cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open-field behavior in two models of genetic hypertension and the behavioral effects of salt excess.

In order to assess the relationship of behavior to blood pressure and salt intake, open-field behavior was studied in 123 rats of the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), Wistar–Kyoto (WKY), Sprague–Dawley (SD), and Dahl resistant (DR) and sensitive (DS) strains. DS rats become hypertensive upon exposure to either high dietary salt or psychogenic stress, while DR rats remain normotensive. A circular photobeam open field was used under full room illumination. Three 5-min trials were given on consecutive days. Rats were tested with or without 5 days of an 8% NaCl diet. We found that DS rats were less active than DR rats, regardless of diet. In contrast, SHR rats were more active than WKY rats. However, DS and SHR rats were equally active. Thus, behavioral differences between these two models of hypertension are expressed by the normotensive control strains. The relative ranking of activity levels between strains was DR = SD > SHR = DS > WKY. High-salt-enhanced intertrial habituation, defined as the decrease in activity across trials (DS, 100%; SD, 82%; SHR, 90%; WKY, 1350%; but DR, −50%) as well as intratrial habituation, defined as the decrease from the first to the second half of the trial (14%, all subjects). Defecation was increased with high salt (DS, 975%; SD, 59%; SHR, 267%; WKY, 89%; but DR, 40%). These effects of high salt may reflect an increase in an emotionality factor. DR rats were largely resistant to the behavioral effects of salt. Total activity was positively correlated with blood pressure in hypertensive rats, r (42) = 0.33, p r (81) = −0.34, p r (81) = 0.44, p
Coxsackievirus B1-induced chronic inflammatory myopathy: differences in induction of autoantibodies to muscle and nuclear antigens by cloned myopathic and amyopathic viruses.

Infection of susceptible strains of mice with the myopathic Tucson strain of coxsackievirus B1 (CVB1T) leads to the development of chronic inflammatory myopathy (CIM). The underlying mechanism of CIM appears to be immunopathic, but it is not known whether autoimmunity is involved. The objectives of this study were to determine whether autoantibodies are produced and whether they correlate with the pathology of CIM. Mice were infected with either a myopathic (MP1.23 or MP1.24) or an amyopathic (AMP2.17) CVB1T cloned virus. The two myopathic (MP) viruses cause CIM, whereas the amyopathic (AMP) virus, derived from a variant of the same parent, causes the same acute disease but does not cause CIM. Antimuscle IgG was found in 51% of MP1.23-infected and 58% of MP1.24-infected mice but in just 18% of mice infected with AMP2.17 and in 10% of controls (MP vs AMP: χ2, P ≤ .006). Several staining patterns were observed, indicating that autoantibodies of multiple specificities were produced. Antinuclear antibodies were found in 57% of MP1.23-infected and 27% of MP1.24-infected mice but were rare in mice infected with AMP2.17 (0%) or in controls (4%) (MP vs AMP: χ2, P ≤ .01). Antiviral-antibody titers were higher with MP virus than with AMP virus (ANOVA, P < .001). A trend toward an association between antiviral antibody or autoantibodies and the presence or severity of clinical measures of CIM was noted but was not significant. These data suggest that the autoantibodies do not mediate muscle disease but are an independent manifestation of an immunopathic response induced by infection with MP but not AMP CVB1T.
Socio-economic environments and the budgetary allocation process in developing countries: The case of defense expenditures

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to extend the discussion on the determinants of budgetary allocations in the Third World. More often than not, policy analysts have assumed that military budgets are determined by exogenous factors (such as the threat of aggression) and are thus not directly measurable or can only be crudely quantified by some form of proxy variable. Hence, the link between the determinants of defense spending on the one hand and the level of military expenditures on the other hand has not been amenable to traditional economic analysis. This paper suggests that any forecast of military expenditures which excludes economic factors is likely to be substantially inaccurate.
Rhodopsin activation blocked by metal-ion-binding sites linking transmembrane helices C and F

A LARGE superfamily of receptors containing seven transmembrane (TM) helices transmits hormonal and sensory signals across the plasma membrane to heterotrimeric G proteins at the cytoplasmic face of the membrane. To investigate how G-protein-coupled receptors work at the molecular level, we have engineered metal-ion-binding sites between TM helices to restrain activation-induced conformational change in specific locations. In rhodopsin, the photoreceptor of retinal rod cells, we substituted histidine residues for natural amino acids at the cytoplasmic ends of the TM helices C and F. The resulting mutant proteins were able to activate the visual G protein transducin in the absence but not in the presence of metal ions. These results indicate that the TM helices C and F are in close proximity and suggest that movements of these helices relative to one another are required for transducin activation. Thus a change in the orientations of TM helices C and F is likely to be a key element in the mechanism for coupling binding of ligands (or isomerization of retinal) to the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors.
Delayed Hyper-Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging Provides Incremental Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility in Suspected Cardiac Amyloidosis

