cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid high-fidelity image compression technique using multiscale wavelets

Multiresolution pyramid decomposition of images for data compression and transmission have been successfully employed using the common frame of linear subband filtering techniques involving wavelet transform, and Laplacian of Gaussian while multiresolution morphological pyramid decomposition represent a different class of nonlinear filters that maybe used as an optimal predictor of an image. To achieve a desired compression ratio for a specific class of images, a compression algorithm needs to be optimized at all stages from initial mapping to final encoding. We demonstrate the superiority of an optimized wavelet transform based compression algorithm over the standard JPEG from a number of distortion measure criteria for radiographic images. We also describe here a hybrid technique for noisy images where a combination of multiresolution morphological and wavelet filters dramatically reduce the inherent noise and hence increase the peak signal to noise ratio at a particular compression level. Noisy synthetic aperture radar images are chosen as illustrations.
ANALYSIS ON CENSORED QUANTILE RESIDUAL LIFE MODEL VIA SPLINE SMOOTHING.

We propose a general class of quantile residual life models, where a spe- cific quantile of the residual life time, conditional on an individual has survived up to time t, is a function of certain covariates with their coefficients varying over time. The varying coefficients are assumed to be smooth unspecified functions of t. We propose to estimate the coefficient functions using spline approximation. Incorporating the spline representation directly into a set of unbiased estimating equations, we obtain a one-step estimation procedure, and we show that this leads to a uniformly consistent estimator. To obtain further computational simplification, we propose a two-step estimation approach in which we estimate the coefficients on a series of time points first, and follow this with spline smoothing. We compare the two methods in terms of their asymptotic efficiency and computational com- plexity. We further develop inference tools to test the significance of the covariate effect on residual life. The finite sample performance of the estimation and testing procedures are further illustrated through numerical experiments. We also apply the methods to a data set from a neurological study.
An overview of strategic alliances

Strategic alliances can be effective ways to diffuse new technologies rapidly, to enter a new market, to bypass governmental restrictions expeditiously, and to learn quickly from the leading firms in a given field. However, strategic alliances are not simple or easy to create, develop, and support. Strategic alliances projects often fail because of tactical errors made by management. By using a well managed strategic alliances agreement, companies can gain in markets that would otherwise be uneconomical. Considerable time and energy must be put forth by all involved in order to create a successful alliance. It is essential that corporations enter into strategic alliances arrangements with a comprehensive plan outlining detailed expectations, requirements, and expected benefits.
2012 School for Liquid Surface X-ray Scattering: Theory and Experimental Methods

Synchrotron X-ray scattering from liquid interfaces has been indispensable in the investigation of the fundamental science of soft interfaces and in the study of controlled model systems for physical, chemical, and biological processes. However, the very characteristics that make liquid interfaces interesting also make them a challenge to study. At the second School for Liquid Surface X-ray Scattering (LSXS 2012), held at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory on October 17–19, 2012, students learned some of the tricks of the trade from experienced users and beamline scientists. The first LSXS school was held at APS in 2007.
The Decline of Traditional State Dirigisme in France: The Transformation of Political Economic Policies and Policymaking Processes

During the Mitterrand years, successive governments' policies of deregulation and privatization have progressively deprived the state of many of its traditional interventionist instruments. As a result of this, as well as of the internationalization of world trade and the economic integration of Europe, French business has become more independent of the state as well as more interdependent. With these changes in both business and government have come a concomitant transformation in French policymaking processes, such that the traditionally heroic government policies formulated absent business input have been succeeded by more everyday ones, where business for the most part leads and government follows.
Maximal covering tree problems

Hutson and ReVelle [8] define the maximal direct covering tree problem as a bicriterion problem to identify a subtree of a given tree. The two criteria are to maximize demand covered by the subtree and to minimize the cost of the subtree. Demand at a node on the underlying tree is considered covered if it is within some prespecified covering distance S of the subtree. In the direct covering version of the problem. S = 0. In this article we present a new bicriterion formulation of the maximal direct covering tree problem and present O(n2) algorithms for solving both this problem and the special case where one must add to an existing subtree. The new formulation is extremely concise; consequently, additional constraints may be added where appropriate. This is demonstrated with the addition of a budget constraint. In addition, we demonstrate that the new formulation and algorithm can be readily extended to incorporate indirect covering (i.e., S > 0) as defined by Kim et al. [9]. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Binomial coefficient recursion: the good, and the bad and ugly

The binomial coefficient or, alternatively, the number of combinations of n items taken k at a time, provides two defining recurrences. One of these provides a very useful recursive function a very good way for a program to calculate this function. The other provides a very wasteful recursive function the balancing bad and ugly way.
Negotiated belief structures and decision performance: An empirical investigation.

Abstract When a group approaches a decision, each member may hold a schema for the information domain of the issue in question. A negotiated belief structure represents the politically enacted collection of schemata employed by the group in their deliberations. The aggregation of these schemata is marked by two structural properties—realized coverage and realized consensus. An examination of 713 product decisions made by 29 firms in a simulated business environment indicates that these structural properties are systematically related to product and firm performance.
Dynamic responses of protein homeostatic regulatory mechanisms to perturbations from steady state.

