cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of immune-mediated disease.

Immune-mediated diseases represent some of the most frustrating types of disorders that are diagnosed and treated in veterinary medicine. Drug-induced immunosuppression is an attempt to control the aberrant immune response against self antigens but the immunosuppression can result in sepsis or other unacceptable adverse effects. If the pathophysiology of immune-mediated and autoimmune disease is considered, the immune response can be divided into several components and attempts can be made to selectively deal with each component separately. The components of the immune response that can be manipulated by therapy include antibodies, effector cells, the mononuclear phagocytic system, and the peripheral manifestations of disease. This article reviews the therapy of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases based on a pathophysiologic approach and discusses conventional as well as current therapies in the treatment of these devastating diseases. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1992; 6:206–213)
Coronary hemodynamics during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract The hemodynamic consequences of multiple transient occlusions (9.8 ± 3.7 seconds) of the left anterior descending coronary artery were assessed in 15 conscious patients during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Thermodilution coronary venous blood flow, measured in the great cardiac vein, decreased from control values of 75.9 ± 24 ml/min to 50.9 ± 21.9 with coronary occlusion (probability [p]
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of molecules adsorbed on gold nanorods: off-surface plasmon resonance condition

The Raman spectra of several molecules adsorbed on gold nanospheres (NSs) (12 nm in diameter) and nanorods (NRs) (25 nm � 10 nm) are studied using an off-plasmon resonance excitation condition.The studies are carried out in colloidal solution and on solid substrates.Enhancement factors on the order of 10 4 –10 5 are observed for the adsorbed molecules on the NRs, however, no such enhancement was observed on NSs under similar condition.These factors are two orders of magnitude larger than the calculated value using the Wang and Kerker electromagnetic model.This suggests a contribution from the chemical mechanism in the observed enhancement. 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Department of Veterans Affairs Patient Safety Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been recognized for its patient safety initiatives. In 1998, a separate entity entitled the National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) was established to promulgate and nurture the patient safety activities throughout the health care facilities of the VA. On the basis of a nonpunitive approach, NCPS fosters a culture of safety whereby clinicians report unsafe situations and close calls without fear of reprisals. The VA patient safety program stresses that reducing iatrogenic injury is best served through an examination of system and process vulnerabilities, with a focus on why something occurred rather than who is at fault. This article discusses the genesis of the VA patient safety program and reviews some of its successes.
Antisera to synthetic peptides as probes of structural changes during aging of α-crystallin from the bovine lens

Abstract Polyclonal antisera have been made to synthetic peptides of 11–15 residues that correspond to nine different regions of the αA crystallins. These antisera have been used in a radioimmuoassay to quantitatively probe for structural and/or covalent changes of α-crystallins in the nucleus versus cortex of the adult bovine lens. Antisera specific for the C-terminal and N-terminal regions of the α-crystallins bind more to α-crystallins from cortex. Antisera to three out of the seven internal sequences (residues 75–89, 87–101 and 135–149) bind better to α-crystallin from the bovine lens nucleus, suggesting a greater accessibility of these sequences to antisera binding. Together, these studies demonstrate that antisera against synthetic peptide sequences of αA crystallins are very specific probes that can detect structural and/or covalent changes in specified regions of the α-crystallins during the process of aging in the bovine lens.
Deuteration and solvent composition effects in the helix–coil transition of poly‐γ‐beiizyl‐L‐glutamate

The effects of deuteration and of changes in solvent composition on the thermo dynamics of the helix–coil transition have been studied by calorimetric and optical measurements in the poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate–dichloroacetic acid–1,2-dichloro-ethanc system. For a given solvent composition, deuteration of the polypeptide and of the acid lowers the transition temperature Tc, while an increase in the volume fraction of acid in the solvent raises Tc. A rise in Tc is accompanied by a decrease in both the van't Hoff and the calorimetric heats of transition, but at different rates. The result is a temperature dependency in the Zimm-Bragg cooperation parameter σ. Possible causes of this result and its implications are discussed.
Thermal enzymes. III. Apyrase from a thermophilic bacterium

Abstract An enzyme, apyrase, obtained from thermophile No. 2184 possesses heat stability at 65 °C., the temperature preferred by the organism for growth. Apyrase from the thermophile has an activation energy of 9600 cal./ mole. Its Michaelis constant is 0.00065 at 60 °C. The enzyme is inhibited by fluoride, citrate, and copper, but is activated by magnesium. Apyrase from a mesophilic bacterium, although possessing a fair amount of stability in the presence of substrate, does not have the resistance to heat possessed by the thermophile enzyme. The apyrase from potato is inactivated readily on heating in the absence of adenosine triphosphate.
Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Informed Decision Making and Treatment Choice in Patients With Hip and Knee OA

