cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of intra-abdominal hypertension on gene expression in the kidney.

Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) has been recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality in the injured patient. Research concerning this entity has focused predominantly on the pathophysiology. We developed a model of IAH to determine whether gene expression is altered in the presence of this condition. Methods: Using general anesthesia, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were intubated and instrumented with a carotid and jugular catheter. Three pairs of rats (three control; three IAH 25 mm Hg) were used at each time interval. Continuous measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and temperature were recorded. Arterial blood gases were measured every 30 minutes. A catheter was placed in the peritoneum and warm saline was infused up to a pressure of 25 mm Hg that was measured through this catheter continuously. At 30 and 60 minutes, the kidneys were harvested and standard protocols were used to extract nucleic acid and perform cDNA microarray analysis screening for 4,000 genes. Each experimental rat was paired with a control rat and each set underwent individual cDNA array analysis. Results: Hemodynamic changes occurred that were consistent with IAH, including depression of cardiac output and acidosis. Although widespread changes in gene expression were identified, only genes that were up-regulated and down-regulated by a ratio of fivefold, a difference in magnitude of 150 molecular dynamic counts, and p < 0.05 were considered significant. When comparing IAH of 25 mm Hg at 30 and 60 minutes, there was a surprising decrease in up-regulated genes from 10 to 1. In addition, there was an increase in down-regulated genes from zero to five genes. Conclusion: IAH causes changes in gene up- and down-regulation in the kidney. The number and types of genes change in magnitude and type over time. Further investigation into renal gene expression may offer insight into the molecular pathophysiology of IAH.
An Approximate Rock Stress Field for Steady Flow Into Production Casing

Utilisation de l'analogie poroelasticite-thermoelasticite pour estimer les contraintes elastiques de la roche et pour determiner la pression dans un puits ou l'ecoulement dans la colonne de production est stationnaire, pour un rendement initial donne
Introduction: The Problem of Balancing Discourse On Cases and Variables In Comparative Social Science

Cette introduction fait part de la problematique et des debats sur les incertitudes dans la recherche comparative en science sociale. Il est explique que les 9 articles proposes pourraient en fait etre regroupes selon 3 categories ou chapitres intitules respectivement : 1 - Les oppositions entre le travail base sur l'analyse qualitative et celui base sur l'analyse quantitative; 2 - L'hesitation entre quantitatif et qualitatif dans les etudes d'explication comparative; 3 - L'hesitation entre qualitatif et quantitatif dans les etudes de cas comparativement orientee
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: Long‐term survival after radical surgery

Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid is a highly malignant disease with few survivors over one year. Radical surgery and laryngectomy are usually considered contraindicated. A 50-year-old woman with a history of papillary carcinoma treated with external radiation developed anaplastic giant-cell carcinoma of the thyroid invading the soft tissues of the neck including the larynx. Since surgery was felt to represent her only chance for survival, she underwent laryngopharyngectomy, right radical-neck dissection, and pharyngeal reconstruction. Three years after the surgery was performed, she is living an active life with only minor handicaps. Nevertheless, multiple nodules were noted in her lungs on recent tomographic examination. Our experience with this woman suggests that there is a role for radical surgery and laryngectomy in selected cases of anaplastic carcinoma.
The X-Ray remnant of SN 1987A

We present high-resolution Chandra observations of the remnant of SN 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The high angular resolution of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory permits us to resolve the X-ray remnant. We find that the remnant is shell-like in morphology, with X-ray peaks associated with some of the optical hot spots seen in Hubble Space Telescope images. The X-ray light curve has deviated from the linear flux increase observed by ROSAT, with a 0.5-2.0 keV luminosity of 1.5 × 1035 ergs s-1 in 2000 January. We set an upper limit of 2.3 × 1034 ergs s-1 on the observed luminosity of any embedded central source (0.5-2 keV). We also present a high-resolution spectrum and show that the X-ray emission is thermal in origin and is dominated by highly ionized species of O, Ne, Mg, and Si.
Surface coil spin-echo spectra without cycling the refocusing pulse through all four phases

On montre que pour les resonances qui ont un T 2 plusieurs fois plus long que T 2 * une bobine superficielle peut etre utilisee pour les series spin-echo sans cyclage de phase
Formulation of functionalized PLGA-PEG nanoparticles for in vivo targeted drug delivery

