cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of Takayasu arteritis.

The role of surgical therapy for Takayasu arteritis remains controversial. From 1973–1991, 23 patients with Takayasu arteritis have been treated at the University of Southern California. Twelve patients have required 17 arterial reconstructions for symptomatic complications of arterial disease refractory to medical therapy. Indications for operation have included renovascular hypertension (7), extremity ischemia (5), cerebrovascular insufficiency (2), dilated ascended aorta with aortic insufficiency (1), thoracic aortic aneurysm (1), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (1). Long-term clinical follow-up has demonstrated uniform symptomatic improvement. Fifteen of seventeen arterial reconstructions are still patent. Surgical treatment of symptomatic Takayasu arteritis is highly effective. Excellent long-term graft patency can be expected following arterial reconstruction.
Secondary cells and separation in developing laminar curved-pipe flows

Laminar flows through 180° curved bends of circular cross section are investigated numerically. For small curvature ratio, α, defined as pipe radius over mean bend radius, the governing equations could be parabolized. The equations are solved for an α range of from 0.04 to 0.143, a Dean number (De) range of from 277.5 to 1360, and for a uniform flow, a potential vortex, and a parabolic flow inlet condition. In all these studies a zero cross-stream flow at the inlet is assumed. A detailed study of the effects of α, De, and inlet condition on the secondary flow pattern is carried out. Within the range of parameters investigated, up to three secondary cells are found in the cross-stream half-plane of a curved pipe. They are the Dean-type secondary cell, a secondary separation cell near the inner bend (closest to the center of curvature of the bend), and a third cell near the pipe center. The number of secondary cells in the cross-stream half-plane is greatly influenced by the inlet flow, and to a much lesser extent by α and De. For example, only the Dean cell is found in a curved-pipe flow where α and De are small and the inlet flow is either uniform or a potential vortex. When the inlet condition of the same case is changed to a parabolic flow, a three-cell structure results. Furthermore, as De increases to 1180, incipient axial flow separation begins at around 23° downstream of the curved-pipe entrance. The formation and extent of the separation and third cells are investigated together with their dependence on the parameters studied. This investigation further shows that, within the range of parameters examined, there is no secondary cell occurring near the outer bend, contrary to some earlier findings on fully developed curved-pipe flows.
Successful mycophenolate mofetil treatment of glomerular disease

Eight patients with resistant and/or relapsing nephrotic syndrome or renal insufficiency were empirically treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The underlying glomerular diseases were membranous nephropathy (N = 3), minimal change disease (n = 2), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 1), and lupus nephritis (N = 2). Treatment with MMF 0.75 to 1.0 g twice daily, either as monotherapy or in combination with low-dose steroid treatment, resulted in substantial reductions in proteinuria or stabilization of serum creatinine. In relapsing patients following withdrawal from cyclosporin A, MMF achieved suppression of proteinuria equivalent to or better than that which occurred during cyclosporin A treatment. Steroids were successfully withdrawn in each of the non-lupus patients. MMF was well tolerated with no evidence of hematologic, hepatic, or other toxicity. These clinical anecdotes demonstrate the short-term clinical efficacy of MMF treatment. In addition, they suggest that MMF may have major steroid-sparing effects and might represent an alternative to cyclosporin A in appropriate patients.
The evaluation of proposed offshore LNG receiving terminals

A methodology was developed to evaluate proposed offshore LNG receiving terminals. Five general categories of such terminals were evaluated: natural island facility; artificial island facility (including coastline extensions); floating facility; fixed and mobile structure; and subsea structure. The study showed that all of these offshore LNG receiving terminal concepts are technically feasible, but 6.75-8.00 yr would be required to implement such a terminal. Sufficient regulatory authority does not presently exist to enable granting all of the approvals necessary for siting, constructing, and operating any offshore receiving terminal. The cost of an offshore LNG receiving terminal was estimated at $350-$450 million. Project financing and insurance are expected to be available for projects of this size.
Rehabilitation of orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders. 3. Degenerative joint disease

This self-directed learning module highlights assessment and therapeutic options in the rehabilitation of patients with osteoarthritis. It is part of the chapter on rehabilitation of orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. New advances covered in this article include updates on conservative and operative treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and pediatric hip diseases, prophylactic therapy for thromboembolic disease after lower limb joint replacement, new therapies for osteoarthritis, and the impact of exercise on outcome following hip replacement in active persons.
Practice Wisdom on Custodial Parenting with Mental Illness: A Strengths View

ABSTRACT Social work principles of strengths, empowerment, and consumer-centered care for persons with mental illness are currently being adapted to broader contexts. This article presents study findings on practice wisdom about custodial parents with mental illness, a potentially increasing group of consumers in light of mental health reform. The research team organized thirty-six professionals with practice experience into five focus groups. Findings reflect strengths perspective categories of resilience, social support, family functioning, self-care, and parents' positive experience of their symptoms. Implications discuss how providers who work with custodial parents and their children can apply these findings in assessments and interventions.
Reviewing Fauxtography: A blog-driven challenge to mass media power without the promises of networked publicity

