cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and treatment of vasculitis in the critically ill patient.

The inflammatory vasculitides are a group of multisystem diseases that can result in rapid clinical deterioration and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Vasculitis is usually idiopathic and often difficult to diagnosis quickly making the approach to these patients especially challenging in an ICU. Critical illness may be the initial presentation of an inflammatory vasculitis, it may be the result of progressive primary or recurrent disease or it may be due to complications of treatment, such as sepsis. This article focuses on critical care aspects of patients with vasculitis with a focus on the approach to diagnosis and treatment in the ICU. A particular emphasis is placed on the renal manifestations of the diseases. The most difficult aspect of diagnosing a case of vasculitis is often simply considering it in patients with severe multisystem disease. It must be emphasized that vasculitides are rare diseases and often mimic other diseases, such as infections and malignancies. Furthermore, because treatment for severe vasculitis almost always involves high-dose glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, infections must be carefully ruled out even in patients who clearly have vasculitis. Patients who already carry an established diagnosis of vasculitis can present to an ICU with an exacerbation of their underlying inflammatory process, an infectious complication of therapy, or both problems. In can often be difficult to determine whether patients with a history of vasculitis have active disease. Currently, there are no fully reliable measures of disease activity for vasculitis
Buffer salt effect on pH in the interior of an anion exchange resin.

Abstract The internal pH of Q Sepharose Fast Flow anion exchange resin in equilibrium with a bis–tris acetate buffer solution is investigated as a function of buffer salt concentration. Direct evidence of a resin phase pH shift is presented. At low buffer salt concentrations of 20 mM NaCl the resin phase pH is found to be as much as 1.1 pH units greater than that of the buffer phase, approaching to within 0.1 units of the buffer phase at salt concentrations greater than 250 mM. An ideal model with no adjustable parameters based on the Boltzmann distribution and the electroneutrality condition provides excellent agreement with experimental observations. The model assumes that small ions do not bind to the resin fixed charge sites and the agreement between the model predictions and observed resin internal pH suggests that strong electrolytes do not form ion pairs with the resin fixed charge sites.
Selection of optimal platform locations

A new method for finding the optimal platform and best well locations in offshore oil fields is presented to minimize the total drilling cost while the productive potential is maximized. The general mathematical model is defined as a nonlinear mixed-integer programming problem in three-dimensional (3D) space that is solved in a two-dimensional (2D) plane. Graph-theory approach and an alternate-location/allocation algorithm were used sequentially for the solution of this problem. The model has been tested on several actual offshore fields. Some computational results are given for both limited and unlimited platform capacity cases.
The Japanese-American: A cross-cultural, cross-sectional study of sex guilt

The purpose of the present investigation is to examine cultural differences in sexual standards and the process of acculturation, using three generations of Japanese-Americans and matched Caucasian-American controls. JapaneseAmericans were selected for study because of their generational, ethnic, and social structure. The present study hypothesized a change in sex guilt across the three generations of Japanese-Americans, approximating a bicultural adaptation. The results indicated that although the Japanese-American is a highly acculturated ethnic group, significant cross-cultural differences continue to emerge, especially among Japanese-American women. Furthermore, where gender differences do occur, they favor greater flexibility for men, in general,
Fragrance of Canada Thistle ( Cirsium arvense ) Attracts Both Floral Herbivores and Pollinators

The evolution of floral scent as a plant reproductive signal is assumed to be driven by pollinator behavior, with little attention paid to other potential selective forces such as herbivores. I tested 10 out of the 13 compounds emitted by dioecious Cirsium arvense, Canada thistle, including 2-phenylethanol, methyl salicylate, p-anisaldehyde, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde, linalool, furanoid linalool oxides (E and Z), and dimethyl salicylate. Single compounds (and one isomer) set out in scent-baited water-bowl traps trapped over 10 species of pollinators and 16 species of floral herbivores. The two dominant components of the fragrance blend of C. arvense, benzaldehyde and phenylacetaldehyde, trapped both pollinators and florivores. Other compounds attracted either pollinators or florivores. Florivores of C. arvense appear to use floral scent compounds as kairomones; by advertising to pollinators, C. arvense also attracts its own enemies.
Physical response to feedback in game-based learning

As we continue to reform science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, feedback is becoming an even more crucial component of STEM education. Feedback is the primary method of scaffolding student understanding in open-ended problem solving environments, including game-based learning. As game-based learning is becoming more popularized and a promising direction for more interactive online learning, it is important to establish effective methods to investigate learners' responses to game-based learning systems. This study investigates how people physically respond to various forms of feedback and identifies differences in responses. This study recorded a single students' physical response to feedback given from a gaming system. This paper describes the observed relationships between the player's physical response (trunk posture and head movements) and feedback provided during the game on the player's performance indicating whether performance is decreasing, constant, or increasing. We present a method for collecting data that could potentially test a student's level of engagement, the simplicity or complexity of the task at hand for the student, and how the student responds to the given feedback in a game-based learning systems.
MO-D-230A-01: A Nontraditional Method of Providing Radiation Protection Instruction at a Large Health Science Center