Nanoparticle (NP) size has been shown to significantly affect the biodistribution of targeted and non-targeted NPs in an organ specific manner. Herein we have developed NPs from carboxy-terminated poly(d,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG-COOH) polymer and studied the effects of altering the following formulation parameters on the size of NPs: (1) polymer concentration, (2) drug loading, (3) water miscibility of solvent, and (4) the ratio of water to solvent. We found that NP mean volumetric size correlates linearly with polymer concentration for NPs between 70 and 250 nm in diameter (linear coefficient=0.99 for NPs formulated with solvents studied). NPs with desirable size, drug loading, and polydispersity were conjugated to the A10 RNA aptamer (Apt) that binds to the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and NP and NP-Apt biodistribution was evaluated in a LNCaP (PSMA+) xenograft mouse model of prostate cancer. The surface functionalization of NPs with the A10 PSMA Apt significantly enhanced delivery of NPs to tumors vs. equivalent NPs lacking the A10 PSMA Apt (a 3.77-fold increase at 24h; NP-Apt 0.83%+/-0.21% vs. NP 0.22%+/-0.07% of injected dose per gram of tissue; mean+/-SD, n=4, p=0.002). The ability to control NP size together with targeted delivery may result in favorable biodistribution and development of clinically relevant targeted therapies.
Interface characterizations of diamond-coated tools by scratch testing and simulations

Abstract In this study, micro-scratch tests were conducted on diamond-coated tungsten-carbide substrates to investigate coating adhesion. During the scratch testing, high intensity acoustic emission (AE) signals can be clearly detected when the coating delamination occurs. It is also found that the tangential force increase gradually with the normal force, but fluctuates significantly when the critical load of coating delamination is reached. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model with a cohesive-zone interface was developed to simulate the scratch process, and by comparing with the delamination critical load from the experiment, the interface characteristic length, the maximum strength and the fracture energy can be obtained. The preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to use the FE simulation combined with scratch tests to evaluate the coating interface behaviors.
Numerical simulations of adatom pair distribution functions

Abstract Numerical simulations of the pair correlation for two adatoms on a solid surface with smooth (Lennard-Jones) pair potentials as input exhibit long range oscillations, in spite of the low adatom density. Other simulations of a pair distribution with only the adatom-adatom interaction switched off show that this distribution may be combined with the experimental pair distribution to provide an estimate of the adatom interaction.
Carotid IMT: A Surrogate Marker for Cerebrovascular Disease?

High-resolution ultrasound images of the carotid artery wall can be used to identify early changes associated with atherosclerosis. The precision of the intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement is dependent on the sonographer, the imaging device and the analysis software. When done under tight quality control, IMT measurements can identify individuals at risk for future cerebrovascular events starting at an earlier age than what is possible with other diagnostic tests.
Adult respiratory distress syndrome in children: Associated disease, clinical course, and predictors of death

The adult respiratory distress syndrome is a common cause of respiratory failure; however, its incidence, risk factors, course, and mortality rate for children remain incompletely understood. A 24-month surveillance of pediatric intensive care admissions identified 60 children with adult respiratory distress syndrome constituting 2.7% of such admissions, 8% of total days spent in a pediatric intensive care unit, and 33% of deaths. The mortality rate was 62% (confidence interval, 48.2% to 73.9%). Adult respiratory distress syndrome occurred in approximately 12% of children admitted for sepsis, viral pneumonia, smoke inhalation, or drowning. A low incidence ( 420 was the best early predictor of death (sensitivity 80%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value 87%, negative predictive value 80%, and odds ratio 26.7). We conclude that adult respiratory distress syndrome behaves clinically as a single disease regardless of the underlying cause; its course and outcome are dependent on the magnitude of alveolar injury. We speculate that strategies for minimizing secondary lung injury may benefit all patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome.
Carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the outcomes after radiotherapy (RT) alone or combined with surgery at the University of Florida for patients with carcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Methods: Between November 1964 and June 2005, 109 patients were treated with curative intent. Patients with maxillary sinus carcinomas were excluded. Fifty-six patients were treated with definitive RT, and 53 patients received surgery and preoperative (eight patients) or postoperative (45 patients) RT. Median follow-up was 4.3 years (range, 0.2–35.9 years). Median follow-up on living patients was 9.4 years (range, 2.0–35.9 years). Results: The 5-year local control rates were: T1-T3, 82%; T4, 50%; and overall, 63%. Local control at 5 years was 43% after definitive RT versus 84% after surgery and adjuvant RT (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis of local control revealed that both overall stage and treatment group (definitive RT versus surgery and adjuvant RT) significantly impacted this endpoint. Cause-specific survival rates were: stages I to III, 81%; stage IV, 54%; and overall, 62%. Multivariate analysis revealed that T-stage, N-stage, and treatment group significantly influenced this endpoint. Thirty-one (20%) of 109 patients sustained severe complications; 17 of 56 patients (16%) after definitive RT and 14 of 53 patients (25%) after surgery and adjuvant RT. Conclusions: The probability of local control and cause-specific survival is better after surgery and RT compared with definitive RT. There is a modest increase in the risk of complications after surgery and RT. Thus, the preferred treatment is surgery combined with preoperative or postoperative RT. Laryngoscope, 2009
Defect chemistry of CuInS2, investigated by electrical measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract Electrical measurements are performed on CuInS 2 single crystals (grown via chemical vapour transport), which were annealed under well defined conditions of molecularity and stoichiometry on four different positions of the CuInS 2 phase boundary. In this way two acceptor levels are detected, viz. at 0.10 eV in In-rich material and at 0.15 eV in Cu-rich material. The first is ascribed to V cu , the latter to V In or Cu In . Also a donor level at 0.035 eV is observed, which is assigned to V s or In cu as most likely defects. The incorporation of iron, which is by far the most important impurity as revealed by spectrochemical analysis (concentration about 5 × 10 18 cm −3 ), was studied by means of Mossbauer spectroscopy. Irrespective of the molecularity and the stoichiometry iron appeared to be incorporated as Fe 2+ on both Cu and In sites in a concentration ratio of roughly 3:1.
Analysis of the promoter region of human mimecan gene.