During the Israel-Hezbollah War of 2006, bloggers caught Reuters publishing doctored images from Lebanon. Known by bloggers as Fauxtography, the scandal provides an important site to analyze the ability of blogs to challenge mainstream media. One blog in particular was almost single-handedly responsible for unearthing and for publicizing the scandal—Little Green Footballs. This paper uses the scandal as a case study to assess how Little Green Footballs was able to mount a challenge to mainstream media. Despite theorizing to the contrary about the collective promise of networked publics, Fauxtography reveals that one of the biggest challenges of late to mainstream media came from the activities of a single blogger.
Perspectives of Teachers About Instructional Supervision and Behaviors that Influence Preschool Instruction

Preschool programs for children with and without disabilities housed in public school settings have increased dramatically over the last decade. This study examined the perspectives of preschool teachers about who provides instructional supervision for their preschool programs and the behaviors these individuals use to influence their instructional practices. A questionnaire employing Critical Incident Technique was distributed to all preschool teachers housed in public school buildings in one state. Results from this investigation suggest that preschool coordinators and principals are identified most often as instructional supervisors. Five themes were identified that facilitated classroom instruction: support for the preschool classroom and staff, professional development opportunities and strategies, presence in the classroom and program, offering praise to teachers and staff, and overall knowledge of early childhood development. Teachers indicated that instructional leaders influenced their instructio...
Abstract A100: Alcohol promotes breast cancer cell invasion by regulating the Nm23-ITGA5 pathway

Introduction: Alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk in women. Additionally, alcohol increases the metastatic ability of cancer cells. Metastasis suppressor genes encode proteins that have the ability to slow down or prevent the invasiveness of cancer cells, thus inhibiting the establishment of metastases. We analyzed the expression level of metastasis suppressor genes to determine the mechanisms by which alcohol increases the invasive ability of breast cancer cells. Methods: The invasiveness, or metastatic ability, of breast cancer cells was determined by the Boyden assay. To determine if alcohol increases invasion of breast cancer cells via the metastasis suppressor gene Nm23, we over-expressed or down-regulated Nm23 using siRNA-mediated knockdown; subsequently, we determined the effects of alcohol on the invasiveness of these cancer cells. Results: Results show that alcohol increased breast cancer cell invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Alcohol significantly decreased the expression of Nm23. Overexpression of Nm23 in breast cancer cells suppressed the effects of alcohol on the invasive ability of the cancer cells. Also, exposure of cancer cells to alcohol led to an increase in the expression level of the fibronectin receptor subunit ITGA5, and overexpression of Nm23 blocked the effects of alcohol. Further, the invasiveness of the breast cancer cells was inhibited when ITGA5 was knocked down by siRNA, and alcohol was unable to increase the invasiveness of the cancer cells when ITGA5 was knocked down. Conclusions: Results suggest that alcohol increases the invasive ability of breast cancer cells by down-regulating the metastatic suppressor Nm23 gene, which leads to increased expression of ITGA5. Consequently, up-regulated ITGA5 may increase the invasive ability of the cancer cells. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A100.
Applying the critical path method to manufacturing routing

Abstract Traditionally the critical path method (CPM) has been used primarily as an a'priori planning and scheduling device. Its applications have typically been limited to one-shot projects, usually with a long period of completion time. This paper proposes taking these ideas to continuous production systems, and to implement the CPM not just at the outset but throughout the process. The algorithm calls for repeatedly calculating the critical path through the production process and routing parts so as to remain off this path. Before the model is presented, some basic ideas are introduced from group technology (GT) and CPM. After the presentation of the model, two potential implementations with the usage of computer are proposed.
Toxicity tests of effluents with marsh plants in water and sediment

Methods are described for toxicity testing of water and sediment with two varieties of the freshwater marsh plant Echinochloa crusgalli (Linneaus) Palisot de Beauvois (Poaceae), and complex effluents. Two tests are described: a seed germination and early seedling growth test in water, and a survival and seedling growth test in natural and synthetic sediments. Effects of effluents from a sewage treatment plant, tannery, textile mill, pulp and paper mill, coking plant and sewage treatment plant included inhibition of germination, chlorophyll synthesis and growth. The tests with rooted marsh plants were sensitive to pollutants and detected toxicity of a range of pollutants in water and sediment. Synthetic sediments similar to natural sediments allowed toxicity tests to be done under carefully controlled conditions of particle size distribution, organic content, pH, electrode potential (Eh) and cation exchange capacity (CEC).
Transversely pumped counterpropagating optical parametric amplification and difference-frequency generation

