cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Moral Veto: Framing Contraception, Abortion, and Cultural Pluralism in the United States

Why have legislative initiatives occurred on such controversial issues as contraception and abortion at times when activist movements had demobilized and the public seemed indifferent? Why did the South - currently a region where anti-abortion sentiment is stronger than in most of the country - liberalize its abortion laws in the 1960s at a faster pace than any other region? Why have abortion and contraception sometimes been framed as matters of medical practice, and at other times as matters of moral significance? These are some of the questions addressed in The Moral Veto: Framing Contraception, Abortion, and Cultural Pluralism in the United States. Based on archival and sociological research, and speaking to issues in the study of culture, social movements, and legal change, this 2005 book examines what the history of controversies over such morally charged issues tells us about cultural pluralism in the United States.
Modeling of information systems security features with colored Petri nets

In this paper, instead of designing a model of information system considering all security features, we have incorporated security' into an existing non-secured model. This makes our approach pragmatic and economical. As a starting point we have used a colored Petri net model of the information system. Then we incrementally added several desired security features to the colored Petri net model of the original information system. We illustrate our approach to the information systems security design by using example of a system of conference paper submission and design/CPN software platform
A specification language for the optimal design of exotic FIR filters with second-order cone programs

Application-tailored individual and joint FIR-filter designs of remarkable complexity are elegantly coded using our MATLAB toolbox Opt, a research tool providing a DSP-oriented modeling language for driving ultra-efficient off-the-shelf numerical solvers of (linear and) second-order cone programs. Opt data types symbolically capture affine or (nonnegative definite) quadratic dependencies on optimization variables, which gain numeric values only later, when optimized. On those basic types it builds affine vector and complex-time-sequence types for specifying impulse response structures in 1D or multi-D, with sample spacing either uniform or not. Dependencies can be manipulated symbolically with arithmetic and DSP operations including convolution, filter match, and Fourier transform. Linear and MS errors in frequency and time domains can be constructed, constrained and optimized. MSE constructions include output powers of filter systems driven by symbolic random-process drive signals having user-specified PSDs.
Physical Chemistry of Ices in the Outer Solar System

The major icy satellites of the outer planets are recognized as complex planet-like objects with unique geologic histories and their own cryogenic versions of the igneous and tectonic processes that shape Earth and other rocky planets. The volcanological nature, surface compositions, internal structures, and overall geologic histories of icy satellites depend considerably on the satellites’icy compositions and the physical properties and phase behavior of these ices. Selected data pertinent to cryovolcanism and melting processes of icy satellites are reviewed here.
Simple Fluorometric Method for Estimating Practolol [1-(4-Aminophenoxy)-3-isopropylaminopropan-2-ol] in Blood and Urine

A fluorometric method has been devised for determining practolol [1-(4-aminophenoxy)-3-isopropylaminopropan-2-ol], a new beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, in blood and urine. The conjugate of deacetylated practolol with nitrosonaphthol is highly fluorescent in weak acid. The excitation wavelength used is 460 nm, the emission wavelength 550 nm.
Therapy‐related B‐lymphoblastic leukemia associated with Philadelphia chromosome and MLL rearrangement: Single institution experience and the review of the literature

Therapy related acute lymphoblastic leukemia (t-ALL) of B cell origin is rare and constitutes approximately 2% of all ALL. Previously compiled data on the complete cytogenetic analysis of 48 t-B-ALL cases suggested that MLL rearrangement at 11q23 gene locus is the most common abnormality. Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) and a normal karyotype were reported as the second and third most common karyotypes, respectively. We investigated cytogenetic karyotypes of six t-B-ALL cases with a pre-B cell immunophenotype. Ph + t-B-ALL was noted in four of six patients previously treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy. In addition, one case demonstrated MLL rearrangement at 11q23 locus while one case demonstrated normal cytogenetic karyotype. Five of the six t-B-ALL patients had persistent leukemia following initiation of chemotherapy for secondary leukemia with survival ranging from 10 to 21 months. To our knowledge, only fourteen patients with Ph + t-B-ALL have been described in the literature. In the current study, three of four cases with Ph + t-B-ALL were associated with treated breast carcinoma while one patient was treated for Hodgkin lymphoma. All four patients had undergone radiation therapy. The results may indicate a plausible association between Ph+t-B-ALL and prior radiation exposure.
Genetic evidence for difference between intracellular and extracellular peptides in influenza A matrix peptide-specific CTL recognition.