Abstract Mimecan is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that may play an important role in the regulation of cellular growth as illustrated by ability of growth factors and cytokines to modulate its expression and by recent demonstration that bovine mimecan is transcriptionally activated by p53 through a conserved intronic recognition site. To investigate transcriptional regulation of human mimecan, the upstream region and the first intron of this gene were cloned and analyzed. Within a 296-bp upstream region required for basal gene expression, there are three initiator (Inr) elements, an E-box and Oct-1, metal response element (MRE), and NF-κB recognition sites. Upstream stimulatory factor (USF)-1, Oct-1 and MRE-binding proteins were identified as proteins that bind to these regulatory elements and support transcription of mimecan in MG-63 cells. The first intron of human mimecan contains enhancer and silencer elements. Reporter gene transfections demonstrated that cooperation of upstream region and intronic enhancer elements are required for maximal gene expression in both p53-deficient and wild-type p53-expressing cells. Within the footprinted intronic enhancer region an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) is present. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 was identified as a protein that binds to this region in MG-63 but not in U-937 cells. In vitro translated IRF-1 also was shown to bind to this ISRE. These results demonstrate that the first intron of human mimecan gene carries important regulatory elements, including p53 DNA-binding site and ISRE, and should promote a better understanding of molecular bases for cell type-specific regulation of mimecan transcription.
Contracting in Supply Chains: A Laboratory Investigation

The coordination of supply chains by means of contracting mechanisms has been extensively explored theoretically but not tested empirically. We investigate the performance of three commonly studied supply chain contracting mechanisms: the wholesale price contract, the buyback contract, and the revenue-sharing contract. The simplified setting we consider utilizes a two-echelon supply chain in which the retailer faces the newsvendor problem, the supplier has no capacity constraints, and delivery occurs instantaneously. We compare the three mechanisms in a laboratory setting using a novel design that fully controls for strategic interactions between the retailer and the supplier. Results indicate that although the buyback and revenue-sharing contracts improve supply chain efficiency relative to the wholesale price contract, the improvement is smaller than the theory predicts. We also find that although the buyback and revenue-sharing contracts are mathematically equivalent, they do not generally result in equivalent supply chain performance.
Robust observers for systems with parameters

Abstract In many cases linear multivariable models which describe physical systems contain structured parametric type uncertainties. Specifically it may be that the state space model is expressed in a form which involves parameters. We first consider circumstances in which a parameter independent observer can be constructed for the system, and suggest conditions that guarantee its existence. We also give conditions under which such a robust observer can be subsequently used with additional dynamics in a parameter free configuration for regulation.
Actions of guanidine hydrochloride on cat spinal monosynaptic reflex transmission

The effects of a single intravenous dose of guanidine hydrochloride were examined on the function of the lumbar dorsal-ventral root and triceps surae nerve-ventral root monosynaptic reflex (MSR) in unanesthetized acute spinal (C-1 sectioned) cats. Guanidine, in a dose of 25 mg/kg, consistently depressed the amplitude of the monosynaptic reflex response while a dose of 200 mg/kg always exerted a facilitatory action. Intermediate doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg produced variable actions on the amplitude of the monosynaptic reflex from one preparation to another. The differential effects of guanidine on the evoked monosynaptic reflex are postulated to represent the ability of the drug to enhance both excitatory and inhibitory transmission, the latter predominating at smaller doses and the former becoming apparent with an increasing dose of guanidine. The facilitatory and the depressant effects of guanidine on the function of spinal reflexes were slow to develop, suggesting an intracellular site of action. These results may have significance for an understanding of the possible efficacy of guanidine in motor neuron disease in man.
Ion decomposition versus molecular size probed by vacuum ultraviolet photoionization.

