cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Peptide-based Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibitor Specifically Enhances Insulin Receptor Function in Intact Cells

Abstract 3S-peptide-I is a synthetic tris-sulfotyrosyl dodecapeptide corresponding to the major site of insulin receptor autophosphorylation that potently inhibits dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor in a cell-free system and in digitonin-permeabilized Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing the human insulin receptors (CHO/HIRc cells) (Liotta, A. S., Kole, H. K., Fales, H. M., Roth, J., and Bernier, M. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 22996-23001). In the present study, we found that 3S-peptide-I was not capable of inhibiting dephosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors in digitonin-permeabilized CHO cells that overexpress human EGF receptors (CHO/EGF-R cells). Moreover, the addition of a N-stearyl derivative of 3S-peptide-I to intact CHO/HIRc cells caused a concentration-dependent increase in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, with a maximum effect (∼2.7-fold) at 50 μM. In contrast, ligand-stimulated EGF receptor phosphorylation in CHO/EGF-R cells was not affected by the presence of stearyl 3S-peptide-I. Furthermore, treatment of CHO/HIRc cells with this N-stearyl peptide led to a significant enhancement of the insulin-induced association of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity with insulin receptor substrate 1 and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. However, stearyl 3S-peptide-I had no effect on the EGF-stimulated activation of PI-3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase in CHO/EGF-R cells. These data indicate that this tris-sulfotyrosyl dodecapeptide selectively enhances insulin signal transduction by specifically inhibiting dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor in intact cells.
Insecticide resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes after the introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets in Macha, Zambia

ABSTRACT: Culex quinquefasciatus, an arboviral and filarial vector, is present in high numbers throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and insecticide-resistant populations have been reported worldwide. In order to determine the insecticide resistance status of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Macha, Zambia, adult mosquitoes reared from eggs collected from oviposition traps were tested by bioassay High levels of resistance to DDT, pyrethroids, malathion, and deltamethrin-treated net material were detected, and molecular assays revealed that the knockdown resistance (kdr) allele was frequent in the Cx. quinquefasciatus population, with 7.0% homozygous for the kdr L1014 allele and 38.5% heterozygous (0.263 kdr frequency). The kdr frequency was significantly higher in mosquitoes that had successfully fed on human hosts, and screening archived specimens revealed that kdr was present at lower frequency prior to the introduction of ITNs, indicating that ITNs might be a selective force in this population. Additionally, metabolic ...
Targeting Myocardial β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling and Calcium Cycling for Heart Failure Gene Therapy

Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries and projections reveal that HF incidence in the coming years will rise significantly because of an aging population. Pharmacologic therapy has considerably improved HF treatment during the last 2 decades, but fails to rescue failing myocardium and to increase global cardiac function. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches to target the underlying molecular defects of ventricular dysfunction and to increase the outcome of patients in HF are needed. Failing myocardium generally exhibits distinct changes in β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling and intracellular Ca 2+ -handling providing opportunities for research. Recent advances in transgenic and gene therapy techniques have presented novel therapeutic strategies to alter myocardial function and to target both βAR signaling and Ca 2+ -cycling. In this review, we will discuss functional alterations of the βAR system and Ca 2+ -handling in HF as well as corresponding therapeutic strategies. We will then focus on recent in vivo gene therapy strategies using the targeted inhibition of the βAR kinase (βARK1 or GRK2) and the restoration of S100A1 protein expression to support the injured heart and to reverse or prevent HF.
From state hospital to community psychiatry: Problems in two kinds of communities.

A division of a decentralized state hospital has experienced a 75% drop in census since practicing community psychiatry. Soon, it is anticipated that two comprehensive mental health centers will develop in the area it serves and that the division will “go out of business.” In working with the “natural community” and the “therapeutic community,” recurrent problems have been noted. Examples are offered in the areas of communication, working toward a community mental health center, deciding who should come to the hospital, and in the particular problems of the therapeutic community, including the problems of change, hospital size, and training.
Measurement of 1H-1H coupling constants in DNA fragments by 2D NMR

Abstract It is shown that a modified version of the recently proposed P.E.COSY experiment is ideally suited for measuring couplings to the H2′ and H2″ protons in DNA. These couplings uniquely determine the phase of the pseudorotation of the deoxyribose ring. In addition, the coupling between H3' and H4' can be measured from a cross section through the H3′-H4′ cross peak in a COSY spectrum that incorporates F1 decoupling of the H3′ interaction with the H2′/ H2″ protons. Simple guidelines are presented that permit estimating the accuracy of couplings measured from partially resolved antiphase doublets, as encountered for the H3′-H4′ cross peaks. The experiments are demonstrated for the dodecamer d (CGCGAATTCGCG )2.
Polydisperse turbidity currents propagating over complex topography: Comparison of experimental and depth-resolved simulation results

