cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring microscale strain fields in articular cartilage during rapid impact reveals thresholds for chondrocyte death and a protective role for the superficial layer

Articular cartilage is a heterogeneous soft tissue that dissipates and distributes loads in mammalian joints. Though robust, cartilage is susceptible to damage from loading at high rates or magnitudes. Such injurious loads have been implicated in degenerative changes, including chronic osteoarthritis (OA), which remains a leading cause of disability in developed nations. Despite decades of research, mechanisms of OA initiation after trauma remain poorly understood. Indeed, although bulk cartilage mechanics are measurable during impact, current techniques cannot access microscale mechanics at those rapid time scales. We aimed to address this knowledge gap by imaging the microscale mechanics and corresponding acute biological changes of cartilage in response to rapid loading. In this study, we utilized fast-camera and confocal microscopy to achieve roughly 85 µm spatial resolution of both the cartilage deformation during a rapid (~3 ms), localized impact and the chondrocyte death following impact. Our results showed that, at these high rates, strain and chondrocyte death were highly correlated (p<0.001) with a threshold of 8% microscale strain norm before any cell death occurred. Additionally, chondrocyte death had developed by two hours after impact, suggesting a time frame for clinical therapeutics. Moreover, when the superficial layer was removed, strain - and subsequently chondrocyte death - penetrated deeper into the samples (p<0.001), suggesting a protective role for the superficial layer of articular cartilage. Combined, these results provide insight regarding the detailed biomechanics that drive early chondrocyte damage after trauma and emphasize the importance of understanding cartilage and its mechanics on the microscale.
Separation of nucleotides by ion-pair, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A sensitive, rapid, and reproducible method for the separation and quantitation of adenine and guanine nucleotides has been developed. Nucleotides are loaded onto an octadecyl silica column (BioRad ODS-5S) in the presence of triethylamine, the primary hetaeron, and then eluted with a gradient of Mg(II), the competing hetaeron. The Mg(II)elution regime used here eliminates the background absorbance observed with commonly used acetonitrile or methanol gradient elution methods. It gives satisfactory line shapes and allows for quantitation of samples containing less than one nanomole of each nucleotide phosphate. Moreover, the replacement of the commonly used quaternary ammonium “solvophobic ions” by triethylamine in this method leads to extended column lifetimes.
Parallel fault tolerant algorithms for parabolic problems

With increasing number of processors available on nowadays high performance computing systems, the mean time between failure of these machines is decreasing. The ability of hardware and software components to handle process failures is therefore getting increasingly important. The objective of this paper is to present a fault tolerant approach for the implicit forward time integration of parabolic problems using explicit formulas. This technique allows the application to recover from process failures and to reconstruct the lost data of the failed process(es) avoiding the roll-back operation required in most checkpoint-restart schemes. The benchmark used to highlight the new algorithms is the two dimensional heat equation solved with a first order implicit Euler scheme.
Thermal diffusivity mapping of 4D carbon-carbon composites

High resolution, 2-D thermal diffusivity maps of carbon-carbon composites were obtained by a state-of-the-art infrared thermal imaging system. Unlike the traditional single-point IR detector used for thermal diffusivity measurements, the IR camera is capable of capturing images in its 256 x 256 pixel Focal Plane Array detector in a snap-shot mode. The camera takes up to 200 images at a rate of 120 frames/second. The temperature resolution of the Ir camera is 0.015 C and the spatial resolution is 20 {micro}m. Thermal diffusivity was calculated for each pixel. Four-direction carbon-carbon composites were used for the thermal diffusivity mapping study. The fiber bundles along the heat flow direction were found to have 25% higher diffusivity values than the surrounding matrix. The diffusivity map also showed detailed local variations in diffusivity which were impossible to measure using a single-point detector. Accurate diffusivity maps are very important to the design of composite materials.
Fizeau Wavelength Meter

Our Wavelength Meter is a self-contained instrument that measures the wavelength of radiation produced by lasers or other pulsed or cw sources of monochromatic light. The instrument is based on a Fizeau or “optical wedge” interferometer. The fringe pattern produced by the interferometer is digitized and stored in a small computer which converts the fringe pattern into the wavelength (in the desired units) of the interfering light.
Locke v. Davey in Historical Perspective: A Brief Introduction

This article is a brief historical context for the Supreme Court decision in Locke v. Davey. Separation of Church and State has long been an issue before the Supreme Court and the boundaries of which have been uncertain for just as long. The article addresses several of the Court’s varying decisions on the topic to give a context for the Locke decision.
A comparison of respiratory care workload with 2 different nebulizers.