The molecular size dependence of primary fragmentation is studied for a series of β -naphthyl esters having alkyl chain lengths from C2 to C18. The esters are vaporized at a known ftemperature and ionized by coherent vacuum ultraviolet radiation at 10.5 eV. The photoionization wavelength is energetic enough to cause both metastable and nonmetastable primary fragmentation to m / z 144, but not energetic enough to cause secondary fragmentation to m / z 115 or 116. Under these conditions, the ratio of the nonmetastable-to-metastable daughter ion current, D/mD′ is expected to give a rough indication of the average parent ion dissociation rate. The D / mD ratio decreases with increasing molecular size, but not as quickly as expected by simple RRK theory. This behavior along with temperature dependence studies suggests that the internal energy required for dissociation is provided in substantial part by both the initial thermal internal energy and the energy imparted by the photoionization step. The role of thermal energy in the dissociation of large ions is discussed.
Optimal rank set sampling estimates for a population proportion

This paper examines two different classes of estimates for a population proportion based on an unbalanced rank set sample. Specifically, the two classes correspond to the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and a weighted average (WA) estimate. Both estimators are asymptotically normal, so standard inference procedures can still be implemented. Furthermore, these results can be used to develop optimal allocation schemes for both estimators. The performances of the optimal estimators are studied in terms of both finite sample and asymptotic relative efficiency. In general, the MLE is more efficient than the WA estimate. Lastly, the practicality of the optimal sampling plans is addressed and illustrated via an example.
A case of simple magma mixing in the Columbia River Basalt Group: The Wilbur Creek, Lapwai, and Asotin flows, Saddle Mountains Formation

Three small sequential Saddle Mountains flows, occupying similar areas on the Columbia Plateau, were erupted over a short interval of time. In the Lewiston Basin area the middle flow of the trio (Lapwai) has intermediate mineralogy and lies on a straight mixing line between the other two flows for virtually all twenty-five elements analyzed. Systematic changes in the ratios of incompatible elements demonstrate that these relationships are a result of magma mixing rather than either crystal fractionation or variable degrees of partial melting. The Lapwai flow has a composition approximately midway between the two homogeneous end members and is itself relatively homogeneous. This implies efficient mixing between equal amounts of Asotin and Wilbur Creek magmas and suggests that mixing was completed in a magma reservoir prior to eruption. The Wilbur Creek and Asotin end members have isotopic features which are believed to result from different degrees of assimilation of crustal material by magma derived from an enriched mantle source (Carlson 1984). The mixing processes described here cannot be related to that earlier mantle/crust mixing process.
Benzene chemisorption on palladium surfaces. II. Resonance electron scattering and overtone vibrations.

Inelastic electron scattering from the vibrational modes of benzene chemisorbed on Pd(100) and Pd(111) at room temperature show energy-dependent structure and mode selectivity. The results are characteristic of resonance scattering via temporary negative-ion states. We observe resonance behavior in the totally symmetric C-H stretching mode and its overtones, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{1}^{(n)}$ (n=1,2,3), near 2.5 eV impact energy, and associate it with a gas-phase benzene resonance at higher energy.
Efficiency of antigen presentation differs in mice differing at the Mls locus.

In the mouse, potent primary in vitro proliferation of T cells can be induced by allelic variants of cell-surface glycoproteins, Ia antigens, the genes for which are located in the I region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 17. The only other potent primary proliferative response known is induced by mixing MHC-identical lymphocytes from strains that differ at the locus termed Mls (ref. 1) (for mixed lymphocyte stimulating), which has been mapped to chromosome 1. While it is relatively easy to raise antibodies against Ia antigens, and thus determine both their chemical nature and their role in T-cell stimulation, the nature of the product of the Mls locus has remained obscure. It has been proposed that the Mls locus product is a minor antigen recognized in association with self-Ia antigens2,3, a translocated Ia-like element4, or a mitogenic molecule found on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APC)5. Here, we demonstrate that APCs from mice carrying stimulatory Mls locus alleles present antigen more efficiently to cloned, antigen-specific, Ia-restricted T cells than APCs from mice carrying nonstimulating Mls locus alleles. We propose that the Mls locus does not encode a unique cell-surface antigen at all; we suggest instead that the T-cell proliferative response induced by Mls-locus disparate cells reflects recognition of self-Ia molecules on APCs. If our interpretation is correct, it provides further evidence both for the quantitative nature of self tolerance and for the existence of a distinct recognition site for self-Ia molecules on antigen-specific T lymphocytes.
Measuring chemical loadings through inlets: hillsboro and Boca Raton inlets (Florida, USA)