Objectives: We sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy and incremental prognostic value of delayed hyper-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DHE-CMR) compared with electrocardiographic and tra...
SU‐FF‐I‐42: Imaging Technique in Estimating Lung Shunting of Yttrium‐90 Microspheres

Purpose: This study was to evaluate lung shunting from Tc99m MAA and Y90imaging, and its effect on treatment planning. Y90 Microspheres (Therasphere, MDS Nordion) have been used for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tc99m MAA imaging is utilized to assess pulmonary shunting which will affect treatment dose. Standard shunting compares the ratios of activity in the liver and lungs.Method and Materials: Twenty five patients were randomly selected to examine shunting ratios. Eight studies required the redrawing of RoIs to correct the variance in geometric mean. Actual activity was determined following treatment planning guidelines based on standard and measured shunting. Y‐90 imaging of patients was also investigated for radionuclide distribution. Results: Inadequate RoIs were identified in 8 patients, which yielded up to 5% (mean 0.79%, STD 1.76%) difference (p=0.90) in lung shunting. The treatment dose showed 5.29% (mean 0.74%, STD 2.21%) deviation (p=0.91) caused by the ratios. It was further compared with standard ratios of 4% for none‐HCC and 7% for HCC. Difference in the treatment doses from corrected ratios and the standard was: mean 9.01%, STD 19.7%, p=0.19 for the 4% and mean 5.18%, STD 19.0%, p=0.55 for the 7%. Y‐90 patients images did not provide activity distribution in lungs when there was high shunting based on Tc99m MAA imaging, but demonstrated Y‐90 activity in liver.Conclusion: Tc99m MAA imaging is important in treatment planning to avoid error from lung shunting. RoIs should be accurate and consistent to reduce error in treatment dose. Y‐90 imaging depends on scatter characteristic of tissue and does not yield appropriate shunting images with Yttrium‐90.
A three-stage model summarizes product warning and environmental sign research

The past 25 years have experienced a substantial amount of research on safety communications, more specifically, warnings. This article focuses on the most important factors in designing effective warnings. The warning process is modeled in three stages. Effective warnings attract attention; elicit knowledge, and enable compliance behavior. Two main categories are design factors and non-design factors. Non-design factors include the effects of target audience and situational factors. For attention, important design factors are size, color/contrast, signal word, graphics, and format. The non-design factors for attention include context, location, and distraction. Design factors affecting the knowledge and compliance stages include explicit wording and pictorials to provide hazard, consequences and instructional content. Non-design factors for the knowledge stage include familiarity and perceived hazard. Non-design factors for the compliance stage include modeling the behavior of others and cost of compliance. The research literature offers practical design recommendations to aid application decisions.
"Let Me Be Direct": Using Direct Assessments with Student Leaders.

Nathan Lindsay, Aimee Hourigan, Jennifer Smist, and Larry Wray discuss the benefits of direct assessment of student learning in a variety of co-curricular programs.
Comparison of Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and Kikuyugrass as a Standing Hay Crop

Stockpiling of warm-season perennial grasses for grazing after frost is a management practice that can lower livestock production costs. Six seeded bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] cultivars, two bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) cultivars, and a kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.) cultivar were compared with 'Coastal' and 'Tifton 85' bermudagrass in a small plot study in northeast Texas. Plots were sampled monthly from October through February in 1999 through 2002 to monitor accumulated dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Initial standing forage mass was 4000 kg DM ha(-1) and declined during the sampling period for all entries. Standing forage mass of Tifton 85 bermudagrass was usually greater than the other entries. Crude protein decreased with time, but the rate of decline was related to initial CP concentrations and forage maturity at first frost. Bahiagrass cultivars and kikuyugrass generally had higher CP concentrations than bermudagrass cultivars. Crude protein concentrations were always above the minimum requirements for mature, nonlactating, pregnant beef cows (70-80 g kg(-1)). Acid detergent fiber increased with time for all entries, with the largest monthly increase usually occurring after December. The ADF concentration in bahiagrass cultivars was always higher than in bermudagrass cultivars and kikuyugrass. Species suitability for stockpiling forage was bermudagrass > kikuyugrass > bahiagrass. Tifton 85 was superior to the other bermudagrasses because of greatest autumn growth.
Applicant pool composition and job perceptions: Impact on decisions regarding an older applicant

Abstract Previous research suggests that one basis for age discrimination involves the perceptions we hold about older people. However, situational factors may influence the extent to which these perceptions affect our decisions. In the present study, one situational factor, the age composition of the applicant pool, was varied to determine the degree to which age bias in simulated personnel decisions can be reduced. It was hypothesized that as the number of older applicants in an applicant pool increased, an older applicant seeking employment would receive more favorable ratings. Further, it was hypothesized as the number of older applicants in the pool increased, there would be a shift in the perception of the age-type of the job. The results of the study partially supported both hypotheses. Implications for further research on bias in decisions and for organizational recruitment strategies are discussed.
Isolating a primary dimension within the Cook-Medley hostility scale : a Rasch analysis

