cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PATIENT-DERIVED XENOGRAFTS MIRROR THE PROTEOMIC PROFILE OF HUMAN GLIOBLASTOMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONALIZED DRUG DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND: (blind field). METHODS: Proteomic profiles of 20 patient-derived glioblastoma xenografts (PDGX), established and genetically characterized at Duke's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, were obtained using Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA). The proteomic profiles of the parent tumors, obtained from Duke's brain tumor repository, were also obtained using RPPA. The RPPA analysis examined the expression of 128 proteins and phosphoproteins in each primary tumor and PDGX. We compared the expression levels of the 128 proteins in each PDGX/primary tumor pair by plotting the expression level on the y-axis and name of the protein/phosphoprotein on the x-axis. RESULTS: For each primary tumor and PDGX pair, the expression of all but 4 to 8 proteins matched. These data indicate that PDGX retain the protemic profile of the parent tumor. Since the proteomic profile provides information on activated growth pathways, these data can be used to develop an arsenal of signal transduction modulators effective in arresting PDGX growth. For example, 5 xenografts exhibited high phosphorylation of EGFR and these PDGX also showed significantly increased phsophorylation of five other proteins, including GSK3-β, HER2, MAPK, Rb, and Src. Thus, a decrease in phosphorylation of these five proteins can be used to monitor the effectiveness of EGFR blockade in silencing EGFR signaling. If the agents found to be effective in silencing EGFR signaling also inhibit xenograft growth, then these agents can be further tested in glioblastoma patients whose tumors have similar molecular features. CONCLUSIONS: A concordance between the proteomic/phosphoproteomic profiles of PDGX and their parent tumor makes the PDGX an excellent preclinical model for personalized drug development. Acknowledgements: This research is supported by a grant from the NIH (R21NS078642) and a grant from the Musella Foundation to MMK. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Tumor Biology.
TURNS - A free-wake Euler/Navier-Stokes numerical method for helicopter rotors

Computational capabilities of a numerical procedure, called TURNS (transonic unsteady rotor Navier-Stokes), to calculate the aerodynamics and acoustics (high-speed impulsive noise) out to several rotor diameters are summarized. The procedure makes it possible to obtain the aerodynamics and acoustics information in one single calculation. The vortical wave and its influence, as well as the acoustics, are captured as part of the overall flowfield solution. The accuracy and suitability of the TURNS method is demonstrated through comparisons with experimental data.
Nomos Peacock IMRT utilizing the BEAK™ post collimation device

Abstract Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), an exciting recent development in the field of radiation therapy, is widely anticipated by many to make possible significant improvements in the quality of radiation treatments delivered to patients. The NOMOS Peacock method of delivery, often referred to as serial tomotherapy because of its “slice-wise” treatment of a tumor, has been used since 1994 to treat some 8000+ patients worldwide. This slice-wise method of treatment is known to produce extremely conformal dose distributions due to its ability to specifically match the dose distribution on each slice to the shape of the target volume on that same slice. Based on the belief of this institution, and the NOMOS Corporation, that an increase in the number of treatment slices into which the target is segmented would lead directly to an improvement in three-dimensional (3D) dose conformality, a joint effort was undertaken to develop a new MIMIC collimator treatment mode. Inherent to the original design of the NOMOS MIMIC binary multileaf collimator were 2 treatment modes: a 2-cm mode with a slice thickness of ∼1.7 cm and a 1-cm mode with a slice thickness of ∼0.85 cm. As a result of this collaborative effort, a new MIMIC treatment mode has been developed. The method employs a slit collimator, post-collimation device known as the BEAK™, enabling the treatment mode referred to as Beak Mode. The device imposes a distal redefinition of the slice thickness, or length, by effectively blocking the full retraction of the MIMIC vanes. The end result is a newly available slice thickness of ∼4 mm, which is shown in this work to yield significant improvements in dose conformality for 2 representative patients. The comparative analysis of these 2 patient plans includes, in addition to a comparison of isodose distributions, an evaluation of dose-volume histogram (DVH) information, and a comparison of indices of conformality (CI) and homogeneity (HI).
Fast Fourier Transform Algorithm For Two-Dimensional Array Of Processors

The paper discusses mapping of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Haar Transform and Hadamard Transform algorithms onto a small, two-dimensional, mesh-connected array of processors. The FFT algorithm is an in-place, decimation in frequency, Cooley-Tuckey algorithm in radix 2 and radix 4 versions applied to multidimensional, complex inputs. The data flow of the algorithms has been implemented on the array using an efficient, regular data transfer pattern, uniform for all the algorithms. The inputs and constants used in the algorithms are prestored in the local memories of the processors. The mapping makes it possible to reduce significantly the number of memory locations needed for the constants. A partitioning scheme has been developed for the algorithms which allows us to execute them with inputs of arbitrary size on a small processor array. Also an algorithm has been proposed for the processor array, which efficiently unscrambles the bit reversed output of the FFT algorithm. The processors of the array have East, West, North, South interconnections with their nearest neighbors. The local memory of the processors is small, on the order of hundreds of locations. The processors are controlled in Single Instruction Multiple Data Stream (SIMD) mode and can be selectively disabled using simple masks, consisting of combinations of rows or columns.
Does Illinois bituminous coal manifest glass transition: DMA, DSC, and FTIR results