We describe a cost-effective methodology for obtaining loadings for the environmentally significant chemical species (silicate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and orthophosphate) through coastal inlets (Hillsboro and Boca Raton, Florida, USA). Loadings were computed from field measurements obtained during an 18-month period, including four ebb tide intensive sampling efforts and biweekly water-grab samples.
Measuring efficiency of positive and negative ionic wind devices for comparison to fans and blowers

Abstract Many industries are pursuing alternate air moving devices to reduce the power consumption of their air cooled products. The literature suggests that ionic AMDs have low efficiency. The literature, however, does not define efficiency the same way the computer industry defines it for rotary AMDs. In this study, static efficiency of ionic AMDs was evaluated similar to rotary AMDs. Various emitter to collector distances and various ring lengths, were evaluated for positive and negative coronas. By controlling emitter to collector distance and collector length, efficiencies were obtained more reasonably compared to rotary devices.
Preparation of Measles Antiserum in Horses

SummaryHorses immunized by injection of live Edmonston measles virus in Freund's Arlacelmineral oil adjuvant produced measles antisera of high neutralizing antibody content and in large amount. The response to aqueous measles vaccine was very poor. The antiserum was devoid of bothersome nonspecific substances and was not toxic for human cells in tissue culture. The economic and scientific utility of horses for preparing anti-sera against viruses was discussed.
Validation of Addition and Subtraction of ABR Waveforms

Procedures that use the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to demonstrate binaural interaction, phasic differences, narrow-band derived responses, and adaptation rely on additions and subtractions of waveforms to demonstrate effects that are not evident in the raw waveforms. The purpose of this study was to validate these data manipulations by performing additions and subtractions of waveforms in cases in which the theoretical result should be no difference potential and in cases in which the theoretical result should be a difference potential. The results indicate that additions and subtractions of ABR waveforms are valid data manipulations.
Women biologists and the “old boy” network

Synopsis Women scientists continue to face exclusion from predominantly male “old boy” networks that provide access to important career opportunities. A small national sample of junior faculty in biology—women and men—was surveyed in the present study to determine how women were faring in terms of gaining entry to these networks and the networks' impact on their careers. Women's networks were found to be less effective than men's at providing friendship, especially with higher ranking men, and at helping them gain visibility as professionals. Married women were at an even greater disadvantage than single women. However, women did not perceive their networks to be less effective than men's. The long-range impact of these findings on careers is discussed and compensatory strategies women scientists can use to develop their networks are proposed.
Sequential Injury of the Rabbit Abdominal Aorta Induces Intramural Coagulation and Luminal Narrowing Independent of Intimal Mass Extrinsic Pathway Inhibition Eliminates Luminal Narrowing

Abstract —We hypothesized that activation of the coagulation cascade is involved in arterial remodeling in response to sequential injury. An active site–inhibited recombinant human factor VIIa (FVIIai) was used to inhibit tissue factor, the primary cofactor in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation, in a sequential balloon injury model of the rabbit abdominal aorta. Single balloon injury produced limited intimal thickening at 3 weeks (intimal area, 0.40±0.05 mm2) and no loss in luminal area (12.2±0.9 mm[2][1] before injury and 12.1±0.9 mm[2][1] at 6 weeks after injury). Sequential balloon injury, 3 weeks after the first balloon denudation, produced a progressive loss of lumen, with 22% and 47% loss of luminal area, respectively, at 3 and 6 weeks. Luminal loss could not be accounted for by intimal growth (at 3 weeks after sequential injury, the intimal area was 0.47±0.08 mm2, 0.05). These results indicate that tissue factor is an important mediator of coagulation in repeat injury and implicate the extrinsic coagulation cascade in a blood vessel remodeling response that is independent of neointimal growth but leads to extensive loss of lumen. [1]: #ref-2
Hepatobiliary MRI: current concepts and controversies.

Evaluation of the liver and biliary system is a frequent indication for abdominal MRI. Hepatobiliary MRI comprises a set of noninvasive techniques that are usually very effective in answering most clinical questions. There are significant limitations, however, as well as considerable variation and disagreement regarding the optimal protocols for standard hepatic MRI and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP). This review discusses pulse sequences most often used in hepatic MRI and MRCP, examines a few sources of controversy in the current literature, and summarizes some recent and future developments in the field. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Morbidity and mortality among elderly ambulatory hypertensive patients

