cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiling of serrated polyps identifies annexin A10 as a marker of a sessile serrated adenoma/polyp.

Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) are precursors of colon cancer, particularly those that exhibit microsatellite instability. Distinguishing SSA/Ps from the related, but innocuous, microvesicular hyperplastic polyp (MVHP) can be challenging. In this study seven gastrointestinal pathologists reviewed 109 serrated polyps and identified 60 polyps with histological consensus. Microarray analysis was performed on six distal consensus MVHPs 9 mm, and six normal colon biopsies (three proximal, three distal). Comparative gene expression analysis confirmed the close relationship between SSA/Ps and MVHPs as there was overlapping expression of many genes. However, the gene expression profile in SSA/Ps had stronger and more numerous associations with cancer-related genes compared with MVHPs. Three genes (TFF2, FABP6, and ANXA10) were identified as candidates whose expression can differentiate SSA/Ps from MVHPs, and the differences in expression were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. As ANXA10 showed the most promise in differentiating these polyps, the expression of ANXA10 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in consensus SSA/Ps (n = 26), MVHPs (n = 21), and normal colon (n = 9). Immunohistochemical expression of ANXA10 was not identified in separate samples of normal colon or in the normal colonic epithelium adjacent to the serrated polyps. Consistent with the microarray and quantitative RT-PCR experiments, immunohistochemical expression of ANXA10 was markedly increased in SSA/Ps compared to MVHPs (p < 0.0001). An ANXA10 score ≥ 3 has a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 95% in the diagnosis of an SSA/P. In conclusion, we show that SSA/Ps and MVHPs have significant overlap in gene expression, but also important differences, particularly in cancer-related pathways. Expression of ANXA10 may be a potential marker of the serrated pathway to colon cancer.
Dual Diagnosis in an Aging Population: Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders, Comorbid Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Service Utilization in the Department of Veterans Affairs

Objective: In the context of an aging baby boom cohort with higher rates of substance use disorders than previous cohorts, the abuse of substances and dual diagnosis represent growing areas of concern among older adults. The aims of this study were to determine the current treated prevalence of major psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis across multiple age groups in a national sample of mental health patients and to examine associated service utilization. Methods: Using administrative data from specialty mental health clinics in the Department of Veterans Affairs (N = 911,725), treated prevalence of major psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders, and dual diagnosis across multiple age groups were determined over a 1-year interval (FY 2009). Associated mental health service utilization was examined. Results: Treated prevalence of almost all major psychiatric and substance use disorders decreased with age, while dementias increased with age. Across all major psychiatric i...
Dispersive properties of grounded slotlines and edge coupled microstrip lines on biaxial substrates

Spectral domain analysis is used to study the propagation characteristics of grounded slotlines and edge-coupled microstrip lines on biaxial substrates. An expression is derived for the Green's function. The expression is valid for substrates simultaneously specified by both their permittivity and permeability tensors. The behavior of the normalized wavelength, index of refraction, and propagation constant is examined in detail with respect to different linewidth/substrate-thickness ratios as well as the material parameters. Numerical data are tabulated with respect to different parameters for frequencies up to 40.0 GHz for both 0 degrees and 90 degrees rotations of the permittivity tensor. >
Gandhi and bin Laden: Religious Conflict at the Polar Extremes

The current conflict of political terror advocated by religious Islamists, such as Osama bin Laden, threaten to eclipse the rele vance of non-violent strategies advocated by Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. An examination of the relative strengths and weakness of the tactics of non-violence (ahimsa) and violence (jihad) will show some short-term advantages for violence, that are serious ly mitigated by other long-term and tactical weaknesses. This inves tigation also suggests new ways (a chemical model) for understand ing the moral polar extremes of religious belief represented by Gandhi and bin Laden.
A Fundamental Connection Between Intrinsic Material Damping and Structural Damping

The material scientist is mainly interested in the mechanisms and an accurate measurement of the intrinsic material damping. The structural mechanician, on the other hand, is primarily interested in predicting the dampingof a structure. The central objective of this paper is to establish a fundamental connection between material damping (which is an intrinsic or intensive property) and structural damping (which is an extrinsic or extensive property). As our starting point, we assume that the intrinsic material damping properties have been measured, and that an elasticity solution to the structural vibration problem has been found. By using the Correspondence Principle of linear viscoelasticity, we derive an exact solution for the viscoelastic structural damping. In an earlier work, Kalyanasundaram, Allen, and Schapery obtained the viscoelastic structural damping of a Timoshenko beam with pinned ends from the complex frequency equation by separating its real and imaginary components. However, for more complex structures, this procedure is lengthy and we instead linearize the viscoelastic frequency equation in a complex Taylor series expansion. We show that the results of Kalyanasundaram et al. can be readily obtained. Then, by way of illustration, we solve the problem of a Timoshenko beam with inertial boundary conditions, that is, with a mass and a rotary inertia attached to both ends.
Assessing the accuracy of monitoring wells in tidal wetlands