We have investigated optical parametric amplification and difference-frequency generation in the transverse-pumping geometry. For amplification, when the pump power is set to the threshold a large gain is predicted if the input power for the signal is much lower than the threshold. However, as the input power increases, the gain decreases rapidly. For difference-frequency generation, for each value of the pump power there is an optimal input power at which the output power at the difference frequency reaches a maximum.
Tourism and the commodification of Cubanidad

The article seeks to analyze the contradictions involved with the commoditization in Cuba’s revitalized tourism industry during the post-Soviet Special Period vis-a-vis the revolution’s Marxist— Leninist ideology. The paper provides an agent-based interpretation of cultural commodification by using ethnographic data to argue that the Cuban hosts to tourism empower themselves amidst the industry’s commodifying nature by manipulating and performing images of ‘Cuba’ to fit the international imagination based in prior epochs. The current article contributes to discussions about authenticity and the commodification of culture in tourism by considering the gendered, sexualized, racial, and nationalist dynamics promoted by (re)constructions of Cuban identity for tourist consumption.
Unusual magnetic metal-cyanide cubes of ReII with alternating octahedral and tetrahedral corners.

The design of cyanide-bridged transition-metal clusters is one of the leading topics in the field of molecular magnetism. Two of the main reasons for this high interest are 1) cyanide chemistry easily lends itself to a building-block approach and 2) the nature (ferromagnetic versus antiferromagnetic) of magnetic exchange interactions through a linear cyanide ligand is largely predictable. These attributes have inspired numerous research groups to pursue the synthesis of highspin, magnetically anisotropic metal cyanide molecules with the goal of engendering slow paramagnetic relaxation of the magnetization, a phenomenon that has been likened to the behavior of single-domain particles. This “superparamagnetic-like” magnetic behavior of molecules, commonly referred to as “single-molecule magnetism”, has been observed for paramagnetic clusters that exhibit a large spin ground state combined with an appreciable degree of anisotropy (i.e., a negative zero-field splitting parameter D). 10,11] Singlemolecule magnet (SMM) behavior was first noted over ten years ago for an {Mn12} cluster of the oxide family, [10,11] and many new examples of oxide-based SMMs have been prepared in the ensuing years. 12] Progress in this area has been only incremental, however, in terms of raising the blocking temperature of the magnetization. One of the main reasons for this situation is that it is difficult to control the sign and magnitude of D. This limitation to realizing high-temperature SMMs is one of the focal points of research in the field. One approach to increasing the magnetic anisotropy of paramagnetic clusters is to incorporate heavier transition elements, such as 5d metal ions, which exhibit strong spin– orbit coupling effects that can induce anisotropic magneticexchange interactions. In this vein, we have been investigating the use of the paramagnetic Re anion complex [Re(triphos)(CN)3] (triphos= 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)ethane) as a building block for high nuclearity clusters with unusual magnetic properties. As a backdrop for these studies, we undertook a full investigation of the magnetic behavior and theoretical modeling of [Et4N][Re (triphos)(CN)3], which revealed that the compound exhibits an unusually strong temperature-independent paramagnetism due to spin–orbit coupling of the S= 1/2 ground state and low-lying excited states. Given these intriguing findings, we proceeded to explore reactions of [Re(triphos)(CN)3] with complementary building blocks including MCl2 reagents (M= 3d metal ion). The results of these studies with Fe and Co chlorides are reported herein. Single-crystal X-ray studies revealed the products to be distorted molecular cubes composed of both sixand fourcoordinate vertices (Figure 1). The triphos ligands act as
Role of the clathrin adaptor PICALM in normal hematopoiesis and polycythemia vera pathophysiology

Clathrin-dependent endocytosis is an essential cellular process shared by all cell types. Despite this, precisely how endocytosis is regulated in a cell-type-specific manner and how this key pathway functions physiologically or pathophysiologically remain largely unknown. PICALM, which encodes the clathrin adaptor protein PICALM, was originally identified as a component of the CALM/AF10 leukemia oncogene. Here we show, by employing a series of conditional Picalm knockout mice, that PICALM critically regulates transferrin uptake in erythroid cells by functioning as a cell-type-specific regulator of transferrin receptor endocytosis. While transferrin receptor is essential for the development of all hematopoietic lineages, Picalm was dispensable for myeloid and B-lymphoid development. Furthermore, global Picalm inactivation in adult mice did not cause gross defects in mouse fitness, except for anemia and a coat color change. Freeze-etch electron microscopy of primary erythroblasts and live-cell imaging of murine embryonic fibroblasts revealed that Picalm function is required for efficient clathrin coat maturation. We showed that the PICALM PIP2 binding domain is necessary for transferrin receptor endocytosis in erythroblasts and absolutely essential for erythroid development from mouse hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in an erythroid culture system. We further showed that Picalm deletion entirely abrogated the disease phenotype in a Jak2V617F knock-in murine model of polycythemia vera. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of cell-type-specific transferrin receptor endocytosis in vivo. They also suggest a new strategy to block cellular uptake of transferrin-bound iron, with therapeutic potential for disorders characterized by inappropriate red blood cell production, such as polycythemia vera.
Validity of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised

The factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) algorithm items were examined in a sample of 226 youngsters with pervasive developmental disabilities. Exploratory factor analyses indicated a three-factor solution closely resembling the original algorithm and explaining 38% of the variance, with one significant discrepancy: Unlike the algorithm, all nonverbal communication items were associated with the Social factor. Internal consistencies of domain scores ranged from .54 to .84. Correlations between ADI-R domain and total scores and instruments assessing adaptive behavior, psychopathology, and autism were examined. They indicated some similarities between constructs, but also that the ADI-R measures autism in a unique fashion.
Guidelines for dryer design based on results from non-Fickian model

In polymer solution coatings below the glass transition temperature of the pure polymer, the coating can go undergo a glass transition and develop stresses during drying. When stresses develop, a non-Fickian model accurately describes solvent mass transport in drying polymer coatings. The non-Fickian model includes the solvent transport due to both stress and concentration gradients. This article presents a non-Fickian model, which predicts a lower residual solvent than does the corresponding Fickian model. We showed in an earlier article that the non-Fickian model predicts trapping skinning (higher residual solvent under more intense operating conditions) at higher drying gas-flow rates. In this article, the non-Fickian model was used to investigate how the gas-flow rate, dry film thickness, and substrate thickness affect the residual solvent for a single-zone dryer. This work recommends guidelines for choosing gas-flow rates, gas temperatures, and substrate thickness to minimize the residual solvent. The model predictions show that, at any gas temperature, the residual solvent is minimum at an intermediate gas-flow rate. The trapping skinning effect is less evident in thicker coatings and substrates. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 477–486, 2003
Assessing NIH funding patterns for pain: A systematic approach

Health policy experts not only must track the impact of conditions such as chronic pain on public health, but they also require valid and accurate indicators of the resources provided for research efforts regarding such conditions. Obtaining this information for such ubiquitous conditions as pain presents a significant challenge. Our research team has been engaged in a project to provide a publicly accessible interactive database that permits description and exploration of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding patterns for research on pain, nausea and dyspnea. The database encompasses both basic science and clinical research projects contained in the NIH’s own Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) database. While building our resource tool, we have found the problem of characterizing a project’s relevance to pain based on the information contained in CRISP to be surprisingly difficult. A panel of pain experts who reviewed a subset of projects funded in 2003 obtained in a search of the CRISP database for pain related terms had no better than 50% agreement on projects they judged relevant to pain. We have developed an algorithm for categorizing projects using a set of syntactic and semantic rules based on occurrences and use of pain related terms in the project descriptions. This set of rules differentiates between primaryresearch for which pain or nociception plays a central roleand secondaryprojects for which pain is tangential or is one of several conditions to which the project may have relevance. It also differentiates clinical and basic science research. Applying these rules in a review of 2,476 NIH grants funded in 2003, we identified 1,148 grants for research on pain581 primary and 567 secondarywhile achieving an initial reviewer agreement rate of 93.8%. The presentation will discuss several issues that remain and implications for the work. (916) CRC survey of attitudes: eCRF vs paper CRFs
Recombinant human growth hormone alters acute phase reactant proteins, cytokine expression, and liver morphology in burned rats.

Background.The effects of exogenous recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on hepatic acute phase reactant proteins, cytokine expression, and liver morphology were studied in thermally injured rats to define whether rhGH alters the acute phase response. Materials and methods.Sprague-Dawley rats (56 males) receiving a 60% TBSA third-degree scald burn were randomly divided into two groups to receive either 2.5 mg/kg/day sc rhGH or saline. Rats were sacrificed on Postburn Days 1, 2, 5, and 7. Serum acute phase reactant proteins and cytokines TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured. Hepatocyte proliferation, hepatic cytokine gene expression, and liver protein concentrations were determined. Results.Recombinant hGH increased serum albumin on Days 5 and 7 after burn (P< 0.05). Serum haptoglobin and α1-acid glycoprotein levels decreased at 2, 5, and 7 days after burn compared to saline (P< 0.05). In rats treated with rhGH, serum IL-1β decreased 1 day postburn, while serum TNF-α increased 5 days after burn compared to saline (P< 0.05). Serum IL-6 and IL-1α did not change. Hepatic RNA levels for TNF-α were significantly elevated on Day 1 postburn compared to saline (P< 0.05). Hepatic protein content increased on Days 2, 5, and 7 postburn compared to saline (P< 0.05). Hepatocyte proliferation in rhGH-treated rats increased on Day 5 after burn (P< 0.05). Conclusion.Data indicate that rhGH alters the hepatic acute phase response by decreasing type I acute phase proteins and modulating IL-1-like cytokine expression. These changes are associated with increased hepatocyte mitosis and serum and total liver protein concentrations.
The ELCA at 20 Years: Flunking the Theological Test