Abstract Nineteen hypothetical protein homeostatic regulatory mechanisms were constructed and analysed in terms of the rate at which they recovered from a perturbation in the steady-state concentration of any component. Systems were constructed to symbolize transcription/translation processes of the average protein from Escherichia coli (1000 copies of protein P along with 1 gene G per cell). In some model systems, G catalysed the synthesis of P directly, while in others G catalysed the synthesis of mRNA (called M), and M catalysed the synthesis of P in a subsequent step. Recovery rates for each regulatory mechanism were obtained by generating the corresponding system of differential equations, linearizing the system about the steady state, and determining eigenvalues of the associated coefficient matrix. The optimal rate of recovery for a given mechanism, R D , was determined by combining random and gradient search approaches to find rate constants for which the system recovered fastest. Regulatory elements that improved dynamic regulation were identified. These consisted of negative feedback relationships that involved P binding to either G (to shut off the synthesis of P) or M (to stimulate its degradation). Regulation improved as increasing numbers of P's bound to either G or M; however, the binding to M was more effective. In other mechanisms PP dimers bound G. Dimer-binding mechanisms were roughly twice as effective in terms of regulation as those that bound P monomers. The effect of linking two regulatory “modules” was also investigated. Linking had no effect on R D , but optimal rate constants for the linked system were similar to those of the unlinked modules, suggesting that it may be feasible to construct regulatory networks by linking individual modules of this type.
MP55-15 SARCOPENIA IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED CANCER-SPECIFIC AND ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH BLADDER CANCER UNDERGOING RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

constructedhand-sewnpouches. Todate, fewpaperswithadequate follow up reported the incidence of stone formation into stapled neobladders. We assessed the risk of stone formation in a single centre cohort of open orthotopic ileal neobladder performed with stapler. METHODS: FromMay 2001 andOctober 2012, 445 consecutive patients, 388males and 57 females, were treatedwith radical cystectomy and orthotopic Padua ileal neobladder for bladder cancer. Follow-up included a complete physical examination, serum electrolyte and creatinine assessment, urine analyses and urine culture at each visit, abdominal ultrasonography or CT alternatively at 6 month intervals. In case of stone formation into the ileal reservoir, patients underwent cystoscopy and, when necessary, transurethral lithotripsy. Univariable analysis was performed including age, gender, day-time and nigh-time continence, urinary tract infections and urethral anastomosis strictures, to evaluate the risk of stone formation. RESULTS: At a median follow up was 37 (IQR 16-58) months, neobladder stones occurred in 41 patients (9.2%). Median time to stone formation was 31 (IQR 15-50) months. All these patients successfully underwent endoscopic stone lithotripsy, 34 of which as outpatient procedure. At univariable analysis only female gender was associated with an increased risk of stone formation (p1⁄40.007). CONCLUSIONS: In our series of “stapled” Padua ileal neobladder, the rate of stone formation was comparable with those reported in literature for completely hand sewn ileal reservoirs. Larger series are necessary to assess the independent role of stapler as determinant of neobladder stone formations.
Organosilicon compounds XVII. Introduction of the dialkyl phosphonate and dialkyl thiophosphonate moieties on an organosilicon substituted heterocyclic system

A number of new dialkyl 2-(5-trisubstitutedsilyl)thienylphosphonates and thiophosphonates as well as dialkyl 2-(5-trisubstitutedsilyl)furylphosphonates and thiophosphonates were prepared via reaction of the 5-(trisubstitutedsilyl)-2-lithiothiophenes and furans with dialkyl chloro-phosphate and dialkyl chlorothiophosphate. Moreover, some diethyl 2-[5-(trisubstitutedsiIyl)-2-thienyl] ethyl thiophosphates are reported.
Structure for the oxygenated product of peracid oxidation of Dyfonate® insecticide (O-ethyl S-phenyl ethylphosphonodithioate)

Abstract Reaction of O -ethyl S -phenyl ethylphosphonodithioate (Dyfonate®) with m -chloroperbenzoic acid gives phenyl ethoxy(ethyl) phosphinyl disulfide and not the structure proposed by McBain et al . (1). This assignment of structure is based on unambiguous synthesis as well as on interpretation of spectral and chemical evidence. Contrary to the earlier report, this product is probably not an intermediate in enzymatic oxidation of dithionophosphorus compounds in microsomal systems.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bonded Phases Made Via Hydrosilation of Alkynes on Silica Hydride Surfaces

Abstract The use of the silanization/hydrosilation method for the modification of silica is extended to include the bonding of alkynes to hydride surfaces. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform and cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning NMR studies confirm the bonding of several different types of alkynes to the silica hydride and elemental analysis indicates high surface coverage (>3.8 μmol/m 2 ) for four of the five bonded phases. Static stability tests indicate good resistance to hydrolysis at both high and low pH. Preliminary chromatographic evaluations of the bonded materials demonstrate good separation characteristics in both the reversed- and normal-phase modes.
Sinonasal Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor: Case Report and Systematic Review:

We report a case of sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) and conduct a systematic review of the literature to highlight a unique paraneoplastic syndrome associated with PMT. We used English language publications from Medline and Cochrane databases (1970-2013) as data sources. A systematic review of the literature was conducted. All reported cases of head and neck PMTs were included. The presence or absence of the associated paraneoplastic syndrome was noted. We found 33 cases of PMT in the head and neck reported in the literature, 17 of which occurred in the sinonasal area. Approximately 5% of all PMTs are located in the head and neck. Just greater than half are concentrated in the sinonasal area, and the remaining involve various bony and soft tissue structures of the head and neck. PMT is sometimes associated with a paraneoplastic syndrome of tumor-induced (oncogenic) osteomalacia (TIO) causing bone pain, muscle weakness, and pathologic fractures. We present the 18th reported case of sinonasal PMT. A smooth mucosa-covered midline intraseptal mass filling the posterior nasal cavity with destruction and erosion of the skull base was found in an adult male. The patient underwent successful endoscopic resection with wide negative margins and is without recurrence at 24-month follow-up. PMT is a benign, locally aggressive tumor with rare malignant transformation. Knowledge of the bony invasion and destruction caused by this tumor is essential in planning surgical resection with wide negative margins. Familiarity with the associated TIO is essential to investigate for and manage any associated bony morbidity.
Theoretical-experimental approach to the analysis of fatigue crack propagation in hydrogenated materials

We propose a theoretical-experimental model of fatigue crack growth in hydrogen-containing media. The model is based on the regularities of exhaustion of energy accumulated in a material under the conditions of cyclic fracture and the influence of hydrogen-containing media on the mechanical characteristics of the material. By using the deformation approach of fracture mechanics, we deduce analytic dependences for the determination of the conditions of elastoplastic deformation of the material near the crack tip. The effects of crack closure and loading ratio are taken into account. The interactions of various phenomena caused by hydrogen and their general influence on the changes in the fatigue-crack growth rate are evaluated. We also compare the computed values of the fatigue-crack growth rate with experimental values for two types of steel under different conditions.
Methods of Rapid Evaluation, Assessment, and Appraisal

A central issue in the use of rapid evaluation and assessment methods (REAM) is achieving a balance between speed and trustworthiness. In this article, the authors review the key differences and common features of this family of methods and present a case example that illustrates how evaluators can use rapid evaluation techniques in their own work. In doing so, the authors hope to (a) introduce readers to a family of techniques with which they may be unfamiliar, (b) highlight their strengths and limitations, and (c) suggest appropriate contexts for use. Ultimately, the authors hope that REAM becomes a valuable addition to evaluators' toolkits.
DISCUSSION OF: Divestitures of Equity by Executives and Future Equity Granting Patterns

ABSTRACT: Cadman (2013) finds empirically that in response to a CEO divestiture of ownership, boards impose higher compensation risk on CEOs via a higher magnitude of equity grants that are also a higher proportion of annual compensation. The intuition is that by divesting, the CEO diversifies personal wealth risk, which enables boards to impose more risk via variable compensation, over and above what conventional economic determinants would predict. The study highlights the difficulties associated with connecting conventional agency theory to standard empirical tests of the economic determinants of compensation and the importance of measurement in understanding personal wealth diversification. The study also has implications for tests of cross-sectional differences in the pay-for-performance relation associated with CEO divestitures.
Fluorogen-activating scFv biosensors target surface markers on live cells via streptavidin or single-chain avidin.

Fluorescence biosensors are indispensable tools for understanding protein behavior and function in cells. Recent advancements utilize fluorogen-activating-proteins (FAPs) that form complexes with small organic molecules (fluorogens) and result in their fluorescence activation. The technology has found multiple uses in protein discovery applications; however, the current method of detection requires the expression of FAPs as gene fusion tags in cells—a process that is time- and labor-intensive. In this report, we present an alternate method that utilizes FAPs as affinity reagents. Accordingly, we isolated soluble reagents based on FAP fusions with streptavidin (Strep) or avidin proteins, both highly selective for biotin. When tested in vitro, the reagents displayed bi-functional activity, fluorogen activation, and biotin affinity. For live-cell protein discovery, surface targets were biotinylated via biotin-tagged immunoglobulins or a genetically encoded biotin acceptor peptide. As a result, when the cells were labeled with FAP–Strep or FAP–avidin reagent, the in vivo fluorescence measurements indicated high target specificity, minimal background, and bright signal detection. In summary, we present a novel FAP reagent platform that offers a rapid and efficient approach for cell surface protein detection.
Prenatal detection of mosaic trisomy 1q due to an unbalanced translocation in one fetus of a twin pregnancy following in vitro fertilization: a postzygotic error.