During the course of extensive mutagenesis of HLA-A2.1, we examined influenza A matrix peptide (FMP)-specific CTL recognition of HMy2.C1R (C1R) cells expressing mutant HLA-A2.1 molecules, sensitized with synthetic peptide, FMP 58-66, (exogenous peptide), or infected with influenza A virus (endogenous peptide). Most mutants showed equivalent presentation of exogenous and endogenous peptides to FMP-specific CTL. However, five of the mutants differed in this property. Two of the five mutants, F9L and T134K, present exogenous peptide to FMP-specific CTL, but fail to present endogenous peptide to CTL. Western blot analysis using anti-matrix protein Ab indicates that the matrix protein is expressed in these mutants after infection with virus. Interestingly, transfection of these two mutants with a minigene encoding FMP 58-66 results in efficient lysis by FMP-specific CTL. Peptide-binding assays demonstrate that the two mutations dramatically decrease the binding of FMP. However, these mutants bind FMP as well as wild type in the presence of exogenously added human beta 2-m, suggesting that the lower affinity for beta 2-m leads to the inability to present endogenous peptide. The remaining three mutants, Y27N, Q32K, and S132C, fail to present exogenous peptide, but present endogenous peptide to FMP-specific CTL. Pulse-chase analyses followed by endoglycosidase-H treatment show that the rate of maturation and processing of the five mutant HLA-A2 molecules in C1R cells is identical to that of wild type. Overall, this study suggests that the assembly and subsequent recognition of endogenous peptide differs from that of exogenous peptide.
BUCKWHEAT HONEY INCREASES SERUM ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN HUMANS

Honey has been known to exert significant in vitro antioxidant activity, in part due to its phenolic content. However, conclusions that the antioxidants in honey are or are not efficacious in the human body cannot be reached if its antioxidant action is not assessed as part of a human study. In the present study, the acute effect of consumption of 500 mL of water, water with buckwheat honey, black tea, black tea with sugar, or black tea with buckwheat honey on serum oxidative reactions was examined in 25 healthy men. Antioxidant capacity of human serum samples was measured using different methods: the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, ex vivo susceptibility of serum lipoprotein to Cu 2+ -induced oxidation, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The results showed that the serum antioxidant capacity determined by ORAC increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 7% following consumption of buckwheat honey in water. No significant changes in serum antioxidant capacity could be established after the consumption of any of the other beverages. Ex vivo serum lipoprotein oxidation and TBARS values were not significantly altered after consumption of any of the five beverages. This study provides primary evidence of the in vivo antioxidant activity of buckwheat honey. However, long-term studies and epidemiological data are necessary to investigate whether honey consumption can exert overall antioxidant-related health benefits.
Age-related changes in the cellular immune response of lymph node and thymus cells in long-lived mice

Abstract Relative capabilities of lymph node and thymus cells from (C57BL/6J) × Balb/cJ) F 1 -hybrid mice and from (C57BL/6J × 129J)F 1 —hybrid mice 6, 20, and 30 mo of age to respond in the mixed lymphocyte reaction were assessed. Both the direct response and the ability to synergize with partner lymph node or thymus cells were studied. Lymph node cells demonstrated an age-related decline both in responding directly to stimulation by allogeneic cells, and in ability to synergize with syngeneic thymocytes. Thymus cells showed an age-related increase in response to direct stimulation, and no clear-cut age-related change in synergizing capability. In these long-lived mouse strains at least one cause of the age-related decline in cellular immunity relates to developing deficiencies in the recirculating lymphoid pool, probably T 2 cells.
A statistical reliability approach to linear programming

The implications of the probabilistic interpretation of a linear programming system in terms of the statistical theory of reliability are here analyzed. The concept of reliability, its relation to the presence of excess resources or organizational slack and to the age distribution of specific resources like capital with a specific depletion function is explored from an economic viewpoint. Possible uses of this reliability approach for economic models of resource allocation are also indicated, particularly for the case when the optimal durability of fixed resources is to be determined.
Neutralization and deviance in the workplace: Theft of supplies and medicines by hospital nurses

This article focuses on the phenomenon of on‐the‐job deviance among nurses. Deviant behaviors such as supply theft, drug theft, drug use, and procedural shortcuts are addressed from a theoretical perspective that incorporates components of differential association, social learning, and techniques of neutralization theories. Interview data from 25 registered nurses working in hospital critical care units are used to illustrate how nurses readily neutralize their deviant behaviors by using established rationalization schemes. The data suggest that the nature and limits of these rationalizations are created, perpetuated, and disseminated by the nursing work group. Moreover, evidence is presented that suggests that these rationalizations function as a priori discriminate stimuli, not simply as post hoc justifications for deviant behaviors.
Abstract 4381: Biochemical and histopathological evaluation of mice exposed to functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with their unique physicochemical properties, have many potential new applications in medicine and industry such as sensors, implants or delivery systems. The biomedical application of single-walled carbon nanotubes requires a fundamental understanding of their fate and toxicological profile after administration. However, the toxicity of SWCNT is barely known when they are introduced into the blood circulation, which is especially vital for their biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to conduct biochemical analysis to determine the effect of purified/functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of specific liver enzymes such as aminotransferases (GOT/GPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP), concentration of lipid hydro peroxide (LPO) and histopathology of liver, which may be useful as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Three groups of five male mice each weighing approximately 30 + 2 g were injected intraperitoneally once a day for five days with doses of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 mg/kg BW of functionalized SWCNT. A control group was also made of 5 mice. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected following standard protocols. Exposure to functionalized SWCNT was found to show an increase in the induction of ROS, activities of serum amino-transferases (GOT/GPT), alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and concentration of lipid hydro peroxide compared to control. Histopathological evaluation of liver showed a statistically significant effect in the liver tissue (hepatic fibrosis) compared to controls. The results demonstrate that purified functionalized SWCNT was able to induce hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress. Our result does not imply that CNTs should be banned from use but more in vivo studies with histopathological characterization should be designed in biological application. Keywords: Single walled carbon nanotube, reactive oxygen species, lipid hydroperoxide, serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatases, Swiss-Webster mice, histopathology, hepatotoxicity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4381.
CO2 Metabolism in Corn Roots. II. Intracellular Distribution of Enzymes