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that the combined online/lecture format was as effective as the lecture‐only format for students who took the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) radiation safety course. Method and Materials: In the 4th quarter of 2001 the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) converted its traditional classroom radiation safety course, taught exclusively in a classroom setting four times each year, to a combined online‐classroom format in which the majority of the course is taught online. This change was instituted in an effort to minimize the time spent in the classroom for UAB research personnel. This format should provide the additional benefit of self‐paced instruction for course participants. A statistical analysis was performed on the average first‐attempt test scores of the tests (number of tests=334) taken during a two‐year period before the online transition (average score=75.5), and the average first‐attempt test scores of the tests (number of tests=359) taken during a two‐year period after the online transition (average score=74.1.) Results: A two‐tailed Student's t‐test was performed on the data. The t‐value was 1.73, and P(T<=t) was 0.083. At α=0.05, the null hypothesis that the two averages are equal cannot be rejected. Conclusion: The online course format appears to be as effective a method of radiation safety instruction as the more traditional, exclusively‐classroom method of instruction. This presentation also reviews steps under consideration to improve the current online course to make it a more effective tool in radiation safety instruction.
Kinetics of carboxylation of endogenous and exogenous substrates by the vitamin K-dependent carboxylase

The vitamin K-dependent carboxylation of the exogenous pentapeptide, Phe-Leu-Glu-Glu-Ile, and endogenous liver microsomal protein was studied in solubilized rat liver microsomes. The MnCl2 stimulation of the vitamin K-dependent pentapeptide carboxylation rate, which is conducted at subsaturating concentrations of pentapeptide, is due to the cation's ability to lower the Km of the substrate. Although there are clear kinetic differences observed between the carboxylation rates for the pentapeptide and the endogenous protein substrates, several lines of evidence suggest that the same carboxylase system is responsible for both. These points of evidence are (i) the initial velocity of endogenous protein carboxylation is lowered in the presence of 3 mM pentapeptide; (ii) the presence of endogenous microsomal protein substrate causes an initial lag in pentapeptide carboxylation; and (iii) this initial lag phase is not observed when the total endogenous substrate pool is carboxylated by a preincubation reaction prior to the addition of pentapeptide.
The Potential Utility of Blood-Derived Biochemical Markers as Indicators of Early Clinical Trends Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a dynamic neuropathologic process in which a substantial proportion of patients die within the first 48-hours. The assessment of injury severity and prognosis are of primary concern in the initial management of severe TBI. Supplemental testing that aids in the stratification of patients at high risk for deterioration may significantly improve posttraumatic management in the acute setting. Methods This retrospective study assessed the utility of both single-marker and multimarker models as predictive indicators of acute clinical status after severe TBI. Forty-four patients who sustained severe TBI (admission Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score ≤8) were divided into two cohorts according to a dichotomized clinical outcome at 72 hours after admission: Poor status (death or GCS score ≤8) and improved status (GCS score improved to >8). Threshold values for clinical status prediction were calculated for serum S-100B, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and plasma D-dimer, upon admission and at 24 hours after TBI by the use of receiver operating characteristic analysis. Performance characteristics of these single-marker predictors were compared with those derived from a multimarker logistic regression analysis. Results Biomarkers with the greatest predictive value for poor status at 72 hours included serum S-100B on admission, as well as plasma D-dimer and serum S-100B at 24 hours, for which, associations were strongly significant. Multimarker analysis indicated no substantial improvement in prediction accuracy over the best single predictors during this time frame. Conclusion In conjunction with other clinical, physical, and radiologic evidence, blood-derived biochemical markers may serve to enhance prediction of early clinical trends after severe TBI.
Conjugate Gradient method for finding fundamental solitary waves

Abstract The Conjugate Gradient method (CGM) is known to be the fastest generic iterative method for solving linear systems with symmetric sign definite matrices. In this paper, we modify this method so that it can find fundamental solitary waves of nonlinear Hamiltonian equations. The main obstacle that such a modified CGM overcomes is that the operator of the equation linearized about a solitary wave is not sign definite. Instead, it has a finite number of eigenvalues on the opposite side of zero than the rest of its spectrum. We present versions of the modified CGM that can find solitary waves with prescribed values of either the propagation constant or power. We also extend these methods to handle multi-component nonlinear wave equations. Convergence conditions of the proposed methods are given, and their practical implications are discussed. We demonstrate that our modified CGMs converge much faster than, say, Petviashvili’s or similar methods, especially when the latter converge slowly.
On the geometry of an atmospheric slow manifold