Complete or mosaic trisomy for all of chromosome 1q has been seen rarely in a recognized pregnancy. A patient presented with twins following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Ultrasound showed twin A to have a diaphragmatic hernia, thick nuchal fold, and subtle intracranial abnormalities. Twin B appeared normal and a thick dividing membrane was seen. Amniocentesis of twin A showed a male karyotype with mosaic trisomy 1q in 57% of cells resulting from a translocation between chromosomes Yq12 and 1q12. Parental karyotypes were normal. The twins were delivered at 33 weeks. Twin A died at 1 hr of life. Autopsy confirmed the left diaphragmatic hernia and hypoplastic lungs. Autopsy also revealed a partial cleft palate, syndactyly of the second and third toes bilaterally, external deviation of the left 5th toe, and contractures of the index fingers bilaterally. A recent report documented formation of a chimera resulting from embryo amalgamation after IVF. Given the rarity of the cytogenetic findings in our case, we sought to determine if the mosaicism was a result of chimera formation related to the IVF. Thirteen polymorphic loci throughout the genome, in addition to four on 1q and four on 1p, were amplified by PCR. Only two alleles were observed at each of these loci in twin A, one paternal and the other maternal. We present further clinical findings of this case with a rare cytogenetic abnormality that appears to have originated from a postzygotic mitotic error and not embryo amalgamation.
Pure vs. mixed commodity bundling

In the commodity bundling literature, pure bundling is ruled out as a uniquely optimal strategy because mixed bundling is always (weakly) better. This paper provides a theoretical distinction between the two pricing schemes. The distinction relies on the degree of consumer heterogeneity in reservation prices. While there is a lack of empirical evidence on commodity bundling pricing schemes due to the difficulties in measuring consumer heterogeneity, we circumvent this problem by examining firm heterogeneity. Specifically, we use data from the newspaper industry in which some two edition newspaper firms are mixed bundlers and others are pure bundlers.
Fast approximation of the permanent for very dense problems

Approximation of the permanent of a matrix with nonnegative entries is a well studied problem. The most successful approach to date for general matrices uses Markov chains to approximately sample from a distribution on weighted permutations, and Jerrum, Sinclair, and Vigoda developed such a method they proved runs in polynomial time in the input. The current bound on the running time of their method is O(n7(log n)4). Here we present a very different approach using sequential acceptance/rejection, and show that for a class of dense problems this method has an O(n4 log n) expected running time.
Symmetric alternation captures BPP

We introduce the natural class ${\bf\,S}^P_2$ containing those languages that may be expressed in terms of two symmetric quantifiers. This class lies between $\Delta^P_2$ and $\Sigma^P_2\,\cap\,\Pi^P_2$ and naturally generates a “symmetric” hierarchy corresponding to the polynomial-time hierarchy. We demonstrate, using the probabilistic method, new containment the theorems for BPP. We show that MA (and hence BPP) lies within ${\bf\,S}^P_2$ , orems for BPP. We show that MA (and hence BPP) lies within ${\bf\,S}^P_2$ , improving the constructions of Sipser and Lautemann which show that ${\bf BPP}\subseteq\,\Sigma^P_2\,\cap\,\Pi^P_2$ . Symmetric alternation is shown to enjoy two strong structural properties which are used to prove the desired containment results. We offer some evidence that ${\bf S}^P_2\,\neq\,\Sigma^P_2\,\cap\,\Pi^P_2$ by constructing an oracle O such that ${\bf S}^{P,O}_2\,\neq\,\Sigma^{P,O}_2\,\cap\,\Pi^{P,O}_2$ , assuming that the machines make only “positive” oracle queries.
The search for the primary tumor in patients with skeletal metastases of unknown origin

Forty-six patients who had been evaluated because of skeletal metastases of unknown origin, were reviewed. Twenty-six of the patients were referred to an orthopedic surgeon before confirmation of the metastases by biopsy; 20 others were referred to an oncology clinic after a diagnosis of bone metastases had been established. A simple diagnostic sequence consisting of a medical history, physical examination, routine laboratory studies, chest roentgenogram, technetium 99m phosphonate bone scintigram, and intravenous pyelogram identified the site of the primary tumor in 14 patients; 7 of the primaries were lung carcinomas, 4 were hypernephromas, 2 were breast carcinomas, and 1 was a prostate carcinoma. In two other patients, the histologic findings from the biopsy study were diagnostic; one had a thyroid carcinoma and one, a prostate carcinoma. Further extensive diagnostic workups revealed the site of origin in only four additional patients; two had hypernephromas which were discovered by computed axial tomography of the abdomen; one had an ovarian carcinoma and one had a hepatoma, both of which were found at laparotomy. On the basis of this study, a simple diagnostic strategy is recommended for patients with histopathologically confirmed skeletal metastases of unknown origin: medical history, physical examination, routine laboratory studies, chest radiograph, and technetium 99m phosphonate bone scintigram, followed by computed axial tomographic examination of the abdomen and pelvis. In female patients, it may be judicious to use mammography. If this regimen fails to reveal the primary site, it is unlikely that it will be identified with further extensive diagnostic procedures.
Nucleotide sequence with elements of an unusual two-fold rotational symmetry in the region of origin of replication of SV40 DNA+.