: This article deals with four theological issues at the forefront of controversy in the ELCA. They are: 1) the naming of God; 2) the unique place of Jesus in the world's salvation; 3) the authority and interpretation of the Bible; 4) the place of the law in theological ethics. The response to these issues holds the key as to whether or to what extent the ELCA will be faithful to its confessional commitment or become just another variety of liberal Protestantism.
Diversity Multiplexing Tradeoff in Multiple Antenna Multiple Access Channels with Partial CSIT

We derive a lower bound on the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff for multiple antenna multiple access channels using temporal power control (PC). We quantify the substantial improvements in diversity gains with finite rate feedback over schemes that use no feedback, even when users have asymmetric diversity and rate requirements. For small multiplexing gains, all users in the MAC achieve their single user performance as if each receives B distinct bits of feedback. We also show that for a SISO MAC with finite rate feedback, the diversity orders with PC and with opportunistic user selection are the same at all multiplexing gains.
Inhibition of Phospholipase A2 Ameliorates the Acute Lung Injury Induced by E Coli Endotoxin via Reduced Production of Oxygen Free Radicals in the Lung

Background: In order to understand the pathogenetic mechanism of sepsis-induced acute lung injury, inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA A2) was carried out in an endotoxin-induced septic lung model. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided three groups; sham group, endotoxin group (instillation of E coli endotoxin, 100μg/rat, type 017) and mepacrine group (the non-specific PLA2 inhibitor, 50 ml/kg intraperitoneal injection after endotoxin treatment). Five hours after endotoxin treatment, protein contents, neurophils counts, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity and surfactant concentrations in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL), meyloperoxidase (MPO) and PLA2 activity in the lung were measured. A morphological study for the effect of the endotoxin and mepacirne, and a cytochemical electron microscopy for detection of hydrogen peroxide in the lung were also performed. Results: Endotoxin increased the concentrations of protein, the number of neutrophils, and GGT activity in the BAL fluid, MPO and PLA2 activity in the lung but mepacrine decreased these parameters (P < 0.001). The light density of surfactant was increased by the endotoxin (P < 0.001), but mepacrine diminished this pathological change. In the light microscopic findings, the endotoxin caused pulmonary accumulation of neutrophils, atelectasis and transudation of intravascular protein was observed. In contrast, mepacrine lessened these pathological findings. In ultrastructural findings, adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells, necroses of type II cells and endothelial cells, and the damage of lamellar bodies were observed after the endotoxin treatment, which recovered with mepacrine. In the cytochemical electron microscopy for detection of hydrogen peroxide in the lung, the deposits of cerrous perhydroxide were increased by the endotoxin but mepacrine decreased deposits of cerrous perhydroxide.
Further Investigations into Continuously Variable, Remote Color Temperature Adjustments for Metal Halide Lamps

A filtering system using liquid organic colorants as optical filters for metal halide HMI lamps is discussed. The liquid filtering solution is continuously circulated, allowing variations in the solutions concentration to effect color temperature changes. In this study, three colorants in a water solvent were used to bring an HMI globe with a color temperature of about 5500°K down to 3200°K. This was done using the organic chemicals methylene orange, methyl blue, and acid fuchsin in combination. Many advantages of this technique over the use of gelatin filters have been identified. Among these, infinite variability in color temperature control, speed with which color temperature changes can be effected, and reduction of heat directly in front of the light source are the most important
Electrical and Photo-Induced Effects in Graphene Channels When Interfaced with Quantum Dots

Field effect transistors with graphene channels were interfaced with arrays of semiconductor quantum dots (QD). The electrical characteristics of the elements were assessed. The channel response to white light illumination was also assessed as a function of drain-source and gate-source biases.
Does Repair of a Hill-Sachs Defect Increase Stability at the Glenohumeral Joint?

Background:The effect of osteoallograft repair of a Hill-Sachs lesion and the effect of allograft fit on glenohumeral translations in response to applied force are poorly understood.Purpose:To comp...
Discussion on Smart Substation Information Model

Information model is the kernel part of IEC 61850 standard and the foundation of the smart substation development and construction.The application status of information model of smart substation is summarized and discussed in three aspects,namely,the deletion of model,the extension of model and the conformance test of model.Also,the problems caused by lack of united information model existing in smart substation construction is described in three aspects such as: auxiliary device,power quality and stability control.The application prospect of the information model in smart substation is shown in three aspects such as: application of the IEC 61850 Ed2.0 standard,the model coordination between IEC 61850 and IEC 61970,the function model application.It is in favor of later construction and development of the smart substation.
The quantitative relationship between intracellular concentration and egress of cyclic AMP from cultured cells.