Abstract We examine the hyperbolic structure and the invariant manifolds of a model proposed by Lorenz to introduce the concept of an atmospheric slow manifold within the framework of dynamical system theory. We address the question of the long time asymptotic behaviour of the system using the (global) geometric point of view. It is shown that the model can be reduced to the classical example of a pendulum coupled to a harmonic oscillator. The dynamical regimes of interest for the slow manifold hypothesis correspond to regions of phase space near the saddle-center fixed point of this model which were not previously explored. These phase space regions are analysed using a combination of Melnikov-type methods and ideas from singular perturbation theory. By using the reversible symmetries of the model, an extension of the Melnikov theory is derived. This extension allows us to find homoclinic orbits and determine their approximation by simply computing the zeros of a certain function, which is constructed in terms of the usual Melnikov function. Countable infinities of global homoclinic bifurcations and existence of chaotic dynamics can be shown to exist by using the new tool.
Neurophysiological Basis of Sleep’s Function on Memory and Cognition

A wealth of recent studies support a function of sleep on memory and cognitive processing. At a physiological level, sleep supports memory in a number of ways including neural replay and enhanced plasticity in the context of reduced ongoing input. This paper presents behavioral evidence for sleep’s role in selective remembering and forgetting of declarative memories, in generalization of these memories, and in motor skill consolidation. Recent physiological data reviewed suggests how these behavioral changes might be supported by sleep. Importantly, in reviewing these findings, an integrated view of how distinct sleep stages uniquely contribute to memory processing emerges. This model will be useful in developing future behavioral and physiological studies to test predictions that emerge.
CO2, CH4 and N2O flux through a Wyoming snowpack and implications for global budgets

INCREASING atmospheric concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide— account for about 70% of anticipated global warming1, but the production–consumption budgets are not balanced for any of these gases2. Snow can cover between 44 and 53% of the land area of the Northern Hemisphere3 and may be several metres deep in alpine and sub-alpine regions for more than half the year. Most trace-gas budgets assume that trace-gas exchange stops when soil is snow covered or soil temperatures drop to ~0°C (refs 4,5). Thus alpine and sub-alpine soils are generally considered to be net sinks for atmospheric CO2. Some reports6,7, however, suggest that soil microorganisms beneath the snow continue to respire at temperatures close to 0 °C. Here we present evidence that the soils under alpine and sub-alpine snowpacks emit CO2 and N2O and take up atmospheric CH4 throughout the snow-covered period. These fluxes represent an important part of the annual trace-gas budget for these ecosystems.
Poisson Conduction Shape Factors for “Mixed Case” Counter-Current Heat Transfer Applications

The effects of a source term and geometry on vessel-vessel and vessel-tissue Poisson conduction shape factors (VVPCSFs and VTPCSFs) are studied for uniformly heated, finite, non-insulated tissues for the ‘mixed case’ i.e., when the tissue boundary temperature lies in between the two vessel wall temperatures. In addition, two alternative formulations for the VTPCSFs are compared; while both formulations use the vessel wall temperature, one uses the tissue boundary temperature, and the other the area averaged tissue temperature. Results show that the VVPCSFs are only geometry dependent and do not depend on the applied power or the two vessel wall and tissue boundary temperatures. Conversely, the VTPCSFs are strong functions of these variables.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Restavèk children in context: Wellbeing compared to other Haitian children

In Haiti, large numbers of vulnerable children and the country's particular historical context has led to a unique phenomenon known as the "restavek" system. An estimated 300,000 Haitian children are restaveks, living as unpaid domestic servants. Child-welfare advocates describe the restavek system as modern slavery, but researchers and advocates lack information about restavek children's circumstances, particularly vis-a-vis other children in Haiti. In a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample, we evaluated differences in well-being (school attendance, work responsibilities, physical abuse, and hunger) between restavek children and: (a) all non-restavek children; and (b) the poorest quintile of non-restavek children. As compared to all Haitian children and the poorest Haitian children, restavek children have statistically significantly lower school attendance rates and more labor responsibilities. However, restavek children experience statistically significantly less physical abuse and less hunger than non-restavek Haitian children. The restavek system remains active in Haiti because poor families lack basic resources to support their children, and restavek children are at risk for mistreatment due to their vulnerable social status. The surprising finding that restavek children are better off in some respects than their non-restavek peers highlights the desperate poverty in Haiti and suggests that structural changes for poverty reduction will be required before the restavek system will end.
Role of the human homolog of the yeast transcription factor SPT5 in HIV-1 tat-activation