A computational investigation is presented of mono-, bi-, and polydisperse lock-exchange turbidity currents interacting with complex bottom topography. Simulation results obtained with the software TURBINS are compared with laboratory experiments of other authors. Several features of the flow, such as deposit profiles, front location, suspended mass, and runout length, are discussed. For a monodisperse lock-exchange current propagating over a flat surface, we investigate the influence of the boundary conditions at the streamwise and top boundaries, and we generally find good agreement with corresponding laboratory experiments. However, we note some differences with a second set of experimental data for polydisperse turbidity currents over flat surfaces. A comparison with experimental data for bidisperse currents with varying mass fractions of coarse and fine particles yields good agreement for all cases except those where the current consists almost exclusively of fine particles. For polydisperse currents over a two-dimensional bottom topography, significant discrepancies are observed. Possible reasons are discussed, including erosion and bed load transport. Finally, we investigate the influence of a three-dimensional Gaussian bump on the deposit pattern of a bidisperse current.
Habitat near nest boxes correlated with fate of eastern bluebird fledglings in an urban landscape

Nest boxes are commonly erected in managed landscapes such as backyards, golf courses and parks, attracting cavity-nesting birds to habitats they would not otherwise occupy. Although studies have shown that habitat around natural nests influences postfledging survival, this relationship has not been examined for artificial nest cavities, which humans may site at inappropriate locations. In Williamsburg, Virginia, we compared vegetation surrounding nest boxes which produced eastern bluebird fledglings that were predated by hawks within 10 days of leaving the nest to vegetation surrounding nest boxes producing surviving fledglings. We found a significant difference between PC scores for forest denseness around nest boxes that produced surviving versus predated fledglings; fledglings that survived tended to come from nest boxes with high forest and canopy cover, close trees and little grass.
Jet Mixing in Lake or Reservoir Stratification Simulations

ABSTRACT MINLAKE, a dynamic, one-dimensional, unsteady lake water stratification simulation model has been extended by a water jet mixing submodel (JETMIX). The model is intended primarily to evaluate lake management and control strategies. The extended model simulates the continuous change of lake stratification in response to artificial mixing induced by water jets and natural mixing by wind and cooling. Artificially forced summer destratification with a recirculating pump/jet discharge system, and a warm water jet discharged into an ice-covered lake were studied. Numerical results were obtained to predict the effect of jet mixing on the evolution of water temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles in time. The effect of the warm water jet discharge on the ice cover was of particular interest. The simulation model was verified with laboratory experimental data. The capabilities and applicability of the model were illustrated with simulations of a hypothetical summer destratification and a planned winter ...
Effects of early adult experience on host selection in insects: some experimental and theoretical results

A field experiment with Drosophila melanogasterrevealed that when flies encounter a particular food type soon after emergence, the probability of their subsequently being attracted to such a resource is increased. In this experiment, the length of time flies experienced their postemergence environments was under the control of the flies themselves. The experiment thus realistically mimicked one form of experiential effect that may be important in nature. A theoretical model is developed which shows that enhanced adult preferences for the types of resources fed on as larvae can substantially increase the degree of host-based genetic subdivision within a polyphagous population.
Late trimester hydranencephaly associated with maternal exposure to methamphetamine

AbstractAcquired hydranencephaly diagnosed after a normal ultrasound examination is a rare finding in pregnancy. The etiology includes infections, bleeding diatheses, neoplasms and exposure to vasoconstrictive agents. Fetal hydranencephaly was discovered on a third trimester ultrasound examination after a normal examination a month earlier. The pregnant patient admitted to heavy use of crystal meth during the preceding month. Upon the finding of an acquired hydranencephaly, the clinician should have a high index of suspicion for maternal abuse of vasoconstrictive agents such as methamphetamine or cocaine.
The complexity of using a feedback parameter to quantify the soil moisture‐precipitation relationship

[1] The long time scale of soil moisture dynamics makes it a potentially important predictor in seasonal to interannual precipitation predictions. However, where and to what extent soil moisture can influence precipitation is still a topic of debate. A feedback parameter was applied by several studies to quantify both the magnitude and direction of soil moisture's impacts on precipitation based on both observational data and model output. Its effectiveness as an indicator of soil moisture impact on precipitation was questioned in recent studies. Using the NCAR CAM3-CLM3 as a modeling framework, this study examines whether the feedback parameter can correctly identify regions of strong soil moisture impact on precipitation as compared with other more physically based numerical experimental designs. It is found that the effectiveness of feedback parameter as an indicator for soil moisture impact on precipitation is significantly reduced by the presence of low-frequency precipitation variability. Such low-frequency variability (which may be caused by large scale oceanic forcing) propagates to the land surface, causing similar variability in soil moisture, and the presence of the low-frequency signal in both variables leads to spuriously large feedback parameter values. Our results suggest that the feedback parameter is not a reliable indicator for the impact of soil moisture on precipitation.
The effect of a graphite addition on oxidation of ZrB2–SiC in air at 1500 °C