Abstract The empirically derived Cook–Medley Hostility scale ( Ho ) has been shown to be related to a number of poor health habits and general mortality. Researchers attempting to attach psychological meaning to Ho scores have had difficulty reaching consensus in defining a single construct to organize Ho items’ content. While previous psychometric analyses of the 50 Ho items have revealed a strong primary dimension underlying responses, a number of small and unstable factors also influence Ho scores and thus cloud interpretations. The goal of this study was to better understand the relationship between individual Ho items and the primary latent dimension underlying responses to the Ho scale. We believe that this is a first step to clarifying interpretation of Ho scores as a psychological risk factor for poor health outcomes. Using a Rasch logistic item response model, we identified a subset of items that formed a reliable and unidimensional index that maintained strong relationships with the primary construct assessed by the 50-item Ho scale. The subset of 17 Ho items was not differentially influenced by gender in a large psychiatric sample, and the psychometric properties of the 17 Ho items were confirmed in a large medical sample.
Diversity, Conflict and Democracy: Some Evidence from Eurasia and East Europe

Does diversity endanger democracy? Ethnic composition is often thought to affect democracy by means of its influence on the probability of violent civil conflict. According to such thinking, more diverse societies are more prone to conflict, which in turn makes them less hospitable to democracy. How sound is this idea? This article tests it, performing quantitative analysis on data from the post-communist region. The study finds that conflict is negatively associated with democracy, but finds no empirical evidence that social fractionalization influences civil conflict or democratization. In fact, a concluding case study on Bulgaria suggests that diversity may actually ‘impose’ certain opportunities for – not just obstacles to – the emergence of practices and institutions that promote open politics.
State Budgets, Governors, and Their Influence on “Big-Picture Issues” A Case Study of Delaware Governor Pete du Pont 1977-1985

Studies of state budgeting focus on gubernatorial power primarily by examining executive influence over appropriations to individual agencies or programs. They also view executive versus legislativ...
Hematologic Abnormalities Preceding Myeloid Leukemia in Three Cats

Cytopenia were recognized in three cats infected with feline leukemia virus. In one cat, marrow blast cells were increased in number, and a diagnosis of aleukemic leukemia was made. The disease progressed slowly for 31/2 months before terminating in acute myelomonocytic leukemia, recognized as a blast crisis in blood. In the other two cats, neutropenia and altered granulopoiesis in bone marrow preceded development of myeloid leukemia.
A Trip to Tahiti: Approaching a 5 TFlop SGEMM Using 3 AMD GPUs

Using GPUs as computational accelerators has been a growing area of research in the past several years. One particular area amenable to exploiting video card hardware is dense linear algebra. We continue this trend by generalizing the MAGMA xGEMM kernels, porting them to OpenCL and tuning them to run on the AMD 7970. Achieving up to 1.7 TFlops in SGEMM and 650 GFlops in DGEMM, we extend this performance to multiple GPUs using a parallel-for algorithm designed to run on multiple heterogeneous devices. Using 3 Radeon 7970s, our large GEMM algorithm obtains 4.37TFlops in single precision and 1.64 TFlops/s in double.
Identification of a 16–17-day lethal factor in a chondrodystrophic stock of turkeys

Chondrodystrophy in turkeys is a lethal condition produced by an autosomal allele, ch. Mutants are characterized by very short and thick legs, shortened wings, globular head with parrot beak, and a protruding abdomen. Classification of ch/ch embryos may be accurately made at 12 days incubation, prior to which limited appendicular development precludes distinction from normal or heterozygous birds. Death caused by the mutant allele occurs between 24 and 28 days; some embryos are alive but unpipped at time of hatch. Analysis of the pattern of embryonic mortality for the stock carrying the ch allele revealed at 16--17-day lethal factor that appears to be independent of chondrodystrophy. Of 52 females mated to Ch/ch males, 41 were determined to be Ch/ch; 32 of these heterozygous females exhibited normal embryonic mortality patterns. Nine hens, in addition to being Ch/ch, displayed a significant increase in embryo death between 15 and 18 days, peaking sharply at 17 days. Of the 11 females determined to be Ch/Ch, five showed the same 15 to 18 day pattern of mortality observed for the nine Ch/ch females.
Kv1.3 gene-targeted deletion alters longevity and reduces adiposity by increasing locomotion and metabolism in melanocortin-4 receptor-null mice

Kv1.3 gene-targeted deletion alters longevity and reduces adiposity by increasing locomotion and metabolism in melanocortin-4 receptor-null mice
Rapidly reversible dementia.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an abnormal pattern of flow voids in the region of the right transverse sinus (figure, A). Angiography showed a dural arteriovenous fistula of the right transverse sinus and torcula, with occlusion of the right sigmoid sinus. The fistula drained retrogradely into the deep cerebral venous system and into cortical veins (figure, B). Dye injected into the bilateral internal carotid arteries had an abnormally long transition time from the arterial to venous phase and did not opacify any dural sinuses, consistent with high pressure in these structures (35 mm Hg, normal 3–8, measured with an intra-sinus catheter). He had a partial endovascular embolisation of the fistula from both the venous and arterial sides. Although a small residual shunt remained, torcular pressure dropped to 28 mm Hg, and arterial-tovenous transition time decreased. Cognitive function returned to normal after the procedure. He returned to full employment and functional independence within days. His pulsatile tinnitus disappeared, but migraine headaches persisted and were successfully treated with
Use of Geogrids to Enhance Stability of Slope in Bioreactor Landfills: A Conceptual Method