It is unclear how socioeconomic (SES) status influences the effectiveness of shared decision making (SDM) tools. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of SES on the utility of SDM tools among patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of 123 patients with hip or knee OA. Higher education and higher income were independently associated with higher knowledge survey scores. Patients with private insurance were 2.7 times more likely than patients with Medicare to arrive at a decision after the initial office visit. Higher education was associated with lower odds of choosing surgery, even after adjusting for knowledge. Patient knowledge of their medical condition and treatment options varies with SES.
The photochemical time constants of minor constituents and their families in the middle atmosphere

A comprehensive formula is worked out for the photochemical time constant of minor constituents in the middle atmosphere. The formula is particularly useful for evaluating the time constants for families of some chemical species that are strongly coupled by rapid exchange reactions. Height profiles of photochemical time constants are calculated for individual species and their families based on the chemical reaction rate constants recommended in the recent WMO and JPL reports. Potential exchange reactions among various family members are discussed, and the effects of the choice of family membership on the time constant are evaluated.
Tubulysin analogs incorporating desmethyl and dimethyl tubuphenylalanine derivatives.

Abstract A series of tubulysin analogs in which one of the stereogenic centers of tubuphenylalanine was eliminated were synthesized. All compounds were tested for antiproliferative activity towards ovarian cancer cells and for inhibition of tubulin polymerization. The dimethyl analogs were generally more active than the desmethyl analogs, and four analogs have tubulin polymerization IC50 values similar to combretastatin A4 and the hemiasterlin analog HTI-286.
Polyformylation of copper(II) porphyrins

Abstract Vilsmeier formylation of copper(II) octaethylporphyrin (1) is shown to yield the copper(II) complexes of meso-monoformyloctaethylporphyrin, meso-α,β- and meso-α,γ-diformyloctaethylporphyrins, meso-α,β,γ-triformyloctaethylporphyrin, and meso-α,β,γ,δ-tetraformyloctaethylporphyrin. There is therefore no difference in regioselectivity of meso-diformylation between the octaethylporphyrin and etioporphyrin-I series.
The action of dicumarol in the human being on plasma prothrombin time and total prothrombin time.

Abstract In man, Dicumarol causes an increase in the plasma and in the total prothrombin times. The explanation is offered that Dicumarol reduces both the free and total prothrombin and that a rough ratio between the two forms is maintained. The practical significance of this observation is discussed.
Learning and Teaching Languages through Content: A Counterbalanced Approach by LYSTER, ROY

The article reviews the book "Learning and Teaching Languages Through Content: A Counterbalanced Approach," by Roy Lyster.
Explicating Computer Self-Efficacy Relationships: Generality and the Overstated Case of Specificity Matching

Computer self-efficacy is known to operate at multiple levels, from application-specific sub-domains like spreadsheets to a judgment of ability for the entire computing domain (general computer self-efficacy-GCSE). Conventional wisdom and many recent studies contend that the level of self-efficacy (specific to general) should match the level of its related constructs to maximize predictive power (Bandura, 1997; Chen, et al., 2001; Pajares, 1996). This thinking claims, for example, that GCSE should be used with a general attitude like computer anxiety (and vice versa). This study examines whether such a limitation is theoretically and empirically sound, given that SE judgments generalize across domains. Results indicate any self-efficacy judgment (specific or general) significantly relates to both general and domain-specific constructs. These results suggest that an individual’ s cognitive processing of ability level is multi-faceted; that is, every SE judgment consists of general and specific components. Evidence further suggests that CSE is simultaneousl y generalizable and formative in nature.
Customized Release of Metronidazole From Composite Casted Rings of Poly-Caprolactone/Alginate for Periodontal Drug Delivery

Dental implants provide support for dental crowns and bridges by serving as abutments for the replacement of missing teeth. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a novel method of controlled localized delivery of antibacterial agents to an implant site using a custom fabricated ring. The study involved incorporating a model antibacterial agent (metronidazole) into custom designed Poly-e-Caprolactone/Alginate (PCL/Alginate) composite rings to produce the intended controlled release profile. In vitro release studies indicate that pure (100%) alginate rings exhibited an expected burst release of metronidazole in the first few hours, whereas Alginate/PCL composite rings produced a medium burst release followed by a sustained release for a period greater than 4 weeks. By varying the PCL/Alginate weight ratios, we have shown that we can control the amount of antibacterial agents released to provide the minimal inhibitory concentration needed for adequate protection. The developed system demonstrates a controllable drug release profile and the potential for the ring to inhibit bacterial biofilm growth for the prevention of diseases such as peri-implantitis resulting from bacterial infection at the implant site.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
On the role of shape prototypes in hierarchical models of vision

We investigate the role of learned shape-prototypes in an influential family of hierarchical neural-network models of vision. Central to these networks' design is a dictionary of learned shapes, which are meant to respond to discriminative visual patterns in the input. While higher-level features based on such learned prototypes have been cited as key for viewpoint-invariant object-recognition in these models [1], [2], we show that high performance on invariant object-recognition tasks can be obtained by using a simple set of unlearned, “shape-free” features. This behavior is robust to the size of the network. These results call into question the roles of learning and shape-specificity in the success of such models on difficult vision tasks, and suggest that randomly constructed prototypes may provide a useful “universal” dictionary.
Ruptured aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva.