To test the hypothesis that cyclic AMP egress was a function of intracellular concentration, the relationship between those quantities was investigated. It was found that there was a linear relationship between intracellular concentration and the rate of egress of the nucleotide in the four cultured cell lines tested (WI-38, VA13, MRC-5, and IMR-90). The ability to relate egress to intracellular concentration for these cells allowed a quantitative approach to several long-standing questions on the role and mechanism of cyclic AMP egress. Thus, the effects of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and meclofenamate on egress were determined. In addition, this approach has been used to show that egress is not dependent either on free diffusion or on a passive carrier mechanism. It is, therefore, presumably energy-dependent. Finally, in conjunction with previously published data, it was shown that egress of cyclic AMP is not a major factor in the control of intracellular accumulation of the nucleotide in these cells. Egress accounted for no more than 15.5% of the total turnover of cyclic AMP in WI-38 cells and 18% in VA13 cells.
Venous Bypass Surgery

Venous reconstructive bypass operations may be expected to result in improvement in approximately 75 per cent of properly selected patients. Such patients are usually those in whom venous recanalization has failed after phlebitis. A smaller group of patients have extrinsic occlusion because of tumor. Venous bypass has a low complication rate and relatively good results.
Stress Dose Steroids: Myths and Perioperative Medicine

Perioperative medication management for patients with systemic autoimmune inflammatory diseases has focused on strategies to improve outcomes and mitigate risks. The emphasis has been to minimize the risk of infection associated with most antirheumatic medications, while attempting to avoid flares of disease precipitated by medication withdrawal. Management of glucocorticoids in the perioperative period has been based on an assumption that supraphysiologic increases in dose were always necessary to avoid hypotension and shock in glucocorticoid treated patients, and alternative strategies were rarely considered despite the known infectious, metabolic, and wound healing risks associated with glucocorticoid administration. This paper will review current recommendations for perioperative glucocorticoid administration for glucocorticoid treated patients with systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases and discuss glucocorticoid physiology to analyze the basis for these recommendations and consider alternative perioperative management strategies.
DATA ASSIMILATION APPROACH FOR FORECAST OF SOLAR ACTIVITY CYCLES

Numerous attempts to predict future solar cycles are mostly based on empirical relations derived from observations of previous cycles, and they yield a wide range of predicted strengths and durations of the cycles. Results obtained with current dynamo models also deviate strongly from each other, thus raising questions about criteria to quantify the reliability of such predictions. The primary difficulties in modeling future solar activity are shortcomings of both the dynamo models and observations that do not allow us to determine the current and past states of the global solar magnetic structure and its dynamics. Data assimilation is a relatively new approach to develop physics-based predictions and estimate their uncertainties in situations where the physical properties of a system are not well-known. This paper presents an application of the ensemble Kalman filter method for modeling and prediction of solar cycles through use of a low-order nonlinear dynamo model that includes the essential physics and can describe general properties of the sunspot cycles. Despite the simplicity of this model, the data assimilation approach provides reasonable estimates for the strengths of future solar cycles. In particular, the prediction of Cycle 24 calculated and published in 2008 is so far holding up quite well. In this paper, I will present my first attempt to predict Cycle 25 using the data assimilation approach, and discuss the uncertainties of that prediction.
User intent prediction with a scaled conjugate gradient trained artificial neural network for lower limb amputees using a powered prosthesis

Powered lower limb prostheses have the ability to provide greater mobility for amputee patients. Such prostheses often have pre-programmed modes which can allow activities such as climbing stairs and descending ramps, something which many amputees struggle with when using non-powered limbs. Previous literature has shown how pattern classification can allow seamless transitions between modes with a high accuracy and without any user interaction. Although accurate, training and testing each subject with their own dependent data is time consuming. By using subject independent datasets, whereby a unique subject is tested against a pooled dataset of other subjects, we believe subject training time can be reduced while still achieving an accurate classification. We present here an intent recognition system using an artificial neural network (ANN) with a scaled conjugate gradient learning algorithm to classify gait intention with user-dependent and independent datasets for six unilateral lower limb amputees. We compare these results against a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier. The ANN was found to have significantly lower classification error (P<0.05) than LDA with all user-dependent step-types, as well as transitional steps for user-independent datasets. Both types of classifiers are capable of making fast decisions; 1.29 and 2.83 ms for the LDA and ANN respectively. These results suggest that ANNs can provide suitable and accurate offline classification in prosthesis gait prediction.
Innovative approaches to weight loss in a high-risk population: The small changes and lasting effects (SCALE) trial.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a small change behavioral weight loss intervention with or without a positive affect/self-affirmation (PA/SA) component on weight loss at 12 months. Methods Black and Hispanic adults (N = 405) with body mass index 25-50 kg/m2 selected one of ten small change eating strategies and a physical activity goal, randomly with/without PA/SA. Participants were followed by community health workers at set intervals (weekly in months 1-3; biweekly in months 4-9; once monthly in months 10-12). Results There was no difference in weight loss at 12 months between participants in the small change approach alone (1.1%) versus the small change PA/SA intervention (1.2%). During treatment, 9% of participants lost at least 7% of their initial body weight. Participants who reported more interval life events had a lower likelihood of losing weight (P < 0.0001). However, those randomized to the small change PA/SA intervention gained less weight (+0.3% vs. 2.3% gain; P < 0.0001). Conclusions The small change PA/SA intervention did not lead to a significant difference in weight loss in comparison to the small change approach alone. It did, however, decrease the negative impact of psychosocial stressors on weight gain among participants with more interval life events.
Adaptive stochastic segmentation via energy-convergence for brain tumor in MR images