[1] Groundwater movement in marshes is driven by tidal fluctuations, evapotranspiration, and the infiltration of rainwater. These forcings act on time scales of several hours. Monitoring wells in marshes must, therefore, be able to react rapidly and accurately to changes in these forcings. To assess the response characteristics of a given well design, I define a well's time constant as the square of its radius divided by the product of the aquifer conductivity and the length of its screen. Using numerical simulations, I show that the logarithm of the mean deviation over a tidal cycle between the head in the well and the head in the adjoining undisturbed aquifer is linearly related to the logarithm of the well time constant. Similar logarithmic relationships occur for the maximum deviations on flood and ebb tides and the well time constant. Thus, wells in soils with low hydraulic conductivity must have smaller radii and longer screens than those in more conductive soils in order to have similar accuracy. Alternatively, the time constant can be lowered by incorporating the pressure sensor in a slug that displaces most of the water above the sensor and thereby greatly reduces the volume of water that must move between the well and the aquifer.
Ribonucleoproteins package 700 nucleotides of pre-mRNA into a repeating array of regular particles

An assay for the in vitro assembly of HeLa cell 40S nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (hnRNP particles) has been developed. The substrates were single-stranded nucleic acid polymers of defined length and sequence prepared in vitro and the six major core particle proteins from isolated 40S hnRNP. The fidelity of in vitro assembly was evaluated on various physical parameters, including sedimentation, salt dissociation, polypeptide stoichiometry, UV-activated protein-RNA cross-linking, and overall morphology. Correct particle assembly depended on RNA length and on the input protein/RNA ratio but not on the concentration of the reactant mixture nor on the presence or absence of internal RNA processing signals, a 5'-cap structure, a 3'-poly(A) moiety, or ATP as energy source. RNA lengths between 685 and 726 nucleotides supported correct particle assembly. Dimers and oligomeric complexes that possessed the same polypeptide stoichiometry as native hnRNP assembled on RNA chains that were integral multiples of 700 nucleotides. Intermediate-length RNA supported the assembly of nonstoichiometric complexes lacking structural homogeneity. An analysis of these complexes indicates that proteins A1 and A2 may be the first proteins to bind RNA during particle assembly. We conclude that the major proteins of 40S hnRNP particles contain the necessary information for packaging nascent transcripts into a repeating "ribonucleosomal" structure possessing a defined RNA length and protein composition but do not themselves contain the information for modulating packaging that may be required for RNA splicing.
Clinical Validation and Implementation of a Targeted Sequencing Panel for Predisposition to Inherited Cancer

Affymetrix Cytoscan HD and Chromosome Analysis Suite (ChAS) software as an alternative to FISH analysis for the assessment of copy number changes in these tumors. DNA was extracted from frozen samples of 4 neuroblastoma, 6 medulloblastoma, and 5 astrocytoma for which FISH ( karyotype) information was available. There was 100% correlation of SNP array data with FISH/G-banding data in detecting the major clonal unbalanced chromosome abnormalities. SNP array data also refined G-band results, detected regions of LOH, and allowed for copy number assessment of additional prognostic whole chromosomes or segmental regions, not currently tested by FISH. SNP array could not detect cytogenetic changes present in minor subclones/clonal outgrowth. The combined use of the allele track and the copy number track provided accurate identification of aneuploidies, but SNP array analysis had difficulty normalizing copy number for tetraploid tumors. Amplifications of MYCN in neuroblastoma and CMYC in medulloblastoma were adequately detected, although this was dependent upon tumor sampling. SNP array analysis offers advantages and technical challenges as a diagnostic tool for pediatric solid tumors.
Desired-speech signal cancellation by microphone arrays in reverberant rooms

The authors address the problem of cancellation of a desired signal in a head-worn microphone array processor. The effect of reverberation-induced multipath on a constrained minimum variance beamformer is considered. Constrained power minimization algorithms are particularly susceptible to this desired-signal cancellation. The conditions are evaluated under which the cancellation of a desired-speech signal occurs for a head-worn array of microphones in a reverberant room. The effects of acoustic headshadow are incorporated in a simulated array processor. Room reverberation effects are also modeled. The acoustic parameters investigated include room size, average wall absorption, and speaker-to-listener distance. Distortion-based speech intelligibility measures are used to assess the desired-speech cancellation. >
O AUMENTO DO CONHECIMENTO PESSOAL DO MOVIMENTO PARA A MELHORA NA PERFORMANCE MOTORA: UMA APLICAÇÃO DA TEORIA DOS SISTEMAS DINÂMICOS

As greater emphasis is placed on making physical activity part of a healthy lifestyle, more people are becoming aware of this essential component and are eager to participate. To accommodate this need, movement professionals must have the program skills that help learners meet their needs. It would seem that viable alternative to conventional training methods would be to draw focus of the learner inward so that more meaningful movements may be gained. Thus, combining a keen awareness with systematic programming approaches may provide a comprehensive way to unite these two aspects of training. A more complete activity training program can be offered though adoption of a Dynamic Systems view of body. Considering movement in this way requires us to look at the body as a whole and not as single components. In this light, a ‘system’ extends to all things affecting its performance including instruction.
Preovulatory LH profiles of superovulated cows and progesterone concentrations at embryo recovery