In biroreactor landfills, biodegradation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is accelerated by leachate recirculation. However, the addition of moisture raises stability concerns. Reduced interlocking can also cause stability issues when MSW is shredded before disposing in bioreactor landfills. Engineers usually select safe slopes such as 3H:1V to design above ground MSW slopes in traditional dry landfills. But these slopes may not be safe for bioreactor landfills due to the stability concerns. Use of shallower slopes is not attractive because of the reduction in effective landfill capacity. This paper describes how geogrids may be used to enhance the stability of MSW slopes in bioreactor landfills. A preliminary stability analysis of un-reinforced and geogrid-reinforced MWS slopes was conducted using PLAXIS. The results indicated that the geogrids are capable of improving the factor of safety of MSW slopes. In geogrid-reinforced MSW failure surface developed at the ends of embedded geogrids separating reinforced MSW from un-reinforced MSW. This failure surface was larger than the failure surface developed for un-reinforced MSW. A different failure mechanism triggered when various lengths of geogrid were used. Although large displacements were found near the toe of the slope, a greater factor of safety was obtained.
Elements of Success: Olympic Swimming Gold Medalists' Understanding of Their Competition-Day Routines:

This study examined the competitive routines that five male Olympic gold medalist swimmers from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games undertook during successful elite competition days that they believe were critical to their success. Researchers sought to understand the significance of these actions based upon the meaning provided by these elite athletes. Participants engaged in an initial interview, a two-day training visit, a competition observation during an elite meet, and a follow-up interview. The swimmers' coaches were interviewed as key informants. Utilizing constructivist grounded theory, the larger study yielded several key results. First, researchers detailed a new holistic competition-day routine consisting of 12 segments and 2 types of preparations. Second, the purpose of this article was to define four elements that were critical to the athletes understanding and adherence to their competition-day routine. Each of the elements, which were flexibility, adaptation, time management, and task a...
p53-dependent acinar cell apoptosis triggers epithelial proliferation in duct-ligated murine pancreas.

The mechanisms linking acinar cell apoptosis and ductal epithelial proliferation remain unknown. To determine the relationship between these events, pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) was performed on ...
Brain imaging techniques for diagnosis and drugs against schizophrenia

Positron emission tomography studies in schizophrenia have used two main approaches; metabolic imaging with deoxyglucose or glucose and dopamine receptor imaging with ligands for the dopamine receptor. The metabolic studies have generally shown relatively reduced metabolic rates in the frontal cortex, consistent with most studies of cerebral blood flow. Relatively low metabolic rates in the basal ganglia have also been observed in some studies. With labeled neuroleptics, brain images with the greatest uptake in the basal gangila have been obtained, and clinical studies comparing normals and schizophrenics are still in progress. For both approaches, the problem of biological heterogeneity in schizophrenia must be fully considered so that PET can reach its full potential as a tool to develop new drugs, to select a particular drug for the individual patients, and ultimately to understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.

Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax is a disorder often managed by thoracic surgeons. Most etiologies are benign in nature; however, there are several syndromes that are associated with potentially fatal pulmonary or systemic manifestations. One such example is Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, a rare inheritable syndrome characterized by papular skin lesions involving the scalp, head, face and neck; pulmonary cysts; and a propensity to develop renal carcinoma. In our report, we describe a patient, who was diagnosed with Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome after presenting with a history of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, and a family history of spontaneous pneumothorax and renal cell carcinoma. This case is of particular interest to the cardiothoracic surgery community as the patient described as well as several of his family members were managed by multiple thoracic surgeons, who did not appreciate the diagnosis.
Observed effects of soil organic matter content on the microwave emissivity of soils

Abstract In order to determine the significance of organic matter content on the microwave emissivity of soils when estimating soil moisture, a series of field experiments were conducted in which 1.4 GHz microwave emissivity data were collected over test plots of sandy loam soil with different organic matter levels (1.8%, 4.0%, and 6.1%) for a range of soil moisture values. Analyses of the observed data showed only minor variation in microwave emissivity due to a change in organic matter content at a given moisture level for soils with similar texture and structure. Predictions of microwave emissivity made using a dielectric model for aggregated soils exhibited the same trends and type of response as the measured data when adjusted values for the input parameters were utilized.
Functional Ephrin-B2 Expression for Promotive Interaction Between Arterial and Venous Vessels in Postnatal Neovascularization