Abstract An adaptive algorithm that formulates an energy based stochastic segmentation with a level set methodology is proposed.The hybrid method uses global and local energies, which are efficient in matching, segmenting and tracing anatomic structures by exploiting constraints computed from the data of the image. The algorithm performs autonomous stochastic segmentation of tumor in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by combining region based level sets globally and three established energies (uniform, separation and histogram) in a local framework. The local region is defined by the segmentation boundary which, in the case of level set method, consists of global statistics and local energies of every individual point and the local region is then updated by minimizing (or maximizing) the energies. For analysis, the algorithm is tested on low grade and high grade MR images dataset. The obtained results show that the proposed methodology provides similarity between segmented and truth image up to 89.5 % by dice method, and minimum distance of 0.5(mm) by Hausdorff algorithm. This adaptive stochastic segmentation algorithm can also be used to compute segmentation when binary thresholding level is greater than 0.2.
Infectivity, transmission and pathogenicity of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4 (H5N8 and H5N2) United States index viruses in Pekin ducks and Chinese geese

In late 2014, a H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, clade 2.3.4.4, spread by migratory waterfowl into North America reassorting with low pathogenicity AI viruses to produce a H5N2 HPAI virus. Since domestic waterfowl are common backyard poultry frequently in contact with wild waterfowl, the infectivity, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of the United States H5 HPAI index viruses (H5N8 and H5N2) was investigated in domestic ducks and geese. Ducks infected with the viruses had an increase in body temperature but no or mild clinical signs. Infected geese did not show increase in body temperature and most only had mild clinical signs; however, some geese presented severe neurological signs. Ducks became infected and transmitted the viruses to contacts when inoculated with high virus doses [(104 and 106 50% embryo infective dose (EID50)], but not with a lower dose (102 EID50). Geese inoculated with the H5N8 virus became infected regardless of the virus dose given, and transmitted the virus to direct contacts. Only geese inoculated with the higher doses of the H5N2 and their contacts became infected, indicating differences in infectivity between the two viruses and the two waterfowl species. Geese shed higher titers of virus and for a longer period of time than ducks. In conclusion, the H5 HPAI viruses can infect domestic waterfowl and easily transmit to contact birds, with geese being more susceptible to infection and disease than ducks. The disease is mostly asymptomatic, but infected birds shed virus for several days representing a risk to other poultry species.
In Silico Design of Anticancer Peptides

In the past few years, small peptides having anticancer properties have emerged as a potential avenue for cancer therapy. Compared to current anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs (or small molecules), anticancer peptides (ACPs) have numerous advantageous properties, such as high specificity, low production cost, high tumor penetration, ease of synthesis and modification. However, in wet lab setups, identification and characterization of novel ACPs is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Therefore, in silico designing of anticancer peptides is beneficial, prior to their synthesis and characterization. This approach is less time consuming and more cost-effective. In this chapter, we discuss a web-based tool, AntiCP (http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/anticp/), for designing ACPs.
A Simple Mechanical Model of Soot Spherule Motion on a Soot Chain

Soot chains, formed from freshly combusted material, are composed of individual soot spherules connected together. The soot chains have complex structures on which gases have been observed to deposit on the surface. The deposition of these gases can cause the soot chains to compress from their original configuration into a shape with a smaller aerodynamic diameter and higher density. This shape rearrangement changes the soot agglomerates’ climate impacts including its radiative properties and its potential to become a cloud condensation nuclei. To better understand how quickly the soot chain might change shape, a simple mechanical model is presented of individual soot spherule motion in the presence of a surfactant. Discussion of this model, its limitations, and potential follow-on work are also given.
Imaging tumor burden by [18F]FDG-PET scanning and osteoblast activity by [99mTc]MDP-SPECT/CT in the 5TGM1 mouse model of myeloma bone disease