Abstract It has been argued that coal, especially deep, unmineable seams, holds the potential of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) while recovering fuel gases. In the recent past, it has been proposed that various ranked coals display glass transition or second order transition at 100 °C ⩽ T ⩽ 200 °C under nitrogen environment, and this transition temperature shifts to lower temperatures when coals were pressurized with relatively low pressure (⩽3 MPa) CO2. If glass transition does exist in coal, then on pressurizing the deep, unmineable coal seams, where pressures are expected to be higher than 3 MPa of CO2, the presence of glass transition could potentially pose reservoir stability concerns. We undertook differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements on Murphysboro seam coal (Illinois bituminous) at 30 °C ⩽ T ⩽ 250 °C under N2 gas environment to ascertain whether this coal even has a glass transition. These experiments were further complemented by conducting in situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopic measurements (DRIFT). It is worth mentioning that the DMA technique is much more sensitive in detecting glass transition than the DSC technique, and previously reported glass transitions were ascertained by the DSC method. Though we did observe thermal events, ascribed to the evaporation of bulk and hydrogen-bonded water at 90 °C ⩽ T ⩽ 190 °C, we did not observe any glass or second order transition for Murphysboro coal at 30 °C ⩽ T ⩽ 250 °C. The storage modulus (E′) of the coal steadily decreased as the temperature increased from 30 °C with E′ showing two minima at 158 °C and 221 °C. These minima could be attributed to the evaporation of CO2 from the coal produced during self oxidation rather than any thermodynamic event.
SKIN CARE MANAGEMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL FISTULAS

The basic objectives of skin care management of GI fistulas are the prevention and management of skin breakdown and the promotion of healing of an open wound with a draining fistula by the containment of effluent. Skin or wound care management is one component of the overall medical-surgical management of patients with GI fistulas. This component plays a significant role in promoting patient comfort and well-being and mechanical control of unwanted drainage on the skin. When these objectives are achieved through the use of various products and methods discussed, nutritional and medical management can proceed until an optimal time when surgical repair or spontaneous closure is possible. If surgical repair or spontaneous closure is not an expectation, as in a patient with enterocutaneous fistula secondary to an abdominal tumor and metastatic disease, skin care management without resolution of the problem may continue for some time. In this case skin care management and patient comfort may be the primary focus. Short-term or long-term wound care management must incorporate not only desirable patient care outcomes but also cost and availability issues. Effective use of the caregivers' time, whether it is nursing or other family members, must be taken into consideration. ineffectual skin care rituals that consume excessive time and expense without good patient outcomes must be eliminated. Availability of knowledge regarding basic skin or wound care principles and products, creativity, and availability of products for management are other significant factors that impact on successful skin care management. Effective skin and wound care management is derived from a systematic approach that incorporates an accurate assessment of the fistula and surrounding skin or wound. An accurate assessment of the individual's needs and expected outcomes is also a part of the systematic approach. The simplicity or complexity of an effective wound care management plan must be communicated so that others may duplicate the procedures and thus maintain continuity of care and achievement of patient care objectives.
The metabolism of 35S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine in the rat.

Abstract The 36 S-labeled compound has been used to study the metabolism of S-dichlorovinyl)- l -cysteine in the rat. The major radioactive components in the urine were inorganic sulfate, one unidentified component, S-(dichlorovinyl)- l -cysteine, and its N-acetyl derivative, the last two predominating soon after administration, but inorganic sulfate being later the only detectable metabolite. The highest concentration of radioactivity was found in the kidney; heart and liver contained about one-quarter as much and other organs less than one-tenth per unit of dry weight. The major portion of the radioactivity was associated with the protein fraction of kidney, liver, and heart. In blood plasma as much as 80% of the radioactivity became bound in nondialyzable form.
A Markov Decision Process for Economic Quality Control

A Markov Control Chain is developed which allows optimization of the timing of control activities and, for sample-based systems, selection of the length of sampled history upon which to base the decision to exercise control. The optimization is performed by the methods of policy iteration or linear programming and achieves minimization of the cost per unit-time of 1) the cost of output quality, 2) the sampling cost, and 3) the cost of exercising control. The class of processes to be controlled are assumed to shift from higher to lower quality levels according to a discrete or a discretely approximated continuous probability law. The shift is irreversible unless outside influence, called corrective action, is exercised; it may be time dependent when the process is said to have an aging failure characteristic. The control system studied is a sampling plan which bases the decision of whether or not to take corrective action on a sampled history of fixed maximum duration. This plan yields an nth order Markov chain which is converted to a first-order chain by state definition. The transition probabilities are Bayesian estimates based on a geometric prior probability distribution and a multinomial sample probability distribution. The process and system taken together represent what has been called Dynamic Inference [1].
Effect of routine cardiovascular catheterization on cardiac troponin I concentration in dogs