Aerosol therapy via small-volume nebulizer (SVN) accounts for a large proportion of the respiratory care workload. Treatment time is mostly nebulization time, which is highly variable, depending on SVN design. We studied the workload effect of adopting a faster nebulizer. We hypothesized that time saved by faster SVN treatment can be used by respiratory therapists for other patient-care activities. METHODS: We compared day-shift workload distribution in a post-thoracic-surgery ward during 2 consecutive 30-day periods. To deliver bronchodilators (3 mL unit dose), during the baseline period we used the VixOne nebulizer (average nebulization time 9 min), and during the intervention period we used the NebuTech HDN (nebulization time limited to 3 min). We recorded the per-shift number of various respiratory-therapy procedures, which have been assigned standard treatment times, and compared the per-shift numbers of procedures during the baseline and intervention periods. RESULTS: The per-shift number of procedures were similar during the baseline and intervention periods (33.8/shift vs 33.3/shift, P = .68), as was the per-shift number of SVN treatments (11.9/shift vs 11.8/shift, respectively, P = .81). The per-shift time required for the procedures was greater during the baseline period (4.7 h vs 3.6 h, P < .001). The per-shift time available to deliver optional value-added respiratory therapies was higher in the intervention period (0.75 h vs 0.50 h, P < .04). The time savings from the faster nebulizer corresponded to 1.8 full-time equivalents and theoretical net annual savings of $66,491. We did not use treatment “stacking” (ie, simultaneous administration of SVN treatments to multiple patients). CONCLUSIONS: The NebuTech HDN substantially reduces SVN-administration time, without adverse effects or events, and the time savings were used for value-added patient-care activities. Shorter treatment times can play a role in coping with the national shortage of qualified respiratory therapists.
Review of the preclinical pharmacology and comparative efficacy of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonists for chemotherapy-induced emesis

PURPOSEThis analysis was undertaken to review published reports of the comparative efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists in the prophylaxis of acute chemotherapy-induced emesis.METHODSComparison data used are the preclinical pharmacology as well as the design and results of clinical trials. Seven comparative studies that used granisetron, ondansetron, or tropisetron in patients who received either moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy are reviewed. As the study designs, patient population, chemotherapy, antiemetic doses and schedule, and methods of assessment were slightly different, the results of each study are analyzed independently. Effectiveness is assessed by emetic episodes, nausea, and patient preference.RESULTSThe preclinical pharmacologic profile is different among the 5-HT3 antagonists in terms of potency, selectivity, dose response, and duration of action. The comparative clinical trials show that a single intravenous (i.v.) dose of granisetron 3 mg i...
Direct relationship between remission duration in acute myeloid leukemia and cell cycle kinetics: a leukemia intergroup study

Cell cycle characteristics including labeling indices (LI), duration of S-phase (Ts), and total cell cycle time (Tc) were determined in 54 standard-risk, newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia following an infusion of bromodeoxyuridine. Remission induction therapy consisting of cytosine arabinoside and daunomycin was then administered to all patients, followed by three courses of consolidation to those who achieved complete remissions (CR). Older patients appeared to have more rapidly cycling cells (P = .003). No unique cell cycle characteristics were identified for patients who achieved remission versus those who had resistant disease. However, the pretherapy cell cycle characteristics were a strong prognosticator for remission duration. CR patients were divided into those whose leukemic cell Tc were above median (A) and below median (B). Among 14 B patients, median duration of response was 211 days, and all relapsed by day 600. Among 18 A patients, the median has not as yet been reached, with nine patients in continuous complete remission (log rank P = .007, Wilcoxon P = .04). We conclude that cell cycle characteristics of leukemic cells play a role in determining remission duration, perhaps because the leukemic cells of the former patients regrow slowly between courses of chemotherapy.
Fate of microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis following use of levamisole as a microfilaricide.

A pretreatment liver biopsy was secured from each of three dogs withDirofilaria immitis microfilariae counts of 29,500, 24,700, and 76,700/ml blood, respectively. Post-treatment biopsies were obtained 30 h later following treatment with a single dose of levamisole and a reduction in microfilariae counts of up to 80%. Both pre- and posttreatment biopsies were examined by light and electron microscopy. Microfilariae in dilated sinusoids of pretreatment liver biopsies were not degenerated and were unattended by an inflammatory reaction when examined by either method. However, degenerated microfilariae were present within granulomas in post-treatment liver biopsies examined by light and electron microscopy. Several stages of degeneration of microfilariae, including phagocytosis, were identified by the latter method.
Threshold production of D and B meson pairs in e + e - annihilation

Abstract The behavior of the c b and b b contributions to R in the threshold regions √s = 3.68 to 4.5 GeV √s = 10.56 to 11.1 GeV have been studied in various models based on the original Cornell model. The detailed energy behavior of the inclusive contributions to R and the exclusive cross sections for each of the two-body B B final states is presented. Implications for determining the strength of B s − B s mixing are briefly discussed.
The laser step in early glaucoma therapy.