Abstract Dense ZrB2 containing 15 vol.% SiC and 15 vol.% graphite was exposed to flowing air at 1500 °C. A layered scale structure developed that consisted of (1) a uniform SiO2-rich layer on the surface, (2) a layer of ZrO2 and SiO2, (3) a layer of ZrO2 (4) a partially oxidized layer composed of porous ZrB2, ZrO2, and graphite, and (5) unaffected ZrB2–SiC–C. A thermodynamic model based on volatility diagrams and consistent with the experimental observations was constructed to explain the development of the layered structure. Oxidation behavior was consistent with passive oxidation and formation of a protective surface layer. Analysis indicated that it may not be possible to form a protective surface layer without actively oxidizing SiC and producing a porous partially oxidized layer between the outer protective layer and the underlying unoxidized material.
Nuclear translocation of immulectin-3 stimulates hemocyte proliferation.

Immulectin-3 (IML-3) is a C-type lectin from the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta that contains a motif (NWGV) similar to the BH1 motif (NWGR) of the mammalian galectin-3. IML-3 is synthesized in fat body and secreted into hemolymph, but can be translocated into hemocytes. In this study, we showed that IML-3 was predominantly localized to the nucleus of hemocytes and some metaphase, anaphase and telophase hemocytes from M. sexta larvae injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IML-3 was detected in the membrane and soluble extracts of hemocytes, suggesting that it may be translocated into hemocytes via receptor-mediated endocytosis. To investigate the role of IML-3 translocation to the nucleus, we expressed recombinant wild-type IML-3 and a deletion mutant ΔIML-3 that has the NWGV motif deleted in Drosophila S2 cells. We found that recombinant wild-type IML-3, but not ΔIML-3, was localized to the nucleus of some S2 cells and also detected in the nuclear extract. Expression of recombinant wild-type IML-3, but not ΔIML-3 or GFP, increased the number of proliferating S2 cells. Our results suggest that nuclear translocation of IML-3 may stimulate hemocyte proliferation.
Input-queued switches with logarithmic delay: necessary conditions and a reconfigurable scheduling algorithm

Typically, a scheduling algorithm for an n x n packet switch with a crossbar as the data fabric divides time into slots, each of duration tp sufficient to transmit a packet. If a scheduling round requires tr > tp time, then the switch can transmit multiple packets, up to s = ⌊tr/tp⌋, between each mapped input-output pair under the current mapping. If s = 1, there exists a frame-based scheduling algorithm with Θ(log n) delay. For uniform random traffic, we establish that the delay is Ω(n) for any s > 1, hence, s = 1 is the only case where a Θ(log n) delay is achievable.Given the importance of achieving a low s, it is imperative to develop extremely fast scheduling algorithms (that reduce tr) on a mesh-based structure (corresponding to the crossbar topology of the switch). We present results for a fast scheduling algorithm that runs on a mesh-of-trees topology that can be overlaid on the crossbar switching fabric.
Dissolved ATP in the sea and its utilisation by marine bacteria.

THE biologically labile fraction of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the oceans seems to be a chemically complex solution of a wide variety of compounds derived mainly from the contents of cellular metabolic pools released into the seawater after the death and cell lysis of marine organisms. This fraction is of particular geochemical interest because of its importance in understanding the cycling of organic matter in the marine environment. Because of methodological problems arising from the extremely low concentrations of individual compounds, compound-specific analyses have been limited to only a few components of the DOM, such as ammo acids1, lipids2, sugars5, and vitamins3. Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) would be a useful tracer for following the production and fate of labile DOM in seawater as it is a universal component of the cellular metabolic pools of all living organisms. We report here that dissolved ATP (DATP) occurs in seawater in significant concentrations (0.1–0.6 µg 1−1) and is utilised rapidly by marine bacteria.
Comparison of Teat Dips with Differing Iodine Concentrations in Prevention of Mastitis Infection

Six commercial dairy herds were used to test the relative efficacy of three concentrations of iodine as a teat dip over 12 mo. Concentrations were .1, .25, and 1% iodine with free iodine contents of 3.5, 4.0, and 1.0 ppm. Two concentrations were compared in each herd. The greatest number of new infections (71) occurred in approximately 120 cows whose teats were dipped with the 1% iodine dip, and the fewest (52) occurred in a similar number of cow quarters dipped in .1% iodine; however, differences were not significant. Clinical mastitis was highest in the 1% group. If all clinical mastitis were the result of infection, even if bacteria were not isolated from the pretreatment sample or from samples collected at the start of the study and those quarters were added to the totals, then reduction of new infection with the .1% product would be significant.
Modeling and Control of Vinyl Chloride in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