Abstract Objective To determine changes in cardiac troponin I concentration (cTnI) associated with cardiovascular catheterization in dogs. Animals, materials and methods cTnI was measured after transarterial coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), balloon valvuloplasty (BV), and pacemaker implantation (PACE). Dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) were used as a control, with 15 animals in each group. Blood for the cTnI assay was collected at baseline (T0), at 5 h (T5), 24 h (T24) and 10 days (T240) post-procedure. The effects of age, duration and difficulty of the procedure were evaluated. Results There was no difference in cTnI concentration at T0 for any of the groups. There was a significant increase in cTnI concentration for BV and PACE, but not PDA at T5 and T24. PACE at T24 and T240 also had higher cTnI than control. Dogs with longer procedure times had significantly higher concentration of cTnI. There was no correlation between the difficulty of the procedure or peri-procedure complications and cTnI. Conclusion cTnI increased during some cardiovascular catheterization procedures, but returned to normal values at 24–240 h. Patients undergoing long catheterization procedures have increased risk for myocardial injury, but this was not related to short-term prognosis.
Regionalism's multiple negotiations: ASEAN in East Asia

This article explains East Asian regionalism as the product of two sets of negotiations. The first negotiation is between East Asia on the one hand and global forces and structures on the other. The second negotiation is intra-regional and includes a critical negotiation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Southeast Asia and East/Northeast Asia, which also provides the primary focus of this article. This article details ASEAN's extensions into East Asian regionalism as part of interdependent efforts to adapt transitioning global and regional systems. Conceiving these regional negotiations to be not just economic and utilitarian but first and foremost normative, this article details the opportunities and dilemmas represented by ‘East Asia’ for ASEAN, ASEAN-Southeast Asia and Southeast Asia as a meaningful organizing principle. Dilemmas associated with the ASEAN Plus Three process, an East Asia free-trade area and the ASEAN Charter provide illustrations of East Asia's understood chall...
Effect of angiotensin II on ACTH release in vivo: role of corticotropin-releasing factor

The ability of angiotensin II (ANG II) to release ACTH was studied in vivo. ANG II elicited dose-related increases in plasma ACTH levels in freely-moving non-anesthetized rats. The observation that this effect was totally abolished by immunoneutralization of endogenous CRF, as well as the lack of stimulatory activity of ANG II in pharmacologically blocked animals, suggest that the induction of CRF secretion by ANG II represents an essential modulator of the ACTH-releasing potency of this peptide.
Bone morphogenetic proteins promote gliosis in demyelinating spinal cord lesions.

Objective To determine the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in stimulating glial scar formation in demyelinating lesions of the adult spinal cord. Methods The dorsal columns of adult rats were injected with lysolecithin to induce a local demyelinating lesion. Levels of BMP4 and BMP7 proteins were assayed and compared with glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the injury area. BMP-responsive cells were identified by expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Cultures of mature spinal cord astrocytes were treated with BMP4, and levels of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) were measured. The effect of BMP4 on CSPG gene regulation was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction for CSPG core proteins. Results BMP4 and BMP7 increase rapidly at the site of demyelination, and astrocytes surrounding the lesion increase expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Cultured mature astrocytes respond directly to BMPs with Smad1 translocation to the nucleus, increased phosphorylated Smad1/5/8, and increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein and CSPG expression. BMP treatment also increased CSPG messenger RNA for CSPG core proteins, including aggrecan and neurocan. Increases in CSPG expression in astrocytes by BMPs were blocked by the inhibitor noggin. Injections of BMP4 or BMP7 into the dorsal columns in the absence of demyelination led to increases in CSPG expression. Interpretation Local increases in BMPs at the site of a demyelinating lesion causes upregulation of gliosis, glial scar formation, and heightened expression of CSPGs such as neurocan and aggrecan that may inhibit remyelination. Ann Neurol 2007
Model organisms: There's more to life than rats and flies.