The transactivator protein Tat stimulates transcriptional elongation from the HIV-1 LTR. One mechanism by which Tat increases HIV-1 transcription is by interacting with RNA polymerase II and TFIIH to increase phosphorylation of the polymerase C-terminal domain. Recent studies indicate that specific elongation factors may also be required to modulate Tat function. Here, we used biochemical analysis and in vitro transcription assays to identify cellular factors required for Tat activation. This analysis resulted in the purification of a cellular factor Tat-CT1 which is a human homolog of the yeast transcription factor SPT5. Immunodepletion of Tat-CTl from HeLa extract demonstrated that this factor was involved in transcriptional activation by Tat. However, the absence of this factor from HeLa extract did not prevent transcriptional activation by VP16. These findings are consistent with a model in which Tat-mediated effects on transcriptional elongation are mediated in part by the action of the human homolog of the yeast transcription factor SPT5.
Some effects of motion and plane reflecting surfaces on the radiation from acoustic sources

The effects of translatory and rotational motion and of the proximity of ground surface on the radiation from acoustic monopole and dipole sources are discussed together with the key equations. It is shown that interference patterns are produced by reflection and absorption at a plane surface and that consequently, the far-field directivity of an acoustic source near the ground can be substantially altered from its free-field value. The kinematic effects discussed include the beaming of sound in the direction of source motion and the shifting of the observer source frequency in a directionally dependent manner. The effects are illustrated by experimental data.
THE VEGETATIVE ANATOMY OF JAUMEA CARNOSA (LESS.) GRAY (ASTERACEAE), A SALT MARSH SPECIES

Certain anatomical characters of Jaumea carnosa, a salt marsh plant, which are diagnostic, adaptive, or otherwise important for an ecological anatomy study are described. The characters which follow are noteworthy. The plant has a sympodial construction forming an extensively branched rhizome system, and erect lateral shoots which eventually become prostrate. The leaves have very few, and only moderately developed succulent characters, such as: poorly defined palisade tissue, central mesophyll cells which are slightly enlarged anticlinally, and a complete lack of sclerification in the mesophyll. A continuous schizogenous canal system lined with epithelial cells lies in the ground tissues of all stem forms and leaves. The phellem is composed of thin-walled, only lightly suberized cells. Very broad parenchymatous areas develop in the secondary tissues of the rhizome, associated with a slowing of vascular cambial activity which creates depressions in the axis. Adventitious roots arise from ground tissues close to the primary xylem and from interfasicular regions close to the primary phloem in the rhizomes. JA UMEA CARNOSA (LESS.) GRAY, a succulent perennial herb (Munz, 1974), with extensive rhizomatous growth and decumbent shoots, is a codominant or subdominant in salt marshes and coastal strands along the California coast (Macdonald and Barbour, 1974). The genus Jaumea Pers. (Asteraceae) occurs from the Pacific United States through South America to South Africa. No anatomical or morphological examinations of the genus or species are known to the writers.
Gnosticism and Egyptian Religion by

Despite the fact that Egypt has provided the most abundant sources for the study of Gnosticism and the occasional mention of Egypt and things Egyptian in those sources, scholars have neglected Egyptian religion as a significant influence in the origin and development of Gnosticism. An examination of the early Nag Hammadi tractate Eugnostos makes it possible to see that it was significantly affected by Egyptian religious conceptions of the Urzeit. The evidence of the influence of Eugnostos upon subsequent gnostic systems suggests that it was at least one route by which Egyptian religion influenced Gnosticism at its core.
Phosphorylation of the MADS-Box Transcription Factor MEF2C Enhances Its DNA Binding Activity

Members of the myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors activate muscle gene expression by binding an A/T-rich DNA sequence in the control regions of muscle-specific genes. There are four MEF2 factors in vertebrates, MEF2A-D, which share homology in an amino-terminal MADS domain and an adjacent region known as the MEF2 domain, that together mediate DNA binding and dimerization. We show that serine 59 located between the MADS and MEF2 domains of MEF2C is phosphorylated in vivo and can be phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase-II (CKII). Phosphorylation of this site enhanced the DNA binding and transcriptional activity of MEF2C by increasing its DNA binding activity 5-fold. In vivo 32P labeling experiments showed that serine 59 is the only phosphorylation site in the MADS and MEF2 domains. Mutagenesis of this serine to an aspartic acid resulted in an increase in DNA binding and transcriptional activity of MEF2C comparable to that observed when this site was phosphorylated, suggesting that phosphorylation augments DNA binding activity by introducing negative charge. This phosphorylation site, which corresponds to a CKII recognition site, is conserved in all known MEF2 factors in organisms ranging from flies to humans, consistent with its importance for the functions of MEF2C.
It Never Ends: Mothering as a Lifetime Occupation

Little understanding exists of the occupation of mothering and how it changes and evolves throughout the life-course. Research to date has focused on how a child influences the marital dyad, with little exploration of the mothering experience. Occupational therapy literature has primarily focused on mothering within the context of illness and disability without first gaining a perspective of everyday mothering tasks and activities. Through in-depth interviews and focus groups, this study examines the mothering experiences of 17 American women ranging in age from 32 to 83 years. Emergent themes discussed in this paper include mothering as a lifetime occupation and the influence of the perfect mother image on the occupation of mothering.
Right Turns on Green and Pedestrian Level of Service: Statistical Assessment