Background— Ephrin-B2, one of the transmembrane ligands, is a genetic marker of arterial endothelial cells (ECs) at embryonic stages and is essential for cardiovascular development, but its roles in ischemic cardiovascular disease are not well understood. In this study, we focused on the function of ephrin-B2 in postnatal neovascularization. Methods and Results— We found that ephrin-B2 is exclusively expressed and significantly upregulated in the arterial vasculature after the initial angiogenic responses in tissue ischemia. Upregulation of ephrin-B2 is also observed in EC cordlike formation in vitro. Interestingly, ephrin-B2 expression on ECs was enhanced by promotive angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor, whereas it was attenuated by angiopoietin-1, a factor for blood vessel maturation. Moreover, an ephrin-B2–rich environment was shown to induce neovascularization mainly through venous angiogenesis in an in viv...
NEW DIRECTIONS FOR URBAN ECONOMIC MODELS OF LAND USE CHANGE: INCORPORATING SPATIAL DYNAMICS AND HETEROGENEITY ∗

We review the usefulness of urban spatial economic models of land use change for the study and policy analysis of spatial land use-environment interactions. We find that meaningful progress has been made in econometric and monocentric models extended to account for multiple sources of spatial heterogeneity and in the development of general equilibrium models with spatial dynamics. Despite these advances, more work is needed in developing models with greater realism. Most agent-based computational models of urban land use change currently lack economic fundamentals, but provide a flexible means of linking microlevel behavior and interactions with macrolevel land use dynamics. In combination with empirical methods to identify parameters, this framework provides a promising approach to modeling spatial land use dynamics and policy effects.
Antibody to Influenza Virus Neuraminidase: An Independent Correlate of Protection

Background Laboratory correlates of influenza vaccine protection can best be identified by examining people who are infected despite vaccination. While the importance of antibody to viral hemagglutinin (HA) has long been recognized, the level of protection contributed independently by antibody to viral neuraminidase (NA) has not been determined. Methods Sera from a controlled trial of the efficacies of inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) were tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay, microneutralization (MN) assay, and a newly standardized lectin-based neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) assay. Results The NAI assay detected a vaccine response in 37% of IIV recipients, compared with 77% and 67% of participants in whom responses were detected by the HAI and MN assays, respectively. For LAIV recipients, the NAI, HAI, and MN assays detected responses in 6%, 21%, and 17%, respectively. In IIV recipients, as NAI assay titers rose, the frequency of infection fell, similar to patterns seen with HAI and MN assays. HAI and MN assay titers were highly correlated, but NAI assay titers exhibited less of a correlation. Analyses suggested an independent role for NAI antibody in protection, which was similar in the IIV, LAIV, and placebo groups. Conclusions While NAI antibody is not produced to a large extent in response to current IIV, it appears to have an independent role in protection. As new influenza vaccines are developed, NA content should be considered. Clinical trials registration NCT00538512.
A New Optrode Design for Intramural Optical Recordings

Intramural measurements of Vm and Cai2+ are important in the studies of cardiac arrhythmias and defibrillation. We developed a new design of an “optrode” (bundle of optical fibers) for use in intramural cardiac mapping. The optrodes are made from seven optical fibers with the fiber ends polished at 45° angle and coated with mirror surfaces. The optrodes are enclosed in smooth epoxy resin cast, which protects mirror surfaces from damage and ensures constant optrode diameter along its length. The optrodes are strong enough to be easily inserted into heart muscle, can be reused multiple times, and they may reduce artifacts in the measurements of the effects of defibrillation shocks on Vm.
Appendiceal Granulation Polyp

An appendiceal granulation polyp is an unusual polyp of the vermiform appendix. In this article, the pathology of such a polyp that developed in a 9-year-old boy with an appendicostomy is presented. These polyps may result as a complication of chronic irritation following the surgical creation of a stoma into the vermiform appendix or after appendico-vesicostomy.
Opposite alterations of DNA methyltransferase gene expression in endometrioid and serous endometrial cancers

Abstract Objective To examine the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) mRNA and protein levels in endometrioid and serous cancers and to study the relationship between DNA methyltransferase expression and endometrial cancer development. Methods Normal endometrium, Grade I and Grade III endometrioid carcinoma tissues and cell lines, as well as serous cancer tissues, were analyzed for DNMT expression. Real-time PCR and Western blot techniques were employed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of the four DNA methyltransferases, DNMT1, DNMT2, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect alterations in DNMT nuclear localization and spatial organization patterns. Results While DNMT2 and DNMT3A expression appear to be normal, two- to fourfold increase in DNMT1 and DNMT3B were found in both Grade I and Grade III endometrioid cancers. In addition, the poorly differentiated cell lines expressed relatively higher DNMT levels than well-differentiated cells. In contrast to endometrioid carcinomas, serous cancers expressed substantially lower levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3B than normal controls, with four- and twofold reduction observed in DNMT1 and DNMT3B mRNA levels, respectively. Western blot analysis confirmed opposite expression patterns of DNMT1 and DNMT3B protein in endometrioid and serous cancers. Immunohistochemistry showed normal nuclear localization of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in Type I and Type II cancer specimens as well as cell cultures. Conclusion Two opposite DNMT expression patterns were identified in endometrioid and serous cancers. The concerted upregulation in maintenance and de novo DNA methyltransferases in endometrioid carcinomas is consistent with a tendency for gene-specific hypermethylation observed in this histologic subtype, and may be implicated in tumor suppressor silencing. In contrast, the downregulation of maintenance and de novo DNA methyltransferases in serous cancers suggests that these tumors may contain hypomethylated genomic DNA, which has been associated with a higher mutation rate and is consistent with the known pathogenesis of serous-specific phenotypes. Taken together, the data suggest that divergent DNA methylation pathways may be implicated in the development of Type I and Type II endometrial cancers.
Intensifying the Focus on the Contribution of the Inanimate Environment to Health Care-Associated Infections.

