cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acidosis-induced apoptosis in human and porcine heart

Abstract Background Acidosis-mediated injury to cardiac myocytes during surgery may lead to progressive heart failure. The nature of this injury, although not well defined, may be caused by induction of apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. We applied fluorescence imaging and biochemical techniques to assess apoptosis in cardiac myocytes excised from human patients and porcine subjects maintained on cardiopulmonary bypass to demonstrate the relationship between acidosis and apoptosis. Methods Multiphoton microscopy was used to image fluorescence signals generated in myocytes deep within atrial and ventricular biopsies for identification of apoptotic changes. The biopsies, obtained during cardiac surgery, were subjected to ex vivo or in vivo acidosis. Proapoptotic markers such as exposure of phosphatidyl serine, cytochrome c , apoptotic protease-activating factor-1, and caspase-3 were identified using fluorescence-based imaging and biochemical assays. Results Within 30 minutes of storage in low pH ( Conclusions Using fluorescence multiphoton microscopy and biochemical techniques we have assessed a direct correlation between low pH and induction of apoptosis in cardiac samples obtained both from human patients undergoing cardiac surgery and porcine subjects maintained on cardiopulmonary bypass simulating cardiac surgery.
Autocorrelation of hadrons in jets produced in heavy-ion collisions

Autocorrelation of two pions produced in heavy-ion collisions at intermediate p{sub T} is calculated in the framework of the recombination model. The differences of the pseudorapidities and azimuthal angles of the two pions are related to the angle between two shower partons in a jet. It is shown how the autocorrelation distribution reveals the properties of the jet cone of the shower partons created by high-p{sub T} partons in hard collisions.
Eye and ocular adnexa

The eye, optic nerve, eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, and the orbit may harbor a remarkably diverse number of congenital malformations, infectious diseases, metabolic abnormalities, posttraumatic and degenerative lesions, as well as benign and malignant neoplasms. In this chapter, the most common conditions that may come to the attention of general surgical pathologists are emphasized. Retinoblastomas are the most common malignant ocular tumors in children, while uveal melanomas are the most common primary intraocular tumors in adults. Malignant lymphomas may affect the conjunctiva, the orbit, and the eye. Lacrimal gland tumors do not differ morphologically from those in the salivary glands.
Introductory Atmospheric Sciences at a Liberal Arts University (1995–99)

Abstract Ulanski surveyed various atmospheric sciences faculty, on a national basis, to define the extent to which specific liberal arts approaches and techniques were used in their classes. This study used Ulanski's questionnaire to investigate the students' perceptions of those same questions. The student survey was conducted for eight semesters to gather a sufficient dataset for comparison with Ulanski's results. Based upon the results from the students, as compared to the faculty, the liberal arts teaching approaches Ulanski addressed are quite well covered in the Creighton atmospheric sciences classes, or within other clearly identified portions of the Creighton curriculum. In addition, the students feel they are given explicitly stated objectives and that the Creighton faculty incorporate goal–oriented instruction in attaining those goals. There is a strong sense among the students that cross–disciplinary and historical developments are an integral part of the Creighton approach. Overall, Creighton ...
Congenital anomalies of the superior vena cava: A CT study

T HE PRECISE and elegant rendering of the human anatomy achieved by CT has, for over a decade, provided a novel perspective to the medical diagnostic armamentarium. CT has had a significant impact on almost every avenue in the daily practice of medicine and has gained broad acceptance by our clinical colleagues. A wide variety of congenital vascular anomalies of the upper mediastinum exist. Since most of these are clinically silent, they are often unsuspected and discovered incidentally on radiographic studies done for other reasons. Familiarity with the CT appearance of such anomalies may aid in the interpretation of otherwise potentially confusing CT images. Innovative techniques for solving clinical problems have been designed. Some have improved our diagnostic capabilities, while others have introduced interventional techniques that offer therapeutic and palliative alternatives to surgery. CT has had a significant impact on just about every avenue in the daily practice of medicine. Its broad acceptance by our clinical colleagues and the documented direct benefit to the patient crown a historical decade of medical imaging progress.
Differential Sensitivity of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase p110γ to Isoforms of G Protein βγ Dimers