Three enzymes assumed to mediate CO(2) metabolism in corn root tips, P-enolpyruvate carboxylase, malic dehydrogenase, and the malic enzyme, were extracted to determine their relative specific activities and their partitioning between soluble and particulate fractions. The data indicated that the intracellular location of these 3 enzymes is nonparticulate and thus these enzymatic reactions of CO(2) metabolism are apparently nonparticulate. The soluble malic dehydrogenase fraction differed from the particulate fraction in several kinetic properties, viz., response to the thionicotinamide analog of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, oxaloacetate substrate inhibition at pH 8.3, and Km's for nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide and l-malate. It was concluded that the soluble-malic dehydrogenase differed from the particulate forms in both structure and function. The soluble malic dehydrogenase is apparently involved in CO(2) metabolism.
Antibiotic and chemotherapeutic enhanced three-dimensional printer filaments and constructs for biomedical applications

Three-dimensional (3D) printing and additive manufacturing holds potential for highly personalized medicine, and its introduction into clinical medicine will have many implications for patient care. This paper demonstrates the first application of 3D printing as a method for the potential sustained delivery of antibiotic and chemotherapeutic drugs from constructs for patient treatment. Our design is focused on the on-demand production of anti-infective and chemotherapeutic filaments that can be used to create discs, beads, catheters, or any medical construct using a 3D printing system. The design parameters for this project were to create a system that could be modularly loaded with bioactive agents. All 3D-printed constructs were loaded with either gentamicin or methotrexate and were optimized for efficient and extended antibacterial and cancer growth-inhibiting cytostatic activity. Preliminary results demonstrate that combining gentamicin and methotrexate with polylactic acid forms a composite possessing a superior combination of strength, versatility, and enhanced drug delivery. Antibacterial effects and a reduction in proliferation of osteosarcoma cells were observed with all constructs, attesting to the technical and clinical viability of our composites. In this study, 3D constructs were loaded with gentamicin and methotrexate, but the method can be extended to many other drugs. This method could permit clinicians to provide customized and tailored treatment that allows patient-specific treatment of disease and has significant potential for use as a tunable drug delivery system with sustained-release capacity for an array of biomedical applications.
Aspect windows, 3-D visualizations, and indirect comparisons of information retrieval systems

Abstract : We built two Information Retrieval systems that were targeted for the TREC-6 "aspect oriented" retrieval track. The systems were built to test the usefulness of different visualizations in an interactive IR setting-in particular, an "aspect window" for the chosen task, and a 3-D visualization of document inter-relationships. We studied 24 users of the system in order to investigate: whether the systems were more effective than a control system, whether experienced users outperformed novices, whether spatial reasoning ability was a good predictor of effective use of 3-D, and whether the systems could be compared indirectly via a control system. Our results show substantial differences in user performance are related to spatial reasoning ability and to a lesser degree other traits. We also obtained markedly different results from the direct and indirect comparisons.
Palatine fenestrae, the orangutan and hominoid evolution