The tiny number of model organisms constrains research in ways that must be acknowledged and addressed, warns Jessica Bolker.
Lack of HIF-2α in limb bud mesenchyme causes a modest and transient delay of endochondral bone development

Lack of HIF-2α in limb bud mesenchyme causes a modest and transient delay of endochondral bone development
Two-dimensional hole gas in Si/SiGe heterostructures

Abstract Transport measurements of p-type modulation doped pseudomorphic heterostructures show that the interfaces of Si/SiGe in either growth direction have the same high quality. Magneto-transport results indicate that the degeneracy of the heavy and light hole bands at the zone center is lifted. SdH spectra show anomalous resolution of filling factors resulting from the interplay of spin splittings of the adjacent Landau levels anisotropy of the g -factor found for these structures. With a novel stress relieved superlattice substrate, the g -factor anisotropy was found to be greatly reduced.
The Impact of Supervision on Counselor Self-Efficacy

Abstract Research indicated that ongoing clinical supervision is important for the growth and maintenance of counseling skills (Bernard & Goodyear, 1998). However, many practicing counselors do not receive consistent clinical supervision. Counseling self-efficacy is a measure of how a counselor views her or his competence as a counselor. The purpose of the study was to determine what effect receiving or not receiving clinical supervision on a regular basis would have on counseling self-efficacy. The Counseling Self-Estimate Inventory was administered to professional counselors in a community setting and doctoral level students in a university counseling lab setting (Larson et al., 1992). Those counselors receiving regular clinical supervision indicated a higher level of counseling self-efficacy than those who did not.
Using combination of join and semijoin operations for distributed query processing

A combination of join and semijoin operations is applied to minimize the communication cost for distributed query processing. A formula is developed to estimate the cardinality of a relation resulting from join operations specified by a query graph. Two important concepts which occur with the use of join operations as reducers in query processing are studied and exploited, namely, gainful semijoins and pure join attributes. Some semijoins, though not profitable themselves, may benefit from the execution of subsequent joint operations and become profitable owing to the use of join operations as reducers. Such a semijoin is termed a gainful semijoin. Also, join attributes which are not part of the output attributes are referred to as pure join attributes. A formula to estimate the cardinality of a relation resulting from a projection operation is derived. The results show the attractiveness of the approach of applying a combination of joins and semijoins as reducers to distributed query processing. >
Quo vadis face recognition: Spectral considerations

The paper provides novel approaches for the employment of spectral information when pursuing face recognition. We designed and tested Eigenface based algorithms that improve face recognition through feature extraction, i.e. extracting the ‘best bands’ according to various criteria such as decorelation and statistical independence. Eigenfaces correspond to principal components and have previously been used for regular grayscale and color images. In this paper we expand their use to hyperspectral imagery, i.e. data sets of images of the same scene associated to narrow wavelength intervals. Our approach is a two decomposition process. In the first, the hyperspectral data is reduced to grayscale using Principal Component Analysis. In the second, the grayscale images are processed using the classical Eigenface detection algorithm. The results suggest that spectral imaging improves face classification over its counterpart.
Hepatitis C Virus Experimental Model Systems and Antiviral drug Research

An estimated 130 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) making it a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Because the currently available therapy of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin is only effective in a subset of patients, the development of new HCV antivirals is a healthcare imperative. This review discusses the experimental models available for HCV antiviral drug research, recent advances in HCV antiviral drug development, as well as active research being pursued to facilitate development of new HCV-specific therapeutics.
Triangulating Principal Effectiveness How Perspectives of Parents, Teachers, and Assistant Principals Identify the Central Importance of Managerial Skills

While the importance of effective principals is undisputed, few studies have identified specific skills that principals need to promote school success. This study draws on unique data combining survey responses from principals, assistant principals, teachers, and parents with rich administrative data to determine which principal skills correlate most highly with school outcomes. Factor analysis of a 42-item task inventory distinguishes five skill categories, yet only one of them, the principals’ Organization Management skills, consistently predicts student achievement growth and other success measures. Analysis of evaluations of principals by assistant principals supports this central result. The analysis argues for a broad view of principal leadership that includes organizational management skills as a key complement to the work of supporting curriculum and instruction.
Enabling Data Analysis on High-Throughput Data in Large Data Depository Using Web-Based Analysis Platform - A Case Study on Integrating QUEST with GenePattern in Epigenetics Research

Enabling data analysis in large data depositories for high throughput experimental data such as gene microarrays and ChIP-seq is challenging. In this paper, we discuss three methods for integrating QUEST, a data depository for epigenetic experiments, with a web-based data analysis platform GenePattern. These methods are universal and can serve as an exemplary implementation resolving the dilemma facing many similar database systems in integrating data analysis tools.
College Football Rankings: Do the Computers Know Best?