Forty-two Holstein cows were randomly assigned to three superovulatory treatment groups of 14 cows each. Cows in Group I received follicle stimulating hormone (FSH; 50 mg i.m.); those in Group II received FSH (50. mg i.m.) along with GnRH (250 ug in 2 % carboxymethylcellulose s.c.) on the day of estrus; and cows in Group III were infused FSH (49 mg) via osmotic pump implants. FSH was administered over a 5-d period for cows in Groups I and II (twice daily in declining doses). Cows in Group III received FSH over a 7-d period (constantly at a rate of 7 mg/day). All cows received 25 mg PGF2α (prostaglandin F2α) 48 hours after initiation of the FSH treatment. Blood samples were collected from seven cows from each group at 2 hour intervals on the fifth day of superovulation for serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration analysis by radioimmunoassay, and blood samples were collected from all cows on the day of embryo recovery for plasma progesterone determination. The LH profile was not altered (P>0.05) by either GnRH administration or by the constant infusion of FSH as compared to FSH treatment alone. Plasma progesterone concentrations were highly correlated with the number of corpora lutea (CL) palpated (r=0.92; P<0.01) and with the number of ova and/or embryos recovered (r=0.88; P<0.01). The accuracy of predicting the number of recoverable ova and/or embryos by the concentration of plasma progesterone was 86%.
Enteroscopic findings of intestinal ischemia.

TO THE EDITOR: The mortality rate from mesenteric ischemia and gangrene of the GI tract has remained unchanged over the last 25 yr (1). Its average mortality ranges between 70% and 90% if it is diagnosed subsequent to infarction (1). The delays in diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia are related to its often subtle and nonspecific clinical presentation and nondiagnostic test findings. The diagnostic tests that are used in patients with suspected mesenteric ischemia include plain films of the abdomen, ultrasound, CT scan, and angiography. We report the following clinicopathological experience with the hope of alerting physicians to a more prompt and accurate diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia, thereby allowing better therapeutic management.
H p (Rn) is equidistributed withL p (Rn)

Let 0<p<∞. LetHp (Rn) be the real variable Hardy spaces defined by Stein and Weiss. Let Lp(Rn) be the usual Lebesgue space. It is shown that forf∈Lp there is an\(\tilde f \in H^p \) with the distribution functions of |f| and\(\left| {\tilde f} \right|\) identical and\(\left\| {\tilde f} \right\|_{H^p } \approx \left\| {\tilde f} \right\|_{L^p } \). The converse is trivially true.
Developmental and hormonal regulation of bovine granulosa cell function in the preovulatory follicle.

Bovine granulosa cells were isolated from small antral, medium antral, and large Graffian follicles (i.e. small, medium, and large preovulatory follicles). Serum-free cultures of granulosa cells were established and found to be viable for 3-6 days of cell culture. Radiolabeled granulosa cell-secreted proteins were obtained and analyzed electrophoretically. No major changes were detected in the protein profiles of small, medium, and large follicle granulosa cells. FSH and insulin, however, had a dramatic effect on granulosa cell-secreted proteins and increased the apparent production of 200K, 65K, 25K, and 15K proteins. The effects of these hormones on the radiolabeled secreted proteins were similar for small, medium, and large follicle granulosa cells. Aromatase activity was high for the first day of serum-free granulosa cell culture and subsequently declined to low levels. Both FSH and insulin alone stimulated aromatase activity, while a combination of hormones resulted in an additive response similar to the stimulation observed with 10% calf serum. Although the level of aromatase activity increased slightly with the size of the follicle, the effects of hormones were independent of follicle size. Progesterone production was low on days 1 and 2 of serum-free granulosa cell culture and high on days 3 and 6 of cell culture. Interestingly, FSH and insulin suppressed progesterone production on day 1 of cell culture for small and medium follicle granulosa cells, but not for large follicle cells. In contrast, hormones stimulated progesterone production on days 3 and 6 of granulosa cell culture, and the level of progesterone production increased with the size of the follicle. The stimulatory effects of hormones on days 3 and 6 of the culture were similar for medium and large follicle granulosa cells, but were altered for small follicle cells. Results indicate that when aromatase activity is high and stimulated by hormones, progesterone levels are low and generally suppressed by the same regulatory agents. Conversely when progesterone levels are high and hormone responsive, aromatase activity is low. The inverse relationship between aromatase activity and progesterone production implies that bovine granulosa cells alter their differentiated state in culture from an estrogen-producing cell to a progesterone-producing cell. Combined observations indicate that the results obtained on day 1 of culture probably reflect the developmental and hormonal regulation of granulosa cell function in the preovulatory follicle, while data obtained at later times in culture reflect the ability of the cell to synthesize progesterone and develop a luteinization-like activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Using Fault Augmented Modelica Models for Diagnostics

We propose a model-based diagnosis framework in which Modelica models of faulted behavior are used in combination with a Bayesian approach. The fault augmented models are automatically generated through a process developed as part of our Fault Augmented Model Extension (FAME) work. Fault diagnosis using a Bayesian approach is based on computing a set of probability density functions, a process that is usually intractable for any reasonably complex system. We use Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) to bound the numerical and computational complexity. The basic idea is to use fault augmented Modelica models to create probability distributions of possible outcomes and then compare those distributions against actual observations to perform parameter estimation. The detection of faults is treated as a model selection problem and the inference of their severity levels is treated as parameter estimation. The diagnostic precision of this approach is evaluated on a Modelica vehicle drive line model.
Short-term stability of NEO-PI-R personality trait scores in opioid-dependent outpatients.