Thomas M. Aaberg, Atlanta Jules Baum, Boston William M. Bourne, Rochester Ronald M. Burde, New York Fred Ederer, Bethesda Frederick T. Fraunfelder, Portland Michael A. Kass, St. Louis Steven G. Kramer, San Francisco Irving H. Leopold, Irvine Robert Machemer, Durham Nancy M. Newman, Sail Francisco Don H. Nicholson, Miami Edward W. D. Norton, Miami Deborah Pavan-Langston, Boston Allen M. Putterman, Chicago Dennis Robertson, Rochester Merlyn M. Rodrigues, Baltimore Stephen J. Ryan, Los Angeles Jerry A. Shields, Philadelphia M. Bruce Shields, Durham Ronald E. Smith, Los Angeles Bruce E. Spivey, San Francisco Bradley R. Straatsma, Los Angeles H. Stanley Thompson, Iowa City E. Michael Van Buskirk, Portland Gunter K. von Noorden, Houston
The genomic structure of the gene encoding the human transforming growth factor {beta} type II receptor (TGF-{beta} RII)

Abstract The genomic structure of the human transforming growth factor-β type II receptor gene (TGF-β RII) was determined by two PCR-based methods, the “long distance sequencer” method and the “promoter finder” method. Genomic fragments containing exons and adjacent introns were amplified by PCR, and the nucleotide sequences were determined by direct sequencing and subcloning sequencing. The TGF-β RII protein is encoded by 567 codons in 7 exons. This is the first report about the genomic structure of a gene that belongs to the serine/threonine kinase type II receptor subfamily. Knowledge of the genomic structure of the TGF-β RII gene will facilitate investigation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in normal human cells and of the aberrations occurring during carcinogenesis.
Networked realization of discrete-time controllers

We study the problem of mapping discrete-time linear controllers into potentially higher order linear controllers with predefined structural constraints. Our work has been motivated by the Wireless Control Network (WCN) architecture, where the network itself behaves as a distributed, structured dynamical compensator. We make connections to model reduction theory to derive a method for the controller embedding based on minimization of the H∞-norm of the error system. This allows us to frame the problem as synthesis of optimal structured linear controllers, which enables the utilization of design-time iterative procedures for systems' approximation. Finally, we illustrate the use of the mapping procedure by embedding PID controllers into the WCN substrate, and show how to reduce the computation overhead of the approximation procedure.
Stability of the Sp3–DNA complex is promoter‐specific: Sp3 efficiently competes with Sp1 for binding to promoters containing multiple Sp‐sites

The transcription regulatory protein Sp3 shares more than 90% sequence homology with Sp1 in the DNA-binding domain and they bind to the same cognate DNA-element. However, the transcriptional activities of these two Sp-family factors are not equivalent. While Sp1 functions strictly as a transcriptional activator, Sp3 has been shown to be transcriptionally inactive for promoters containing multiple Sp-binding sites. In the present study, we show that the DNA-binding property of Sp3 is promoter dependent and is different from Sp1. The 116 kDa Sp3 polypeptide binds as a monomer to a single Sp-binding site but readily forms slower migrating complexes with adjacent Sp-binding sites. The slower migrating Sp3-DNA complexes are significantly more stable than monomeric Sp3-DNA complexes or multimeric Sp1-DNA complexes. As a consequence, Sp3 can efficiently compete with Sp1 for binding to regions containing multiple Sp sites. The transcription regulatory function of Sp3 is also significantly different from Sp1. Unlike Sp1, Sp3 does not synergistically activate transcription of promoters containing multiple Sp-binding sites. Therefore, although Sp3 is a transcription activator, Sp3 reduces Sp1-dependent transcription of promoters containing adjacent Sp-binding sites by competing with Sp1 for promoter occupancy and thereby blocking the synergistic transactivation function of Sp1. Taken together, this study provides a possible mechanism of the promoter-specific transcription repression function of Sp3.
Relationship of cognitive restraint of eating and disinhibition to the quality of food choices of Latina women and their young children.

Abstract Background. Previous studies have examined the association of methods to control eating such as dietary restraint and disinhibition with weight and quantity of foods eaten. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of these constructs with quality of food choices for women and for their young children. Methods. One hundred and eighty-seven Latina women completed the Eating Inventory, which measures cognitive dietary restraint and disinhibition, and reported on the food intakes of themselves and their 5- to 7-year-old child using a food frequency questionnaire. BMIs were also calculated. Results. Cognitive restraint in mothers was generally associated with more healthful food choices of themselves and, to a lesser degree, of their children. Mothers' dietary disinhibition was associated with less healthful choices of themselves and their children. Mothers' control variables were not related to children's BMIs, except disinhibition was positively correlated with boys' BMI. Cognitive restraint in this low-income Latina population is thus associated with higher quality diets of self and child with no negative impact on children's BMIs whereas disinhibition is associated with overeating by self and child of high-fat, high-sugar foods. With the rise of obesity and with dietary quality of most Americans needing improvement, restraint may be a form of necessary cognitive self-regulation; and disinhibition or overeating is of greater concern.
Integration of hepatitis B virus sequences and their expression in a human hepatoma cell