The ability of G protein alpha and betagamma subunits to activate the p110gamma isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns 3-kinase) was examined using pure, recombinant G proteins and the p101/p110gamma form of PtdIns 3-kinase reconstituted into synthetic lipid vesicles. GTP-activated Gs, Gi, Gq, or Go alpha subunits were unable to activate PtdIns 3-kinase. Dimers containing Gbeta(1-4) complexed with gamma2-stimulated PtdIns 3-kinase activity about 26-fold with EC50 values ranging from 4 to 7 nm. Gbeta5gamma2 was not able to stimulate PtdIns 3-kinase despite producing a 10-fold activation of avian phospholipase Cbeta. A series of dimers with beta subunits containing point mutations in the amino acids that undergo a conformational change upon interaction of betagamma with phosducin (beta1H311Agamma2, beta1R314Agamma2, and beta1W332Agamma2) was tested, and only beta1W332Agamma2 inhibited the ability of the dimer to stimulate PtdIns 3-kinase. Dimers containing the beta1 subunit complexed with a panel of different Ggamma subunits displayed variation in their ability to stimulate PtdIns 3-kinase. The beta1gamma2, beta1gamma10, beta1gamma12, and beta1gamma13 dimers all activated PtdIns 3-kinase about 26-fold with 4-25 nm EC50 values. The beta1gamma11 dimer, which contains the farnesyl isoprenoid group and is highly expressed in tissues containing the p101/p110gamma form of PtdIns 3-kinase, was ineffective. The role of the prenyl group on the gamma subunit in determining the activation of PtdIns 3-kinase was examined using gamma subunits with altered CAAX boxes directing the addition of farnesyl to the gamma2 subunit and geranylgeranyl to the gamma1 and gamma11 subunits. Replacement of the geranylgeranyl group of the gamma2 subunit with farnesyl inhibited the activity of beta1gamma2 on PtdIns 3-kinase. Conversely, replacement of the farnesyl group on the gamma1 and gamma11 subunit with geranylgeranyl restored almost full activity. These findings suggest that all beta subunits, with the exception of beta5, interact equally well with PtdIns 3-kinase. In contrast, the composition of the gamma subunit and its prenyl group markedly affects the ability of the betagamma dimer to stimulate PtdIns 3-kinase.
High Sensitivity Photo-Thermal Lens Method for Measuring of Two- Photon Absorption

ABSTRACT We present a two-beam mode-mismatched thermal lens method for pulse excitation aimed for the determination of one- and two-photon absorption coefficient with high sensitivity. In this scheme the excitation beam is focused onto the sample in the presen ce of a collimated CW probe light of low power. The Z-scan signature is single peaked with a width that depends on the number of photons involved in the absorption. We show that the method is at least two orders of magnitude more sensitive than the well-known open Z-scan transmission method commonly used for multi-photon absorption measurement. Using the proposed method we measure a two photon abso rption coefficient for nitrobenzene of E =1.12 10 -10 cm/W for nanosecond pulses and a wavelength of 532 nm . INTRODUCTION The development of reliable methods for sensitive measuremen t of nonlinear absorption of optical material remains as an important task for nonlinear laser spectroscopy. Materials exhibiting multi-photon absorption properties have important applications in photonics (optical limiting, microlithography)
The effect of annealing on the transiton layer in Co-Cr thin films as inferred from FMR☆

Abstract Co-Cr films have been vacuum-annealed with and without the application of dc magnetic fields. A 30 GHz ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectrometer was used to assess changes in magnetic properties. When a structurally oriented bulk layer or applied magnetic field are present, annealing affects the transition layer through preferential grain growth.
Surface charge dependence of second harmonic generation from a Ni electrode

Abstract The third-order susceptibility of a charged metal surface can strongly affect the efficiency for optical second harmonic generation from that metal. We present preliminary evidence for this effect on a polycrystalline Ni electrode probed at a fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. The surface charge is varied and measured electrochemically, and the charge-dependent surface second harmonic signal is analyzed with a simple free-electron model. The results indicate that the third-order hyperpolarizabilities of the Ni electrode are predominant over the corresponding second-order polarizability terms.
Dexamethasone-Induced Change in the Sphingomyelin Content of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in Vitro*

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with 8 × 10-9 to 8 × 10-5 M dexamethasone for 2 h. A significant increase in the sphingomyelin content of the cells was found when 8 × 10-8 M dexamethasone was used, with lesser changes being noted when the concentration was increased or decreased from this level. The increase in the phospholipid was blocked by the addition of cycloheximide to the incubation. Concurrent with the increase in sphingomyelin, an increase in sphingomyelinase was demonstrated. This increased enzymatic activity may have occurred secondary to the increase in substrate or may be involved in the reverse reaction, whereby phosphorylcholine and ceramide combine to form sphingomyelin. Other studies have demonstrated an effect of corticosteroids to suppress the production of superoxide anion and the importance of a membrane oxidase in the production of the anion. An action of dexamethasone to both suppress superoxide anion production and increase sphingomyelin content suggests a possibl...
The Thermodilution Technique for Measuring Resting Energy Expenditure Does Not Agree With Indirect Calorimetry for the Critically III Patient