Traditional pedestrian level of service measures at signalized intersections are based on pedestrian space and pedestrian delay. However, these measures may not adequately reflect the negative impact of right-turning traffic on pedestrians. This paper presents a statistical analysis using a binary logit model that provides new insights into the factors that affect the likelihood that a pedestrian is compromised (delayed, altered their travel path, or altered their travel speed) in response to traffic turning right (on green) during concurrent vehicle/pedestrian signal timing. The statistical analysis indicates that a number of factors affect the likelihood of a pedestrian being compromised including pedestrian direction of travel, right-turn traffic volume, number of pedestrians crossing, whether the pedestrian arrived late and began crossing after the end of the walk interval, and the crosswalk characteristics including location (downtown versus suburban) and one-way/two-way streets.
Purification and Properties of Catechol 1,2-Dioxygenase from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae USDA 2370.

Abstract The catechol 1,2-dioxygenase of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viceae USDA 2370 was purified 296-fold, yielding a homogeneous preparation with a specific activity of 51.1 U mg of protein-1. The molecular weight of the native protein was 70,000, with two identical subunits of 34,500 and 1 g-atom of iron per mol. The optimum pH for catalytic activity was 9.0 to 9.5.
Early versus delayed insertion of tympanostomy tubes for persistent otitis media: developmental outcomes at the age of three years in relation to prerandomization illness patterns and hearing levels

Background. Whether prompt insertion of tympanostomy tubes in children with persistent early life otitis media prevents or minimizes subsequent developmental impairment has been the subject of conflicting opinions and differing approaches to management. Methods. We randomly assigned 429 children with persistent middle ear effusion (MEE) before the age of 3 years to have tympanostomy tubes inserted either as soon as possible or up to 9 months later if MEE persisted. In 402 of these children, we found no significant differences at age 3 years between the 2 treatment groups in mean scores on any measure of speech, language and cognition and in 401 of the children no significant differences in measures of psychosocial development. We then examined outcomes within subgroups of children who might have been the most severely affected, namely those who had been randomized on the basis of bilateral, continuous MEE rather than unilateral and/or discontinuous MEE and those who had the greatest degrees of hearing loss. Results. In none of the subgroups we considered were scores on any outcome measure significantly more favorable in children in the early treatment group than in children in the late treatment group. Conclusions. In otherwise normal children who have MEE, during the first 3 years of life within the durations we studied, prompt insertion of tympanostomy tubes does not measurably improve developmental outcomes at age 3 years, irrespective of whether MEE has been continuous or discontinuous and unilateral or bilateral and whether or not MEE has been accompanied by mild to moderate hearing loss.
Selection index updating for maximizing rate of annual genetic gain in laying hens

Abstract Four selection strategies aimed at maximizing egg production in laying hens were compared with respect to expected annual genetic gain (GA). The selection strategies were: 1) (S1P) Traditional single-stage selection based on a single-house production system using partial records for both the individual and its ancestors, 2) Single-stage selection based on a single-house production system using full records for both the individual and its ancestors (S1F), 3) Single-stage selection based on a two-house production system using partial records for the individual and full records for its ancestors (S2P), and 4) Multistage selection based on a two-house production system using partial records for the individual and all available ancestral records (M2P). Strategy M2P resulted in the shortest generation interval (0.538 yr) and was the most efficient (deltaGA4 = 3.620 eggs per year), whereas strategy S1F generated the longest generation interval (2 yr) and was the least efficient (deltaGA2 = 1.334 eggs per year). Strategies S1P and S2P resulted in generation intervals of 1 yr, and were intermediate in efficiency (deltaGA1 = 2.232 eggs per year, deltaGA3 = 2.593 eggs per year). It was concluded that a two-house production system utilizing multistage selection was the most effective selection methodology. Further, selection based on M2P is expected to improve persistency of lay, whereas selection on S1P will not.
Challenges and strategies in managing cardiometabolic risk

The obesity epidemic is associated with numerous health-related sequelae, including alterations in glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. These conditions, in turn, are associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, which ultimately leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Abdominal obesity, in particular, has been identified as a key risk factor. Accordingly, therapeutic lifestyle change remains the cornerstone of treatment for patients with obesity. Therapeutic lifestyle change is effective; even moderate weight loss leads to clinical improvements. However, lifestyle change is often challenging to implement, and pharmacologic therapies may become necessary. Available pharmacologic and surgical treatment modalities for patients with obesity are fraught with challenges of their own, including poor patient adherence and presence of adverse events. The author outlines available modes of treatment and their consequences for patients with obesity.
Molecular responses of vascular smooth muscle cells to paclitaxel-eluting bioresorbable stent materials