The present study examined the short-term stability of personality trait scores from the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) among 230 opioid-dependent outpatients. The NEO-PI-R is a 240-item empirically developed measure of the five-factor model of personality (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). Participants completed the NEO-PI-R at admission and again approximately 19 weeks later. Results indicated fair to good stability for all NEO-PI-R factor domain scores, with coefficients ranging from .68 to .74. Stability of NEO-PI-R scores was decreased among potentially invalid response patterns but was not significantly affected by drug-positive versus drug-negative status at follow-up.
Staging of neuroblastoma at imaging: report of the radiology diagnostic oncology group.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracies of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and bone scintigraphy in staging disease in patients with neuroblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six children with newly diagnosed neuroblastoma were enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort study. CT, MR, and bone scintigraphy were used to evaluate tumor stage. Sensitivity and specificity values and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to compare the accuracy of CT, MR, and scintigraphy for tumor staging. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were eligible for staging analysis, and 45 patients who underwent surgery at initial diagnosis were eligible for analysis of local tumor extent. CT and MR had sensitivities of 43% and 83%, respectively (P .05), for detection of stage 4 disease. Areas under the ROC curves for CT and MR were 0.81 and 0.85, respectively (P = .06); that for scintigraphy was 0.83. Addition of scintigrap...
Basis of Selective Predation by the Aquatic Larvae of the Salamander, Ambystoma Tigrinum

SUMMARY. 1. The effect of several factors on feeding selectivity by three size classes of larvae of Ambystoma tigrinum (Green) was examined. Five types of invertebrate prey were used: Chaoborus, Daphnia, damselflies, Hyalella and water boatmen. 2. Five variables were examined in relation to the electivity indices associated with each prey type: ease of prey consumption, ease of prey capture, relative prey size, prey activity, and microhabitat overlap. No single variable explained the observed electivity. 3. For small larvae (snout-vent length, SVL, 6.5cm), ease of prey consumption, prey activity, and relative prey size predicted electivity values. However, none of the measured variables was related to electivity values found for medium sized larvae (SVL >3.5 and <5.5cm).
The Cotton Osteotomy: A Technical Guide

The authors in this study hope to offer a summation of the classic and recent literature while offering a detailed illustrated technique guide for the medial cuneiform, or "Cotton osteotomy." Usually performed as an ancillary procedure, the Cotton osteotomy offers the surgeon an additional option for correction of various distal medial column deformities while preserving midfoot articular surfaces.
Neighborhood Failures in Random Topology Covert Communication Networks

Abstract A covert communications network is a connected, overlay, peer-to-peer network being used to support communications within a group in which the survival of the group depends on (a) confidentiality and anonymity for communications, (b) concealment of participation in the network to both other members of the group and external eavesdroppers, and (c) resilience against disconnec- tion. These requirements are much more stringent than for typical privacy and anonymity systems. In order to protect the network from subversion of individual nodes, neighbors of failed nodes have to be isolated from the network as well. Thus, all failures have to treated as neighborhood failures. Network membership is protected through topology management in order to limit each participant's knowledge of the network addresses (IP address, email address, etc.) of other participants. In this paper, we propose a measure for determining the suitability of random topologies for use in a covert communication network, and we use this measure to analyze the suitability of Erdos-Renyi Random Graphs for use in a covert communication network.
The beta-glucuronidase propeptide contains a serpin-related octamer necessary for complex formation with egasyn esterase and for retention within the endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract β-Glucuronidase is retained within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via complex formation with esterase-22 (egasyn), which in turn has a COOH-terminal HTEL ER retention sequence. To identify the regions of glucuronidase that interact with egasyn, complex formation was assayed in COS cells cotransfected with egasyn cDNA and with either deletion constructs of glucuronidase or with constructs containing specific glucuronidase propeptide sequences appended to the carboxyl terminus of a rat secretory protein α1-acid glycoprotein. The region of glucuronidase essential for complex formation is a linear octamer sequence at the COOH terminus of the propeptide. A portion of this octamer is similar to a sequence near the reactive site of serpins. This and associated data indicate that an interaction related to that between serine proteinases and their serpin inhibitors retains β-glucuronidase within the ER. Further, attachment of this octamer sequence provides an alternative method of targeting proteins to the ER lumen of any cell that contains egasyn. These and related results demonstrate that complex formation with esterases/proteinases within the ER is important in the subcellular targeting and/or processing of certain proteins.
A three-dimensional evaluation of the upper airway in adolescents