Background: The complications associated with overfeeding critically ill patients are well documented. Indirect calorimetry is touted as the gold standard for measuring resting energy expenditure (REE). Unfortunately, the device is expensive, and many centers do not have this technology. The thermodilution technique for measuring cardiac output and calculating REE using the Fick equation has been reported to be an acceptable alternative. This study compared these techniques in a critically ill population. Methods: Forty consecutive patients with indwelling Swan-Ganz catheters in the surgical intensive care unit were prospectively studied while under the consultative care of the nutrition support service. REE was determined in all patients by both techniques within a 2-hour period. An error of 5% (approximately ± 100 kcal/d) between the two methods was deemed acceptable for clinical use. Results: Mean values for REE were 1928 ± 558 vs 1898 ± 518 kcal/d for the indirect calorimetry and thermodilution methods, respectively, and were not significantly different. However, there was great variation between the two techniques for the majority of patients such that REE determinations did not agree (t = 6.8; p <.0005). In 70% of the patients, REE determinations differed by ≥20% and in 10% of the patients by 50%. Additionally, the greater the difference between the two methods, the more the thermodilution method tended to overestimate REE. Conclusions: When compared with indirect calorimetry in a critically ill population, the thermodilution method demonstrated an intersubject variability that is unacceptable for clinical use.
Patterns of larval fish abundance in a bottomland hardwood wetland

Larval fishes were collected with light traps and iehthyoplankton nets for two consecutive years during spring and early summer in the channel and floodplain (tupelo and oak forest) of the Cache River, Arkansas. A total of 8,113 individuals were collected between the greas. Twenty-eight species were confirmed, but total number of taxa, including genus and family level groupings, was 35. Pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus) was the most abundant species, with 21% of the total catch consisting of this fish. Percidae (darters) was the dominant family, comprising at least seven species and accounting for 57% of the total numbers of fish collected. The families Cyprinidae and Centrarchidae were also common. Specimens that could not be identified to species made up nearly 56% of the eatch. Species richness was similar among the three habitats probably due to hydraulic mixing, but individuals in the families Centrarchidae, Cyprinidae, and Percidae were more abundant in tupelo and oak habitats than in channel for net and light trap catches. Mean catch of total individuals in nets and light traps was greater in floodplain habitats than in the channel, particularly during spring 1989. Large catches in spring 1989 corresponded to higher water levels that expanded the aquatic/oak forest transition zone compared to lower water levels in 1988. Thus, late winter and spring floods that inundate the oak forest appear to be a major factor in regulating abundance of larval fishes in this bottomland hardwood wetland.
Stark Hole Burning of Aluminum Phthalocyanine Tetrasulfonate in Normal and Cancer Cells

The results of Stark hole burning of aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (APT) in MCF-10F (normal) and MCF-7 (cancer) cells are reported. Hole broadening was observed for zero-phonon holes (ZPH) for both cell lines when laser polarization was parallel and perpendicular to an applied electric (Stark) field. Changes in dipole moment suggest that dye molecules are located near the cell membrane and, in normal cells, experience some degree of ordering not found in the cancer cells.
Character of the Hard Tooth Tissue-polymer Bond I. Study of the Interaction of Calcium Phosphate with N-Phenylglycine and with N-Phenylglycine-Glycidyl Methacrylate Adduct

A model investigation was carried out to establish the chemical character of the bond between hard tooth tissues and polymeric materials. The interaction of NPG and NPG-GMA with Ca 3(PO4)2 and 45Ca3(PO4) 2 was studied in aqueous, alcoholic and aqueous-alcoholic solutions. It was shown that NPG and NPG-GMA react in solution with Ca ions which are in equilibrium with calcium phosphate. The reaction proceeds more intensively in aqueous-alcoholic medium due to its ionic character. The IR spectra of the reaction products show the presence of NPG-GMA calcium salt. J Dent Res 58(9):1879-1883, September 1979
CrowdCrit: crowdsourcing and aggregating visual design critique

People who create visual designs often struggle to find high-quality critique outside a firm or classroom, and current online feedback solutions are limited. We created a system called CrowdCrit which leverages paid crowdsourcing to generate and visualize high-quality visual design critique. Our work extends prior crowd feedback research by focusing on scaffolding the process and language of studio critique for crowds.
The simplex algorithm with a new primal and dual pivot rule

We present a simplex-type algorithm for linear programming that works with primal-feasible and dual-feasible points associated with bases that differ by only one column. The algorithm is almost unaffected by degeneracy, and a preliminary implementation compares favorably with the primal simplex method.
MRI spectrum of medulloblastoma.

Abstract Medulloblastomas have been characterized as solid, homogeneously enhancing, midline masses of the posterior fossa. To evaluate atypical MRIcharacteristics, we retrospectively reviewed 13 histologically proven medulloblastomas. MRI examinations were correlated with pathologic specimens and operative reports. Atypical features included cyst formation (77%), irregular enhancement (19%), extension through fourth ventricle foramina (15%), and presentation as a cerebellopontine angle mass (8%). We conclude that “atypical” characteristics are common. In the child or young adult, medulloblastomas must be included in the differential diagnosis of any posterior fissa mass.
Why Did I Lose? A Conservation of Resources View of Salesperson Failure Attributions