We studied the influence of paclitaxel, eluted from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), on cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation as a model of bioresorbable stent-induced restenosis. We blended paclitaxel in cast PLLA films (P-PLLA), demonstrating controlled release of the drug, then studied VSMC adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression profiles. No difference in cell adhesion was found between P-PLLA and PLLA controls (105 +/- 12% of PLLA controls). However, P-PLLA significantly reduced VSMC proliferation (40 +/- 15% of PLLA controls, p < 0.05). Using cDNA microarray technology, we identified major effects of P-PLLA, including: upregulation of genes related to apoptosis, anti-proliferation and antioxidation; and suppression of cell cycle regulators and cell survival markers. The expression patterns indicate that P-PLLA regulates gene expression and cell functions via new pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and protein kinase (PKs, e.g., PKA) pathways, in addition to the stabilization of polymerized-microtubules.
Proactive Service Discovery and Execution Using Agents

Service-oriented computing (SOC) suggests that the Internet will be an open repository of many modular capabilities realized as Web services. Organizations may be able to leverage this SOC paradigm if their employees are able to ubiquitously incorporate such capabilities and their resulting information into their daily practices. It is impractical to assume that human users will be able to search vast distributed repositories at real-time. In addition, automated search tools may invasively present too much information. This paper presents an architecture, software agent-based groupware using e-services (SAGE), that incorporates the use of intelligent agents to integrate human users with Web services. SAGE provides background search and discovery approaches thus enabling human users to exploit service-based capabilities that were previously too time-consuming to locate and integrate. We present a multi-agent system where each agent learns the rule-based preferences of a human user and manages the incorporation of Web services
Variability and Uncertainty in the Cost of Saline Formation Storage

Cost estimates for CO2 capture and storage (CCS) systems typically focus on details of the CO2 capture process and make simplistic assumptions about the cost per ton of CO2 for the transport and storage components of the system. These ad hoc assumptions ignore the large variability in the storage cost from site-to-site caused by variation in storage reservoir characteristics. Moreover, the typical costs of storage that are widely applied in CCS cost estimates do not fully consider the cost of site characterization and operational monitoring. To address this problem, we have recently developed an engineeringeconomic model for geological storage in deep saline formations. In this paper we briefly describe the newly-developed performance and cost models for CO2 storage in deep saline formations, and use these models to develop a range of cost for CO2 storage. The range of cost is explored using four cases, representing different types of potential storage reservoirs. Results from the four case studies show considerably different capital costs and, consequently, levelized costs of CO2 stored. In addition, the sensitivity of CO2 storage cost to variability and uncertainty in model input parameters for one of the case studies is examined. These results show clearly that the cost of CO2 storage in saline formations is most sensitive to factors affecting site characterization costs, which have been significantly underestimated in most past studies, and are highly dependent on future regulation of geological storage projects. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
A transepiphyseal fracture of the proximal femur combined with a fracture of the mid-shaft of ipsilateral femur in a child: a case report and literature review.

The paper describes a rare fracture of proximal femur, classified by Delbet (Am J Surg 6:793–797, 1929) as type I (transepiphyseal type) combined with a fracture of the midshaft of ipsilateral femur in a 2-year-old child. Immediate operation with open reduction and internal fixation was successful. During the postoperative course, avascular necrosis (AVN) of capital femoral epiphysis was seen by bone scan. Applying an abduction orthosis used for the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, collapse of capital epiphysis was prevented. Although, a minimal area of AVN and coxa vara remained, no clinical complaints were recorded at the midterm follow-up. While reviewing the relevant literature, the type-I fractures need to be subclassified into two types for appropriate treatment and/or prediction of outcomes based on their anatomic location of the separated femoral capital epiphysis. In type Ia, femoral capital epiphysis is minimally displaced and within the acetabulum and in type Ib it is widely displaced and lying outside the capsule. Our case is a first case of a type Ib fracture of the proximal femur combined with a fracture of the midshaft of ipsilateral femur. Since the complication rate and the prognosis differed between two subclasses, type-Ib fractures need immediate surgical intervention, our case was prevented from massive AVN. And to prevent the collapse of femoral head following AVN, a major complication of the fracture of proximal femur in child, abduction orthosis is recommended as a choice of treatment.
Simian Virus 40 DNA Replication in Isolated Replicating Viral Chromosomes