The bowl-championship-series (BCS) committee uses 10 ranking schemes, including eight computer rankings, to select college football teams for bowl-championship-series bowl games, including the national championship game. The large financial benefits of participating in BCS bowl games make it imperative that the selection process accurately select the best teams. I evaluated the performance of the 10 ranking schemes the BCS committee used during the 1999 and 2000 seasons to select bowl teams. I found that almost all are equally accurate, but theSeattle Times scheme clearly underperforms the others. In addition, two proposed changes to the BCS selection formula, (1) to prohibit computer ranking schemes from considering the margin of victory in their rankings, and (2) to include explicitly the outcomes of head-to-head games among teams being considered for BCS bowls, could do more harm than good and could decrease the likelihood of the committee selecting the best teams for the BCS bowls.
Dynamic Workspace Analysis of Two Cooperating Robot Arms

One of the advantages of using two or more robot arms to perform the same task is the increased load carrying, handling, and manipulation capability. It is necessary to know the maximum force/moment that the robots can generate jointly at each point within their common workspace. This is the main subject of dynamic workspace analysis. In this paper, we develop a conceptually simple procedure to solve this problem. This procedure models the two cooperating robot arms as a closed chain system and is based on the theory of linear transformations and the properties of mechanics.
A SAXS Study of the CRISPR Associated Gene (Cas) Csn2 in the Presence and Absence of Calcium Ions

Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to study the solution structures of the E. Faecalis Csn2 protein, a cas gene required for DNA spacer acquisition as part of the CRISPR defense system. Crystallographic study of this protein illustrates a tetrameric ring structure. Interestingly, monomeric Csn2 is not observed in our solution scattering study. In 2 mM or higher Ca2+ concentrations when Csn2 has strong DNA-binding affinity, our SAXS data agree with the calculated scattering from the crystalline tetramer and consequently elucidate the importance of Ca2+ ions in its ring structure formation and biological function. When the [Ca2+] is lowered or completely chelated by EGTA, a conformational change followed by higher order oligomerization was observed through direct comparison of the normalized scattering profiles. Analysis of the SAXS data by Rg and P(r) and shape reconstruction shows that the conformational change is consistent with a pore elongation in 1.5 mM Ca2+. These biochemical and biophysical results lead us to propose a physiological model for the functioning of the Csn2 protein upon phage invasion.
Identification and Characterization of Evolutionarily Conserved Pufferfish, Zebrafish, and Frog Orthologs of GASZ

We previously identified Gasz (a germ cell-specific gene encoding a protein containing four ankyrin repeats, a sterile-a motif, and a basic leucine zipper) in six mammalian species. Here, we report GASZ orthologs in pufferfish (Fugu rubripes), zebrafish (Danio verio), and frog (Xenopus laevis). Sequences of the three Gasz cDNAs were determined by database mining and 59- and 39-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) followed by sequencing. The three orthologous vertebrate genes encode proteins structurally similar to mammalian GASZ and contain the characteristic four ankyrin repeats (ANKs) and sterile-a motif (SAM). Their ANK and SAM domains share 55‐ 74% and 38‐55% amino acid identity with those in human GASZ, respectively. Similar to human and mouse Gasz genes, pufferfish Gasz is composed of 13 exons, spanning approximately 12 kilobases, and flanked by Cftr at its 59-end and Wnt2 at its 39-end. Northern and Western blot analyses detect frog Gasz expression only in testis and ovary. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses show that frog Gasz mRNA and protein expression is confined to pachytene spermatocytes in the testis and to oocytes in the ovary. In frog oocytes, GASZ protein appears to localize to a cytoplasmic structure resembling the Balbiani body, a postulated mRNA transport organizer in the cytoplasm. The high evolutionary conservation and germ cell specificity suggest that GASZ plays an essential role in gametogenesis. The data presented here are important for future studies of the physiological roles of GASZ using fish and amphibians as animal models. gamete biology, meiosis, oocyte development, spermatogenesis
Handbook of Regional Growth and Development Theories

Handbook of Regional Growth and Development Theories, Roberta Capello and Peter Nijkamp (Eds), Edward Elgar, Cheltenham (2009). 544 pp. £150.00 (hbk). ISBN 978 1 84720 506 3. Regional economics has...
Investigating Phase Contrast Neutron Imaging for Mixed Phase-Amplitude Objects

Phase contrast imaging is an imaging modality that has been extensively applied in X-ray imaging and was demonstrated using neutrons over the past few years. In this case, contrast in the image, especially at edges, is enhanced due to phase shifts that take place as the neutron wave passes through regions in the sample that differ in the coherent scattering length density. Usually, a pure phase object approximation is used to formulate the problem, whereas realistic samples represent mixed phase-amplitude objects. In this work, a formulation for mixed phase-amplitude objects with moderate neutron attenuation coefficients and its effect on the neutron image is presented. A computational simulation technique has been devised to study this effect on different types of samples. Using simulations, it is observed that the pure phase object approximation results in over enhancement of edges for a phase-amplitude object, with significant variation (in the case of neutron imaging) depending upon the edge forming material characteristics. The total contrast for the mixed phase-amplitude object is less than the sum of the individual attenuation and phase contrast components. The difference depends on the scalar product of the gradient of the coherent scattering length density and the attenuation coefficient. The presented formulation can aid in predicting and optimizing the performance characteristics of neutron phase contrast imaging experiments.
Causal Explanation in the Social Sciences