Hobfoll’s conservation of resource (COR) theory is used to predict how net resource loss (defined in this study as “sales failure impact”) influences the type of attributions used by salespeople to account for a sales setback. Partial support for the theory was found where salespeople employed external attributions to conserve resources following a loss perceived as having high sales failure impact. The role of self-efficacy and internal locus of control are also used to explain when salespeople choose internal attributions or to “spend” resources as predicted from COR. Implications for both sales research and sales management are discussed.
Effect of the ecdysone agonists, RH‐2485 and tebufenozide, on the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella

The effect of the ecdysone agonists RH-2485 (proposed name methoxyfenozide) and tebufenozide (RH-5992), was examined on eggs and larvae of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar. Both compounds exhibited a concentration-dependent ovicidal activity. More than 95% of eggs died when egg masses were dipped in solutions of 100 or 200 mg liter -1 of either compound in acetone + distilled water (1 + 1 by volume). Although some eggs treated with 1 or 10 mg liter -1 of the compounds hatched, the survival rate was low. Newly hatched larvae were fed for seven days on an artificial diet containing RH-2485 or tebufenozide. The LC 50 values were 0.049 mg kg -1 for RH-2485 and 0.185 mg kg -1 for tebufenozide, showing that RH-2485 was about four times more active than was tebufenozide. Although increasing the time of exposure to either compound decreased the LC 50 value significantly, the relative potency of RH-2485 versus tebufenozide was not changed. Newly ecdysed 4th-instar larvae fed with diets containing 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg -1 RH-2485 or tebufenozide ceased feeding approximately 8 h after exposure, indicating that larvae had prematurely entered a molting cycle. Larvae treated with RH-2485 ecdysed earlier and died more quickly than those treated with tebufenozide. Ingestion of sublethal concentrations of RH-2485 (0.005 and 0.01 mg kg -1 ) or tebufenozide (0.03 and 0.06 mg kg -1 ) retarded larval growth, and decreased pupal weight and adult emergence. Increasing exposure time to tebufenozide tended to increase the larval mortality, significantly retarded larval growth, and decreased the mean weights of male and female pupae and adult emergence. RH-2485 (0.125 and 0.25 mg kg -1 ) and tebufenozide (0.25 and 0.5 mg kg -1 ) were lethal to newly hatched larvae, even after diets containing these compounds were held for 20 days at 30°C under long days (16 h light: 8 h dark). Our results suggest that field trials to assess the potential of RH-2485 and tebufenozide to control D. grandiosella are warranted.
Tax Implications of Participating in Reality Television

This instructional case is intended for use as a tax research project to introduce you to a “real‐world” issue that illustrates how statutes intended for one purpose are often used by tax advisors for seemingly unrelated purposes. The case is based on the ABC television show, Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition, and the resulting tax treatment to the homeowners from the renovations provided by the show. This case allows you the opportunity to research a controversial tax issue that is currently undecided and asks you to assess the relevant authorities and determine whether the show's tax planning follows the intention of the law.
Frames of reference interact and are task-dependent

The problem for the CNS in any particular movement task is to coordinate the various frames of reference appropriate to the task. Control variables are determined by this coordination. The coordination problem varies greatly from task to task, and so no single set of control variables is likely to account for a broad range of movement tasks.
Psoriasis and its treatment with infliximab-mediated tumor necrosis factor α blockade

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, affecting approximately 2% of the US population [1–3]. It is seen predominantly in whites (>80% of cases) and occurs equally in men and women, with a typical onset between the age of 20 and 30 years [2]. Marked familial aggregation (30%) and a high concordance rate in monozygotic twins (65%–72%) indicate the role of a multifactorial genetic predisposition in the emergence of psoriasis [4]. Psoriasis can be triggered in predisposed persons by several factors, including bacterial infections, inflammatory insults, local trauma, psychologic stress, drugs (eg, lithium, b-blockers, and antimalarial agents), alcohol, and overexposure to the sun [5–8]. Skin involvement may range from minimal, with small focal lesions on the elbows, knees, or scalp, to extensive, with areas on the torso and extremities and, in rarer instances, whole body involvement. The most common plaque-type psoriatic lesions are usually easily recognized by the presence of three cardinal signs: acanthosis, erythema, and white or silvery scales. Pruritus and nail dystrophy are frequently associated. A subset of patients with psoriasis (up to 35%) develop or exhibit a progressive, inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis [PsA]), marked by joint swelling and pain; in most patients (75%), psoriatic skin lesions precede such arthritis, whereas in approximately 15% of patients, joint pain presents before
Global air traffic management (GATM) requirements for military rotary-wing aircraft