Patients with ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms may not have the dramatic symptoms previously emphasized; six asymptomatic patients are reported. Besides a continuous murmur, dicrotic pulses were present in all these patients. Passage of the heart catheter through the ruptured sinus occurred in four patients. Simultaneous aortotomy and right atriotomy are recommended for repair of ruptures in the right atrium.
Effect of tibial drill angles on bone tunnel aperture during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background:Anatomic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament has received greater attention as patient outcome assessment has become increasingly sophisticated. A goal during anatomic reconstruction should be the creation of a tibial tunnel aperture that is similar in size and orientation to
Russian rule in Samarkand 1868–1910: a comparison with British India

Russian rule in Samarkand 1868–1910: a comparison with British India , by Alexander Morrison, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2008, xxx+364 pp.+10 appendices, 3 maps, 7 illustrations, 10 tables, £...
Time- and pressure-dependent changes in blood-brain barrier permeability after temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

After 180 min of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats, the affect of phenylephrine-induced hypertension on blood-brain barrier permeability was assessed. One of the following blood-pressure regimens was maintained during either a 30- or 120-min period of reperfusion: (a) 30/Norm, 30 min of normotensive reperfusion was allowed; (b) 30/HTN, mean arterial blood pressure was increased by 35 mm Hg during 30 min of reperfusion; (c) 120/Norm, 120 min of normotensive reperfusion was allowed; or (d) 120/HTN, mean arterial blood pressure was increased by 35 mm Hg during 120 min of reperfusion. Evans blue (30 mg/kg) was given, and brains were analyzed for Evans blue by spectrophotometry. Evans blue (μg/g brain tissue, mean ± SD) was greater (P<0.05) in both hypertensive groups versus their time matched normotensive groups (30/HTN: 80±16 versus 18±6 in the 30/Norm group; 120/HTN: 17±6 versus 8±3 in the 120/Norm group). In addition, Evans blue was greater (P<0.05) in both 30-min groups versus their pressure matched 120-min groups (30/Norm: 18±6 versus 8±3 in the 120/Norm group; 30/HTN: 80±16 versus 17±6 in the 120/HTN group). The data are consistent with previous studies which have demonstrated an opening of the blood-brain barrier at the onset of reperfusion. In addition, the data support a hypothesis that changes in blood-brain barrier permeability are more sensitive to hypertension in the early period of reperfusion.
Elevated Serum IL-8 Levels in Ataxia Telangiectasia

Serum interleukin (IL)-8 levels were measured in 50 patients with ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) and 22 without A-T. In a cross-sectional study, the geometric mean of IL-8 level was significantly higher in the patients with A-T ( P
American Public Higher Education: Changing Patterns in Governance

An attempt will be made to analyse the rapid changes which have occurred in public university governance in the United States, including the growth, extent and authority of ‘systems’, the emergence of special interest groups among trustees, and the relationship to state agencies and government. The paper will also discuss the role of the president as manager rather than leader and the consequences of that recent trend.
Splicing from the Outside In

A new study in this issue of Molecular Cell (Pleiss et al., 2007b) shows that changes in the environment rapidly alter the splicing efficiency of specific pre-mRNAs in yeast.
The contact activation system: Biochemistry and interactions of these surface-mediated defense reactions

This review is intended to be a critical state-of-the-art overview of the activation and inhibition of the proteins (factor XII, prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, and factor XI) of the contact phase of coagulation. Specifically, this review will reconsider the concept of the reciprocal activation of the proteases of the contact phase of coagulation, factor XII, and prekallikrein, in light of much recent evidence indicating that factor XII, itself, autoactivates when associated with negatively charged surfaces. In addition, the mechanisms for amplification of activation of the proteins of the contact phase of coagulation will be discussed from the pivotal role of high molecular weight kininogen, or one of its altered forms, serving as a cofactor to order the activation of the zymogens it is associated with. The role and relative importance of each of the naturally occurring plasma protease inhibitors (C1-inhibitor, alpha-2-macroglobulin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, antithrombin III, and alpha-1-antiplasmin) will be assessed as they relate to the dampening of contact phase activation. Finally, the contact phase of coagulation activation will be discussed not only as a plasma proteolytic mechanism, but also as it interacts with platelets.
Role of the IS50R proteins in the promotion and control of Tn5 transposition