The link between the facial growth and airway function has been a subject of controversy in orthodontics for many years. This study investigates how well lateral cephalometric headfilms depict three-dimensional upper airway structures. Subjects are 11 normal adolescent children, ages 7-16 years old. Airway information over the same anatomic area in the nasopharynx is compared between lateral cephalometric headfilms and three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans. Intra-subject proportion of airway volume to area shows moderate variability. CT airway volume shows more variability than corresponding headfilm airway area.
Role of oxygen in biodegradation of poly(etherurethane urea) elastomers

It is generally accepted that biodegradation of poly(etheruethane urea) (PEUU) involves oxidation of the polyether segments on the surface where leukocytes are adhered. The influence of dissolved oxygen, which is known to control oxidation of polymers in more traditional environments, was explored in this study. Specimens treated in vitro with hydrogen peroxide-cobalt chloride for 12 days exhibited a brittle, degraded surface layer about 10 μm thick. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the surface revealed that the ether absorbance at 1110 cm−1 gradually decreased with in vitro treatment time to 30% of its initial value after 12 days. In contrast, 6 days in vitro followed by 6 days in air produced a decrease to 12% of the initial volume. Therefore, removing a specimen from the in vitro solution after 6 days and exposing it to air for the remainder of the 12 days actually resulted in more oxidation than leaving it in the in vitro solution for the entire 12 days. These results suggest that PEUU degrades by an auto-oxidation mechanism sustained by oxygen. By successfully modeling the depth of the surface degraded layer with a diffusion-reaction model, it was demonstrated that PEUU biodegradation is controlled by diffusion of oxygen into the polymer. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chinese San Francisco, 1850-1943: A Trans-Pacific Community

Introduction 1. Revisiting the pre-emigration Old World Part I. The Rise of Chinese San Francisco: 2. The 'first city' locating Chinese San Francisco 3. The social landscape of Chinese San Francisco 4. 'China in America': the world of ah Quin 5. Collective identity Part II. The Arrival of a True Trans-Pacific Community: 6. A time of anger and a time of hope: the 1905 boycott 7. A changing mentality, 1906 to 1913 8. The Americanness of the Trans-Pacific community between the wars 9. Persistence of Trans-Pacific ties 10. The road to 1943 Conclusion.
Regulation of Lysyl Oxidase by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

Abstract Lysyl oxidase catalyzes the final known enzymatic step required for collagen and elastin cross-linking. A cross-linked collagenous extracellular matrix is required for bone formation. This study investigated whether lysyl oxidase, like its type I collagen substrate, is down-regulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and determined the degree of post-transcriptional control. Steady-state lysyl oxidase mRNA levels decreased to 30% of control after 24 h of treatment with 1 and 10 nM bFGF. This regulation was time-dependent. COL1A1 mRNA levels declined to less than 10% of control after 24 h of bFGF treatment. Media lysyl oxidase activity decreased consistent with steady-state mRNA changes in cultures that were refed after 24 h of growth factor treatment. Interestingly, treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with 0.01-0.1 nM bFGF for 24 h and treatment with 1 nM bFGF for up to 12 h resulted in a modest stimulation of lysyl oxidase gene expression and enzyme activity. At least 50% of the down-regulation of lysyl oxidase was shown to be post-transcriptional. New protein synthesis was not required for the down-regulation by bFGF, but cycloheximide did increase constitutive lysyl oxidase mRNA levels 2.5-fold. We conclude that lysyl oxidase and COL1A1 are regulated similarly by bFGF in these osteoblastic cells, consistent with the in vivo effects of this growth factor on bone collagen metabolism.
Myocardial protection in sepsis

Sepsis with myocardial dysfunction is seen commonly. Beta-blockers have been used successfully to treat chronic heart failure based on the premise that chronically elevated adrenergic drive is detrimental to the myocardium. However, recent reports on the acute use of beta-blockers in situations with potential hemodynamic compromise have shown the risks associated with this approach. In critical situations, the main effect of adrenergic activation is to support cardiovascular function. Caution should be exercised in designing studies to assess beta-blockers in septic patients.
Reversibly Controlling the Rigidity of Adsorbed Polycations

Amit K. Dutta, Arpan Nayak, and Georges Belfort*Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical andBiological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,Troy, New York 12180ReceiVed July 18, 2007ReVised Manuscript ReceiVed December 10, 2007Changes in the properties of an adsorbed layer at a solid-liquid interface are of considerable interest for their use ascontrollable surfaces.
Activating voters in congressional elections

This paper shows that one of the consequences of electoral campaigns is activation. Much research in the last decade has shown that campaign spending is related to electoral outcomes, but nearly all of this research has been conducted on district-level data, so we do not know how campaigns influence individual voters. This research returns to the theoretical framework offered inThe People's Choice and shows that at least part of the effect of campaigns is due to the increased likelihood of people voting when campaigns are more intense.
Effects of anabaseine-related analogs on rat brain nicotinic receptor binding and on avoidance behaviors