Hepatitis derived from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic throughout the world, but it is particularly prevalent in Asia and Africa. In these areas, demographic studies show a strong coincidence between HBV infection (assayed by HBV antigenic markers) and the incidence of primary liver cancer. On these grounds, a causal link between HBV infection and primary hepatocellular cancer has been proposed. Recently, a human hepatoma cell line (PLC/PRF/5; Alexander cells) has been shown to produce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We show here that the Alexander cell line contains at least six (four complete and two partial) hepatitis B viral genomes integrated into high molecular weight host DNA. An analysis using specific probes to fragments of the HBV genome suggests that integration of the virus in most cases occurs at the nicked cohesive end region of the virus. Expression of viral sequences using Northern blots demonstrates the presence of RNA transcripts specific for the surface antigen sequences of HBV DNA and the absence of detectable transcripts corresponding to the hepatitis B core antigen.
On the mode of formation of dust figures on walls and ceilings

Abstract The dust figures commonly observed on walls and ceilings are grouped into two classes. Certain experiments are described showing that those of the first class are due to irregular moisture deposition on the surface caused by a corresponding irregular temperature distribution, and that those of the second class are due to deposition around obstacles caused by decreased carrying capacity of the air stream with decreased velocity.
Angular mean and variance for selected two-source radar-target combinations

Angle tracking of the desired target in the presence of interference is a common radar problem. It can occur when the desired target is competing with a jammer, clutter, or multipath. Angle statistics can vary significantly for a tracking radar depending upon the nature of this interference. The angular mean and variance are presented for three different statistical two-target types for single and multiple measurements. Previously derived values are presented for completeness in conjunction with derivations not found in the open literature. The signal-to-noise ratio is assumed to be large so that the effects of receiver noise may be neglected.
767 OUTCOMES OF RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY IN PT4 PROSTATE CANCER

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence suggests that radical prostatectomy (RP) in locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC) may reduce the risk of cancer specific deaths and metastasis. We present our outcomes of RP in LAPC with pT4 disease. METHODS: Among 19,800 men treated with RP at Mayo Clinic from 1987 to 2010, 87 (0.4%) were found to have pT4 disease. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to calculate survival estimates of biochemical failure (BCR), systemic progression (SP), cancer specific survival and overall survival (OS) of the whole cohort and stratified by pathological Gleason score and PSA level of greater or less than 12.2ng/mL. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression were used to assess the association of BCR, SP and OS with clinical pathological features. RESULTS: Median follow up for the whole cohort was 9.8 years (IQR3.6, 13.4). Approximately 46% patients presented with palpable extra capsular disease. Five-year survival estimates for the whole cohort for BCR, SP and OS were 48%, 77% and 91% respectively (Figure). Five and 10 years cancer specific survival were 91% and 70% respectively. Ten (11.5%) patients experienced local recurrence. Seventyseven (88.5%) and 32 (36.8%) patients received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and radiation therapy respectively. Forty patients (46%) had node positive disease on final pathology. The Multivariate analysis results, summarized as Hazard Ratios (HR) with confidence Intervals (CIs), revealed only positive lymph nodes as a predictor of BCR (HR: 1.94; CI: {1.01,3.73}; p 0.05). However, both positive lymph nodes and pathologic Gleason score were predictors of SP with HR of 2.96(CI {1.20, 7.30}, p 0.02) and HR of 1.95(CI {1.05, 3.61}; p 0.03), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RP for LAPC with pT4 is technically feasible. Future directions should include greater utilization of RP in multimodality decision making for LAPC.
Binding of thyroid hormones to human plasma lipoproteins.

The binding of T4, T3, and rT3 to plasma lipoproteins was investigated in normal subjects and patients with abnormal lipoprotein metabolism. Gel filtration on Sepharose CL-6B demonstrated iodothyronine binding to all lipoprotein classes. In the total lipoprotein fraction (density < 1.210 g/mL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) were the major binders, accounting for 92% of lipoprotein-bound T4, 99% of lipoproteinbound T3, and 55% of lipoprotein-bound rT3. The estimated iodothyronine binding in normal plasma to HDL, low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) was 3%, 0.2%, and 0.03% for T4, 6%, 0.05%, and 0.02% for T3, and 0.1%, 0.1%, and 0.01% for rT3, respectively. These estimates may be low owing to possible dissociation during chromatography and the short incubation period used to avoid changes in lipoprotein structure. In VLDL and LDL deficiency (abetalipoproteinemia), HDL deficiency (Tangier disease), LDL excess (type Ha hyperlipoproteinemia), and VLDL excess (type III, IV,...
Obesity in American Indian and Mexican American Men and Women: Associations with Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Autonomic Control

Obesity is a serious public health problem, especially in some minority communities, and it has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. While obesity is a serious health concern in both American Indian and Mexican American populations, the relationship between obesity and cardiac autonomic control in these two populations is not well understood. The present study in a selected sample of American Indians and Mexican Americans assessed associations between obesity, blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular autonomic control. Cardiovascular autonomic control, systolic and diastolic mean BP, and body mass index were obtained from one hundred thirty-two American Indian and Mexican American men and women who are literate in English and are residing legally in San Diego County. Men had a significant greater systolic and diastolic BP and were more likely to develop systolic prehypertension and hypertension than women. Obese participants showed greater mean heart rate (HR) and systolic and diastolic BP than nonobese participants. Obese men also exhibited greater cardiac sympathetic activity and lower cardiovagal control than obese women. These results suggest that obesity and gender differences in cardiovascular autonomic control may contribute to risk for cardiovascular disorders in this sample of American Indians and Mexican Americans.
X-ray beam position monitor using a quadrant PIN diode