Abstract IS50R , the inverted repeat sequence of Tn5 which is responsible for supplying functions that promote and control Tn5 transposition, encodes two polypeptides that differ at their N terminus. Frameshift, in-frame deletion, nonsense, and missense mutations within the N terminus of protein 1 (which is not present in protein 2) were isolated and characterized. The properties of these mutations demonstrate that protein 1 is absolutely required for Tn5 transposition. None of these mutations affected the inhibitory activity of IS50, confirming that protein 2 is sufficient to mediate inhibition of Tn5 transposition. The effects on transposition of increasing the amount of protein 2 (the inhibitor) relative to protein 1 (the transposase) were also analyzed. Relatively large amounts of protein 2 were required to see a significant decrease in the transposition frequency of an element. In addition, varying the co-ordinate synthesis of the IS50R proteins over a 30-fold range had little effect on the transposition frequency. These studies suggest that neither the wild-type synthesis rate of protein 2 relative to protein 1 nor the amount of synthesis of both IS50R proteins is the only factor responsible for controlling the transposition frequency of a wild-type Tn5 element in Escherichia coli .
Multiple boron sites in borate glass detected with dynamic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract The first high-field boron nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of sufficient resolution to detect multiple sites in borate glass are reported. These results are obtained by using dynamic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, in fields of 4.7, 7.1 and 8.4 Tesla, to measure the boron-11 spectrum in samples enriched in boron-10. Two boron sites, which differ in quadrupole interaction strength by 5%, in chemical shift by 5 ppm, and have relative population of 3:1, were resolved. The more populated site is assigned to boron in boroxol rings, and the less populated site is assigned to non-ring boron trioxide units. The chemical shift difference between these sites suggests that the BO bond in the boroxol rings is somewhat longer than that in the boron trioxide groups.
Introduction of a conditioning parameter in computing characteristic equations

Due to problems of ill-conditioning, methods of finding the eigenvalues of an n×n matrix which compute its characteristic polynomial have largely been abandoned. This letter introduces a parameter to improve conditioning in one such method, and gives examples to illustrate its effect.
Emergence of the midge chironomus tentans when exposed to heavy metal contaminated sediment

This experiment tested the effects of heavy metal contaminated sediment on emergence of chironomids. The number of adults emerging from test chambers containing an uncontaminated sediment and ones with sediment containing 1030 ppm cadmium (Cd), 17,300 ppm zinc (Zn), and 1640 ppm chromium (Cr) were observed for 14 days. It was found that emergence was reduced by over three times and delayed for two days in the heavy metal contaminated sediment.
“Effort Thrombosis” of the subclavian vein associated with oral contraceptives

We report a case of "effort thrombosis" of the subclavian vein in a 33-year-old woman with several thrombotic risk factors, including the use of oral contraceptives. The signs and symptoms associated with this syndrome, as well as concepts concerning diagnostic techniques and management, are discussed.
Computed tomography of normal distal tibiofibular syndesmosis

The purpose of this study was to determine the shape and measurements of the normal distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on computed tomographic scans and to identify features that could aid in the diagnosis of syndesmotic diastasis using computed tomography (CT). CT scans of 100 patients with normal distal tibiofibular syndesmoses were reviewed retrospectively. In 67% the incisura fibularis was deep, giving the syndesmosis a crescent shape. In 33% the incisura fibularis was shallow, giving the syndesmosis a rectangular shape. The measurements of both types were taken using the same reference points. The mean age of the patients was 40 years, and there were 53 men and 47 women. The mean width of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis anteriorly between the tip of the anterior tibial tubercle and the nearest point of the fibula was 2 mm. The mean width of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis posteriorly between the medial border of the fibula and the nearest point of the lateral border of the posterior tibial tubercle was 4 mm. In men the mean width of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, anterior and posterior, was 2 mm and 5 mm, respectively, and in women it was 2 mm and 4 mm, respectively. This study provides measurements of the normal tibiofibular syndesmosis to aid in the diagnosis of occult diastasis.
Female “Circumcision”: African Women Confront American Medicine

The practice of female “circumcision,” or traditional female genital surgery, is simultaneously complex and controversial. Although some consider it a human rights infringement, others view it as an integral part of cultures in which it remained unchallenged for centuries. With more than 30,000 Africans entering the United States in the last decade, American clinicians are challenged with meeting African women’s health needs, as they are barraged with a debate about the ethics and politics of circumcision. There are significant medical sequelae and public health ramifications of female circumcision; therefore most U.S. physicians probably would agree that programs to abolish it should continue. However, although there is ample media and political attention to this volatile issue, there is a relative dearth of practical, clinical information available to providers who care for circumcised women and their families. As African communities and advocates grapple with how to stop this practice, circumcised women need clinicians familiar with these surgeries, who will move beyond negative feelings they may have about the practice in order to treat women knowledgeably and with dignity. It is important to distinguish respect from unreflective acceptance. However, blanket condemnation by health workers will not help families decide how to break a long-standing tradition by choosing not to circumcise their daughters. On the contrary, by unwittingly conveying revulsion toward circumcised women and children, providers may drive these families away from the health care they need. Our objective is to understand and address the conflicts that occur when clinicians provide care to patients whose beliefs and practices differ from their own. We review the practice, cultural significance and medical complications of female circumcision, and offer sensitive clinical guidelines, illustrated by case examples, for caring for currently circumcised women.
Development of CuInSe2 nanocrystal and nanoring inks for low-cost solar cells.