Although most mammals develop relatively large double anterior palatine fenestrae that patently communicate with the nasal cavity, four extant primates—Homo sapiens, Pongo, Pan andGorilla—do not. While these four have closed-down these foramenal structures,Homo sapiens andPongo are unique in forming a single foramen palatally. Among fossil taxa,Homo, Australopithecus, Sivapithecus (=Ramapithecus) andRudapithecus also develop a single foramen palatally. Dryopithecines, the presumed fossil apes, preserve the two patent fenestrae. In light of dental features that are considered diagnostically “hominid,” which are also found in the orangutan, it is suggested that this “ape,” rather thanPan, is phylogenetically closer toHomo.
Glutamatergic effects of divalproex in adolescents with mania: a proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Objectives This study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) to evaluate the in vivo effects of extended-release divalproex sodium on the glutamatergic system in adolescents with bipolar disorder, and to identify baseline neurochemical predictors of clinical remission. Method Adolescents with bipolar disorder who were experiencing a manic or mixed episode (N = 25) were treated with open-label, extended-release divalproex (serum levels 85–125 μg/mL) and underwent 1 H MRS scanning at baseline (before treatment) and on days 7 and 28. Healthy comparison subjects (n = 15) also underwent 1 H MRS scanning at the same time points. Glutamate (Glu) and glutamate+glutamine (Glx) concentrations were measured in three voxels: anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (LVLPFC), and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (RVLPFC), and were compared between bipolar and healthy subjects. Within the bipolar subjects, Glu and Glx concentrations at baseline and each time point were also compared between remitters and nonremitters after divalproex treatment. Results At baseline, no differences in Glu or Glx concentrations between bipolar and healthy subjects were observed. Group (HC vs. BP) by time effects revealed an interaction for Glu in the ACC, and change over time effects for Glx were noted in the ACC in patients with bipolar disorder (increase from day 0 to day 7 and then a decrease from day 7 to day 28) but not in HC. Remitters had significantly lower baseline Glx concentrations in LVLPFC, and in remitters the change in LVLPFC Glu correlated with the change in YMRS score. Conclusions Successful treatment of mania with divalproex may be predicted by lower baseline concentrations of Glx in the LVLPFC. In addition, in remitters, the degree of symptomatic improvement is related to the change in Glu concentrations in this region, suggesting that divalproex may work via modulation of the prefrontal glutamatergic system in youth with bipolar disorder.
Office Computer Systems for the Dental Office

The role of computers in dental practice has dramatically changed over the past 30 years. We have witnessed the progression from administrative roles to complete integration leading to chartless offices. As the dental community gradually adopts this contemporary development, the move to electronic health records is imminent because of upcoming changes in the health care system. The past, present, and future of dental office computer systems is explored in this article. An understanding of the benefits and current challenges of contemporary dental practice software is also reviewed.
Stellar Positioning System (Part I): Applying Ancient Theory to a Modern World

Two difierent theoretical approaches to the position determination problem are presented, one matrix-based and the other vector-based. Both approaches are designed for implementation in an autonomous Stellar Positioning System (SPS) that uses the following measurement sources: an astronomical camera, a clock, and a set of two inclinometers. Before presenting each of the algorithms, the reference frames utilized are deflned. The two position estimation techniques are then individually presented, followed by a discussion of real-world gravity and geometry model reflnements.
Dispersal by randomly varying currents

The long-term oceanic dispersal of persistent contaminants is approached as a problem in turbulent diffusion, with tidal, wind-driven, and other variable currents relegated to turbulence. The mean advection velocity in this problem is typically small compared with the r.m.s. fluctuation. Therefore, close to a continuous concentrated source, puffs of contaminant of all ages are present and have significant effects. Old puffs, i.e. those released a long time previously, give rise to a background concentration field. Young puffs affect the local contaminant concentration p.d.f. according to the probability of their presence, quantified by the visitation frequency.The behaviour of young puffs is governed by variable advection and may be described approximately in terms of probability distributions obtainable from current-meter data. The visitation frequency can be calculated from the distribution of escape probability density, a Lagrangian equivalent of flux. A long-term effect of variable advection is the distribution of the contaminant over an ‘extended’ source, which serves as a starting point for the random walk of old puffs. The conventional approach of using the diffusion equation to describe this random walk is therefore valid as a description of the near-source background concentration field, provided that the extended source is used in place of the physical source.A sample calculation for a typical open coastal case shows that the background concentration plume becomes wide compared with source dimensions, of order KH/U, with KH horizontal (eddy and shear) diffusivity, U mean advection velocity. The near-source value of the background concentration is correspondingly low, of order m/hKn, with m the mass-release rate and h the water depth. Visitation frequencies calculated with the aid of current statistics drop rapidly with distance from the source, especially in the cross-shore direction. The typical cross-shore diameter of the extended source region is a few kilometres.
WiP Abstract: BraceForce: Software Engineering Support for Sensing in CPS Applications

Developing and deploying CPS applications involves a large amount of low-level programming that requires interacting with different (often proprietary) data formats, languages, and operating systems. In practice, applications are built for specific sensor network platforms with little potential for portability to other platforms or integration with other sensors. Debugging CPS applications that inherently integrate with a physical environment requires not only the aforementioned integration of the application with sensing but also the use of a testing harness that, at debugging time, accesses sensed data about the physical environment for the purposes of validating the actions of the application. Integrating sensing for application and debugging support in a way that is easy, flexible, and portable is essential for supporting CPS application development.
Drug-eluting stents for cardiovascular disorders