In water distribution systems containing PVC pipe manufactured in the “early era” (prior to 1977), vinyl chloride can leach into drinking water resulting in vinyl chloride concentrations exceeding the 2 μg⋅L−1 maximum contaminant level. Field testing of dead-end segments of water distribution systems consisting of early-era PVC pipe was conducted to examine their initial intrapipe vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) concentrations based on a Fickian-diffusion-based leaching model. The experiments showed a wide range of VCM concentrations within early-era PVC pipe ranging from less than 50 to more than 600 mg⋅kg−1. Based on the diffusion modeling approach, a protocol was designed that provides a means for utility managers to calibrate the model for specific dead-end lines. The paper delineates procedures to determine which dead ends require flushing to control vinyl chloride, examines the effects of system parameters such as temperature on vinyl chloride leaching, and provides a method to devise flush schedules a...
CD163 Immunohistochemistry Is Superior to CD68 in Predicting Outcome in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Objectives: In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the microenvironment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) as a predictor of treatment outcome. The focus of this study was to assess the interobserver reproducibility in interpreting macrophage-associated immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD68 and CD163 in a retrospective cohort of 88 patients with CHL. Methods: Staining results were correlated with clinical outcome in all patients and those with a high international prognostic score (IPS). Results: The intraclass correlation (ICC) for the five hematopathologists interpreting the IHC was stronger for CD163 (0.70) than for CD68 (0.50). Using a cutoff of 25% mean macrophage reactivity and including all patients, a statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) was seen only for CD163 ( P = .0006) and not for CD68 ( P = .414). Patients with a mean CD163 reactivity of 25% or more had a median OS of 71 months vs 101 months for patients with less than 25% reactivity. CD163 retained statistical significance in multivariate analysis. In patients with advanced-stage CHL with high IPS, OS was also significantly worse for those with a mean CD163 reactivity of 25% or higher. Conclusions: Our study confirms previous reports of a prognostic role of tumor-infiltrating macrophages in CHL, but only for CD163. Although most of the literature supports an increasing role of macrophage IHC as a predictor of clinical outcome, successful clinical translation will require a standardized method and reporting system.
Bis(dimethylamino)Methane

[51-80-9] C5H14N2 (MW 102.18) InChI = 1S/C5H14N2/c1-6(2)5-7(3)4/h5H2,1-4H3 InChIKey = VGIVLIHKENZQHQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (precursor for the preparation or in situ generation of N,N-dimethyl(methylene)ammonium salts;2, 3 used for dimethylaminomethylation of active methylene compounds,1, 4 arylstannanes,5 and electron-rich heterocycles;6 useful for the preparation of α,β-unsaturated ketones7) Alternate Names: N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylmethanediamine; dimethyl(dimethylamino)methylamine; formaldehyde bis(N,N-dimethylaminal). Physical Data: bp 85 °C; d 0.749 g cm−3; fp −12 °C. Solubility: sol H2O, ether. Form Supplied in: colorless liquid; widely available. Purification: dried over potassium hydroxide pellets and distilled. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: highly flammable. Potent lachrymator. Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions. Handle with gloves in a well-ventilated fume hood. Incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, strong oxidizing agents, and carbon dioxide.
Design of a 5 MW, 9000 V switched reluctance motor

A large, high-voltage switched reluctance motor that benefits from the more reliable concentration stator winding with regard to switching surges is presented. The easy-to-build rotor construction enhances reliability. Details of the high-voltage winding are presented, together with performance predictions. Prospects for even larger machines are discussed. >
Examination of v-velocity fluctuations in a turbulent channel flow in the context of sediment transport

This paper is a report on the mechanism of turbulent momentum transport normal to the wall in a turbulent wall-bounded flow. The objective of this study is to examine the ‘background’ turbulent flow field as a first step toward understanding suspended sediment transport. Specifically, the hypothesis that fine grain particles can be kept in suspension through a net upward momentum flux in a turbulent boundary layer is examined. The net momentum flux can arise if the probability density distribution of the fluctuating v–signal is positively skewed; i.e. the positive v–fluctuations are predominantly of large amplitude and short duration while the negative v-fluctuations are of small amplitude and long duration. High-resolution, two-component laser-doppler anemometer measurements of the v-velocity component in a fully developed turbulent water channel flow were examined spanning a Reynolds number range of 3000 to 23000. Averages of these signals demonstrate that, for very small particles, there is net upward momentum flux in the range y+ > 30, while there is a net downward momentum flux in the range 10 [les ] y+ [les ] 30. Preliminary results which categorize the normal velocity according to quadrants of motion are also included.
Effect of applied electric fields on the writing and the readout of photorefractive gratings