Abstract We have determined the nucleotide sequence at or near the origin of replication of simian virus 40 DNA. This 28-nucleotide-long sequence contains two 8-nucleotide-stretches, complementary to each other, located two nucleotides away from each side of the axis of symmetry. Within each of the 8-nucleotide-stretch is a minor axis of symmetry with 4-nucleotides on each side. This highly symmetrical sequence may be of considerable importance for recognition by a biologically important protein molecule.
Expression of JE (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1) Is Induced by Sciatic Axotomy in Wild Type Rodents but Not in C57BL/Wlds Mice

Recruitment of hematogenous myelomonocytic cells into injured peripheral nerve is essential for axonal regeneration. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (JE) and melanoma growth stimulatory activity/gro (KC) "immediate early" gene products may be important in this process as these proteins are potent chemoattractants for macrophages and neutrophils, respectively. To test this hypothesis, we examined JE and KC activation in rat sciatic nerve 0-30 days after surgical transection. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses of JE and KC expression demonstrates these mRNAs are present in injured nerve, first being expressed by a cellular subpopulation within the zone of trauma by 1.5 hours after injury. By 16 hours posttransection a subpopulation of JE-positive endoneurial cells is found in the proximal stump and throughout the distal nerve segment, with maximal mRNA accumulation occurring 1 day after injury and expression persisting to 18 days postaxotomy, a period preceding and coincident with macrophage infiltration. In contrast, by 3 days postaxotomy KC expression is markedly diminished, consistent with the limited neutrophilic response to nerve injury. JE expression was also examined in C57BL/Wld(s) mice, which have delayed Wallerian degeneration associated with a failure of macrophage recruitment, and their parental C57BL/6J strain. Although JE mRNA is inducible in sciatic nerve from C57BL/6J mice, these transcripts are undetectable in injured nerve from C57BL/Wld(s) mice. Our findings suggest that activation of the JE locus is at least partially responsible for macrophage invasion of injured peripheral nerve. Furthermore, defective postaxotomy macrophage recruitment in C57BL/Wld(s) mice may involve a failure of JE induction.
Attributions of HIV onset controllability, emotional reactions, and helping intentions: Implicit effects of victim sexual orientation

A vignette methodology was used to investigate the effects of systematically manipulating HIV onset controllability and victim sexual orientation on (a) participant attributions about a victim (i.e., perceptions of victim control, responsibility, and blame); (b) participant emotional reactions (anger and sympathy) toward a victim; and (c) participant helping intentions toward a victim. Weiner's (1980a, 1980b, 1995) attributional helping model was tested to determine whether participant anger and sympathy mediated the onset controllability/helping intentions relationship. A total of 399 undergraduate psychology students completed the survey. Statistically significant effects were found for HIV onset controllability and victim sexual orientation on participant attributions, emotional reactions, and helping intentions. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are addressed.
Cellular glutathione status modulates polychlorinated biphenyl-induced stress response and apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells.

Exposure to environmental contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), may severely compromise normal function of vascular endothelial cells (EC). We have previously shown that PCB 77 (3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl), an arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, can induce oxidative stress in cultured EC. We now show that PCB 77 can activate EC and induce a cellular stress response that is reflected by the activation of c-Jun N-terminal/stress-activated protein kinases (JNK/SAPK). Our data also suggest that this PCB 77-mediated stress response can be modulated by the intracellular glutathione content. EC treated with buthionine-sulphoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, further enhanced PCB-induced JNK/SAPK activity. This stress response was sustained only in the presence of BSO plus PCB 77. Media supplementation with the glutathione precursor N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) reduced PCB 77-induced JNK/SAPK. Intracellular glutathione also may be implicated in PCB-induced EC apoptosis. Individual treatment with PCB, BSO, or linoleic acid induced activation of caspase 3. Compared to PCB 77 alone, annexin V activity was further amplified during combined treatment with BSO and PCB 77. DNA fragmentation was mostly observed when cells were treated with both BSO and PCB 77. The caspase 3-specific inhibitor DEVD–CHO protected cells against PCB 77/BSO-mediated apoptosis and inhibited the caspase activity without affecting JNK/SAPK activation or cellular glutathione levels. These results suggest that AhR ligands, such as PCB 77, cause vascular EC dysfunction by modulating intracellular glutathione, which subsequently leads to activation of stress-specific kinases. Furthermore, inhibition of glutathione synthesis by BSO can further potentiate the PCB 77-induced stress response and ultimately lead to apoptotic cell death.
The Pro-atherogenic Cytokine Interleukin-18 Induces CXCL16 Expression in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells via MyD88, Interleukin-1 Receptor-associated Kinase, Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 6, c-Src, Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, Akt, c-Jun N-terminal Kinase, and Activator Protein-1 Signaling