Drug-eluting stents have emerged in recent years as a very promising therapy for prevention of restenosis after coronary implantation. Early randomized, clinical trials have suggested that stents eluting drugs, such as paclitaxel or sirolimus, released from polymeric and nonpolymeric coatings, are able to reduce restenosis in simple de novo lesions by more than 80% in comparison with bare metal stents. If restenosis can be indeed minimized globally by drug-eluting stents, coronary revascularization may expand to patients and lesions currently not considered for percutaneous intervention because of excessive recurrence, and may open possibilities for other stent-based endovascular treatments of atherosclerosis.
Development of a Cost-Effective Modular Pixelated NaI(Tl) Detector for Clinical SPECT Applications

A new pixelated detector for high-resolution clinical SPECT applications was designed and tested. The modular detector is based on a scintillator block comprised of 2.75 × 2.75 × 10 mm3 NaI(Tl) pixels and decoded by an array of 51 mm diameter single-anode PMTs. Several configurations, utilizing two types of PMTs, were evaluated using a collimated beam source to measure positioning accuracy directly. Good pixel separation was observed, with correct pixel identification ranging from 60 to 72% averaged over the entire area of the modules, depending on the PMT type and configuration. This translates to a significant improvement in positioning accuracy compared to continuous slab detectors of the same thickness, along with effective reduction of “dead” space at the edges. The observed 10% average energy resolution compares well to continuous slab detectors. The combined performance demonstrates the suitability of pixelated detectors decoded with a relatively small number of medium-sized PMTs as a cost-effective approach for high resolution clinical SPECT applications, in particular those involving curved detector geometries.
Keratin Intermediate Filaments Bear Antigenic Determinants for Stratum Corneum Antibodies

Stratum corneum (SC) antibodies are directed against antigens in the SC of the epidermis and are known to occur in all normal human sera. They have been shown by indirect immunofluorescence to be frequently associated with upper cytoplasmic (U-Cyt) antibodies. We have recently identified keratin intermediate filaments (KIF) as antigens for U-Cyt antibodies. In this study we investigated whether KIF also bear antigenic sites for SC antibodies. Normal human sera that contained SC and/or U-Cyt antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence were studied. Using immunoblot techniques 3 selected sera were shown to bind to high-molecular-weight (HMW) KIF proteins which had been extracted from 2 different epidermal cell preparations, that is, human callus or epidermis from which the SC had been removed by tapestripping. The 3 test sera were absorbed on KIF which had been reconstituted in vitro from urea extracts from both epidermal substrates. As shown by indirect immunofluorescence, the SC and U-Cyt antibodies of all 3 sera were absorbed out with KIF from callus and with KIF from epidermis without SC. Immunoblot experiments, which are more sensitive than indirect immunofluorescence, demonstrated the absorption of anti-KIF protein antibodies of the 3 test sera on callus KIF and 2 of the sera on KIF obtained from epidermis without SC. This was shown by the lack of staining of the respective HMW KIF proteins with the postabsorption sera. With the third serum a marked reduction of antibody binding was found after absorption on KIF from epidermis without SC. These data indicate that KIF bear antigenic sites for SC antibodies.
Potassium deposition on a thiophene-terminated alkanethiol monolayer

Abstract Potassium deposition in ultrahigh vacuum on 12-(3-thienyl)dodecanethiol monolayers assembled on gold surfaces has been investigated using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS and UPS). Angle-resolved XPS indicates that initially deposited potassium penetrates the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and diffuses to the SAM/Au interface. Even after large metal doses, the presence of thiophene ring valence electronic states in the UPS spectra confirms that most of the thiophene rings (at the SAM/vacuum interface) are not covered by potassium. The binding energy shifts of the thiophene ring valence states and the C1s and thiophene S2p peaks, referenced to the Fermi level, are due to the work function changes of the gold substrate. This indicates that these electronic states are pinned to the vacuum level, in contrast to the thiolate S2p orbital, which is pinned to the Fermi level. For large potassium doses, the appearance of new features in the UPS spectrum indicates doping of the thiophene rings.
Gating Mechanisms of Mechanosensitive Channels of Large Conductance, II: Systematic Study of Conformational Transitions

Part II of this study is based on the continuum mechanics-based molecular dynamics-decorated finite element method (MDeFEM) framework established in Part I. In Part II, the gating pathways of Escherichia coli-MscL channels under various basic deformation modes are simulated. Upon equibiaxial tension (which is verified to be the most effective mode for gating), the MDeFEM results agree well with both experiments and all-atom simulations in literature, as well as the analytical continuum models and elastic network models developed in Part I. Different levels of model sophistication and effects of structural motifs are explored in detail, where the importance of mechanical roles of transmembrane helices, cytoplasmic helices, and loops are discussed. The conformation transitions under complex membrane deformations are predicted, including bending, torsion, cooperativity, patch clamp, and indentation. Compared to atom-based molecular dynamics simulations and elastic network models, the MDeFEM framework is unusually well-suited for simulating complex deformations at large length scales. The versatile hierarchical framework can be further applied to simulate the gating transition of other mechanosensitive channels and other biological processes where mechanical perturbation is important.
An improved algorithm for high speed autocorrelation with applications to spectral estimation