We explore theoretically and experimentally how applying an electric field to a photorefractive crystal affects the recording and the readout of a hologram. We present a unified theory that describes several electric-field-related mechanisms relevant to photorefractive crystals, including amplitude coupling, phase coupling, linear and nonlinear electro-optic effects, and the piezoelectric effect. We analyze the influence of these different effects on the Bragg selectivity and the diffraction efficiency and derive general analytical expressions describing the Bragg detuning effects. Finally, we compare the theory with experiments that we have performed in a strontium barium niobate crystal by recording and retrieving holograms in the presence of an applied electric field.
Visual field loss in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Purpose To describe visual field (VF) loss among patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and the risk factors for such loss. Design Multicenter, prospective, observational study. Participants A total of 476 patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis, and VF data. Methods Follow-up every 3 months with medical history, ophthalmologic examination, Goldmann visual fields, and laboratory testing. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of VF loss in eyes affected with CMV retinitis and characteristics associated with such VF loss. Results Over a median follow-up of 4 years (range, 0.5–9 years), the incidence rates of VF loss to 75% and 50% of normal were 0.22/eye-year (EY, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–0.25) and 0.08/EY (95% CI, 0.06–0.10), respectively. The observed rates were 6- to 7-fold less than those observed rates of VF loss in the era before highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Decreased CD4+ T-cell count, whether measured at enrollment or over follow-up time, was associated with increased rates of VF loss for all VF outcomes in a dose-dependent fashion. Risk factors for VF loss included lower CD4+ T-cell count, CMV lesion size >25% of the total retinal area, and active CMV retinitis after controlling for potential confounding. Highly active antiretroviral therapy use and immune recovery (CD4+ T-cell count >100 cells/μL) were associated with reduced risk of VF loss in multiple regression models. Immune recovery was statistically significantly associated with a lower risk of VF loss to 75% of normal (relative risk [RR] = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49–0.86; P = 0.003) and to 50% of normal (RR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.44–0.82; P = 0.001) after controlling for demographic characteristics, HIV viral load, HAART use, CMV lesion location and size, and retinitis activity. Conclusions Cytomegalovirus retinitis was associated with a substantial risk of incident VF loss, but the incidence is approximately 6-fold lower than that observed in the pre-HAART era. Those who have HAART-induced immune recovery have approximately 40% lower risk of VF loss for both outcomes after controlling for confounding. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Wild-Type KCNQ1 Modulates the Gating of the LQT1 Mutation R231C

KCNQ1 mutations are linked to type 1 Long QT Syndrome (LQT1). KCNQ1 encodes the voltage-gated K+ channel α-subunit, Kv7.1, and LQT1 mutations typically reduce Kv7.1 current (IKv7.1). The missense mutation, R231C-Kv7.1, is associated with LQT1 and sinus bradycardia (Lupoglazoff et al., JACC 2004), but functional studies suggest that this mutation yields a constitutively activated large IKv7.1 (Rocheleau et al., JGP 2007). To better understand the molecular phenotype of R231C-Kv7.1, we transfected HEK293 cells with cDNA encoding the auxiliary K+ channel subunit MinK1 and WT-Kv7.1, R231C-Kv7.1, or WT- and R231C-Kv7.1 (since LQT1 follows a dominant inheritance pattern). We measured IKv7.1 by prepulsing cells from -80 to 90mV in 10-mV increments for 5s, followed by a test-pulse to -50mV. IKv7.1 measured from cells expressing R231C-Kv7.1 was maximally activated at all potentials, and, compared to WT IKv7.1, increased the maximal peak tail IKv7.1 by ∼350% (n=6-8 cells, p<0.05). In contrast, cells expressing WT- and R231C-Kv7.1 reduced the maximal peak tail IKv7.1 by ∼50% compared to WT IKv7.1 (n=4-6 cells per group, p<0.05). We plotted the peak tail IKv7.1 measured during the test-pulse, as a function of the prepulse for cells expressing WT-Kv7.1 or WT- and R231C-Kv7.1, and described the data with the Boltzmann equation to calculate the midpoint potential (V1/2) and slope factor (k) for peak tail IKv7.1 activation. Cells expressing WT-Kv7.1 had a V1/2 of 19±2mV and a k of 15±2mV/e-fold change (n=6), and cells expressing WT- and R231C-Kv7.1 had a V1/2 of -16±5mV (n=5, p<0.05) and a k of 21±2mV/e-fold change, (p<0.05). Cells expressing WT- and R231C-Kv7.1 also had a constitutively activated IKv7.1 that was ∼22% of the maximal peak IKv7.1. These data demonstrate that WT-Kv7.1 dramatically alters the R231C-Kv7.1 phenotype and emphasize the importance of co-expressing WT-Kv7.1 and LQT1 mutations.
The global burden of respiratory disease.