In this issue, Han and colleagues' systematic review identifies gaps in the evidence base for hospital environmental cleaning. The editorialists underscore the need for carefully designed studies t...
A note on marking lines in [k]n

In $${[k]^n=[k]{\times}[k]{\times}\cdots{\times}[k]}$$ , a coordinate line consists of the collection of points where all but one coordinate is fixed and the unfixed coordinate varies over all possibilities. We consider the problem of marking (or designating) one point on each line in [k] n so that each point in [k] n is marked either a or b times, for some fixed a or b. This is equivalent to forming a strategy for a hat guessing game for n players with k different colors of hats where the number of correct guesses, regardless of hats placed, is either a or b. If we let s ? 0 and t ? 0 denote the number of vertices marked a and b times respectively, then we have the following obvious necessary conditions: s + t = k n (the number of points) and as + bt = nk n---1 (the number of lines). Our main result is to show for n ? 5, and k arbitrary, that these necessary conditions are also sufficient.
Design and Evaluation of a Touch Activated Glove System for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Studies

Upper extremity plyometric exercises show potential for shoulder injury prevention and rehabilitation. Plyometric exercises are physical activities in which muscles are extended and contracted in a rapid and repetitive manner. An example of a plyometric shoulder exercise consists of repeatedly throwing and catching a medicine ball into a trampoline system as quickly as possible. However, proper characterization of the efficacy of the exercise requires knowledge of ball contact events; specifically, the ball contact and release times. The objective of this work was to design and test a low cost touch activated glove system that could be used to determine contact events during upper extremity plyometric exercises. The sensor design consists of a neoprene frame over which layers of Velostat® film and copper fabric are arranged to create a pressure sensitive on-off switch. Individual sensors were constructed for digits II through IV and two for the upper palm area. Each sensor was attached to a nylon glove and wired to a terminal block, circuit board and battery pack situated on the back of the hand. A second nylon glove was used to cover and protect the sensors. Contact versus no contact sensor resistance was experimentally determined by measuring the sensors’ resistance when pressure was applied to various regions of the sensor contact area. This was used to anticipate the analogous contact verses no contact sensor voltage. The response time of the sensors plus measurement circuit was also determined by measuring the rise and fall time of the glove system due to contact events. Activated sensors produce a high voltage (> 3.0V) in the measurement circuit and indicate contact. The touch activated glove system was successfully used in a research study to quantify the intensity of overhand plyometric throwing and in another study to determine the biomechanical variables for the single arm seated shot put upper extremity functional performance test.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Numerical Study of Flow and Heat Transfer in Rotating Rectangular Channels (AR=4) With 45° Rib Turbulators by Reynolds Stress Turbulence Model

Computations were performed to study three-dimensional turbulent flow and heat transfer in a rotating smooth and 45° ribbed rectangular channels for which heat transfer data were available. The channel aspect ratio (AR) is 4:1, the rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio (e/Dh ) is 0.078 and the rib-pitch-to-height ratio (P/e) is 10. The rotation number and inlet coolant-to-wall density ratios, Δρ/ρ, were varied from 0.0 to 0.28 and from 0.122 to 0.40, respectively, while the Reynolds number was fixed at 10,000. Also, two channel orientations (β − 90° and 135° from the rotation direction) were investigated with focus on the high rotation and high density ratios effects on the heat transfer characteristics of the 135° orientation. These results show that, for high rotation and high density ratio, the rotation induced secondary flow overpowered the rib induced secondary flow and thus change significantly the heat transfer characteristics compared to the low rotation low density ratio case. A multi-block Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method was employed in conjunction with a near-wall second-moment turbulence closure. In the present method, the convective transport equations for momentum, energy, and turbulence quantities are solved in curvilinear, body-fitted coordinates using the finite-analytic method.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Proton Hop Paving the Way for Hydroxyl Migration: Theoretical Elucidation of Fluxionality in Transition-Metal Oxide Clusters