A common application of the method of high speed convolution and correlation is the computation of autocorrelation functions, most commonly used in the estimation of power spectra. In this case the number of lags for which the autocorrelation function must be computed is small compared to the length of the data sequence available. The classic paper by Stockham, revealing the method of high speed convolution and correlation, also discloses a number of improvements in the method for the case where only a small number of lag values are desired, and for the case where a data sequence is extremely long. In this paper, the special case of autocorrelation is further examined. An important simplification is noted, based on the linearity of the discrete Fourier transform, and the circular shifting properties of discrete Fourier transforms. The techniques disclosed here should be especially important in real-time estimation of power spectra, in instances where the data sequence is essentially unterminated.
ERK mediates effects of glycated albumin in mesangial cells.

The alterations in glomerular cell biology induced by glycated albumin resemble those caused by high ambient glucose, but are operative in physiologic (5.5 mM) glucose concentration. Recently, high glucose has been shown to activate extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) in mesangial cells, but whether the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade participates in signal transduction triggered by glycated albumin is unknown. Using a specific inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase, we demonstrate for the first time that activation of ERK is required for the inhibition of cell growth and enhanced elaboration of extracellular matrix protein provoked by glycated albumin. These findings indicate that the MAPK/ERK pathway mediates biologic activities of this glycated protein.
Prototypical search for radioactive superheavy elements in gases

An electrostatic-precipitation device and its deployment in searches for decay products involving possible superheavy elements in gases is described. The continuous collection and detection of ions formed in a 38-liter volume of gas near atmospheric pressure were observed over month-long periods for the cases of helium, argon, and xenon via α-particle spectroscopy, which allowed limits to be placed on the possible concentration of superheavy elements in xenon that ultimately decay to members of the four traditional heavy α-particle emitters having atomic masses in the range 211 ≤ A ≤ 225. For assumed decay via fission, the general method is comparable in sensitivity to neutron-multiplicity methods, but it also possesses energy and lifetime identification characteristics as well as an accumulative nature as regards the decay products. Improvements that would extend the sensitivity to the 10−15 gram per gram level are described.
Convergence of the pseudospectral method for the Ginzburg-Landau equation

Abstract The convergence of the pseudospectral (Fourier) method for the Ginzburg-Landau equation in nonlinear wave theory is proved. The rate of convergence depends on the smoothness of the initial data.
The 1990 Budget Package: Redefining the Debate

The debate of budgeting issues in the 1980s culminated in a dramatic change in 1990—the passage of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. The negotiations leading to this agreement considered the status of the deficit and the philosophical shift from “no new taxes” to “fair taxes.” It led to changes in direct spending, enforcement of budget targets, timing of the budget, sequesters usage, tax increases, and entitlement reforms.
Spontaneous histamine release after exposure to hyperosmolar solutions

Abstract Since basophils from certain allergic individuals release histamine spontaneously in aqueous or deuteriumoxide-containing buffers, we examined spontaneous release after a brief exposure to hyperosmolar buffers. With leukocytes from 71 normal and allergic volunteers, it was found that 15-minute suspension in 770 mosm/kg Ca ++ -free buffers caused the cells to release 3% to 83% of cellular histamine (mean 29 ± 3) when the cells were resuspended in isosmolar buffers containing Ca ++ . The cells from individuals with a history of food allergy were significantly more easily activated when the cells were compared to cells of normal volunteers ( p ++ , whereas subsequent histamine release was partially Ca ++ dependent. Activation could be observed as early as 30 seconds and was maximal at 15 minutes; histamine release from activated cells was almost as rapid. We conclude that the basophils from certain allergic individuals demonstrate unusual "releasability" and that this responsiveness to osmotic activation could play a role in reactions to hyperosmolar radiocontrast media.
A correction-based dose calculation algorithm for kilovoltage x rays

Frequent and repeated imaging procedures such as those performed in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) programs may add significant dose to radiosensitive organs of radiotherapy patients. It has been shown that kV-CBCT results in doses to bone that are up to a factor of 3-4 higher than those in surrounding soft tissue. Imaging guidance procedures are necessary due to their potential benefits, but the additional incremental dose per treatment fraction may exceed an individual organ tolerance. Hence it is important to manage and account for this additional dose from imaging for radiotherapy patients. Currently available model-based dose calculation methods in radiation treatment planning (RTP) systems are not suitable for low-energy x rays, and new and fast calculation algorithms are needed for a RTP system for kilovoltage dose computations. This study presents a new dose calculation algorithm, referred to as the medium-dependent-correction (MDC) algorithm, for accurate patient dose calculation resulting from kilovoltage x rays. The accuracy of the new algorithm is validated against Monte Carlo calculations. The new algorithm overcomes the deficiency of existing density correction based algorithms in dose calculations for inhomogeneous media, especially for CT-based human volumetric images used in radiotherapy treatment planning.
An inhibitory domain of E12 transcription factor prevents DNA binding in E12 homodimers but not in E12 heterodimers