The Forum of International Respiratory Societies has released a report entitled Respiratory Disease in the World: Realities of Today—Opportunities for Tomorrow. The report identifies five conditions that primarily contribute to the global burden of respiratory disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer), and offers an action plan to prevent and treat those diseases. It describes the staggering magnitude of the global burden of lung disease: hundreds of millions of people suffer and four million people die prematurely from respiratory diseases each year. The situation is not hopeless, because most major respiratory illnesses are avoidable. Much of the disease burden can be mitigated by reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, restraining tobacco use, and relieving urban overcrowding. Implementation of the strategies described in the Forum of International Respiratory Societies respiratory diseases report would have a pro...
Cooperative support for distributed supervisory control: Issues in modeling cooperative work in complex dynamic systems

Most supervisory control environments (e.g., process plants) require a team of controllers to coordinate their activities to successfully monitor and control the system. The authors discuss issues and modeling frameworks suitable for capturing activities in a distributed supervisory control situation. A cooperative operator model is considered which may be thought of as a heterarchic-hierarchic network of nodes that represent activities assigned to particular operator(s), where these activities may in turn be represented in the form of a decision ladder. The cooperative operator model is anticipated to form the basis for knowledge-based support systems in supervisory control. Potential features of such a system include a representation of the environment that is shared betweeen agents, management support for task allocation, and information management support for the exchange of communicative messages and data. >
MODULATION OF PREY-CAPTURE BEHAVIOR IN PLETHODON CINEREUS (GREEN) (AMPHIBIA: CAUDATA)

Many feeding kinematic studies do not identify sources of mechanical variation related to the type or size of prey. Studies of salamanders have concentrated on determining the morphological basis of feeding mechanics or on phylogenetic comparisons; few have examined variability within a species. A series of feeding trials was designed to test whether Plethodon cinereus of different age/size classes exhibits stereotypic patterns in capturing prey of differing type and size. Stopframe video analyses of feedings were made using 19 salamanders of varying body size and four prey types chosen to resemble items in the natural diet of the species. Five morphological features of each salamander, length and width of prey items, and 15 kinematic variables were used to describe each feeding trial. Statistical analyses of kinematic and morphological variables show that the feeding behavior of this species varies significantly with prey type. Effects of salamander size and prey size within prey types were a source of variation in some kinematic variables; among-individual variation partitioned with salamander body size. Different feeding modes resulted from distinctive combinations of distances from prey, amount of tongue protrusion, body movements, and duration of mouth closure, which varied with the use of jaw prehension and lingual prey capture. Presence of a repertoire of behaviors, composed of versatile combinations of movements, suggests that Plethodon cinereus modulates feeding mechanics to capture different types of prey. Consideration of natural prey in experiments, and of prey type in comparisons made across taxa, are necessary to investigations of the evolution of feeding behaviors. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Normal mode oscillations of the Williams domains in thin films of nematic liquid crystals

Abstract Very slow, time-dependent normal mode oscillations of the Williams domains in nematic liquid crystals subject to a low-frequency electric field are reported. These oscillations form a dynamically stable intermediate state between the Williams domain and the dynamic scattering regimes.
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: the ties that bind

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are two devastating diseases that continue to take a toll on millions of patients worldwide. A great deal of scientific evidence indicates that these two diseases are integrally related, both with regard to underlying pathophysiological processes and ultimate clinical outcomes. As clearly stated in the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, ‘CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes mellitus’.1 This ominous statement is supported by equally unsettling statistics. For example, patients with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop CVD than those without diabetes.2 Additionally, as many as 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will develop CVD,3 and more than 60% of these patients will die of CVD.4 Such findings have led to the categorization of diabetes as a coronary heart disease risk equivalent.5 Consequently, it is important for both diabetologists and cardiologists to recognize the need to proactively and concomitantly manage the glycaemic and cardiovascular (CV) issues in patients with diabetes. However, traditional antidiabetic agents have not been conclusively shown to reduce macrovascular disease, despite improvement in hyperglycaemia, and some of these agents (e.g. rosiglitazone, sulphonylureas) have been …
The more things change...: the federal government's role in the evaluative sciences.

ABSTRACT: The unfortunate political history of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) illustrates the risks to the agencies attempting to evaluate the common practices of medicine a...
Real-time schedulability of two token ring protocols

When designing real-time communication protocols, the primary objective is to guarantee the deadlines of synchronous messages while sustaining a high aggregate throughput. The authors compare two token ring protocols for their suitability in hard-real-time systems. A priority driven protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.5) allows implementation of a priority based real-time scheduling discipline like the rate monotonic algorithm. A timed token protocol (e.g., FDDI) provides guaranteed bandwidth and bounded access time for synchronous messages. These two protocols are studied by deriving their schedulability criteria, i.e., the conditions which determine whether a given message set can be guaranteed. Using these criteria, the average performance of these protocols is evaluated under different operating conditions. It is observed that neither protocol dominates the other for the entire range of system parameter space. The conclusion is that the priority driven protocol performs better at low bandwidths (1-10 Mb/s) while the timed token protocol has a superior performance at higher bandwidths. >
The Application of Social and Adult Learning Theory to Training in Community Pediatrics, Social Justice, and Child Advocacy