To help cope with the ever increasing demand for air travel, Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), along with the Air Transportation Industry have established programs that restructure airspace and mandate the carriage of addition equipment to allow aircraft to more effectively use airspace. These initiatives are known as Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) to the civil community and Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) to the military. Primarily, CNS/ATM (GATM) initiatives have been designed around fixed wing aircraft. These aircraft have specific and well-defined flight regimes and performance characteristics. Rotary-wing aircraft have significantly different characteristics than their fixed wing counterparts, adversely effecting the rotary-wing aircraft's ability meet the intended CNS/ATM (GATM) initiatives. This paper discusses the issues facing military rotorcraft, which are required to maintain all tactical mission capabilities, while achieving interoperability and compliance with the regulations for airspace designed to accommodate fixed wing aircraft. In addition, it identifies the CNS/ATM (GATM) initiatives that will have the most impact on military rotary-wing aircraft and provide guidance as to how the CNS/ATM (GATM) functionality may best be implemented, while maintaining full tactical mission capability.
An area-efficient and protected network interface for processing-in-memory systems

This paper describes the implementation of an area-efficient and protected user memory-mapped network interface, the pbuf (parcel buffer), for the data intensive architecture (DIVA) processing-in-memory (PIM) system. This implementation of the pbuf in TSMC 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology displays an aggregate bi-directional throughput of 48.08 Gbps, using low area (0.56 mm/sup 2/) and power consumption (32.30 mW). These characteristics, especially the low area and power, have made the current implementation an ideal choice for assimilation in DIVA PIM systems, since low area and power are critical design requirements in the PIM philosophy. The pbuf implementation has been verified by the execution of a 2-PIM transitive closure benchmark at 140 MHz on an HP Itanium2-based Long's Peak server containing DIMMs populated with DIVA-H PIM chips.
Optimal biofilm formation and power generation in a micro-sized microbial fuel cell (MFC)

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent an emerging technology for generating electricity from renewable biomass. Micro-sized MFCs show promising applications in certain niche applications. However, existing micro-sized MFCs are generally limited by their low power density, rendering them insufficient for practical applications. Here, we report a micro-sized MFC having optimal biofilm formation and minimal oxygen invasion into its anode chamber to generate high power density. The biofilm formed by exoelectrogen, Geobacter sulfurreducens , was studied by using four different thicknesses of photo-definable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) spacer; 10, 20, 55, and 155 μm. Both current and power densities were significantly limited when the PDMS spacer was less than 55 μm thick. The maximum power density of our MFC was 95 μW/cm 2 , the highest value among previously reported micro-sized MFCs and even comparable to that of macro-scale counterparts.
Family as a context: the influence of family composition and family geographic dispersion on intergenerational relationships among Chinese elderly

Guo M, Chi I, Silverstein M. Family as a context: the influence of family composition and family geographic dispersion on intergenerational relationships among Chinese elderly Int J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: S18–S29 © 2011 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare. This study examined how the aggregate characters of family context (i.e. the number of children in a family and the geographic dispersion of family members) influence multiple parent–child relationships among Chinese elderly. The sample consisted of 1,103 older adults who lived in rural Anhui province, China, in 2009. The results of multiple regressions showed that the impact of family context on intergenerational relationships varied by the gender of both parents and children. Having more sons lowered both mothers' and fathers' ratings on their remotest parent–child ties, whereas having more daughters enhanced mothers' ratings on the closest ties. An average greater distance between parents and their adult children was associated with closer parent–child relationships. Having more children and greater within-family variability in parent–child proximity increased fathers' differentiations in their relationships with children. We interpreted the findings in the context of son-preference and large-scale out-migration in rural China.
Interdependence of adenosine and nitric oxide in hepato-splanchnic circulation during sepsis.

Abstract Background. We tested the hypothesis that some of the maintenance of resting, regional hepato-splanchnic perfusion that is mediated by endogenous adenosine (ADO) during sepsis is interdependent with nitric oxide (NO). Materials and methods. Twenty-four hours after sepsis/sham induction, rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 received a 10-min infusion of the ADO antagonist 8-sulfophenyltheophylline (8-SPT; 0.9 mg/kg · min), followed by 10 min of 8-SPT plus L-NAME (0.5 mg/kg · min). Group 2 received L-NAME first followed by 8-SPT in the presence of L-NAME (all groups: n = 6–10). Hemodynamic and regional hepato-splanchnic blood flow measurements were made prior to infusions, 10 min after initiation of each single agent infusion, and again after double agent infusion. Results. Twenty-four hours after sepsis hepato-splanchnic blood flow was significantly elevated, compared to nonseptic rats. Both ADO receptor blockade alone and NOS inhibition alone decreased total hepato-splanchnic blood flow to nonseptic values. Decreases in small intestinal and cecal blood flow accounted for the majority of this decrease, but decreased hepatic arterial perfusion contributed as well. No further alterations were seen when 8-SPT was infused in the presence of L-NAME, nor when L-NAME was infused in the presence of 8-SPT. Conclusions. These data indicate that there is significant interdependence of endogenous NO and ADO in maintaining resting small bowel, cecal, and hepatic arterial perfusion during sepsis. The lack of responses in other regions of the hepato-splanchnic circulation demonstrate regional specificity of this ADO-NO interdependence.
An online social network for emergency management