Several novel anabaseine-derived compounds were investigated with respect to their ability to displace high affinity [3H]cytisine binding in rat brain membranes, as well as their ability to improve passive and active avoidance behaviors in nucleus basalis-lesioned rats. The relative potencies for displacement of 1 nM [3H]cytisine binding IC50 in parentheses: anabaseine (70 nM) > DMAB (140 nM) = DMXB (150 nM) > anabasine (270 nM) > DMAC (420 nM). Passive avoidance behavior in bilaterally nucleus basalis-lesioned rats was improved by each of these drugs to an extent comparable to that observed with (–)-nicotine. The relative potencies of these compounds for improving this behavior exhibited a pattern very similar to their affinities for displacing [3H]cytisine binding (nicotine > anabaseine > DMXB > DMAB = DMAC > anabasine). Acquisition of active avoidance behavior was slower in unilaterally and bilaterally nucleus basalis-lesioned rats than unlesioned controls; (−)-nicotine improved acquisition behavior only in the former group. At doses that improved passive avoidance behavior, DMXB also improved acquisition of active avoidance behavior in unilaterally lesioned rats, while DMAB and DMAC did not. (−)Nicotine and DMXB had no effect on escape behavior in the active avoidance task at doses that improved retention of avoidance behavior itself. These results suggest that anabaseine and several of its analogs bind to brain α4β2 nicotinic receptors and mimic non-spatial, memory-related behaviors in a nicotine-like manner. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Land-use and alternative bioenergy pathways for waste biomass.

Rapid escalation in biofuels consumption may lead to a trade regime that favors exports of food-based biofuels from tropical developing countries to developed countries. There is growing interest i...
Survey of Ar-tagged predissociation and vibrationally mediated photodetachment spectroscopies of the vinylidene anion, C2H2-.

We report predissociation spectra of Ar-tagged C2H2− and C2D2− anions, and explore vibrationally mediated photodetachment from various vibrational levels of the bare C2H2− ion using velocity-map imaging. Intense photodetachment resonances are observed in the C−H stretching region that are strongly correlated with vibrational hot bands in the anion photoelectron spectra, indicating that one-color, resonant two-photon photodetachment (R2PD) is complicated by excitation of vibrationally excited states with autodetaching upper levels embedded in the continuum. Isolation of the R2PD spectrum was achieved using a two-color, IR−IR scheme in which vibrational excitation and photodetachment were carried out in two separate laser interaction regions.
Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure with the Das™ Angel Wings Transcatheter ASD Occlusion Device: The Cincinnati‐Rochester Experience

The Angel Wings Das device, a recently developed transcatheter atrial septal defect occluder, represents a new approach to therapy of this congenital cardiac lesion. Overall, successful defect occlusion occurs in > 90% of patients following device implantation. We describe the major design and technical issues pertinent to this device and review both international and personal local FDA Phase I trial results and complications. Future trial plans and device modifications are discussed.
Structure of the transmembrane dimer interface of glycophorin A in membrane bilayers

The hydrophobic transmembrane domain of glycophorin A contains a sequence motif that mediates dimerization in membrane environments. Long-range interhelical distance measurements using magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy provide high-resolution structural constraints on the packing of the dimer interface in membrane bilayers. We show that direct packing contacts occur between glycine residues at positions 79 and 83 in the transmembrane sequence. Additional interhelical constraints between Ile76 and Gly79 and between Val80 and Gly83 restrict the rotational orientation and crossing angle of the interacting helices. These results refine our previously proposed structure of the glycophorin A dimer [Smith, S. O., and Bormann, B. J. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 488-491] which revealed that the methyl groups of Val80 and Val84 are packed against Gly79 and Gly83, respectively.
Experimental and kinetic modeling study of NH3-SCR of NOx on Fe-ZSM-5, Cu-chabazite and combined Fe- and Cu-zeolite monolithic catalysts