The Issue. Perhaps the greatest challenge we face today in medical education is how to establish a conceptual framework for conveying the context of community pediatrics and issues related to child health equity and social justice to practicing pediatricians and pediatricians in training. This will require a new infrastructure and approach to training to allow pediatricians to think and practice differently. The application of social and adult learning theory to the development and implementation of community pediatrics curricula will be necessary to succeed in these endeavors. In particular, we also will need to understand the educational processes required to motivate adult learners to acquire knowledge, attitudes, and skills outside the context and framework of their previous experiences and perceived professional needs.
Index-Futures Arbitrage and the Behavior of Stock Index Futures Prices

this article examines intraday transaction datafor S&P 500 stock indexfutures prices and the intraday quotes for the underlying index. The data indicate that thefutures price changes are uncorrelated and that the variability of these price changes exceeds the variability ofprice changes in the S&P 500 index. this excess variability of the futures over the index remains even after controlling for the nonsynchronous prices in the index quotes, which induces autocorrelation in the index changes. We advance and examine empirically two hypotheses regarding the difference between the futures price and its theoretical value: that this "mispricing" increases on average with maturity, and that it is path-dependent. Evidence supporting these hypotheses is presented.
Instant recovery for data center savings

Today's data centers routinely employ triple redundancy, i.e., each disk page of a database or of a key value store is stored three times (or even more, e.g., in database and file system backups). In contrast, writeahead logging can reduce the cost of database operations and of data centers, assuming suitable techniques for logging, log archiving, backing up, and recovery. The present paper summarizes our work todate on single-page repair, instant restart, and instant restore; it describes our techniques for self-repairing indexes, single-pass restore, and virtual backups; and outlines the opportunities for single-copy databases, for avoidance of ever taking a backup (full or incremental), yet for availability and reliability matching today's double- or triple-redundant data centers
A perspective on the extension of research-based information to orchard management decision-makers: Lessons learned and potential future directions

Abstract A central element of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) on ‘enhancing biological control in western orchards’ was to disseminate research-based information generated by the project for adoption and implementation by decision-makers. As the landscape of publicly supported extension and outreach has been changing, our goal was to employ effective and timely strategies that would provide a legacy of project information at relatively low costs. We used various approaches to develop a regional outreach program spanning three states, four institutions, and three crops. Guided by an advisory panel of stakeholders and scientists, our approaches included a simulcast short course, interactive workshops, online media, as well as presentations and print articles. Inevitably, we had to overcome certain challenges and here we share our perspective on the successes, constraints and lessons learned during development and implementation of the project’s outreach program. Finally, we consider future directions and strategies that will aid Cooperative Extension in continuing to meet the needs of western tree fruit and nut industries while optimizing available resources.
The effect of sunk costs in telecommunications regulation

Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the FCC mandated forward looking cost-based prices for competitors to use unbundled local exchange company (LEC) facilities. The FCC does not permit any markup over cost to allow for the risk associated with investment in sunk assets; instead, it uses a total service long-run incremental cost (TSLRIC) type approach that attempts to estimate TSLRIC on a forward looking basis. TSLRIC allows for the recovery of the cost of investment and variable costs of providing the service over the economic lifetime of the investment. However, TSLRIC makes no allowance for the sunk and irreversible nature of telecommunications investment, so that it adopts the perfect contestability standard. This standard provides incorrect economic incentives for efficient investment once technological and economic uncertainty exist along with sunk investments. Equivalently, FCC regulation requires incumbent LECs to give a free option on the use of their sunk investment in network facilities to new entrants. Thus, the FCC has chosen the incorrect standard for setting regulated prices, which will be below the correct economic cost of the network investments. TSLRIC will lead to less innovation and decreased investment below economically efficient levels. Decreased consumer welfare will be the result of the FCC’s policy.
IRA and Keogh Assets and Contributions

This paper examines the level of assets contained in IRAs and Keoghs; the amount of tax-deductible contributions to them, with a particular focus on IRAs; and the demographic characteristics associated with those who contribute to tax-deductible IRAs. IRA asset levels increased continuously from 1981 through 1999 before declining for three consecutive years from 2000 through 2002. However, in 2003, the IRA asset level increased to a new historic high of $2.98 trillion, re-establishing a nearly 20-year growth trend. The growth of individuals making IRA contributions has not been statistically significant. Higher dollar limits for IRA contributions enacted under EGTRRA are associated with a significant increase in the total amount contributed to tax-deductible IRAs. The PDF for the above title, published in the August 2004 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another August 2004 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Has There Been a Shift to Small Firms? The Impact of Firm Size on Employment-Based Health Benefits."
The Immoral Assumption Effect Moralization Drives Negative Trait Attributions