Abstract We report on the use of a quadrant PIN silicon photodiode as a position monitor of the monochromatized X-ray beam in a synchrotron radiation beamline. Signal levels corresponding to the horizontal and vertical beam positions and to the total intensity intercepted are derived simultaneously. The detector is demonstrated to be quite sensitive to the angular and translational motion of the X-ray beam arising from movement of beamline optical components. Use of the detector to obtain diagnostic information and as a position sensor in feedback loops is discussed.
A note on the Boerner-lantz semifield planes

We determine the number of nonisomorphic semifield planes of order p4 associated to the Boerner-Lantz semifields.
The Variation in the Absence of the Palmaris Longus in a Multiethnic Population of the United States: An Epidemiological Study

The absence of the palmaris longus (PL) has been shown to vary based on body side, gender, and ethnicity. In prior studies, homogenous ethnic populations have been shown to have differences in rates of absence. However, no study thus far has analyzed the differences in palmaris longus prevalence in a multiethnic population. We prospectively collected data on 516 patients visiting the outpatient hand clinics at LAC
Gene expression of the transcription factor NF-κ B in hippocampus: regulation by synaptic activity

NF-kappa B is a potent transcriptional activator that resides in latent form in the cytoplasm complexed to its inhibitor I kappa B. Phosphorylation of I kappa B by protein kinase C (PKC) releases NF-kappa B, enabling its translocation to the nucleus. Since PKC can activate NF-kappa B and PKC is activated by long-term potentiation (LTP), we investigated NF-kappa B expression after hippocampal LTP induced in vivo. We first described the expression of the NF-kappa B subunits, p50 and p65, and I kappa B alpha mRNAs, in each cell field of the hippocampus. In other brain locations I kappa B alpha mRNA exhibited a more selective expression than p50 and p65. We then demonstrated specific NF-kappa B-like DNA-binding activity in hippocampal whole-cell extracts and in synaptosomes using electrophoretic mobility shift assays by the following criteria: (1) latent binding was revealed after deoxycholate treatment; (2) binding was competed off by unlabeled kappa B oligonucleotides; and (3) antibodies to either p50 or p65 blocked binding. Since p50 gene expression is auto-regulated by NF-kappa B, we used its expression as a reporter for NF-kappa B activity using quantitative in situ hybridization. Both p50 and p65 increased their expression in response to either LTP-inducing or low-frequency control stimulation, although the increase in p65 mRNA levels was greater after LTP than control stimulation. In contrast to p50 and p65, I kappa B alpha hybridization levels were not increased, but were inversely correlated with the magnitude of LTP. Since NF-kappa B subunit gene expression in the hippocampus is increased by augmented synaptic activity, NF-kappa B activation may contribute to alterations in target gene expression that accompany activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, but only in a combinatorial fashion with other transcription factors.
Housestaff knowledge of prevention guidelines.

Since the mid-1970s, practice guidelines for preventive care have been published in the primary care and internal medicine literature. In 1978, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a monograph titled "Preventive Services for the Well Population. "l A more thorough effort was made by the Canadian Task Force (CTF) the Periodic Health Examination in 1979. e This latter group reviewed the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of 78 preventive procedures and offered recommendations. The American Cancer Society (ACS) issued the "ACS Report on the Cancer-Related Health Checkup" in 19807 In 1987, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) approved the "Working Guidelines for Early Cancer Detection. "4 Through the initiative of its Clinical Efficacy Assessment Project (CEAP),5 the American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued background papers, 11 of which have led to preventive practice recommendations. 6 In 1989, the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Scientific Affairs published its recommendation for mammographic screening for, women aged 40 years and older. 7 Also in 1989, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released its report on routine cancer screening, s Finally, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) published "Positions on the Clinical Aspects of Medical Practice" in 1991. 9
Modeling of fast neutral-beam-generated ion effects on MHD-spectroscopic observations of resistive wall mode stability in DIII-D plasmas

Experiments conducted at DIII-D investigate the role of drift kinetic damping and fast neutral beam injection (NBI)-ions in the approach to the no-wall βN limit. Modelling results show that the drift kinetic effects are significant and necessary to reproduce the measured plasma response at the ideal no-wall limit. Fast neutral-beam ions and rotation play important roles and are crucial to quantitatively match the experiment. In this paper, we report on the model validation of a series of plasmas with increasing βN, where the plasma stability is probed by active magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) spectroscopy. The response of the plasma to an externally applied field is used to probe the stable side of the resistive wall mode and obtain an indication of the proximity of the equilibrium to an instability limit. We describe the comparison between the measured plasma response and that calculated by means of the drift kinetic MARS-K code [Liu et al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 112503 (2008)], which includes the toroidal rotatio...
Fault Injection-based Test Case Generation for SOA-oriented Software