Online Social Networking Sites (SNSs) are becoming extremely popular and can be employed in a variety of contexts. They permit the establishment of global relationships that are domain related or can be based on some need shared by the participants. Emergency domain-related websites, each with their own stated mission, are becoming widespread. Can a social network offer a solution to bringing emergency domain-related entities together as a 'one-stop shop'? We propose to investigate whether the social network paradigm can be used to enable individuals and organisations to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways, in all stages of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency management students were surveyed to examine the concept of social networks and their acceptance as a potential tool. The results of this exploratory research show overwhelming agreement that SNSs should be considered a viable solution to the problems plaguing information dissemination and communications in the emergency domain.
HASDM Validation Tool Using Energy Dissipation Rates

An independent method for estimating dynamically varying upper atmospheric neutral density is used to validate the Air Force Space Battlelab’s High Accuracy Satellite Drag Model (HASDM). This validation tool estimates neutral density near real-time using orbital energy dissipation rates (EDRs) from 75 trajectories of inactive payloads and debris, known as calibration satellites. EDRs are computed through a separate orbit determination algorithm that uses “segmented” estimates for the ballistic coefficient. This tool estimates density in terms of time-varying spherical harmonic expansions of the exospheric temperature and inflection point temperature, the key parameters characterizing the local density profile in the Jacchia models. In addition to validating HASDM density estimates, this tool is also used to optimize the density correction parameters and the set of calibration satellites. It could be implemented in operations as an alternate method for computing near real-time density corrections for improved trajectory predictions of highdrag satellites. It could also serve as a tool for developing and testing new upper atmospheric density and wind models.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers: Novel therapy for heart failure?

Heart failure is a severe, disabling disease that portends a short life expectancy. This grave prognosis may be explained by growth-promoting effects of angiotensin II implicated in heart failure that mediate a genetic response called programmed cell death. The effects of angiotensin II are inhibited by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which improve exercise performance and quality of life, attenuate disease progression, and modestly lengthen survival. Unfortunately, mortality remains exceedingly high and may be partly attributable to augmented production of angiotensin II from a non-ACE chymase pathway. Angiotensin II production may therefore increase despite treatment with ACE inhibitors. The angiotensin II receptor antagonists are a new class of nonpeptide-reversible inhibitors that may offer clinical promise in heart failure through blockade of angiotensin II actions, whether produced from ACE or non-ACE chymase pathways.
Behavior modification for orthodontic patients: An exploratory approach to patient education

The purpose of this project was to explore the usefulness of a behavior modification approach in changing oral hygiene habits of orthodontic patients. Two orthodontists identified patients in their practice who exhibited excessive plaque formation and inflammation and referred them to a health educator/dental hygienist. The health education program was subsequently presented to fifty-three patients, 8 to 18 years of age. Three counseling sessions with parental participation were scheduled approximately 2 weeks apart. The program consisted of a model for counseling, a rising and retiring survey to identify home routines, a list of "possible reinforcers" geared toward preteen interests, a monitoring card to record toothbrushing behavior, and a contract signed by both parent and child. Behavioral change in oral hygiene habits was measured through general assessment of toothbrushing technique, plaque accumulation, and soft-tissue appearance. Change in frequency of brushing was measured by patient self-monitoring. Patient and parental comments, as well as educator reactions, were considered in the over-all evaluation of the project.
The proadhesive phenotype of systemic sclerosis skin promotes myeloid cell adhesion via ICAM-1 and VCAM-1

Objective. SSc is characterized by microvascular abnormalities and leucocyte infiltration. Previous studies have suggested a proadhesive phenotype in SSc skin, but the functional consequences of this phenotype are not fully understood. Molecules known to mediate leucocyte adhesion include those present at intracellular junctions, such as junctional adhesion molecule-B (JAM-B), JAM-C and CD99, as well as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The aim of this study was to examine adhesive interactions in SSc skin. Methods. The expression of JAM-B, JAM-C, CD99, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in SSc skin was determined by immunohistology and cell surface ELISA. Myeloid U937 cell–SSc dermal fibroblast adhesion assays or in situ adhesion assays to SSc skin were performed. Results. JAM-C and CD99 expression on endothelial cells (ECs) in SSc skin was decreased compared with expression on normal ECs. CD99 was overexpressed on mononuclear cells in SSc skin and on SSc dermal fibroblasts. Neutralizing ICAM-1 inhibited the binding of U937 cells to SSc dermal fibroblasts. In addition, blocking both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 inhibited U937 cell adhesion to either proximal (less involved) or distal (more involved) SSc skin. Conclusions. These studies show that JAM-C and CD99 are aberrantly expressed in SSc skin. However, these adhesion molecules do not mediate myeloid cell–SSc skin adhesion. In contrast, we demonstrate an important role for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the retention of myeloid cells in SSc skin, suggesting that targeting these molecules may be useful SSc therapies.
ArchIS: an XML-based approach to transaction-time temporal database systems