A cohort of 1002 elderly (> 65 years) ambulatory hypertensive patients who received care at six Family Practice Residency Clinics in Iowa was studied with an historical prospective design, that is followed progressively through medical records, for nearly four years. All six clinics utilize problem-solving medical records and classify diagnoses according to the International Classification of Health Problems in Primary Care (ICHPPC). A patient was considered to be hypertensive if his/her medical record revealed a diagnosis of hypertension which included the ICHPPC code for hypertension. The fatal events included 102 over-all deaths. Seventy-two of these were cardiovascular deaths according to the Eighth International Classification of Disease A code numbers 390–458. The morbid events were the 37 cerebravascular accidents (CVA) and 27 myocardial infarctions (MI) that also occurred in the cohort during the study or follow-up period. Survival analysis showed that the adjusted risk of CVA is greater than for any other event for the total cohort, those with a potential for systolic hypertension, i.e. diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg at the beginning of the follow-up period and those above and below 75 years of age. This risk is proportional to increasing levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the beginning of the follow-up period. In agreement with the major studies of hypertension in all age groups, this study confirms the strong association between blood pressure and stroke in an elderly ambulatory population.
Intention Preservation in Deterministic Multithreading

In this paper, we present an analogy between the race condition resolution in a multithreaded application, and conflict resolution for concurrent updates in collaborative editing applications. We introduce the intention preservation problem in deterministic multithreading for programs with race conditions. We point out that current state-of-the-art deterministic multithreading approaches do not have any mechanism to preserve the intention of a program when it is instrumented for deterministic execution. Furthermore, we propose a solution for intention preservation in deterministic multithreading provided that the unprotected shared variables are primitive types.
Regionalization of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Japan: Balancing the Proximity Principle with Economic Efficiency

The proximity principle—disposing of waste close to its origin—has been a central value in municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Japan for the last 30 years and its widespread adoption has helped resolve numerous “Not in My Backyard” issues related to MSW management. However, MSW management costs have soared, in large part because of aggressive recycling efforts and because most MSW is incinerated in a country that has scarce landfill capacity. In addition, smaller, less sophisticated incinerators have been closed because of high dioxin emissions. Rising costs combined with the closure of smaller incinerators have shifted MSW management policy toward regionalization, which is the sharing of waste management facilities across municipalities. Despite the increased use of regionalized MSW facilities, the proximity principle remains the central value in Japanese MSW management. Municipal solid waste management has become increasingly regionalized in the United States, too, but different driving forces are at work in these two countries. The transition to regionalized MSW management in Japan results from strong governmental control at all levels, with the central government providing funds and policy direction and prefectures and municipalities being the primary implementing authorities. By contrast, market forces are a much stronger force with US MSW management, where local governments—with state government oversight—have primary responsibility for MSW management. We describe recent changes in Japan’s MSW programs. We examine the connections between MSW facility regionalization, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the proximity principle, coordination among local governments, central government control, and financing mechanisms.
Monoclonal antibodies against a recombinant form of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1: Effects on tissue plasminogen activator neutralizing and vitronectin binding properties

Abstract A panel of eight murine monoclonal antibodies was produced against a recombinant form of plasminogen activator inhibitor- 1 (rPAI-1). All the antibodies recognized active and latent forms of rPAI-1, and rPAI-1 complexed with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) as determined in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Three of the antibodies, FAG9, FAD3 and BBH2, were particularly effective at inhibiting the t-PA neutralizing activity of rPAI-1 as measured in a chromogenic assay. Three different antibodies, DD8E9, FEG7 and FGG7, inhibited the binding of [ 125 I]rPAI-1 to vitronectin immobilized on polystyrene wells. The combination of FGG7 and alkaline phosphatase-labeled BBH2 resulted in a sensitive sandwich ELISA for rPAI-I with detection limits in the range of 1–10 ng. Definition of epitopes recognized by these antibodies will be useful for identifying various domains on PAI-1 involved in its interaction with protease substrates and with its protein cofactor, vitronectin.
Effect of Nurse Navigation on Patient Care Satisfaction and Distress Associated With Breast Biopsy

BACKGROUND Navigation during the biopsy period is a superior approach to delivering care, with those patients receiving services experiencing less distress. Critical nurse navigator roles include providing information and facilitating access to the healthcare system, both of which are influential on distress. The information in this article supports the expansion of navigation programs to include women undergoing biopsy and aids in promoting a higher standard of care. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of navigation on care satisfaction and distress in women undergoing breast biopsy. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design from two outpatient radiology clinics in Appalachia was used. FINDINGS Navigated women had lower scores on every distress measure and were less likely to seek information from an outside source. Women who were more satisfied with their care reported decreased distress; the factors influencing distress varied depending on whether they were the recipient of navigation services. In the non-navigated population, general satisfaction with care and accessibility were more likely to influence distress.
Ultrasonic velocity measurements in frozen model food solutions