Abstract Three subnuclear systems capable of continuing many aspects of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication were characterized in an effort to define the minimum requirements for “normal” DNA replication in vitro. Nuclear extracts, prepared by incubating nuclei isolated from SV40-infected CV-1 cells in a hypotonic buffer to release both SV40 replicating and mature chromosomes, were either centrifuged to separate the total SV40 nucleoprotein complexes from the soluble nucleosol or fractionated on sucrose gradients to provide purified SV40 replicating chromosomes. With nuclear extracts, CV-1 cell cytosol stimulated total DNA synthesis, elongation of nascent DNA chains, maturation and joining of “Okazaki pieces,” and the conversion of replicating viral DNA into covalently closed, superhelical DNA. Nucleoprotein complexes responded similarly, but frequently the response was reduced by 10 to 30%. In contrast, isolated replicating chromosomes in the presence of cytosol appeared only to complete and join Okazaki pieces already present on the template; without cytosol, Okazaki pieces incorporated α-32P-labeled deoxynucleoside triphosphates but failed to join. Consequently, replicating chromosomes failed to extensively continue nascent DNA chain growth, and the conversion of viral replicating DNA into mature DNA was seven to eight times less than that observed in nuclear extracts. Addition of neither cytosol nor nucleosol corrected this problem. In the presence of cytosol, nonspecific endonuclease activity was not a problem in any of the three in vitro systems. Extensive purification of replicating chromosomes was limited by three as yet irreversible phenomena. First, replicating chromosomes isolated in a low-ionic-strength medium had a limited capability to continue DNA synthesis. Second, diluting either nuclear extracts or replicating chromosomes before incubation in vitro stimulated total DNA synthesis but was accompanied by the simultaneous appearance of small-molecular-weight nascent DNA not associated with intact viral DNA templates and a decrease in the synthesis of covalently closed viral DNA. Although this second phenomenon appeared similar to the first, template concentration alone could not account for the failure of purified replicating chromosomes to yield covalently closed DNA. Finally, preparation of nucleoprotein complexes in increasing concentrations of NaCl progressively decreased their ability to continue DNA replication. Exposure to 0.3 M NaCl removed one or more factors required for DNA synthesis which could be replaced by addition of cytosol. However, higher NaCl concentrations yielded nucleoprotein complexes that had relatively no endogenous DNA synthesis activity and that no longer responded to cytosol. These data demonstrate that continuation of endogenous DNA replication in vitro requires both the soluble cytosol fraction and a complex nucleoprotein template whose ability to continue DNA synthesis depends on its concentration and ionic environment during its preparation.
bcnQL: A Query Language for Biochemical Network

This paper proposes a graph data model that can represent the Biochemical Network. In the data model, the Node class and extended Node subclasses are used to represent the Biochemical Entities and Interactions, and the Edge class is used to describe the relationships between nodes. Furthermore, the Path and Hyper-Path classes are proposed to represent various processes and pathways. The study presented in this paper also proposes a Query Language bcnQL that empowers users to query entities, interactions, processes and pathways with arbitrary conditions. In addition, new graphs can be composed with hyper-paths using supported graph functions. The language employs node formula, edge formula, path formula, hyper-path formula and graph formula to construct a collection of node objects, edge objects, path objects, hyper-path objects and graph objects respectively. Some query examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the language for this specific domain. Finally, we provide a prototype implementation for the query language.
When Do Patients Need Admission to a Telemetry Bed

Non-intensive telemetry units are utilized for monitoring patients at risk for life-threatening dysrhythmias and sudden death. Physicians often use monitored beds for patients who might only require frequent nursing care. When 70% of the top 10 diseases admitted through the emergency department (ED) are clinically indicated for telemetry, hospitals with limited resources will be overwhelmed and admitted patients will be forced to wait in the ED. We examine the evidence behind admitting patients to telemetry. There is evidence for monitoring in patients admitted for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator firing, type II and complete atrio-ventricular block, prolonged QT interval with ventricular arrhythmia, decompensated heart failure, acute cerebrovascular event, acute coronary syndrome, and massive blood transfusion. Monitoring is beneficial for selected patients with syncope, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, atrial tachyarrhythmias, and uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities. Finally, telemetry is not indicated for patients requiring minor blood transfusion, low risk chest pain patients with normal electrocardiography, and stable patients receiving anticoagulation for pulmonary embolism.
Antennal neurones specific for redundant pheromone components in normal and mutant Trichoplusia ni males

Recordings were made from the pheromone-sensitive receptor cells within antennal hairs of normal and mutant male cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), using a cut-sensillum technique. From sampling 136 sensilla on normal males and 123 on mutant males, cells excited by pairs of behaviour ally redundant minor pheromone components were dis- covered: Z9-14:Ac was found to be replaceable with 12:Ac and ll-12:Ac was found to be replaceable with Z5~12:Ac. These cells were not found during pre- vious neurophysiological investigations, but explain most of the associations between mutually replaceable (redundant) pheromone components which had been demonstrated previously to be behaviourally redundant in wind tunnel studies Our results indicate that the mutant gene in T.ni that affects pheromone production does not affect pheromone receptors in males Using both AC- and DC-coupled recordings from receptor cells, we found that a single minor com- ponent could apparently hyperpolarize one cell while depolarizing another cell within the same sensillum, suggesting that noise reduction and other complex signal processing by receptor cells may contribute to odour processing in the macroglomerulus of the antennal lobe.
TB database 2010: overview and update.