Jumping to negative conclusions about other people's traits is judged as morally bad by many people. Despite this, across six experiments (total N = 2,151), we find that multiple types of moral evaluations--even evaluations related to open-mindedness, tolerance, and compassion--play a causal role in these potentially pernicious trait assumptions. Our results also indicate that moralization affects negative-but not positive-trait assumptions, and that the effect of morality on negative assumptions cannot be explained merely by people's general (nonmoral) preferences or other factors that distinguish moral and nonmoral traits, such as controllability or desirability. Together, these results suggest that one of the more destructive human tendencies--making negative assumptions about others--can be caused by the better angels of our nature.
Prehistoric Vegetation and Environment at Chaco Canyon

Pollen analysis of woodrat (Neotoma) middens indicates that the local vegetation at Chaco Canyon and the regional vegetation of the San Juan Basin, northwestern New Mexico, have been shrub grassland since at least 10,600 years ago. Plant macrofossils in the same woodrat middens indicate that pinyon pine trees were present in the canyon during much of the Holocene, but low percentages of their pollen grains in both the middens and in adjacent alluvium suggest the trees were few, occurring as small stands or isolated individuals along canyon escarpments. The vegetation at Chaco Canyon during Anasazi times was an arid shrub grassland with a sparse escarpment population of pinyon and juniper. A climate-caused regional increase in pinyon at higher elevation sites occurred approximately at the time of Puebloan abandonment.
The Versailles Treaty and the Irish-Americans

H ISTORICAL WRITING about American rejection of the Versailles Treaty has too often reflected the inability of historians to resist the temptation to portray the events of 1919-1920 as a classic struggle between the executive and the legislative branches, between a stubborn Democratic President and a waspish Republican Senate, or-even more narrowly-as a personal duel between Woodrow Wilson and Henry Cabot Lodge. Although such interpretations do explain a great deal, they tend to ignore the extraordinary public furor over the treaty. American politicians do not operate in a vacuum. In the United States, as in all democracies, legislators are responsive to public opinion. Traditionally, pressure groups have most effectively brought such opinion to bear on congressmen; and throughout American history, minorities have been better organized than majorities to exert this pressure.' Minority opinion has seldom been more militant or influential than it was in 1919, when a cluster of ethnic groups became embittered by the frustration of their parent nationalities at the peace conference. Among these immigrant peoples none became more cynical, more militant, or more influential politically than the Irish. Paradoxically, however, just a few months before the Senate began debate on the treaty, it looked as if the Irish would join ranks with those groups most fervently supporting the Wilsonian peace. Significant Irish-American opposition to the Versailles Treaty originated in the spring of 1919. Agitation for Ireland's freedom had been characteristic of Irish politics in America since the era of the French Revolution, and Celtic optimism and exuberance ran especially high in the weeks preceding the opening of the peace conference at Paris. Victory in the struggle for Irish independence ap-
Extending 100G transatlantic optical transmission over legacy DMF fibers using time-domain four-dimensional nonbinary LDPC-coded modulation

The transmission reach of 102.4 Gb/s Nyquist-shaped signal has been experimentally improved to 7,680 km by employing time-domain four-dimensional nonbinary LDPC-coded modulation scheme, resulting in 1,440 km extended distance compared to the counterpart nonbinary LDPC-coded PDM-QPSK.
Linear Characterization of Ultrafast Nonlinear Spatiotemporal Dynamics

We use time-domain Spatially and Spectrally Resolved Interferometry (SSRI) to characterize nonlinear lensing, cross-polarized wave generation and ionization induced defocusing. SSRI yields t- and ω-dependent wavefronts and can measure ultrafast material response.
Intra-populational variation in the intensity of sexual selection in breeding aggregations of woodhouse's toad (Bufo woodhousei)

closer examination, the subcaudal tail whorls are arranged in uniform rings, which is diagnostic for C. acutus, and are not interrupted by intercalated scales or groups of scales (Brazaitis, 1973; Ross and Ross, 1974), as is the case in C. moreletii. Based on these data, the crocodilian in Lago de Yojoa and other known localities in Honduras is Crocodylus acutus. Crocodylus moreletii remains unreported from Honduras.
INVESTIGATION OF STERLIZATION AND DISINFECTION QUALITY OF STOMATOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS IN CHENGDU

Objective To understand the present situation and problems of sterilization and disinfection quality of medical instruments and diagnostics in stomatological institutions in Chengdu so as to provide scientific basis of the disinfection management and guidance of the stomatological institutions.Methods Questionnaire investigation and sampling examination method were used to investigate disinfection management and quality of 153 stomatological institutions.Results More than 90% of Chengdu municipal dental institutions used pressure steam to sterilize dental drill mobile phone,while only about 80% of primary dental clinics used pressure steam to sterilize dental drill mobile phone.Most dental institutions had no separate cleaning,no cleaning device and no non-contact type washing device.There were 1 065 samples collected in dental institutions and the average total qualified rate was 96.71%.Conclusion The monitoring results of disinfection effect of dental clinics in Chengdu is good,but the basic disinfection facilities configuration is not complete.So construction of basic disinfection facilities should be strengthened.