L'A. considere que la majorite des explications proposees en sciences sociales relevent de l'analyse causale. Dans ce cadre, pour comprendre comment survient un evenement, il suffit d'identifier les circonstances qui l'ont provoque. Il examine sur le plan logique la signification d'une imputation causale et s'efforce de saisir en quoi consiste l'explication causale en sciences sociales. Il tente ensuite de mettre au clair les criteres epistemologiques qui interviennent pour valider un schema causal. Il etudie enfin les methodes mobilisees par les chercheurs en sciences sociales pour conforter leurs analyses en ce domaine
Point process Heart Rate Variability assessment during sleep deprivation

To investigate the potential relationships between Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and objective performance-subjective alertness measures during sleep deprivation, a novel point process algorithm was applied to ECG data from healthy young subjects in a 52-hour Constant Routine protocol that includes sleep deprivation. Our algorithm is able to estimate the time-varying behavior of the HRV spectral indexes in an on-line instantaneous method. Results demonstrate the ability of our framework to provide high time-resolution sympatho-vagal dynamics as measured by spectral low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) power. Correlation analysis on individual subjects reveals a relevant correspondence between LF/HF and subjective alertness during the initial hours of sleep deprivation. At longer times awake, high correlation levels between LF/HF and objective performance indicate an increasing sympathetic drive as performance measures worsen. These results suggest that our point-process based HRV assessment could aid in real-time prediction of performance-alertness.
Machos and Sluts: Gender, Sexuality, and Violence among a Cohort of Puerto Rican Adolescents

During the past decade, interpersonal violence increasingly has become a public health concern. As a result, prevention programs now aim to decrease violence among diverse populations. This article describes the beliefs and rationale for gender-based violence among a cohort of low-income, predominantly second-generation, mainland Puerto Rican adolescents. Based on a three-year (1989-91) ethnographic study, the findings describe how these young people, through the use of gender-based social constructs such as "machos" and "sluts," justify violence by linking it to beliefs about gender roles, sexuality, and biology, and thus perpetuate gender-role conformity, particularly heterosexual male dominance. The findings suggest that if the public health community is going to reduce gender-based violence among Puerto Rican youth, it needs to acknowledge that gender and sexuality are important ingredients that support violence and avoid a simplified and stereotypical model of culture that ignores other social factors and changes in traditional Latino gender roles.
Phylogeography and species limits in the Gymnodactylus darwinii complex (Gekkonidae, Squamata): genetic structure coincides with river systems in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA cytochrome b were performed in 42 lizards of the Gymnodactylus darwinii complex from three regions within Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Mainland regions and continental shelf islands in the south-eastern range and mainland areas from the north-east were sampled. The criteria of maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods were explored, with the robustness for nodes assessed by bootstrapping (MP and ML) and posterior probabilities (Bayesian searches). By all methods, three distinctive phylogroups were recovered: a south-eastern clade (SE) and two clades from northern regions (NE1 and NE2). The pattern of genetic structure of the major clades coincided with the presence of river systems in the Atlantic Forest, and based on corrected genetic distances between those clades, divergence times were tentatively estimated using mtDNA rates calibrated for squamate reptiles. The putative role of Atlantic Forest rivers in generating differentiation is discussed. We present a hypothesis of species limits for G. darwinii, based on concordant lines of evidence including cytogenetic and mtDNA analyses. Two chromosome races (cytotype A, 2n = 38; and cytotype B, 2n = 40) had distributions concordant with clades SE and NE1 + NE2, respectively. These races are interpreted to be full species on the basis of a number of empirical criteria. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 85, 13–26.
Mechanisms of Momentum: Does Thinking Make It So?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate several potential theoretical frameworks for understanding the social psychological processes underlying the effects of momentum. Using an experimental design embedded within a national survey conducted during the 1992 Democratic presidential primary season, I examined several potential explanations for changes in candidate preference that result from changing perceptions of public support. Findings were most supportive of an explanation based on the cognitive responses elicited by hearing about others' views. Consensus cues stimulated additional information processing and a reassessment of the individual's own position; information about mass support for candidates triggered respondents who were only moderately involved in this decisionmaking process to mentally rehearse potential reasons for supporting or opposing the candidates. By priming these thoughts, people's own opinions were moved in the direction of the arguments that would not otherwise have come to mind.
Plasticity of the stress response early in life: Mechanisms and significance

The concept that early-life experience influences the brain long-term has been extensively studied over the past 50 years, whereas genetic factors determine the sequence and levels of expression of specific neuronal genes, this genetic program can be modified enduringly as a result of experience taking place during critical developmental periods. This programming is of major importance because it appears to govern many behavioral and physiological phenotypes and promote susceptibility or resilience to disease. An established example of the consequences of early-life experience-induced programming includes the effects of maternal care, where patterns of augmented care result in decreased neuroendocrine stress responses, improved cognition and resilience to depression in the recipients of this care. Here, we discuss the nature and mechanisms of this programming phenomenon, focusing on work from our lab that was inspired by Seymour Levine and his fundamental contributions to the field.
Intracranial infection associated with preseptal and orbital cellulitis in the pediatric patient.