Abstract A comprehensive experimental and modeling study of selective catalytic reduction of NO x with NH 3 was carried out on Fe-ZSM-5 and Cu-chabazite (CHA) catalysts. The experiments reveal that Cu-CHA catalyst has a higher NH 3 storage capacity and activity for NH 3 oxidation and standard SCR compared to Fe-ZSM-5. The NO x reduction activity on the Fe-ZSM-5 catalyst was found to be strongly dependent on the NO 2 feed fraction in contrast to Cu-CHA catalyst for which NO x conversion was much less sensitive to NO 2 . In the presence of excess NO 2 , both N 2 O and ammonium nitrate were produced on both catalysts although Fe-ZSM-5 catalyst had a higher selectivity towards these byproducts compared to Cu-CHA. For different feed conditions (NO 2 /NO x =0–1), Cu-CHA was a more active NO x reduction catalyst at lower temperatures ( 400 °C). Global kinetic models were developed to predict the main features of several SCR system reactions investigated experimentally. The models account for NH 3 adsorption, NH 3 oxidation, NO oxidation, standard SCR, fast SCR, NO 2 SCR, ammonium nitrate formation and its decomposition to N 2 O, N 2 O decomposition and N 2 O reduction by NH 3 . The 1+1 dimensional reactor model accounts for potential washcoat diffusion limitations. The model accurately predicts the steady state NO x and NH 3 conversions and the selectivity of the different products formed during these reactions. The model was used to predict the performance of standard and fast SCR reactions on combined systems of Fe- and Cu-zeolite monolithic catalysts which were found to have higher NO x conversion activity over a wider temperature range than with individual Fe- and Cu-zeolite catalysts as reported in our earlier study ( Metkar et al., 2012b ). Among various configurations of the combined catalysts, either a single brick made up of a dual-layer catalyst with a thin Fe-zeolite layer on top of a thick Cu-zeolite layer or a sequential arrangement of short Fe-ZSM-5 brick followed by longer Cu-CHA brick resulted in high NO x removal efficiency over a wide temperature range of practical interest.
T CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTOR UBIQUITINATION IS A CONSEQUENCE OF RECEPTOR-MEDIATED TYROSINE KINASE ACTIVATION

Engagement of the T cell antigen receptor results in both its phosphorylation and its ubiquitination. T cell antigen receptor ubiquitination was evaluated in Jurkat, a well characterized human T leukemia cell line. Treatment of cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A resulted in an inhibition of receptor ubiquitination. Consistent with this, pervanadate, which increases cellular tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced receptor ubiquitination. A requirement for receptor-mediated tyrosine kinase activity for ubiquitination was confirmed in cells lacking the tyrosine kinase p56lck and also in cells that are defective in expression of CD45, a tyrosine phosphatase that regulates the activity of p56lck. The need for tyrosine kinase activation for ubiquitination was not bypassed by directly activating protein kinase C and stimulating endocytosis of receptors. These observations establish ubiquitination of the T cell antigen receptor as a tyrosine kinase-dependent manifestation of transmembrane signaling and suggest a role for tyrosine phosphorylation in the ligand-dependent ubiquitination of mammalian transmembrane receptors.
Defect analysis and engineering in ZnO

Zinc oxide has numerous applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Progress is currently hampered by a lack of control over electrical conductivity: ZnO is typically n-type conductive, the cause of which has been widely debated. A first-principles investigation, based on density functional theory, shows that native defects are unlikely to be the cause of the unintentional n-type conductivity. Detailed results for the oxygen vacancy show that it is a deep donor, and that its paramagnetic state is metastable. An investigation of likely donor impurities reveals that hydrogen acts as a shallow donor. Experimental results are discussed in the light of these new insights.
Propagation patterns of temporal spikes

Abstract In standard EEG recordings, spikes appear as single events characterized mainly by the scalp location of the their peak voltage. The signal-to-noise ratio of raw EEG is usually too high to permit more detailed analysis. We used spike averaging to improve the resolution of interictal spikes in 40 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Spikes were identified visually in raw, digitally stored EEG. When multiple spike types were present in a patient, they were grouped separately. Spikes were synchronized for averaging by aligning their negative peaks in a designated channel. Sixteen patients demonstrated spike propagation from anterior temporal to posterior temporal electrode locations. Thirty-six patients demonstrated spread of spikes from anterior temporal to fronto-polar electrode sites. While anterior temporal and fronto-polar spikes were often synchronous, fronto-polar spikes followed anterior temporal discharges in 25%v of cases and preceded them in 13%. Spike averaging revealed propagation patterns not apparent on visual inspection of raw EEG. We speculate that these patterns may reflect inherent physiological properties of temporal and frontal neuronal circuits, possibly utilized by the epileptogenic process.
Major factors contributing to the nonlinear kinetics of free-radical polymerization

Abstract Predictions based on a recently developed model for nonisothermal free-radical polymerization with gel effect are made for batch and plug-flow systems. The often observed nonlinear kinetic phenomena, such as ignition, thermal runaway, dead ending and autoacceleration are clearly separated into parametrically dependent and gel effect induced categories. This analysis identifies major causes for the difficulties encountered in polymerization reaction engineering and serves as the basis for future modeling of realistic processes, where the fluid mechanics also plays an important role in governing reactor performance and product quality.
Decreases in a Slot Machine's Coefficient of Variation Lead to Increases in Customer Play Time:

Profits generated from slot operations are critical to the success of all casinos, yet little research has addressed the nature of the customer experience regarding game interaction. The relationship between a reel slot player's time on device and the pay table's coefficient of variation (CV) is examined via computer simulation. The pay table CV is found to be inversely related to the player's expected time on device, as measured by pulls per losing player (PPLP). Findings confound the popular notion that par alone (i.e., house advantage) serves as a legitimate proxy for play time and bolster the research suggesting that standard deviation is the dominant force behind time on device, at the single-trip grain.
Hypothalamic polypeptide releasing hormones: Modifiers of neuronal activity