The concept of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) implies a rapid construction of a software system with components as published Web services. How to effectively and efficiently test and assess available Web services with similar functionalities published by different service providers remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a step-by-step fault injection-based automatic test case generation approach. Preliminary test results are also reported.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) derived from propolis, a honeybee product, inhibits growth of breast cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are chemoresistant and implicated in tumor recurrence, metastasis and high patient mortality; thus substances impairing CSC activity, could be invaluable as novel cancer therapeutics. We previously showed that CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester), a component of propolis, a honeybee product, inhibits growth of MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231) cells, mdr gene expression, NF-κB, EGFR, and VEGF. We hypothesized that CAPE also acts by interfering with CSC-mediated effects. We isolated breast CSC (bCSC) from MDA-231 cells, a model of human triple-negative breast cancer, and mouse xenografts. bCSC grow as mammospheres (MMS) and when dissociated into single cells, form MMS again, a sign of self-renewal. bCSC exhibited the characteristic CD44+/CD24-/low phenotype and generated progenitors in the presence of serum, a CSC trait responsible for regenerating tumor mass. CAPE caused dose-dependent bCSC self-renewal inhibition and progenitor formation. Clonal growth on soft agar was inhibited dose-dependently, but apoptosis was not induced as determined by Annexin-V/PI assay. Instead, bCSC were noted to significantly progress from a quiescent cell cycle state in G0/G1 (82%), S phase (12%) to a cycling state with an increase in S phase (41%) and subsequent decrease in G0/G1 (54%). Treatment of bCSC with CAPE (4.5-days) decreased CD44 levels by 95%, while another cell population containing 10-100-fold lower CD44 content concurrently increased. Results suggest that CAPE causes pronounced changes in bCSC characteristics manifested by inhibition of self renewal, progenitor formation, clonal growth in soft agar, and concurrent significant decrease in CD44 content, all signs of decreased malignancy potential.
Biodegradable poly(diol citrate) nanocomposite elastomers for soft tissue engineering

At present, synthetic biodegradable polymers commonly used for scaffolds in tissue engineering have a limited range of mechanical properties. This limitation is a challenge to in vivo tissue engineering, as the cell-scaffold construct is expected to maintain or restore normal tissue biomechanics during new tissue formation. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of biodegradable elastomeric nanocomposite materials whose mechanical properties can be tailored to meet the requirements of soft tissue engineering applications. The nanocomposite consists of a nanofibrous poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanophase and an elastomeric poly(diol citrate) macrophase. Incorporation of a PLLA nanophase provides reinforcement to the poly(diol citrate) as demonstrated by an increase in tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break with minimal permanent deformation. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite were altered with the concentration of PLLA, choice of poly(diol citrate), and polymerization conditions. More importantly, the tensile mechanical properties compare favorably to those of human cartilage, ligament, and blood vessel. Furthermore, the compressive modulus is very similar to those of human and bovine articular cartilage. These results suggest that poly(diol citrate) nanocomposite elastomers are promising candidate biomaterials for soft tissue engineering.
The biological and biochemical properties of L-canaline, a naturally occurring structural analogue of L-ornithine.

Abstract Many leguminous plants synthesize L-canavanine and sequester this nitrogen-rich, non-protein amino acid in the seed (1,2). Arginase-mediated hydrolytic cleavage of L-canavanine, in a manner analogous to L-ornithine and urea formation from L-arginine, produces urea and L-canaline (3,4). The resulting canaline is distinctive in being the only naturally occurring amino acid which possesses the aminooxy group (Fig. 1). Canaline decomposes in several organic solvents employed for its analysis by partition and ion-exchange chromatography (5,6) but the important question of the overall stability of this substituted hydroxylamine has not been investigated.
Sleep (Vagal)–Induced Atrial Fibrillation

A 41-year-old man with history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent routine Holter monitoring for symptoms of palpitations at night. The Holter recording from a person with a regular heart rate is shown in the Figure …
A phosphorylation site mutant of OmpR reveals different binding conformations at ompF and ompC

In Escherichia coli, the two-component regulatory system that controls the expression of outer membrane porins in response to environmental osmolarity consists of the sensor kinase EnvZ and the response regulator OmpR. Phosphorylated OmpR activates expression of the OmpF porin at low osmolarity, and at high osmolarity represses ompF transcription and activates expression of OmpC. We have characterized a substitution in the amino-terminal phosphorylation domain of OmpR, T83I, its phenotype is OmpF(-) OmpC(-). The mutant protein is not phosphorylated by small molecule phosphodonors such as acetyl phosphate and phosphoramidate, but it is phosphorylated by the cognate kinase EnvZ. Interestingly, the active site T83I substitution alters the DNA binding properties of the carboxyl-terminal effector domain. DNase I protection assays indicate that DNA binding by the mutant protein is similar to wild-type OmpR at the ompF promoter, but at ompC, the pattern of protection is different from OmpR. Our results indicate that all three of the OmpR binding sites at the ompC promoter must be filled in order to activate gene expression. Furthermore, it appears that OmpR-phosphate must adopt different conformations when bound at ompF and ompC. A model is presented to account for the reciprocal regulation of OmpF and OmpC porin expression.
Focus group methods: Using interactive and nominal groups to explore emerging technology-driven phenomena in accounting and information systems