Abstract Purpose To identify risk factors in children admitted with preseptal or orbital cellulitis with associated intracranial infection. Methods A retrospective chart review identified 10 patients (≤ 18 years) with a diagnosis of preseptal or orbital cellulitis and a concurrent or subsequent diagnosis of intracranial infection. Results Diagnoses confirmed by imaging included sinusitis (n = 10), preseptal cellulitis (n = 4), orbital cellulitis (n = 6), orbital subperiosteal abscess (n = 5), Pott's puffy tumor (n = 4), epidural empyema (n = 2), epidural abscess (n = 6), and brain abscess (n = 2). The timing of diagnosis of intracranial infection ranged from hospital day 1 to 21. All but 1 patient had positive microbial cultures. Seven of 10 patients had positive microbial cultures from two or more sites, 70% of which were polymicrobial; Streptococcus species and Staphylococcus species were the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogens. All patients required both medical and surgical therapy; all 10 patients underwent sinus surgery; 8 patients required neurosurgical craniotomy; and 5 patients underwent orbital surgery. There were no deaths. Conclusion Intracranial involvement should be suspected in any patient age ≥ 7 years with preseptal or orbital cellulitis associated with orbital subperiosteal abscess, Pott's puffy tumor, concurrent sinusitis, complaints of headache, and continuing fever despite intravenous antibiotics. Given the high incidence of polymicrobial infection found on cultures in this series, broad-spectrum antibiotics are strongly indicated. When imaging the orbits and sinuses in such patients, we recommend including the brain to rule out intracranial involvement.
Characterization of VLSI circuit interconnect heating and failure under ESD conditions

The high current and ESD effects on VLSI interconnect metallization have been characterized and a model for heating under ESD conditions is presented. It is shown that thermal breakdown occurs when the resistances increase by a factor of >3.6 due to melting of metal lines. After the metal is molten, the thermal stress is required to exceed the fracture strength of the oxide/nitride layers in order for the overlying dielectric to be cracked and an open circuit to take place. The critical failure current is strongly influenced by the metal thickness and thermal capacity. It is shown that for current pulses below the failure threshold, the metal will return to its original solid state with no change in DC resistance, but it will have a lower electromigration lifetime. This is a potential latent failure. The model is applied to derive relations between critical current, line width and pulse width for determining design guidelines for ESD and I/O buffer interconnects.
Acupuncture for Sickle Cell Pain Management in a Pediatric Emergency Department, Hematology Clinic, and Inpatient Unit

Abstract Background: Acupuncture has been shown to mitigate certain painful conditions in children. However, utilization of acupuncture for addressing acute and chronic pain in children with sickle cell disease has not been well-studied. The aim of this article is to report the use of acupuncture to treat acute and chronic sickle cell pain in one patient in a pediatric emergency department (PED), hematology clinic, and inpatient unit of an inner-city children's hospital. Case: A 16-year-old Hispanic male with sickle cell disease was treated with acupuncture for 3 years. A retrospective chart review was performed to collect details on the acupuncture treatments, their effects on this patient's pain and anxiety, feedback from the patient and his family, and frequency of PED visits and admissions for pain. Results: Fifty-eight acupuncture treatments were administered for this patient's sickle cell pain during the period that was reviewed. His pain was reduced by an average of 2.3 points and 2.2 points for in...
Genetic Analysis of NF-κB-Dependent Signaling Pathways in Mammalian Cells

Reverse genetics is used to study the function of a known gene product by knockout or replacement. In contrast, forward genetics is used to identify an unknown gene, based on its function. In using forward genetics, one can knockout or gain gene expression by random mutagenesis or by introducing expression libraries, followed by selection based on function (Stark & Gudkov, 1999). As a result, a collection of mutant cell lines and cDNA reagents will be generated, which can be used to define detailed mechanisms for specific components in a particular signaling pathway. The application of forward genetics to mammalian cells has led to significant advances in understanding signaling in response to interferons (Darnell et al., 1994) and has led to an appreciation of the role of Janus kinases (JAKs) in many signaling pathways (Velazquez et al., 1992; Stark et al., 1998). The forward genetic approach has also been successfully applied to study the TGFβ receptor (Hocevar & Howe, 1996) and T-cell receptor-mediated signaling (Goldsmith & Weiss, 1987; Serafini et al., 1995; Williams et al., 1998). While biochemical studies and reverse genetics have tremendously advanced our understanding of the NF-κB-dependent signaling pathways, the ways in which a forward genetic approach has also been used to study these pathways will be discussed in this chapter.
The Real Cause of the Civil War: The National Debt