Effective support for temporal applications by database systems represents an important technical objective that is difficult to achieve since it requires an integrated solution for several problems, including (i) expressive temporal representations and data models, (ii) powerful languages for temporal queries and snapshot queries, (iii) indexing, clustering and query optimization techniques for managing temporal information efficiently, and (iv) architectures that bring together the different pieces of enabling technology into a robust system. In this paper, we present the ArchIS system that achieves these objectives by supporting a temporally grouped data model on top of RDBMS. ArchIS' architecture uses (a) XML to support temporally grouped (virtual) representations of the database history, (b) XQuery to express powerful temporal queries on such views, (c) temporal clustering and indexing techniques for managing the actual historical data in a relational database, and (d) SQL/XML for executing the queries on the XML views as equivalent queries on the relational database. The performance studies presented in the paper show that ArchIS is quite effective at storing and retrieving under complex query conditions the transaction-time history of relational databases, and can also assure excellent storage efficiency by providing compression as an option. This approach achieves full-functionality transaction-time databases without requiring temporal extensions in XML or database standards, and provides critical support to emerging application areas such as RFID.
Workspace and Design Analysis of Cable-Suspended Planar Parallel Robots

In this paper, we present a method to obtain the workspace of cable-suspended planar parallel robots. The significant difference between regular parallel robots and cable-suspended parallel robots is that the cables in cable-suspended robots can only carry tension forces. Hence, static equilibrium equations must be used to compute the forces in the cable robot. The workspace is characterized as the set of points where the reference point on the end-effector platform can reach with tensions in the cables. In this paper, we address this problem for robots with two, three, or more cables. Then, we study the question of design of the cable robot to determine the number of cables, location of the suspension points of the cables, and size of the moving platform to attain the largest workspace.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
From chessboard tweed to chessboard nanowire structure during pseudospinodal decomposition

Microstructure evolution in complex nonlinear systems, such as quasiperiodic two-phase chessboard structures, is a fascinating fundamental phenomenon. It is demonstrated that under certain conditions a transformation from tweed to nanowire chessboards develops by spinodal decomposition.
Thomas More's Polemical Poetics

AbstractThomas More's polemical work has often been read as aesthetically or politically deficient, with More's habit therein of quoting and refuting large, uninterrupted blocks of his opponents’ texts standing as the primary instance of its failing. An attention to More's own intentions in writing these texts and in treating his opponents’ words this way yields a different perspective. Informed by Augustine's distinction in De Doctrina Christiana between the “use” and “enjoyment” of things, More argues for an instrumental relationship between language and truth, and for a fundamental distinction between words of scripture (verba), and the ultimately unwritten nature of the divine Word (logos) embodied by the Church. This position enables More not only to reject his opponents’ position on the written nature of the divine Word, but to structure this rejection around a re‐purposing of his opponents’ own words to exemplify the point. More states this approach clearly in his 1534 Apology and its results can b...
The Moral Self: Applying Identity Theory

This research applies identity theory to understand the moral self. In identity theory, individuals act on the basis of their identity meanings, and they regulate the meanings of their behavior so ...
Design Process Elicitation Through the Evaluation of Integrated Model Structures

Refinement of product design processes is recognized as a means for organizations to impact lead times, cost, and quality. Although methods such as the design structure matrix (DSM) exist to analyze design processes, their applications have been limited by overhead in collecting data and maintaining accurate representations. Representation timeliness and resolution issues have typically led to static, high-level process views. In this work, the design process is derived dynamically from an evolving network of design resources inter-related by service dependencies. This network is created to simulate the state of a product design. Through the analysis of resulting dependencies, high-resolution networks of task and parameter interdependency can be extracted. A software module is developed to provide the service of automatically extracting and analyzing the structure of service exchanges in integrated design models. The module provides a matrix or DSM visualization of service relationships and mechanisms to sort resources according to service priority. This allows for realtime evaluation of design processes as models of the product evolve, providing information to guide the strategic addition of resources.
Cellular effects of T-2 mycotoxin on two different cell lines

Abstract The effects of T-2 toxin on protein synthesis, respiratory chain activity of the mitochondria, cell lysis and toxin-cell binding were compared in the toxin-sensitive bovine kidney cell line (MDBK) and in the toxin-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO). Protein synthesis and mitochondrial activity were 10-fold less sensitive in CHO cells as compared to MDBK (50% inhibition= 10−15ng/ml vs.1−1.5ng/ml, respectively). Lytic activity, as determined by release of51Cr from cells incubated at 4°C, was not detected at 5 h or 24 h in either of the cell lines. However, at 24 h, CHO cells released less51Cr than non-toxin-exposed controls, indicating that some membrane interaction does occur. Both cell lines equally bound [3H]T-2 toxin at 4°C. At 37°C, the MDBK cells take up twice as much [3H]T-2 toxina at 2 h and 6 h. These results indicate that T-2 toxin mediates a number of effects on the cell at the level of the membrane, protein synthesis and probably mitochondrial activity toward 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction.
Radioactive Sulphur in Chondrosarcomata