We recently demonstrated that the chemokine CXCL16 is expressed in aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC) and induces ASMC adhesion and proliferation (Chandrasekar, B., Bysani, S., and Mummidi, S. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 3188-3196). Here we reort that interleukin (IL)-18 positively regulates CXCL16 transcription in rat ASMC. We characterized the cis-regulatory region of CXCL16 and identified a functional activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding motif. Deletion or mutation of this site attenuated IL-18-mediated CXCL16 promoter activity. Gel shift, supershift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed AP-1-dependent CXCL16 expression. CXCL16 promoter-reporter activity was increased by constitutively active c-Fos and c-Jun and decreased by dominant negative or antisense c-Fos and c-Jun. Src kinase inhibitors PP1 and PP2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002, Akt inhibitor, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, antisense JNK and dominant negative MyD88, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-1, IRAK4, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase expression all attenuated IL-18-mediated AP-1 binding and reporter activity, CXCL16 promoter-reporter activity, and CXCL16 expression. Thus IL-18 induced CXCL16 expression via a MyD88 --> IRAK1-IRAK4-TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6) --> c-Src--> PI3K --> Akt --> JNK --> AP-1 pathway. Importantly, IL-18 stimulated ASMC proliferation in a CXCL16-dependent manner. These data provide for the first time a mechanism of IL-18-mediated CXCL16 gene transcription and CXCL16-dependent ASMC proliferation and suggest a role for IL-18-CXCL16 cross-talk in atherogenesis and restenosis following angioplasty.
Evaluation of a combined index of optic nerve structure and function for glaucoma diagnosis

The definitive diagnosis of glaucoma is currently based on congruent damage to both optic nerve structure and function. Given widespread quantitative assessment of both structure (imaging) and function (automated perimetry) in glaucoma, it should be possible to combine these quantitative data to diagnose disease. We have therefore defined and tested a new approach to glaucoma diagnosis by combining imaging and visual field data, using the anatomical organization of retinal ganglion cells. Data from 1499 eyes of glaucoma suspects and 895 eyes with glaucoma were identified at a single glaucoma center. Each underwent Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT) imaging and standard automated perimetry. A new measure combining these two tests, the structure function index (SFI), was defined in 3 steps: 1) calculate the probability that each visual field point is abnormal, 2) calculate the probability of abnormality for each of the six HRT optic disc sectors, and 3) combine those probabilities with the probability that a field point and disc sector are linked by ganglion cell anatomy. The SFI was compared to the HRT and visual field using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The SFI produced an area under the ROC curve (0.78) that was similar to that for both visual field mean deviation (0.78) and pattern standard deviation (0.80) and larger than that for a normalized measure of HRT rim area (0.66). The cases classified as glaucoma by the various tests were significantly non-overlapping. Based on the distribution of test values in the population with mild disease, the SFI may be better able to stratify this group while still clearly identifying those with severe disease. The SFI reflects the traditional clinical diagnosis of glaucoma by combining optic nerve structure and function. In doing so, it identifies a different subset of patients than either visual field testing or optic nerve head imaging alone. Analysis of prospective data will allow us to determine whether the combined index of structure and function can provide an improved standard for glaucoma diagnosis.
Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) Based Multi-Level Graphics Representation for Engineering Rich-Content Exchange in Mobile Collaboration Computing Environments

A two-dimensional (2D) graphics hierarchical representation framework and an on-demand content delivery mechanism for facilitating mobile engineering collaboration are presented in this paper. Multi-level graphics content sub-division is utilized to transform large engineering graphics into multiple levels of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) content. The hierarchical structure of the SVG content that maintains the relationship between the sub-divided content is formed during the process of sub-division. The divided content is selectively delivered and rendered on the mobile devices in an on-demand fashion. A prototypical system of the proposed approach is implemented and the performance of the framework is evaluated.
Protective Vasomotor Effects of In Vivo Recombinant Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression in a Canine Model of Cerebral Vasospasm

Background and Purpose — Post-subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) cerebral vasospasm is a potentially devastating condition whose pathogenesis involves impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. We aimed to determine whether recombinant endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) gene expression may protect vasomotor function and prevent vasospasm in a canine experimental SAH model. Methods — Recombinant adenoviral vectors (5×10[9][1] plaque-forming units/animal) encoding genes for eNOS (AdeNOS) and β-galactosidase (AdLacZ) or vehicle were injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs on day −1 (ie, 24 hours before the first intra-CSF injection of blood on day 0). Cerebral angiography was performed at day 0 (baseline) and day 7 (immediately before death), and tissues were harvested for additional studies. Results — Western analysis and immunohistochemistry detected recombinant eNOS exclusively in cerebral arteries isolated from AdeNOS-transduced dogs, and in this group of animals CSF NO concentrations were significantly elevated by day 2. Analysis of day 7 versus day 0 cerebral angiograms for each group revealed significant spasm at the basilar artery midpoint in AdLacZ-transduced and nontransduced dogs but not in AdeNOS-transduced dogs. Isometric force recording of basilar arteries isolated from AdeNOS-transduced dogs showed significantly augmented relaxations to bradykinin and reduced contractions to endothelin-1. Conclusions — Our results suggest that expression of recombinant eNOS in the adventitia of cerebral arteries may contribute toward protection against post-SAH vasospasm. [1]: #ref-9
The Role of Psychosocial Factors in the Transition to Substance Use: Are They Protective Among Urban Minority Adolescents?