The kappa E2 sequence binding proteins, E12 and E47, are generated by alternative splicing of the E2A gene, giving closely related basic and helix-loop-helix structures crucial for DNA binding and dimerization. Measurements of dimerization constants and binding strengths to the optimal DNA sequence (the kappa E2 site or its near relatives) showed that E47 homodimers and MyoD heterodimers with E12 or E47 dimerized and bound avidly, but E12 homodimerized efficiently and bound to DNA poorly; MyoD homodimerized poorly and bound strongly. An inhibitory domain N-terminal to the basic region of E12 prevents E12 homodimers but not E12/MyoD heterodimers from binding to DNA. Thus, E47 binds to DNA both as a heterodimer with MyoD and as a homodimer, while E12 and MyoD bind to DNA efficiently only as heterodimers.
Persistence of close personal ties over a 12-year period

Abstract Using data on 60 intentional communities from the Urban Communes Data Set, we examine factors related to the persistence of ties 12 years later, when nearly all members had left the groups. We find strong evidence of triadic effects—people are more likely to remain in contact with others when they share patterns of contact with third parties. Such triadic effects retain importance even when we use alternative measures of contact, and when we control for individual-, dyadic-, and group-level effects including geographic separation. When we examine friendship as opposed to contact, we find that the triadic effects can be decomposed into some effects pertaining to hierarchy and other effects pertaining to reciprocation, giving us a sense of how networks structure themselves over time.
Effects of Lithium on Vasopressin-Dependent Cyclic AMP in Rat Renal Medulla

A vasopressin resistant urinary concentrating defect has been described in patients receiving lithium salt for affective disorders. For the pathogenic mechanism of the concentrating defect it has been postulated that lithium inhibits the vasopressin-dependent cyclic AMP system. However, the results of indirect studies on the lithium effect are equivocal. Therefore, the effect of lithium specifically on the vasopressin-dependent cyclic AMP system was investigated in rat renal medulla. The increase of cyclic AMP concentration by vasopressin was inhibited by lithium. But lithium had no effect on the PTH-dependent cyclic AMP concentration in renal cortical slices. Regardless of magnesium concentrations from 0-10 mM in the incubation media, 10 mM lithium had no moeasurable effect on the vasopressin-dependent adenylate cyclase of rat renal medulla. However, 10 mM lithium augmented the cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase activity in renal medulla in the high Km system. These results suggest that lithium inhibits the vasopressin-dependent cyclic AMP concentration in renal medulla via the augmentation of its catabolism, rather than via the inhibition of cyclic AMP generation.
Blue dye, green heart

Methylene blue has been used for the rapid reversal of circulatory shock refractory to fluid administration, inotropic agents, and vasoconstrictors. Its clinical side effects have been well described. We report an interesting autopsy observation in patients who received methylene blue as adjunct therapy for septic shock. The exposed surface of cardiac myocardium on both fresh and fixed states rapidly turned green. In the presence of molecular oxygen, the colorless metabolite leukomethylene blue is readily oxidized to methylene blue, thus explaining the visible color change of the myocardium.
Who Survives? A Cross-Country Comparison

How capital structure, dividend policy and corporate governance vary across countries has been the focus of recent studies, but how resources are reallocated in response to poor performance has not received as much attention. This paper argues that the market for corporate control and the formal bankruptcy/liquidation processes of a country are two key mechanisms through which corporate assets are reallocated. Ideally, an economy would only allow the best users of economic resources to retain the right to use those assets and sub-optimal use would result in either a take-over by a more proficient owner or an asset sale. We present preliminary evidence that equity market delistings occur more frequently in countries with strong shareholder rights. Furthermore, both strong creditor and shareholder rights increase the use of bankruptcy, relative to acquisitions, as a mechanism to resolve financial distress. We also present preliminary evidence that these mechanisms are not as effective in Japan.
Combinatorial biosynthesis for new drug discovery

Combinatorial biosynthesis involves interchanging secondary metabolism genes between antibiotic-producing microorganisms to create unnatural gene combinations or hybrid genes if only part of a gene is exchanged. Novel metabolites can be made by both approaches, due to the effect of a new enzyme on a metabolic pathway or to the formation of proteins with new enzymatic properties. The method has been particularly successful with polyketide synthase (PKS) genes: derivatives of medically important macrolide antibiotics and unusual polycyclic aromatic compounds have been produced by novel combinations of the type I and type II PKS genes, respectively. Recent extensions of the approach to include deoxysugar biosynthesis genes have expanded the possibilities for making new microbial metabolites and discovering valuable drugs through the genetic engineering of bacteria.
THE ROLE OF CYCLIC AMP IN LAMELLAR BODY SYNTHESIS & SECRETION