Abstract This paper puts forth arguments for why focus group methods should be used more frequently in accounting and information technology research in order to address emerging technology-driven phenomena in accounting. In this overview of focus group methods and their application to studying accounting and information technology phenomena, we focus on what alternative types of focus group methods may be applied, when such methods are applicable, and what methodological challenges the researcher must address. In examining the methodological challenges that face researchers when using these methods, we demonstrate how these challenges have been addressed in our own research as a way of exemplifying the challenges researchers may face and what compensating strategies researchers might use. Our objective is to highlight when focus groups may be the best method for accounting information systems researchers and demonstrate how they can be used when they are applicable.
Extracellular GABA in globus pallidus increases during the induction of oral tremor by haloperidol but not by muscarinic receptor stimulation.

Abstract Tremulous jaw movements in rats can be induced by several conditions associated with parkinsonism and tremorogenesis, including dopamine depletion, dopamine antagonism, and cholinomimetic drugs. Previous research indicates that neostriatal mechanisms are involved in the generation of tremulous jaw movements, but the striatal output pathways involved in these movements remain uncertain. One important pathway for striatal output is the GABAergic striatopallidal system. The present studies were undertaken to determine if extracellular levels of GABA in globus pallidus are associated with the induction of tremulous jaw movements by either a dopamine D2 antagonist (haloperidol) or a cholinomimetic (the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine). The first experiment studied the effects of both acute and repeated (i.e. 8 days) administration of the D2 antagonist haloperidol. In the second experiment, the effect of acute administration of the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine on GABA levels in the globus pallidus was examined. In both experiments, behavioral observations of tremulous jaw movements were conducted in parallel with the collection of microdialysis samples. Acute and repeated haloperidol treatment induced tremulous jaw movements, and significantly elevated extracellular GABA in globus pallidus. Pooling across all treatment groups, there was a significant positive correlation between pallidal GABA levels and the number of tremulous jaw movements induced during the first three samples collected after injection. However, injection of 4.0 mg/kg pilocarpine had no effect on pallidal GABA release, despite the robust induction of tremulous jaw movements. These results indicate that the tremulous jaw movements induced by dopamine D2 antagonism and those induced through muscarinic receptor stimulation may be generated via distinct mechanisms.
The structure of the antigenic lipopolysaccharide O-chains produced by Salmonella urbana and Salmonella godesberg.

Abstract The lipopolysaccharides of Salmonella urbana and Salmonella godesberg , which belong in group N (O:30) of the Kauffmann-White system, were shown by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, glycose analysis, periodate oxidation, methylation, and 1 H- and 13 C-n.m.r. analyses to have identical O-chains composed of repeating, branched pentasaccharide units having the structure: The serological cross-reactivity of S. urbana and S. godesberg with Brucella abortus and Yersinia enterocolitica (O:9) can now be related to the presence of a 1,2-glycosylated N -acyl derivative of 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-α- d -mannopyranosyl residues in their respective lipopolysaccharide O-chains.
The Outcome Of Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction In Congenital And Acquired Spinal Cord Lesion: The Urotherapist Role In A Spina Bifida Unit

PURPOSE Congenital or acquired spinal cord lesions (SCL) result in a serious physical disability, reducing quality of life and restricting social activities. We conducted this prospective study to define the role of urotherapist in a multisciplinary approach to neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD) in a Spina Bifida Unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS 25 children, 16 males and 9 females, aged 0.1-16.3 years with acquired SCL and 29 children, 13 males and 16 females, aged 0.5-17,2 years, with spina bifida (SB) were evaluated. In all patients a complete neuro-urological evaluation was performed considering pad use, diaries, renal ultrasound, video-urodynamics. NBD were classified according to International Children Continence Society criteria. The neuro-urological therapeutich approach was evaluated in all patients considering: clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) or self administered CIC, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic and surgical treatment. Psychological and familiar dynamics was evaluated using CBCL as well as clinical neurological using ASIA and SCIM scale, and quality of life (QOL) was evaluated too. RESULTS Motor disability was related to lesion site and it was worse in acquired than congenital SCL. Quadriplegic patients and children CONCLUSIONS Loss of sphincters control influenced patients and relatives quality of life more than motor disability. A multidisciplinary approach facilitates the maximum recovery level. Urotherapists play a main role to understand and answer to families's and patients's requests.
Experimental and numerical investigation of supersonic turbulent flow through a square duct