The creation of a suitable inorganic colloidal nanocrystal ink for use in a scalable coating process is a key step in the development of low-cost solar cells. Here, we present a facile solution synthesis of chalcopyrite CuInSe2 nanocrystals and demonstrate that inks based on these nanocrystals can be used to create simple solar cells, with our first cells exhibiting an efficiency of 3.2% under AM1.5 illumination. We also report the first solution synthesis of uniform hexagonal shaped single crystals CuInSe2 nanorings by altering the synthesis parameter.
Structural complexity in relation to the habitat preferences, territoriality, and hatchery rearing of juvenile China rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus)

Conservation efforts require an understanding of the basic behavior and ecology of target species. However, limited information exists for a wide range of taxa, including declining species of rockfish (genus Sebastes). First, we observed captive juvenile China rockfish (S. nebulosus) to determine how they interact with their environment and conspecifics. Juveniles exhibited site fidelity and territoriality. These aggressive interactions occurred within the context of size-biased dominance, centered on competition for structurally complex habitat. Given the apparent importance of structure and the absence of structure in typical hatchery environments, we then asked how the absence of structure affects future behavior. When barren-reared and structure-reared juveniles were combined into a structurally complex aquarium, barren-reared fish displayed less structure use and less site fidelity than structure-reared fish. However, after 1 to 2 weeks, barren-reared fish began to use structure and showed site fidelity that eventually equaled that of structure-reared juveniles, showing that those behavioral effects of the rearing environment were not permanent. Though these short-term effects may still impact survival after hatchery release, we were unable to detect significant effects on vulnerability to a predator (lingcod, Ophiodon elongatus) in laboratory trials.
Critical evaluation of gated CCD detectors for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis☆

Abstract In this work, we have carried out a critical evaluation of spectrometer/gated detector systems for the spectrochemical analysis of metal alloys by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). We have evaluated two systems: an intensified CCD array detector (ICCD) coupled to a spectrometer, and an integrated linear-array gated CCD/spectrometer system. Both systems were first tested in the same experimental conditions, and then studied separately in optimized operating conditions using the same laser-produced plasma on aluminum or copper samples, in air at atmospheric pressure. Generally, the results indicated that the ICCD detector affords significant advantages in terms of spectral and temporal resolution, dynamic range and sensitivity. In particular, the limit of detection of copper, magnesium, beryllium and manganese in aluminum alloys and silver, nickel and iron in copper alloys obtained with the spectrometer/ICCD system was better by at least one order of magnitude than that obtained with the low-cost spectrometer/gated CCD system.
Nilotinib-Associated Vascular Events

Anecdotal evidence suggests that nilotinib therapy may be associated with severe peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD). The authors describe the experience at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center regarding vascular events associated with nilotinib therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Overall, 5 cases of PAOD were identified among 233 patients, for an incidence of 2%. Nilotinib is a highly selective inhibitor of the inactive conformation of ABL1 kinase. An improved topologic fit to the ABL1 protein-binding surface contributes to its increased potency over imatinib. This higher selectivity in vitro translated to an improved tolerability in vivo. In fact, nilotinib therapy in the frontline phase III ENESTnd (Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in Clinical Trials-Newly Diagnosed Patients) study was associated with an improved toxicity profile compared with that of imatinib. Intriguingly, several cases of severe peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) have been reported among patients treated with nilotinib in small series. We have identified 5 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in whom vascular events developed that were likely related to nilotinib therapy among 233 (2%) patients treated at our institution: 1 patient had recurrent Raynaud syndrome, a second patient had recurrent cerebrovascular accidents, and 3 other patients had PAOD (2 of them with other vascular events, including coronary artery disease and pulmonary emboli, respectively). Risk factors for vascular disease were present in only 1 patient with a history of diabetes mellitus. Although the incidence of vascular events is low, this potential complication should be taken into account when selecting nilotinib for the treatment of CML.
Letter regarding articles by Kereiakes and Willerson, Mehran et al, and Kaplan et al, "mini-review: expert opinion".