Abstract The deposition of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH), LRH inactive analogue, LRH agonist analogue and thyrotropin releasing-hormone (TRH) in small quantities in the immediate vicinity of neurons, via the technique of microelectrophoresis, has demonstrated the action of these peptides on the electrical activity of neurons throughout the brain. In each area of the central nervous system studied, from the cerebral cortex to the basal hypothalamus, neurons responded to the microelectrophoretic application of these peptides with excitation, or inhibition or failed to respond. The direction of the neuronal response to synthetic LRH and LRH agonist analogue was similar. In some cases, the analogue initiated a greater and longer-lasting effect. In neurons which were excited by LRH, TRH caused either a marked inhibition or no response. In general, the response of sensitive neurons to microelectrophoresis of peptides was produced with successive drug applications, yet there was no effect during application of current control. It is suggested that the presence of peptide-sensitive neurons in the central nervous system raises the possibility of a novel mechanism for chemical information transfer mediating anterior pituitary secretion and endocrine-related behaviour.
Immanuel Kant, The Right Of Necessity, And The Liberal Foundation Of Social Welfare

This paper will explore the writings of Immanuel Kant on the state's role within the social contract and his comments regarding the requirements for the effective functioning of the law. It will be argued that within the writings of Kant a liberal justification for the welfare state can be developed based on his ideas about the state and its responsibilities. More specifically, the paper will focus on the role a condition termed "necessity" has on the state's ability to provide security for the population. Necessity represents a condition in which a person perceives that his or her survival is threatened. Kant claimed that action taken out of necessity lies outside the arena of human behavior in which the law can have an effective deterrent value.
Satellite spectra from high-lying resonance states for heliumlike Si, Ca, and Ti.

We report on the wavelengths and satellite intensity factors for selected heliumlike ions undergoing dielectronic recombination via several higher-lying resonance states, viz., the 1{ital s}{sup 2}{epsilon}{ital l}{sub {ital c}}{r arrow}1{ital s}2{ital lnl}{prime}{r arrow}1{ital s}{sup 2}{ital ml}{prime}{prime} with {ital n}=5, 6, 7, and 8. The calculations have been performed in the intermediate-coupling scheme using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock atomic model.
Measuring plasma flowing through Saturn's magnetosphere

In Saturn's magnetosphere, neutral water released from the moon Enceladus becomes ionized. Where does this ionized gas go? Previous studies have indicated that some of this plasma must flow away from the planet through the magnetosphere and become lost to the solar wind. Using measurements from the ion mass spectrometer on the Cassini satellite, Thomsen et al. quantify how much plasma drifts radially outward through Saturn's middle magnetosphere. They estimated the net mass loss between 1800 and 0300 local time to be about 34 kilograms per second. The new measurements are in agreement with a previous study that used a different analysis technique.
The Politics of Glamour: Ideology and Democracy in the Screen Actors Guild

Examines democracy in action in the Screen Actors Guild, discusses political issues during the Guild's history, and describes current problems facing it.
Unifying concepts in treatment of esophageal leaks.

Summary We treated 75 patients with esophageal trauma, perforation, or anastomotic leak. Several factors were shown to be associated with an increased mortality, including delayed treatment, presence of severe underlying esophageal disease, total parenteral nutrition catheter infection, the necessity for major extirpative procedures to treat the perforation, and the use of exclusion and diversion in the continuity procedure. The use of local muscle flaps to buttress suture line closure has led to excellent results in the 19 patients so treated. Delayed treatment of perforation or an anastomotic leak is a major problem, but the treatment protocol described herein has led to the survival of 12 of 16 patients treated. The use of primary muscle flap closure for extensive esophageal defects or delayed treatment of nonhealing leaks was evaluated in five patients. All five had healing of the defect, with one resultant esophageal stricture.
Doxazosin inhibits human vascular endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and invasion

The quinazoline-derived alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists, doxazosin and terazosin have been recently shown to induce an anoikis effect in human prostate cancer cells and to suppress prostate tumor vascularity in clinical specimens [Keledjian and Kyprianou, 2003]. This study sought to examine the ability of doxazosin to affect the growth of human vascular endothelial cells and to modulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as an in vitro model to determine the effect of doxazosin on cell growth, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, and angiogenic response of endothelial cells. The effect of doxazosin on cell viability and apoptosis induction of human endothelial cells, was evaluated on the basis of trypan blue and Hoechst 33342 staining, respectively. Doxazosin antagonized the VEGF-mediated angiogenic response of HUVEC cells, by abrogating cell adhesion to fibronectin and collagen-coated surfaces and inhibiting cell migration, via a potential downregulation of VEGF expression. Furthermore there was a significant suppression of in vitro angiogenesis by doxazosin on the basis of VEGF-mediated endothelial tube formation (P < 0.01). Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) significantly enhanced HUVEC cell tube formation (P < 0.01) and this effect was suppressed by doxazosin. These findings provide new insight into the ability of doxazosin to suppress the growth and angiogenic response of human endothelial cells by interfering with VEGF and FGF-2 action. This evidence may have potential therapeutic significance in using this quinazoline-based compound as an antiangiogenic agent for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.