The reactions of chemisorbed water on W3O6 - and Mo3O6 - clusters have been investigated to explore the phenomenon of fluxionality in transition- metal oxide clusters. The net observed phenomenon here is a hydroxyl migration. However, mechanistic studies using electronic structure theory reveal that the hydroxyl migration occurs by a synergistic pathway led by a proton hop and assisted by an interconversion between a bridging oxygen and a terminal oxygen. Theprotonhopprovidesaccesstotwoisomers,whichdifferintherelativeposition and orientation of the hydroxyl groups, thereby generating the scope for an enhanced catalytic activity in important processes such as hydrogen evolution from water. SECTION Dynamics, Clusters, Excited States
Mapping Large-Scale, Cell-Specific Functional Connections with Chr2-evoked Hemodynamic Signals

We combine optogenetic mapping with optical intrinsic signal imaging in awake mice to show that ChR2-evoked maps provide patterns of functional network connectivity that are more spatially-specific than resting-state functional connectivity maps.
Corona resistant turn insulation in AC rotating machines

A corona-resistant wire enamel has been developed which gives at least an order of magnitude longer life than a conventional enamel. System tests, using this enamel in a form wound coil, have shown that the turn-to-turn capability of this magnet wire is superior to the capability of a reliable service-proven ground wall insulation.
Molecular structures of buried polymer interfaces and biological interfaces detected by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy

Molecular structures at interfaces determine interfacial properties.In order to optimize the interfacial structures to achieve improved properties of advanced materials,it is important to characterize molecular structures of interfaces in situ in real time.Recently,a nonlinear optical spectroscopic technique, sum frequency generation(SFG)vibrational spectroscopy,has been developed into a powerful and unique tool to elucidate molecular structures of buried interfaces,including liquid/liquid,solid/liquid,and solid/solid interfaces.In this review,applications of SFG to study molecular structures of complex interfaces such as polymer interfaces and biological interfaces have been discussed.Particularly,molecular surface structural changes of various polymers in water,molecular interactions between polymers and silane model adhesion promoters at interfaces,and structures of buried polymer/polymer as well as polymer/metal interfaces have been presented.In addition,interfacial structures of peptides with varied secondary structures and several representative proteins have been introduced.Interfaces play important roles in many disciplines ranging from chemistry,biology,physics,materials science and engineering,to nanotechnology.The development of a unique technique which can probe molecular structures of complex interfaces in situ greatly impacts the research in these disciplines as well as many interdisciplinary studies.
Approximation algorithms for stochastic orienteering

In the Stochastic Orienteering problem, we are given a metric, where each node also has a job located there with some deterministic reward and a random size. (Think of the jobs as being chores one needs to run, and the sizes as the amount of time it takes to do the chore.) The goal is to adaptively decide which nodes to visit to maximize total expected reward, subject to the constraint that the total distance traveled plus the total size of jobs processed is at most a given budget of B. (I.e., we get reward for all those chores we finish by the end of the day). The (random) size of a job is not known until it is completely processed. Hence the problem combines aspects of both the stochastic knapsack problem with uncertain item sizes and the deterministic orienteering problem of using a limited travel time to maximize gathered rewards located at nodes.In this paper, we present a constant-factor approximation algorithm for the best non-adaptive policy for the Stochastic Orienteering problem. We also show a small adaptivity gap---i.e., the existence of a non-adaptive policy whose reward is at least an Ω(1/log log B) fraction of the optimal expected reward---and hence we also get an O(log log B)-approximation algorithm for the adaptive problem. Finally we address the case when the node rewards are also random and could be correlated with the waiting time, and give a non-adaptive policy which is an O(log n logB)-approximation to the best adaptive policy on n-node metrics with budget B.
Telomerase and other novel approaches to bladder cancer detection.

1. Alexis Bennett, MS MT (ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. is medical technologist–specialist in hematology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham AL 1. Address for correspondence: Alexis Bennett, 475 Summit Way, Fultondale AL 35068. awbennett{at}uabmc.edu. 1. List laboratory methods for bladder cancer diagnosis. 2. Describe the function of telomerase in chromosomal replication. 3. Describe the pathologic action of telomerase in tumors. 4. Describe laboratory methods for monitoring telomerase activity. Over 68,000 new cases of urinary bladder cancer are expected in the United States in 2008. Of these, an estimated 13,000 people will die of this disease. Urinary bladder cancer is the fourth most common new cancer in men and the ninth most common in women, with incidence rates of 30.0 and 7.1 per 100,000, respectively.1 Bladder cancer can be divided into two broad categories relating to the severity of disease. The first affects 70% of the patients and is characterized by low-grade tumors with frequent subsequent recurrence. Patients with low-grade malignancies have a good prognosis and low mortality rate. The remaining 30% of patients have high-grade tumor lesions. While both categories are associated with frequent recurrences, patients with high-grade lesions are at high risk for metastasis to other organs and tissues. Patients in this category have particular need for accurate diagnosis and staging in order to improve survival rates.2 The greatest utility for a bladder cancer-screening program is in high-risk populations, i.e., those who have previously had urological cancer. The relatively low incidence rate (44 patients per 100,000 population) makes a general screening program unlikely due to the risks and costs associated with cystoscopy and cytology, the current screening methods.3 However, screening individuals at high risk is beneficial for early bladder cancer detection. Thus, there is a real need for an accurate and non-invasive screening assay with high sensitivity and specificity to be used in these populations. Urine tumor markers are a promising area of oncologic medicine with the… ABBREVIATIONS: hTERT = human telomerase reverse transcriptase; hTR or hTERC = human telomerase RNA component; PCR = polymerase chain reaction; RUO = research use only; TRAP = telomeric repeat amplification protocol. 1. List laboratory methods for bladder cancer diagnosis. 2. Describe the function of telomerase in chromosomal replication. 3. Describe the pathologic action of telomerase in tumors. 4. Describe laboratory methods for monitoring telomerase activity. [1]: #corresp-1
Validation of Histone-Binding Partners by Peptide Pull-Downs and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry

In order to properly describe a chromatin-binding module and understand its biology, its binding interactions need to be specifically and explicitly defined. Tremendous gains in our understanding of the function, specificity, and concerted action of chromatin-binding complexes have been made through reductionist studies of chromatin-binding modules and posttranslationally modified histone peptides. Chromatin binding proteins often discriminate between histone posttranslational modifications and sequence contexts using subtle affinity differences that appear critical to their function. Biophysical measurements are best able to discern these minute binding energy distinctions and are increasingly important as the chromatin field endeavors to detail the unique molecular recognition of myriad chromatin states. We describe the theoretical basis and advantages of various biophysical measurements of binding affinity in the chromatin field, as well as proper experimental design and procedure for peptide pull-downs and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Routine use of these techniques to characterize chromatin-binding proteins has the potential to profoundly advance our view of the molecular recognition of chromatin, allowing more quantitative comparisons across the chromatin field. Ultimately, precise determination of a binding affinity not only illuminates the biochemical and structural properties of an interface, but also informs investigation of function.
Dynamic Fracture Morphology of Bulk Metallic Glass Subjected to Shock Compression

Bulk metallic glasses (BMG), also known as bulk amorphous alloys or structural amorphous metals, are multi-component metallic alloys that are metastable, amorphous solids i.e. their atomic arrangement lacks long-range order. Their amorphous nature enables them to reach near theoretical strengths, which results in them having yield strengths that are far in excess of those of their crystalline counterparts.
The Principles of Mathematics Revisited: The epistemology of mathematical objects

At this point, it behooves me to reflect on what I am doing and to generalize the questions that I have raised. It was indicated above that the constructivistic interpretation of logic and mathematics outlined in the preceding chapter is not without precedents. The philosophical motivation of the constructivistic interpretation discussed there is new, or at least much more fully articulated than the expressed earlier motivations of similar views. But the technical implementation of my interpretation does not stray very far from Godel's Dialectica interpretation (1958) of first-order elementary arithmetic or from Kleene's readability interpretation (see Kleene 1952, sec. 82). However, it is possible to generalize the entire constructivistic interpretation considered here in a way which is more radically new and which opens the door to a deeper motivation of constructivism. This motivation can be seen by criticizing the way I have tried experimentally to present a raison d'etre for the one particular version of constructivism in the preceding chapter. This rationale turned on the alleged impossibility of playing a semantical game in accordance with a nonrecursive strategy. It was found unconvincing. A working mathematician might very well resent the tacit limitations that my tentative argument imposes on a mathematician's ability to play a semantical game. Surely a competent mathematician is not restricted in his or her mastery of strategies to such simple ones as to be codifiable by recursive functions – that is, to functions that even a stupid machine can handle.
Financial Sector Development and Economic Growth: The Case of Ghana (1980-2009)

This study examines the relationship between Financial Sector Development and Economic Growth in Ghana using time series data from 1980-2009. The study investigates empirically the impact of financial sector development on economic growth in Ghana using the Granger Causality Test, the Johansen Cointegration and the Error Correction Modeling (ECM) techniques. The intent of the framework used is to find out whether there exists a long-run relationship between growth and finance. The study concludes that there exist a positive long run relationship between economic growth and financial sector development with financial sector developments Granger causing economic growth in Ghana. An enabling environment and financial sector interventions such as low interest rate that will enhance transfer of credit to the private sector must be pursued to enhance the economic development of Ghana. Government should put in place appropriate fiscal and monetary policies to encourage the increase of credits to the private sector of the economy. This will boost economic growth immensely as shown by the results from our analysis.Government should encourage domestic producers with favourable tax incentives to enable them produce more for export which will intend increase the country’s GDP to a great extent.Government policy should focus on ensuring that capital stock is allocated efficiently to the productive sectors of the economy such as industry and agriculture.Policies should be put in place to increase and improve upon the human capital accumulation of skills in all areas, both financial and real sectors of the economy, to have a positive effect on the Ghanaian economy.