To the Editor: The articles by Kereiakes and Willerson,1 Mehran et al,2 and Kaplan et al3 were most informative as to the device development process; however, the undercurrent theme that a “device lag” exists between Europe and the United States and that this can be adjusted by modifying the US system has significant flaws. Specifically, “The concept of effective post-market surveillance to facilitate pre-market approval, while intuitively attractive, needs very careful evaluation. The example of the CYPHER drug-eluting stent cited in the reviews speaks against altering the approval process. The regulatory demands for a randomized controlled efficacy trial resulted in the demonstration of a substantial benefit for the CYPHER stent. When reports of adversity appeared, it was the knowledge of proven efficacy that was balanced against a small number of adverse reports, which supported its continued use. Without careful trials evaluating efficacy, no legitimate judgment on the appropriate use of a class III device can be made. Certainly better registries are needed for postmarket follow-up for devices; however, a better registry must not be a substitute for initial well-controlled, adequately powered clinical trials. The problem of …
Instruction Level Timing Mechanisms for Accurate Real-Time Task Scheduling

The scheduling of timed tasks is generally based, at the hardware level, upon the use of time intervals. For example, most microprocessor families provide their only hardware support for timing control in the form of a programmable interval timer chip accessible as an I/O device over the system bus. In this paper we will argue that a more natural and elegant solution bases timing on a local (to a particular CPU) absolute timer. Furthermore, we will show that the desired timing functions can be provided by simple extensions to existing CPU architectures. The widespread use of the ``time interval'' view has also influenced, in a negative way, the design of many programming languages. An important example is Ada, a language designed with real-time multitasking explicitly in mind. We will describe the difficulty with the current timing methods used in Ada, and present a method for overcoming the timing weakness by using the proposed timing mechanisms, while still remaining within the definition of the Ada language.
Computing expected values of normal order statistics

Expected values and standard deviations of order statistics in samples from a normal parent distribution are developed. Values were coinputed on the basis of a Gauss-Legendre quadrature technique to 25 decimal places for sample sizes of 2(1)50, 60(10)200, and 225(25)500. These values are more precise than those of other available tables and are more accurate for higher sample sizes. An abbreviated table of expected values is presented covering sample sizes up to 50.
Peripheral neuropathy effect on ankle inversion and eversion detection thresholds

Abstract A servo-controlled foot platform was used to quantify, in upright stance, the thresholds for sensing ankle inversion and eversion movements in seven geriatric patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) confirmed by nerve conduction studies and seven age- and gender-matched (C) controls with normal nerve conduction function. The PN group had a 4.6-fold larger ( p = 0.0026) threshold (mean [SD]1.37[1.74]°) for perceiving the presence and direction of an ankle rotation at a 75% rate of success (TH 75 ) than did the C group (0.3[0.17]°). Inversion acuity was approximately twice that of eversion acuity in both groups. The PN group demonstrated better proprioceptive acuity in unipedal stance than in bipedal stance, whereas no such difference was found in the C group. Semiquantitative clinical tests of PN group proprioception at the ankle performed in the seated position failed to demonstrate significant differences from controls save in one case; however, the results of such tests at the toe were abnormal in all patients. In the geriatric population, PN is associated with deficits in ankle proprioception known theoretically to hamper maintenance of unipedal balance. It is significant that these deficits are associated with a clinically demonstrable loss of position sense at the toe but not the ankle.
Inorganic salts modify embryo sac development in sexual and aposporous Cenchrus ciliaris

Sexual and aposporously apomictic plants of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) form megaspore tetrads. In sexual plants the chalazal megaspore develops into a single Polygonum type embryo sac. In aposporous plants the megaspores degenerate, and one or more un-reduced nucellar cells form Panicum type embryo sacs. Apospory is conditioned by gene A; the dominant allele of gene B is epistatic to A and preserves sexual reproduction. We recently observed that heavy application of (NH4)2SO4 to the soil induced multiple embryo sacs in a sexual line. Therefore we tested the effect of salt stress on embryo sac formation in sexual and aposporous genotypes. One molar solutions of CaCl2, NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, NH4Cl, NaNO3, or Na2SO4 were applied to the soil of greenhouse plants every day or two starting at the archespore stage. Some of the pistils in salt-treated plants of sexual genotypes AaBb, aaBb, and aabb showed features not seen in untreated controls: (1) multiple Polygonum type embryo sacs in 1%–7% of pistils depending upon the salt; (2) embryo sacs without antipodals (0%–7%); (3) embryo sacs protruding through the micropyle (1%–16%). Some pistils of salt-treated obligately aposporous lines, but not controls, developed Polygonum type embryo sacs (4%–13%) and protruding embryo sacs (0%–6%). There was no ion specificity for induction of abnormal features. We postulate that salt stress suppresses the developmental priority of nucellar embryo sacs over megaspores in aposporous lines and of the chalazal megaspore over other megaspores in all lines. This may permit megaspores of aposporous plants to form reduced Polygonum type gametophytes, and permit more than one megaspore to form reduced embryo sacs in all lines. Protrusion of sacs and failure of antipodal formation in reduced embryo sacs may be the consequence of uncoordinated expansion of the embryo sacs and surrounding tissue.
Advection–diffusion constrained metabolic reaction in bioreactor analysis for hydrogen production

