilization impact are presented for various levels of PHEV penetration. In general, PHEVs cause a shift of fuel utilization from petroleum to less expensive fuels utilized by electric power utilities.
Continuous end‐tidal CO2 in pediatric bronchoscopy

In recent years flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) has been applied to children for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Sedation during FFB, along with introduction of the bronchoscope into the pediatric airway, may cause hypoventilation, leading to hypoxia and desaturation, even in the presence of oxygen supplementation. Arterial oxygen saturation is usually monitored by pulse oximetry (SpO2) during FFB. End-tidal PCO2 (P(etCO2)) monitoring is not routinely used. Twenty-two pediatric patients (15 days to 18 years old) undergoing FFB and receiving supplemental oxygen were studied prospectively and had continuous P(etCO2) and SpO2 measured before and during the procedure (bronchoscope at the carina or either main bronchus). Mean P(etCO2) (+/- SD) decreased from 33.9 (+/- 6.0) mmHg before to 27.1 (+/- 12.1) mmHg during the procedure (P < 0.024). Concomitantly, mean SpO2 (+/- SD) also decreased from 99.9 (+/- 0.4)% before to 95.7 (+/- 11.1)% during the procedure (P < 0.015). P(etCO2) changes seemed to precede the variations in SpO2, especially in young patients who experienced significant desaturation and decompensation during FFB. We conclude that PetCO2 and SpO2 decrease during FFB in children, even with supplemental oxygen. We speculate that this reflects airway obstruction by the instrument. Further studies are needed to assess the utility of PetCO2 monitoring in pediatric FFB.
Diagnostic politics: the curious case of Kanner’s syndrome:

The consensus US (not European) narrative regarding diagnosis and aetiology of autism posits that misguided 'parent-blaming' psychogenic causes were supplanted due to solid research proving the presence of organic causes.Yet, upon scrutiny, it is questionable that the high-functioning, often high-IQ minority--about 15% of those labelled autistic--whose condition Kanner in 1943 first dubbed 'infantile autism' were absorbed into the 'autistic spectrum' on the basis of scientific evidence. Extra-scientific factors must be addressed in order to understand the status of the category today.