Les resultats experimentaux montrent que deux cellules d'ecoulement secondaire se developpent autour des coins de maniere semblable a celle observee dans le cas incompressible. Les resultats numeriques sont bases sur le modele de Baldwin-Lomay
Long-term follow-up after surgical correction of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

The long-term efficacy of surgical correction of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was evaluated in 45 consecutive patients. Before surgery, 42 patients had reciprocating tachycardia and 12 had atrial fibrillation. The principal operative procedure was endocardial incision in 42 patients, endocardial cryoablation in 2 patients and epicardial cryoablation without dissection of the atrioventricular (AV) fat pad in 1 patient. Two patients had perioperative complications. One patient had bleeding that necessitated reoperation, and one had a right cerebral stroke with subsequent clearing of neurologic deficit. At postoperative electrophysiologic study, only the patient who underwent epicardial cryoablation had conduction over an accessory connection. Two others had intermittent delta waves in the early postoperative period but no accessory connection conduction at electrophysiologic study. During a mean follow-up of 3.1 years, the patient with ineffective cryoablation had recurrent orthodromic tachycardia, and one other patient had late recurrence of delta waves without arrhythmias. Four other patients had frequent palpitation, which was caused by premature ventricular complexes in three and sinus tachycardia in one. Seventeen patients had occasional “skipped beats” without recurrence of tachyarrhythmias. Twelve of 13 patients whose arrhythmias limited employment before surgery returned to work after surgery. By actuarial analysis at 1, 2 and 3 years, all patients were alive and 98% were free from tachyarrhythmias. Surgical correction of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome provides excellent long-term results with low morbidity. Patients who are disabled by arrhythmias return to work after successful surgery. Delta waves may persist or recur without return of arrhythmias. Minor postoperative episodes of palpitation are common and do not correlate with tachyarrhythmias.
Technological and market forecasting for a flat screen TV

The difference between forecast approaches of technologists and economists is that the technologist looks at the trends in new techniques and assumes that fund will be available to support the necessary research and development, while the economist looks at total sales and assumes that technical advancements will occur which will permit high productivity and the development of new products. A rational forecast, which may not be any more correct, uses the inputs from both sectors to define the constraints for the support of research and development and production and then attempts to develop the time scale which new techniques and devices must satisfy in order to be successful. The conclusions reached are: 1) determine whether your research and development programs are directed toward new or substitution programs; 2) determine the potential markets and the market share you are seeking; and 3) set deadlines for product introduction and from this decide research budget and manpower requirements. In each step there is risk, since old technologies do not stand still, competitors are also taking risks, and new markets may not develop as predicted. For flat screen displays, limited markets are now developing, but large-scale consumer TV use is not expected for about ten years. The display of 1980 will probably not include the technologies now being researched. However, in the display area where we know there will be continuing needs for television and computer terminals, and where new products have developed new markets, I am optimistic that the research will pay.
Predicting False Discovery Proportion Under Dependence

We present a flexible framework for predicting error measures in multiple testing situations under dependence. Our approach is based on modeling the distribution of the probit transform of the p-values by mixtures of multivariate skew-normal distributions. The model can incorporate dependence among p-values and it allows for shape restrictions on the p-value density. A nonparametric Bayesian scheme for estimating the components of the mixture model is outlined and Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms are developed. These lead to the prediction of false discovery proportion and related credible bands. An expression for the positive false discovery rate for dependent observations is also derived. The power of the mixture model in estimation of key quantities in multiple testing is illustrated by a simulation study. A dataset on kidney transplant is also analyzed using the methods developed.
Particulate emissions from wheat and Kentucky bluegrass stubble burning in eastern Washington and northern Idaho

Abstract The PM2.5 emission factors (EF) in smoke from post-harvest wheat and Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) stubble burning were quantified in the United States Environmental Protection Agency test burn facility. The PM2.5 EFs from high and low combustion efficiency (CE) wheat burns were 0.8±0.4 and 4.7±0.4 g kg−1, respectively, and decreased with increasing CE. While these EFs are generally in agreement with literature, it is difficult to compare the PM2.5 EFs from KBG burns (12.1±1.4 g kg−1) due to the scarcity of published data. Wheat burns conducted with randomly piled stubble resulted in PM2.5 EFs different to those where the stubble was oriented as found in the field post harvest. Two separate methods for estimating EFs were employed and found to be in good agreement. The carbon in the biomass was almost quantitatively accounted for by measuring CO2, CO, total hydrocarbons (THC) and PM2.5 emissions. The PM2.5/CO emission ratios for wheat (0.05±0.01) agree with literature data, while the same ratio for KBG (0.23±0.02) was slightly higher than data reported. These ratios exhibit low dependence on CE and can be used to predict the level of one pollutant in a plume, when the concentration of the other is known. Wheat and KBG fields in 18 counties of eastern Washington and northern Idaho are burned on less than a tenth of the days of the year. Yet the fires were estimated to have produced between 0.04% and 34.5% of the total PM2.5 and CO emissions within the respective counties, during 2002.