The National debt contributed to the decision for the North to raise funds for troops and force the South to stay in the Union. Lincoln made this appeal to Congress and stepped aside the issue of slavery. The south was leaving-however many of these states became part of the Union at huge monetary cost to the Union. The Union made direct payments to Mexico, Spain, France and other countries for these lands. Can they be allowed to leave without paying their debt?
Sodium Dynamics and Adaptations of a Moose Population

A “balance sheet” for sodium losses and intakes was developed for moose ( Alces alces ) at Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. This technique emphasized potential times of the year and avenues of sodium loss that might be limiting. a mechanism for sodium storage was proposed which involves the replacement of sodium in the salivary-rumen fluids with potassium during periods of sodium deficiency (September to May).
Does telemedicine improve treatment outcomes for diabetes? A meta-analysis of results from 55 randomized controlled trials

Abstract Aims To assess the overall effect of telemedicine on diabetes management and to identify features of telemedicine interventions that are associated with better diabetes management outcomes. Methods Hedges's g was estimated as the summary measure of mean difference in HbA1c between patients with diabetes who went through telemedicine care and those who went through conventional, non-telemedicine care using a random-effects model. Q statistics were calculated to assess if the effect of telemedicine on diabetes management differs by types of diabetes, age groups of patients, duration of intervention, and primary telemedicine approaches used. Results The analysis included 55 randomized controlled trials with a total of 9258 patients with diabetes, out of which 4607 were randomized to telemedicine groups and 4651 to conventional, non-telemedicine care groups. The results favored telemedicine over conventional care (Hedges's g =−0.48, p g =−0.63, p g =−0.27, p =0.027) ( Q =4.25, p =0.04). Conclusions Compared to conventional care, telemedicine is more effective in improving treatment outcomes for diabetes patients, especially for those with type 2 diabetes.
Effect of maturation on the sensitivity of laryngeal resistance to chemoreceptor stimulation in the dog

The respiratory system undergoes many changes with maturation, resulting in increased capacity and efficiency. In an effort to determine the effects of maturation on airway control, laryngeal airway resistance was studied from infancy to adulthood in dogs. Reflex regulation of laryngeal airway resistance in response to chemoreceptor stimulation was found in puppies 1 day of age and older. Chemoreceptor-mediated laryngeal reflexes were qualitatively similar in all age groups. However, a significant quantitative difference was found. With maturation, an increase in the sensitivity of both central and peripheral chemoreceptors regulating laryngeal resistance is realized.
The Price of Survival (1721–1724)

The present-day rivalry among Iran, Russia, and Turkey for influence in the Caspian region has its historical analogue in the events of 1721–1723, when Russia of the Romanovs, Turkey of the Ottomans, and Persia of the waning Safavids were engaged in a three-way imperial contest in the Caucasus. In many ways, the sudden and unexpected fate of the Safavid dynasty in Persia1 was as anathema to the good order and stability of the Caspian littoral at the time, as was the dissolution of the Soviet Union some 200 years later.
41 Degree lithium niobate: A study of harmonics

Various orientations of Lithium Niobate (LNB) have been used for Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices. This study used 41 degree LNB in order to study the harmonics, loss characteristics, and the characteristics of damping intervening transducers on the free surface LNB. The original objective of this study was to determine how the loss characteristics of the harmonics varied with frequency over the extended frequency region from 40 MHz to 1500 MHz. The secondary objective was the damping of intervening transducers over the frequency region from 40 MHz to over 700 MHz. The frequency characteristics were determined using a double electrode transducer on the 41 degree LNB with a total of 8 transducers. The transducer had electrodes of 15 micron spaces and 10 micron gaps giving a total wavelength electrode spacing of 100 microns. There were 10.5 wavelengths at the fundamental. The study also included various conditions for intervening transducers which allowed the comparison of loss characteristics up to 700 MHz. The results of the study allowed the assignment of an average loss to each frequency. The loss increased with frequency in a systematic manner but the results at certain frequencies were higher loss than anticipated. This resulted in the re-evaluation of the modes of the transducer. Also above 1300 MHz the loss in the SAW mode became lower. As predicted, the PSAW mode loss is lower for the free surface of the 41° LNB.
Risk factors associated with noncontact time-loss lower-quadrant injury in male collegiate soccer players

Introduction: The incidence of time-loss injury in male collegiate soccer players in the United States (US) is 6.4 per 1000 athletic exposures. With thousands of male athletes competing in soccer a...
Ethics and Law: The Many Tensions.

Ethics consultations frequently involve tensions, conflicts between health care professionals, patients, and their loved ones. Sometimes these tensions are more subtle or represent internal conflic...