Changes in psychosocial risk and protective factors associated with the onset of substance use were examined in a sample of 556 urban public school sixth graders. General linear modeling analyses indicated that students who did not use substances by the end of sixth grade consistently had higher scores on protective factors than did students who were already using substances at the beginning of sixth grade. Students who began to use during the school year were in flux with scores similar to nonusers at Time 1 and scores closer to early users by Time 2. These findings suggest that interventions which focus on skill enhancement during the transition to middle school may be effective at delaying the onset of substance use. Editors' Strategic Implications: The authors find the same protective factors in this urban, primarily African American sample that are typical in suburban, White samples. Developmentalists and school officials will find interesting the changing effects of protective factors against early substance use during the transitional sixth grade year.
Long-term antibody production is sustained by antibody-secreting cells in the bone marrow following acute viral infection

Acute viral infection of humans induces virus-specific serum antibody production that often persists for decades. To better understand the nature of this long-term antiviral antibody response, we studied antiviral antibody production of mice acutely infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Although this viral infection is resolved within 2 weeks, virus-specific serum antibody levels were maintained for > 300 days postinfection. The anatomic site of long-term antibody production was identified using an ELISPOT assay to quantitate LCMV-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC). The initial antiviral ASC response in the spleen peaked at 8 days postinfection and then declined sharply, with less than 10% of the day 8 ASC population remaining after 60 days. Although no LCMV specific ASC were detected in the bone marrow at day 8, virus-specific ASC began accumulating in the bone marrow by 15 days postinfection. By day 60, approximately 10-fold more antiviral ASC were present in the bone marrow than in the spleen, and the bone marrow remained the major site of antibody production for > 10 months postinfection. To further characterize the LCMV-specific antibody response, the relative percentage of each IgG subclass (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3) was determined. IgG2a was the predominant IgG subclass produced during LCMV infection, and the IgG subclass profile of virus-specific ASC in the spleen and bone marrow matched the IgG subclass profile of virus-specific IgG in the serum. Following a secondary infection with LCMV, splenic ASC numbers increased rapidly with a peak at 5 days after secondary infection. This was followed by a sharp decline in ASC numbers by day 15. In contrast, virus-specific ASC numbers in bone marrow remained essentially unchanged during the acute phase of the secondary infection but increased approximately twofold at day 15, corresponding to a twofold increase in virus-specific serum antibody levels. These results indicate that following a primary viral infection or upon reexposure to a virus, the initial antibody response occurs in the spleen, but long-term antiviral antibody production is maintained in the bone marrow.
Origin of vesicle layering and double imbrication by endogenous growth in the Birkett basalt flow (Columbia river plateau)

Abstract The 40-m thick Birkett basalt pahoehoe flow at Sentinel Gap in the Columbia River Plateau has an unusually thick (≥15 m) upper vesicular zone. This zone includes a striking layering in which the layers have contrasted vesicle abundances and sizes. Most layers show a reverse grading of vesicle size and abundance. The layering is interpreted to have grown endogenously by the cyclic injection of vesicular lava layers under the growing top crust, accommodated by uplift of that crust. Grading of the layers resulted from vesicle growth and ascent. Each injection occurred at or near the boundary between vesicular and non-vesicular lava of the preceding layer and split that layer into an upper vesicular part and a lower non-vesicular part. Critical to this interpretation are (1) a pervasive foliation and lineation, defined by the parallelism of strongly flattened and elongate vesicles, transects the vesicle layers obliquely; and (2) the magnetic fabric (the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility) is oriented similarly to the vesicle foliation, and also defines a cryptic foliation in the non-vesicular zone having a dip opposed to that in the layered zone. These foliations are interpreted to be opposed imbrications and indicate the flow azimuth of the lava. They strongly support the concept of lava growth by successive thin sill-like insertions of fresh vesicular lava between hot but static and effectively solid floor and roof.
Bipolar diffusion charging of fibrous aerosol particles. I: Charging theory