To assess the effect of dibutryl cyclic 3′-5′ adenosine monophosphate (DBcAMP) on some aspects of pulmonary Type II cell morphology and biochemistry, adult rats were injected i.p. with 47 mg/kg DBcAMP and sacrificed at intervals. Control rats received saline or 5′ AMP. Lung tissue was prepared for electron microscopy. 5 min. postinjection, Type II cells in treated rats appeared more numerous than in controls and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilated. By 10 min. the cells appeared larger, lamellar bodies (LB) were increased per cell and ER remained dilated. Multivesicular bodies (MVB) appeared in increased numbers. By 15 min. the cells were swollen, often with loss of microvilli and MVB's conspicuous. There appeared to be fusion of LB limiting membranes with plasma membranes and extrusion of LB contents into alveoli. By 30 min. macrophages appeared in alveoli and septa. Type II cells were of more normal size and vacuoles appeared in the cytoplasm near the alveolar surface suggestive of endocytosis. By 60 min. Type II cells were not remarkable. Choline kinase (CK) activity was assayed in LB rich cell fractions from pooled lung of 6 DBcAMP treated and 6 control rats sacrificed at 15 min. There was a 5-fold increase in CK activity in the DBcAMP treated rats. These findings suggest that intracellular synthesis and extrusion of LB from Type II cells may be mediated by cAMP.
Eggs Pickled in Various Acid Strength Solutions

Abstract Shelled, hard cooked eggs were pickled in solutions with acid strengths ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 millequivalents acetic acid per gram of egg (1 to 6% acetic acid). Solutions of vinegar and glacial acetic acid with and without sodium chloride were used. The transmittance of the pickling solutions decreased by 7 to 10% at 420 nm. Protein concentrations in the solutions were 0.5%. Acidity of the pickling solutions decreased. All eggs lost weight during pickling (5–12%). Weight losses were greater in the low acid solutions or in solutions with 4.7% NaCl. pH of pickling solutions, egg white, and yolk equilibrated in 6 to 7 days. Final pH ranged from 4 to 5 depending on initial acid strength. Solids determinations indicated that egg whites lost moisture while yolks gained moisture. Forces required to shear the egg white increased approximately two fold during pickling. Decreases in egg weight and yolk solids with increases in egg white solids and shear forces paralleled the progress of pH equilibration.
The mathematical art exhibit at Bridges Pécs: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture, Pécs, Hungary, July 2010

The 13th Bridges annual conference was held in the city of Pecs, Hungary, from 24 to 29 July 2010. Reza Sarhangi, founder of the Bridges organization and one of the organizers of the Bridges confer...
Hypercapnic and hypoxic responses require intact neural transmission from the pre-Bötzinger complex.

Abstract The central respiratory network that includes the pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC), a region believed to contain rhythmogenic neurons, is capable of responding to fluctuations in CO2 and pH. However, the role of inputs from this site in mediating ventilatory responses to hypercapnia and/or hypoxia in nonsedated animals is not well established. Therefore, in the present study we tested the hypothesis that altered transmission from the pre-BotC to its target sites would decrease chemosensory responsiveness to acute hypercapnia and modulate the ventilatory response to hypoxia. Colchicine was used to block axonal transport. At 48 h after bilateral microinjections of colchicine into the pre-BotC (100 μg/uL, 100 nL/site), but not saline, the baseline frequency of breathing decreased; however, rhythmicity was not altered. In addition, there was a significant fall in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia (5 and 12% CO2) and hypoxia (8% O2). These findings indicate that, inputs from pre-BotC neurons are of critical importance in providing the normal ventilatory response to both hypercapnia and hypoxia.
Physical Properties Of Ceramic-Glass-Copper Micro-Interconnect Systems For VLSI/VHSIC Packaging Applications

The demands of increased circuit density and higher signal propagation speeds have combined to substantially increase the importance of micro-interconnect in the packaging of electronic devices. Interconnect and packaging technology have become important factors that limit the performance and reliability of microelectronic devices. To overcome these limitations, many groups 1-6 are considering new materials for microelectronic packaging applications. In this paper, the thermal and electrical properties of partially reactive cordierite and fully reactive cordierite substrates, which have been doped with glass and processed in different manners, will be reported. The dependence of the dielectric constant of the substrate on processing, composition, sintering temperature, and frequency of the applied field from 1KHz to 18GHz will be presented. The thermal conductivity of the substrate as a function of the processing and composition has also been studied. Preliminary data on the bonding of copper microstrips to the ceramic substrate will be reported.