Abstract The speed of sound was measured in solutions of sucrose (0–70 wt/vol%), glycerol (0–30 wt/vol%) and orange juice (0–40 solids wt/vol%) as a function of temperature (10 °C to −13 °C). The velocity ( c ) in the unfrozen solutions, including the supercooled samples, could be modeled as a simple linear function of temperature ( T , °C) and composition ( x , wt/vol%): c = c w + k x x + k T T where c w is the speed of sound in water at 0 °C, and k x and k T are solute-dependant constants. There was a large increase in ultrasonic velocity corresponding to freezing in these samples (e.g., an unfrozen 10% sucrose solution has a speed of sound of 1416 m s −1 at −5 °C while a similar frozen solution has a velocity of 1983 m s −1 ). The ice content was estimated from phase diagrams of similar samples and was a linear function of the change in ultrasonic velocity upon freezing for samples
Short-ranged attractions in jammed liquids: how cooling can melt a glass.

We demonstrate that an extended picture of kinetic constraints in glass-forming liquids is sufficient to explain dynamic anomalies observed in dense suspensions of strongly attracting colloidal particles. We augment a simple model of heterogeneous relaxation with static attractions between facilitating excitations, in a way that mimics the structural effect of short-ranged interparticle attractions. The resulting spatial correlations among facilitated and unfacilitated regions give rise to relaxation mechanisms that account for nonmonotonic dependence of relaxation times on attraction strength as well as logarithmic decay of density correlations in time. These unusual features are a simple consequence of spatial segregation of kinetic constraints, suggesting an alternative physical perspective on attractive colloids than that suggested by mode-coupling theory. Based on the behavior of our model, we predict a crossover from super-Arrhenius to Arrhenius temperature dependence as attractions become dominant at fixed packing fraction. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.71.031206
Identifying predictors of emotional exhaustion among special education paraeducators: A preliminary investigation

The purpose of this preliminary study was to identify predictors of emotional exhaustion among special education paraeducators. A sample of 100 paraeducators in public and specialized alternative setting schools was used to determine whether self-reported levels of emotional exhaustion and other job-related factors were reported. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the researcher investigated whether predictors of emotional exhaustion could be determined. Results indicated that a notable level of emotional exhaustion was reported among the sample and that role conflict, emotional demand, sense of efficacy, and supervisor support were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion. The results of this study are intended to be used to guide future studies to further investigate this topic. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The demand for prehospital emergency services in an aging society

This research examines the implications of an aging society on the demand for prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). Using a large comprehensive set of population-based EMS utilization data (N=73 874) and population data from the 1990 Census for the City of Dallas, Texas, rates of utilization for eight age groups were computed for total EMS incidents, incidents requiring transport services, and a sub-category of transport services for individuals requiring services for life-threatening conditions. The pattern of utilization associated with age was found to be tri-modal with rates rising geometrically with age for individuals aged 65 and over. Compared to the age group 45 to 64 years of age, rates of utilization for those aged 85 years and older were 3.4 times higher (P<0.001) for total EMS incidents, 4.5 times higher (P<0.001) for emergency transports and 5.2 times higher (P<0.001) for incidents of a life-threatening nature. A broad categorization of all EMS incidents by reason for requiring services indicates that the observed age-associated increase in utilization is due primarily to medical conditions rather than incidents arising from trauma. Finally, gender and racial/ethnic differences in utilization are briefly considered.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1alpha (HIF1A) Mediates Distinct Steps of Rat Trophoblast Differentiation in Gradient Oxygen

Defective differentiation of invasive, placental trophoblast cells has been associated with several pregnancy-related disorders. This study examines the molecular, functional, and morphological differentiation of lineage-specific, trophoblast giant cells under a gradient of oxygen concentrations. Low oxygen (3%) inhibited differentiation, but this inhibition was relieved in a stepwise fashion with increasing levels of oxygen. The oxygen-sensitive hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1A) is a major transcriptional regulator of the cellular response to low oxygen, and increased HIF1A protein levels and activity corresponded with the maintenance of the stem cell-like state and inhibition of trophoblast differentiation in low oxygen. Furthermore, constitutive expression of an oxygen-insensitive, active form of HIF1A protein mimicked the effects of low oxygen, inhibiting the differentiation of trophoblast giant cells. This study is the first to delineate the stepwise effects of oxygen on the activation of the trophoblast giant cell differentiation process and establishes a new paradigm from which to investigate trophoblast differentiation. In addition, this is the first reported study to demonstrate that constitutive HIF1A activity mediates oxygen's inhibition of differentiation. These results suggest that a dysregulation of HIF1A could contribute to impaired placental development.
Audism: Exploring the Metaphysics of Oppression