Abstract The reaction advection–diffusion equation (RADE) is proposed to describe the dynamic processes in a heterogeneous biochemical system involved in hydrogen production in a photobioreactor. The spatial- and temporal-dependent concentration functions of metabolites in the differential equation are assumed as a multiplication of the spatial-dependent function and the temporal-dependent function such that RADE can be uncoupled into spatial-dependent advection–diffusion equation and the kinetics equation. The advection–diffusion equation along with the boundary conditions of the photobioreactor acts as a constraint in solving the kinetics equation. Such a decomposition leads to an approximate analytical solution of the advection–diffusion equation for a batch mode tubular photoreactor under solar radiation. As a constraint, the analytical solution of the advection–diffusion equation is then introduced into the kinetics equation to obtain the dynamics of the concentration of metabolites in an inhomogeneity system. The dynamics of the biochemical processes in a photobioreactor, as an example, was studied and the production of H 2 at the mesh grids was calculated for 250 h operation under solar radiation. The results demonstrate the variation of H 2 in both the radial and the angular directions with time. The perturbed dynamics of hydrogen production is consistent in trend with the available experimental observations of H 2 production in outdoor photobioreactors.
A Blueprint for a Manageable and Affordable Wireless Testbed: Design, Pitfalls and Lessons Learned

In this paper, we describe the deployment efforts of our 802.11 indoor wireless testbed. We elucidate the challenges that we faced and the design decisions that we had to make, sometimes based on technical reasons, and other times due to practicalities. These design challenges involve: (a) accessibility to the software, in order to be able to modify and implement various functionalities, (b) physical extendability, in order to add hardware in the future and, (c) manageability, in order to configure and update the software easily and quickly, for all the nodes in the network. We justify the hardware and software design choices that we make in order to facilitate these requirements. For ease of maintenance and convenience, each node is diskless, and we utilize power-over-ethernet through an Ethernet connection with a central server. We ensure that the software can be easily modified; this provides for easier module implementation and parameter tuning. We explain the different ways of node deployment, decisions that we make on power settings and discuss how and why the receiver sensitivity affects deployment decisions. Finally, we present our observations based on a set of measurements to quantify the stability of the links in our testbed.
Language assessment and programme evaluation

Preface 1. Introduction: paradigms and purposes 2. Designing assessment and evaluation 3. Developing measures of language ability and program effectiveness 4. Analysing measurement data for assessment and evaluation 5. Developing interpretivist procedures for language assessment and program evaluation 6. Analysing interpretivist assessment and evaluation information 7. Validity and ethics References.
Preserving Privacy in Mining Quantitative Associations Rules

Association rule mining is an important data mining method that has been studied extensively by the academic community and has been applied in practice. In the context of association rule mining, the state-of-the-art in privacy preserving data mining provides solutions for categorical and Boolean association rules but not for quantitative association rules. This article fills this gap by describing a method based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to protect input data privacy while preserving data mining patterns for association rules. A comparison with an existing kd-tree based transform shows that the DWT-based method fares better in terms of efficiency, preserving patterns, and privacy.
Design of a Quench Device for Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Zn Nanoparticles: Flow Modeling and Experiments

The synthesis and hydrolysis of zinc nanoparticles are carried out in a tubular reactor. A key component of the reactor is a coaxial jet quench device. Three co-axial and multi-inlet confined jets mix Zn(g), steam and argon to produce and hydrolyze zinc nanoparticles. The performance of the quench device is assessed with computational fluid dynamic modeling and measurements of hydrogen conversion and particle size and composition. Numerical data elucidate the impact of varying jet flow rates on temperature and velocity distributions within the reactor. Experiments produce hydrogen conversions of 61 to 79%. Particle deposition on sections of the reactor surface above 650 K favors hydrolysis. Residence time for in-flight particles is less than one second and these particles are partially hydrolyzed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Sparse Long-chain Branching's Effect on the Film-casting Behavior of PE

Abstract The degree of film-width reduction or necking during film-casting is analyzed for three metallocene-catalyzed linear low density polyethylenes, LLDPE, with varying degrees of sparse long-chain branching, LCB. The resins included three sparsely LCB polyethylene, PE, materials with varying LCB content ranging from linear to 0.57 LCB/10000 CH2 along with a Ziegler-Natta polymerized LLDPE and a tubular free-radical polymerized low density polyethylene, LDPE. The last two resins are used as reference materials. The primary objective of this analysis is to evaluate whether uniaxial extensional rheological characteristics, in particular strain-hardening, that are a result of LCB influence the film-necking properties. At the lowest drawdown ratio, necking is observed to be reduced with increasing LCB, and thus strain-hardening characteristics. At the higher drawdown ratios it is observed that LCB no longer reduces necking and the curves merge to the results found for linear PE, except in the case of LDPE...
Risk Factors for Onset of Eating Disorders: Evidence of Multiple Risk Pathways from an 8-Year Prospective Study