3819 The associated high morbidity and mortality rates associated with multiple myeloma (MM) are due to complications resulting from its effects on the skeleton. These complications including pathological fractures reflect, in part, tumor-induced osteolysis as well as failure of new bone formation. Lack of suitable pre-clinical models of MM bone disease that closely reflect changes seen in humans has hampered development of novel anti-myeloma agents. Standard histological techniques, which are the current gold standards for monitoring skeletal tumor progression and osteoblast function, are labor-intensive and invasive and therefore limit the use of mouse models for rapidly assessing efficacy new treatment modalities. To remedy these shortcomings, we have applied state-of-the-art small animal nuclear imaging modalities [positron emission tomography (microPET) and single photon emission computed tomography (microSPECT/CT)], similar to those utilized clinically, to the murine 5TGM1 model of MM bone disease. PET scans were performed using [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to provide functional measurements of tumor burden and preliminary studies demonstrate accumulation of FDG in tumors in the skeleton. Since 5TGM1 myeloma cells are engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), we also compared sensitivity of PET with whole body optical GFP imaging and found that PET was more sensitive. To demonstrate the feasibility of using SPECT to assess osteoblast function in the 5TGM1 model, we performed bone scintigraphic scans after administration of [99Tc]-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (MDP) and found that overall skeletal uptake was reduced in tumor-bearing mice. Biodistribution studies further indicated that uptake was suppressed in all bones of 5TGM1-bearing mice in comparison to soft tissues of the same mice or to bones of non-tumor bearing mice. Consistent with these findings, cancellous bone volumes and bone formation rates, determined by dynamic bone histomorphometry, are significantly reduced in the 5TGM1 model. In conclusion, microPET should facilitate real-time, longitudinal monitoring of tumor growth and spread or regression in response to therapy within skeletons of individual live animals and SPECT/CT should enable concurrent spatial localization of increased osteoblastic activity in response to investigative bone anabolic therapy. Together, these novel imaging capabilities increase the utility of the 5TGM1 model beyond what would otherwise be possible using two-dimensional radiography and bone histomorphometry, and should have a substantial impact not only on identifying novel anti-myeloma therapies, but also in studies to gain mechanistic insights to these novel therapies.
A Relay Selection Strategy Based on Power-Law and Exponentially Distributed Contacts in DTNs

Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) are sparse mobile ad-hoc networks in which there is typically no complete path between the source and destination. Although many routing algorithms for DTNs have been proposed, prior works generally focus on utilizing the delivery probability of network nodes and the social network structure for data forwarding. In this work, we investigate the use of the inter-contact time (ICT) distribution to derive a new metric that selects the next relay node with the least expected minimum delay (EMD) among all possible routes to the destination. We address the case of exponential and power-law ICTs, which are the most popular assumptions for ICTs that have emerged in recent literature. Extensive simulation results based on the Cabspotting and Cambridge Haggle traces show that our proposed metric can achieve up to 21% higher delivery rate and 23% lower delay than existing schemes.
Background measurement of RF system nonlinearity using spread-spectrum methods

We demonstrate a time-domain, spread-spectrum technique that measures lowpass-equivalent Volterra coefficients for weakly nonlinear RF systems. The methodology provides robust coefficient estimates at test signal amplitudes well below the operating signal level during normal system operation, demonstrating that the technique can be used for “background” nonlinearity measurement.
Formation of Multilayered Vesicles from Water/Organic-Solvent (W/O) Emulsions: Theory and Practice

Multilayered liposome (MLV) formation from water/organic-solvent (W/O) emulsions was studied. A fundamental liposome population parameter, the Eratio, was defined and used to estimate the bilayer number and water spacing in MLV liposomes. MLVs prepared from W/O emulsions have optimum drug entrapment at an emulsion-lipid/emulsion-water ratio of ∼0.33. Drug entrapment is typically 50 to 65% under these optimal conditions.
Development and Differentiation of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells on Synthetic and Biologically Based Surfaces

The response of stem and progenitor cells to material surfaces is of particular interest to the fields of biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine for a number of reasons. It is thought that stem and progenitor cells may represent a new treatment option for diseases of large-scale cell loss or malfunction, particularly in the central nervous system, where the environment is not permissive of tissue regeneration. Before treatments with specific outcomes can be reliably planned, however, the interactions between stem and progenitor cells and their environment must be better understood. This chapter discusses the function of neural stem and progenitor cells, as well as their responses to nonbiodegradable and biodegradable polymers, and to biologically derived proteins, which are used both as coatings on material surfaces and as scaffolds.
Expectations and Realities of the Food System

Food and agriculture is an industrial sector with complex supply chains and electronically aided information and logistics systems. The center of decision-making has shifted from farmers to processors to retailers as mega-sized supermarkets introduced price competition and drove down the price local and global suppliers could charge. Economies of scale necessitated technical and dynamic efficiencies through horizontal mergers and acquisitions and vertical coordination all along the supply chain.