summary The Tuberculosis Database (TBDB) is an online database providing integrated access to genome sequence, expression data and literature curation for TB. TBDB currently houses genome assemblies for numerous strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) as well assemblies for over 20 strains related to MTB and useful for comparative analysis. TBDB stores pre- and post-publication gene-expression data from M. tuberculosis and its close relatives, including over 3000 MTB microarrays, 95 RT-PCR datasets, 2700 microarrays for human and mouse TB related experiments, and 260 arrays for Streptomyces coelicolor .T o enable wide use of these data, TBDB provides a suite of tools for searching, browsing, analyzing, and downloading the data. We provide here an overview of TBDB focusing on recent data releases and enhancements. In particular, we describe the recent release of a Global Genetic Diversity dataset for TB, support for short-read re-sequencing data, new tools for exploring gene expression data in the context of gene regulation, and the integration of a metabolic network reconstruction and BioCyc with TBDB. By integrating a wide range of genomic data with tools for their use, TBDB is a unique platform for both basic science research in TB, as well as research into the discovery and development of TB drugs, vaccines and biomarkers.
System of CRM Performance Evaluation Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Algorithm

With the level of informatization is improving CRM has been used by enterprises universally and it makes the working efficiency has been improved. In order to improve the CRM performance needs to do a scientific and comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation on CRM performance is a complex systemic project. A CRM performance evaluation method based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is presented. Comprehensive evaluation method of CRM performance based on fuzzy comprehensive algorithm is studied, the architecture of the system is built and the function of the system is analyzed. Based on those works a prototype system of CRM performance evaluation is developed. Results of the system run prove the correctness of the theoretical and the feasibility of the technology.
The Qualifications and Classroom Performance of Teachers Moving to Charter Schools

Abstract Do charter schools draw good teachers from traditional, mainstream public schools? Using a thirteen-year panel of North Carolina public schoolteachers, I find that less qualified and less effective teachers move to charter schools, particularly if they move to urban schools, low-performing schools, or schools with higher shares of nonwhite students. It is unclear whether these findings reflect lower demand for teachers’ credentials and value added or resource constraints unique to charter schools, but the inability to recruit teachers who are at least as effective as those in traditional public schools will likely hinder charter student achievement.
Some Surface Chemical Effects on the Capture of Free Radicals - A Kinetic Parameter Analysis of the LPS Model

The LPS kinetic model parameters were either experimentally determined or they were available in the literature. Using the kinetic model and statistical techniques, the only adjustable parameter, the oligomeric radical capture rate constant, was evaluated as a function of ionic strength and pH. The capture rate constant was decomposed into a stability factor term and an ionic strength independent rate constant. The stability factor, as a function of ionic strength, exhibited a deep minimum at 0.014X00B1;0.002M ionic strength. The rate dependence on initiator was found to have a 0-8 power dependence below 0.014 M ionic strength and 0.5 power dependence above 0.014 M ionic strength. This correlates well with data from recent literature, which reports at low ionic strength a 0.88±0.14 power dependence and at high ionic strength a 0.58 power dependence.
Ultrasonic Tissue Visualization and Surgery in Brain

Combining the tissue visualization capability of ultrasound with the method of ultrasonic focal lesion production in tissue permits a non-invasive approach to diagnosis and surgery. Any body tissue which can be visualized ultrasonically is a potential candidate for application of an intense ultrasonic lesioning beam when an ablative surgical procedure in the tissue is the method of choice for therapy. This combination method has been first applied to brain. Ultrasonic visualization and lesioning in brain is conducted transcutaneously with an underlying section of skull bone removed by conventional surgical techniques as a prelude to the ultrasonic procedures. Only those cases have been treated thus far in the human in which the physician has provided a craniectomy as part of a more conventional brain surgery procedure for therapy. Although initially applied to brain, the methods are not limited to this structure and exploration of the more general application of the technique is envisioned.
Protected Concerted Activity in the Non-Union Context: Limitations on the Employer's Rights to Discipline or Discharge Employees

This article is devoted to the situation in which there is no union or union organizational activity. It should be recognized that since the National Labor Relations Act does not distinguish between the statutory rights of union and non-union employees, many of the cases involving the protected concerted activities of union members are persuasive, if not being, authority in the non-union context. The limitations placed by the Act on employers' rights will be delineated by an examination of the four factors upon which the courts have placed emphasis - definition of the term "concerted," proper purposes of concerted activity, the type of concerted activity involved, and the ways that a protected activity may lose its protection.