Radioactive sulphate is selectively retained in chondrosarcomata, chondromata, and normal cartilage as well as in repairing connective tissue and bone. The observations after intravenous injection of tracer doses are described in five cases of chondrosarcoma and in one of anaplastic sarcoma. The patterns of localization of S35 in chondrosarcomata, chondromata, granulation tissue, and bone are demonstrated by autoradiographs. Counts obtained on the surface of excised tissues gave a crude index of their isotope content. Accurate determination requires chemical analysis. After the destruction of growing epiphyseal cartilage by large amounts of S35 was observed in experimental animals, radioactive sulphate was administered at therapeutic levels to three patients having advanced chondrosarcomata. The progress of the neoplasms seemed markedly reduced or arrested for several months in two of these patients. The calculated doses of radiation internally delivered by the isotope to the chondrosarcomata were much higher than those delivered to other tissues.
Sex Differences in Behavioral Dyscontrol: Role in Drug Addiction and Novel Treatments

The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings related to sex differences in behavioral dyscontrol that lead to drug addiction, and clinical implications for humans are discussed. This review includes research conducted in animals and humans that reveals fundamental aspects of behavioral dyscontrol. The importance of sex differences in aspects of behavioral dyscontrol, such as impulsivity and compulsivity, is discussed as major determinants of drug addiction. Behavioral dyscontrol during adolescence is also an important consideration, as this is the time of onset for drug addiction. These vulnerability factors additively increase drug-abuse vulnerability, and they are integral aspects of addiction that covary and interact with sex differences. Sex differences in treatments for drug addiction are also reviewed in terms of their ability to modify the behavioral dyscontrol that underlies addictive behavior. Customized treatments to reduce behavioral dyscontrol are discussed, such as (1) using natural consequences such as non-drug rewards (e.g., exercise) to maintain abstinence, or using punishment as a consequence for drug use, (2) targeting factors that underlie behavioral dyscontrol, such as impulsivity or anxiety, by repurposing medications to relieve these underlying conditions, and (3) combining two or more novel behavioral or pharmacological treatments to produce additive reductions in drug seeking. Recent published work has indicated that factors contributing to behavioral dyscontrol are an important target for advancing our knowledge on the etiology of drug abuse, intervening with the drug addiction process and developing novel treatments.
Modeling the Probability of Second Cancers in Controlled Clinical Trials

Abstract Due to the advancement of medical technologies and cancer care, the long-term survival of cancer patients has been substantially increased. For some patients, increases in survival have been offset by the long-term late effects of cancer and its treatments. One of the most life-threatening sequelae is the diagnosis of a new malignant cancer. The number of patients with multiple primary cancers is growing with second new cancer now representing approximately 16% of all cancers reported to the SEER Program of National Cancer Institute. Second malignant cancers reflect not only the late effects of the original cancers and therapies but also the influence of shared etiologic factors, genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, cancer drug exposures, and older age, etc. In this research, we attempt to outline a framework to model the patient-level probability of the occurrence of new cancer malignancies using patient's demographics, medical history and concomitant medications, clinical laboratory tests, drug efficacy, and adverse event data—which are all commonly collected in clinical trials.
Evapotranspiration of Deficit Irrigated Sorghum

Deficit irrigation commonly is used in regions with reduced or limit ed irrigation capacity to increase water use efficiency (WUE). This research measured sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench ) water use (ET) and yield so WUE could be determined. Two precision weighing lysimeters were used to accurately measure sorghum ET fr om a fully irrigated field (FULL) and a deficit irrigated field (DI; ~50% irrigation) that was irrigated by a lateral -move sprinkler system at Bushland, TX in 1993. Sorghum ET decreased 10% from 621 mm to 560 mm with a 48% decline in irrigation. WUE for both grain and dry matter increased slightly with DI but seed mass, and harvest index were unaffected. Sorghum extracted soil water mainly above 1.2 m in the Pullman soil profile if well watered, but DI sorghum extracted soil water to 1.7 m. Sprinkler DI beginning with a nearly full soil water content profile permitted the crop to better exploit the soil profile water and minimize soil water deficit effects on crop yield in a year with typical summer rainfall for Bushland (~210 mm) such that yield was not reduced by DI.
Effect of Ammonium Ion Structures on Properties of Alkaline Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

To investigate how quaternary ammonium ion structure affects the membrane stability and conductivity property of alkaline exchange membrane (AEM), we synthesized a series of polysulfones (PSUs) functionalized with various ammonium hydroxide groups. Ammonium ions with different steric environments were prepared by our recently developed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of borylated polysulfone. We used two different synthetic strategies for the final polymers: In path A, like a general process for AEMs amine functional groups are first introduced to the PSU and quarternized afterward. In path B, pre-quarternized ammonium ions are directly introduced to the PSU.