Abstract Objective Use classification tree analysis with lagged predictors to determine empirically derived cut-points for identifying adolescent girls at risk for future onset of threshold, subthreshold, and partial eating disorders and test for interactions between risk factors that may implicate qualitatively distinct risk pathways. Method Data were drawn from a prospective study of 496 adolescent girls who completed diagnostic interviews and surveys annually for 8 years. Results Body dissatisfaction emerged as the most potent predictor; adolescent girls in the upper 24% of body dissatisfaction showed a 4.0-fold increased incidence of eating disorder onset (24% vs. 6%). Among participants in the high body dissatisfaction branch, those in the upper 32% of depressive symptoms showed a 2.9-fold increased incidence of onset (43% vs. 15%). Among participants in the low body dissatisfaction branch, those in the upper 12% of dieting showed a 3.6-fold increased incidence onset (18% vs. 5%). Conclusion This three-way interaction suggests a body dissatisfaction pathway to eating disorder onset that is amplified by depressive symptoms, as well as a pathway characterized by self-reported dieting among young women who are more satisfied with their bodies. It may be possible to increase the effectiveness of prevention programs by targeting each of these qualitatively distinct risk groups, rather than only individuals with a single risk factor.
Fluoxetine for acute treatment of depression in children and adolescents: a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT Background: This report presents results from the acute treatment phase of a clinical trial designed to confirm efficacy of a fixed dose of 20 mg of fluoxetine in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: After a 3-week screening period, 122 children and 97 adolescents with MDD ( DSM-IV ) were randomly assigned to placebo or fluoxetine. After a 1-week placebo lead-in, fluoxetine-treated patients received fluoxetine 10 mg/day for 1 week, then fluoxetine 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. Results: Fluoxetine was associated with greater mean improvement in Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) score than placebo after 1 week ( p p p = .093). Significantly more fluoxetine-than placebo-treated patients completed acute treatment ( p = .001). There were no significant differences between treatment groups in discontinuations due to adverse events ( p = .408). Conclusions: Fluoxetine 20 mg daily appears to be well tolerated and effective for acute treatment of MDD in child and adolescent outpatients. Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant that has demonstrated efficacy in two placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials of pediatric depression.
Abstract 3573: 17β-estradiol enhances hPygopus2 expression via ERα-SP1 promoter complexes.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: The chromatin remodeling protein Human Pygopus2 (hPYGO2) is widely overexpressed in, and required for the proliferation of several cancer cell lines derived from a variety of tumors. Because of the requirement of hPYGO2 for the G1/S cell cycle transition, its cell cycle dependent expression and its regulation by the Retinoblastoma protein in breast cancer (BC) cells, we hypothesized a fundamental link to the cell cycle. Thus, due to their predominant role in BC, we tested if 17β-estradiol (E2) would cause upregulation of hPYGO2 through Estrogen receptor alpha-SP1 transcription factor (ERα-SP1) promoter complexes.Methods: Eight ERα positive (ER+) and negative (ER-) BC cell lines were grown in low serum conditions and treated with ERα agonists and/or antagonists. mRNA levels were analyzed by Q-PCR and protein by immunoblot. ERα and SP1 promoter binding sites and DNA binding domains were functionally inactivated by site-directed mutagenesis. ERα and SP1 occupancy at the hPYGO2 promoter after treatment with various activators/inhibitors was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Cell cycle progression was assessed by flow cytometry.Results: hPygopus2 mRNA and protein levels were higher in ER+ BC cells relative to ER- cells. ERα agonists induced, while antagonists inhibited, hPygopus2 mRNA and protein expression. ERα and SP1 occupancy at the hPYGO2 promoter required intact promoter binding sites and functional DNA binding domains. E2 increased, while Fulvestrant decreased, ERα binding to the hPYGO2 promoter while having no effect on SP1 binding. SP1 directed siRNA reduced SP1 occupancy at the hPYGO2 promoter and decreased hPygopus2 mRNA and protein expression in both ER+ and ER- cells. Treatment with betulinic acid, an SP1 inhibitor, resulted in cell cycle arrest in ER- BC cell lines.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ERα and SP1 regulate hPygopus2 expression via promoter binding and that SP1 continues to play a role in hPYGO2 regulation in ER- cells, thereby revealing the potential efficacy of betulinic acid as a treatment for endocrine-disruptor resistant BC. Citation Format: Youlian R. Tzenov, Phillip G. Andrews, Kenneth R. Kao. 17β-estradiol enhances hPygopus2 expression via ERα-SP1 promoter complexes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3573. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3573
Solution of the transmission-line equations under the weak-coupling assumption

The transmission-line equations for a three-conductor lossless line in a nonhomogeneous medium are solved in symbolic form (as opposed to a numerical solution) in the time domain under the assumption of weak coupling. The result provides insight into crosstalk between the lines. Numerical solutions of this problem exist but do not illustrate the factors that influence the crosstalk waveforms. The symbolic solution given in this paper makes those factors clear. The validity of the weak-coupling assumption is also investigated.