Possible models for the bipolar diffusion charging mechanism of long fibrous or chainlike aerosol particles are discussed and compared numerically. While few specific approaches for elongated particles are available, reviews of equilibrium charging and steady-state ion flux theories suggest an approximation of particle shape by conducting spheroids. A “charging equivalent diameter” DQE is introduced, which leads to a particularly simple expression for the Boltzmann charge distribution. In the transition region of Knudsen numbers and for the image charge effect, no rigorous solution is available for elongated particles. The model of Laframboise, J. G. and Chang, J. S., J. Aerosol Sci. 8, 331 (1977) appears to be limited to particle dimensions much larger than the ion mean free path. Calculations with a modified Fuchs-Natanson model indicate that image force and non-continuum effects contribute marginally above d1 ⋍ 0.04 μm.
One View of Man-Machine Interaction

For the computer to be a tool of the general scientist rather than of the computer specialist it will have to conform to the characteristics of interpersonal communications, since these are rooted in the characteristics of human intelligence. It must not require the scientist to use a language which is formal or which requires special study. It must, like a human assistant, share with each particular employer the labor of establishing a common language and of formulating clear instructions. This shared labor must take the form of a dialog in which the computer asks questions on obscure portions of its instructions. The computer must accept as answers either paraphrases or explanations. It should not need to repeat identical or similar questions. It should choose fundamental or revealing questions; if necessary an employer can encourage this by giving fundamental answers to superficial questions.
Methotrexate pneumonitis: review of the literature and histopathological findings in nine patients

Pneumonitis is a serious and unpredictable side-effect of treatment with methotrexate (MTX) that may become life-threatening. The clinical and histological features of nine cases of MTX pneumonitis are reported and the literature reviewed. The typical clinical symptoms include progressive shortness of breath and cough, often associated with fever. Hypoxaemia and tachypnoea are always present and crackles are frequently audible. Chest radiography reveals a diffuse interstitial or mixed interstitial and alveolar infiltrate, with a predilection for the lower lung fields. Pulmonary function tests show a restrictive pattern with diminished diffusion capacity. Lung biopsy reveals cellular interstitial infiltrates, granulomas or a diffuse alveolar damage pattern accompanied by perivascular inflammation. These clinical and pathological findings are not specific to MTX pneumonitis and can be seen with other drug-induced lung toxicities. It is important that all patients receiving methotrexate be educated concerning this potential adverse reaction and instructed to contact their physicians should significant new pulmonary symptoms develop while undergoing therapy. If methotrexate pneumonitis is suspected, methotrexate should be discontinued, supportive measures instituted and careful examination for different causes of respiratory distress conducted.
Design Of A Proof-Of-Concept Imaging Infrared Radiometer

Evaluation of proposed new U. S. Navy calibration methodologies and techniques will be performed using an imaging radiometer. Mr. Westfall and Mr. Larason develop an analytical model for initial analysis and present results of the first-order performance model developed during conceptual design. Scanner selection and the blackbody references are addressed, and the performance prediction for the detailed design is included. The paper then turns to noise versus encoding interval, discusses the system block diagram, and summarizes anticipated calibration and testing requirements.
Protein restriction during gestation alters histone modifications at the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) promoter region and induces GLUT4 expression in skeletal muscle of female rat offspring

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is an intrauterine factor that results in alteration of the offspring genome and associates with disease risk in the offspring. We investigated the impact of a maternal low-protein (LP) diet on the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in offspring skeletal muscle. GLUT4 is an insulin-regulated glucose transporter involved in insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism in muscle cells. We observed sex-dependent GLUT4 mRNA expression and increased GLUT4 protein content in female pup skeletal muscle with maternal LP. Analysis of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of increased skeletal muscle GLUT4 expression in offspring rats revealed the regulatory mechanisms involved. The protein level of myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A), which has been known as an activator of GLUT4 transcription via the ability to carry out specific binding to the GLUT4 MEF2 binding sequence, increased in female pups whose mothers were fed a LP diet. Modifications of chromatin structure, including acetylated histone H3, acetylated histone H4 and di-methylated histone H3 at lysine 4, were detected at a significantly increased level at the GLUT4 promoter region in female pup muscle following a maternal LP diet. Glycogen content was also detected as up-regulated, accompanied by increased glycogen synthase in LP female offspring muscle. These results document that maternal protein restriction during pregnancy induces GLUT4 expression in female offspring skeletal muscle but not in males, which may indicate sex-dependent adaptation of glucose metabolism to a maternal LP diet.
Naphthyridine chemistry. VIII. The mass spectra of the 1,X-naphthyridines and some of their methyl derivatives†

The mass spectra of the four parent 1,X-naphthyridines, the 2,3 and 4-monomethyl-1,5-,1,6-. and 1,8- naphthyridincs, seven dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridines, and one trimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine are reported. Evidence for an azatropylium ion intermediate in the fragmentation of the methyl compounds is presented. The fragmentation modes of the naphthyridines are similar to those for the quinolines in addition to several new processes
Transnasal insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a patient with intermaxillary fixation: case report

We describe successful placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy via the transnasal approach in a patient who required intermaxillary fixation for an open mandible fracture, and required enteral nutrition for chronic respiratory failure and traumatic brain injury. This method may be useful in other cases where the transoral route is not available for endoscopic insertion of enterostomy tubes.