This article traces the development of the concept of "audism" from its inception in the mid-1970s by exploring three distinct dimensions of oppression: individual, institutional, and metaphysical. Although the first two aspects of audism have been identified, there is a deeply rooted belief system regarding language and human identity that is yet to be explored within the context of audism. This article attempts to expose how our particular historical and philosophical constructions of language and being have created what French philosopher Jacques Derrida calls phonocentrism. Although Derrida does not discuss audism, his deconstruction of the Western notion of language provides a lens through which we can better see the orientation that has provided fertile ground out of which individual and institutional audism has flourished.
Culture of Honor and Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence in Latinos

Adherence to culture of honor is examined in relationship to attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) in Latinos. Prior research suggests that high honor culture adherence may be associated with more tolerance for IPV. In the present study, Latino participants (N = 72) completed questionnaires on culture of honor and attitudes toward various aspects of IPV, including attitudes toward the violence itself, toward the perpetrator, toward the victim, and toward victim help-seeking. High and low reputation threat conditions were depicted in vignettes of IPV to manipulate for honor adherence. Findings suggest that participants who adhere more greatly to culture of honor are more accepting of IPV, more approving of the perpetrator, and less approving of seeking help.
Technological advances in the study of HLA-DRA promoter regulation: extending the functions of CIITA, Oct-1, Rb, and RFX.

Several advances were established in examining the interaction of transcriptional factors with the HLA-DRA promoter. First, hydrodynamic injection was used to demonstrate the activation of the promoter by class II transactivator in a live mouse. Second, the Oct-1 DNAbinding site in the HLA-DRA promoter is a negative element in many cells, but here we show that Oct-1 activates the promoter independently of the Oct-1-binding site. Third, the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein is required for the induction of the endogenous HLA-DRA gene, due to a poorly understood, pleiotropic effect on the Oct-1 and YY1 repressive functions at the HLA-DRA promoter. There has never been an indication that direct promoter activation, by Rb, is possible. Here, we report that the first HLA-DRA intron has an Rb-responsive element, as indicated by a transient transfection/promoter reporter assay. Finally, RFX activates a methylated version of an HLA-DRA promoter reporter construct, consistent with the role of RFX in rescuing the expression of the methylated, endogenous HLA-DRA gene. Here, we report that this RFX function is not limited to a specific RFX-binding sequence or to the HLA-DRA promoter. These advances provide bases for novel investigations into the function of the major histocompatibility class II promoter.
Shaping achievement goal orientations in a mastery-structured environment and concomitant changes in related contingencies of self-worth

Across three time-points spanning 9 months, changes in achievement goal orientations and contingencies of self-worth were assessed as a function of participating in a mastery-structured academic program for high-ability adolescents (N = 126). Endorsement of mastery goal orientations increased during the program and remained high even after students returned to their home learning environments. In contrast, performance-approach and performance-avoidance goal orientations decreased during the summer program, but returned to previous levels when assessed 6 months later. Latent growth curve models assessed the covariation of performance goal orientations and two contingencies of self-worth (outperforming others and others’ approval) hypothesized to represent elements of performance goal orientations. Changes in the contingency of self-worth based on outperforming others positively covaried with observed changes in both performance goal orientations; however, changes in self-worth contingent on others’ approval did not. Results are discussed in terms of mastery-structured environments’ potential to alter achievement goal orientations via their underlying psychological processes. Implications for achievement goal theory and the design of achievement-oriented environments are discussed.
Resolution enhancement of video sequences with simultaneous estimation of the regularization parameter

We propose a technique for the estimation of the regularization parameter for image resolution enhancement (superresolution) based on the assumptions that it should be a function of the regularized noise power of the data and that its choice should yield a convex functional whose minimization would give the desired high-resolution image. The regularization parameter acts adaptively to determine the trade-off between fidelity to the received data and prior information about the image. Experimental results are presented and conclusions are drawn.
C3H male mice with severe combined immunodeficiency cannot clear a urethral infection with a human serovar of Chlamydia trachomatis.

The pathogenesis of an infection of the male genitourinary tract of mice with a human serovar of Chlamydia trachomatis has not been characterized. To establish a new model, we inoculated C3H/HeN (H-2k) mice in the meatus urethra with C. trachomatis serovar D. To determine the 50% infectious dose (ID50), male mice were inoculated with doses ranging from 102 to 106 inclusion-forming units (IFU). The mice were euthanized 10 days post infection (p.i.), and the urethra, bladder, epididimydes, and testes were cultured for Chlamydia. Positive cultures were obtained from the urethra, urinary bladder, and epididimydes, and the ID50 was determined to be 5 × 104 IFU/mouse. Subsequently, to characterize the course of the infection, wild-type (WT) and C3H animals with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID animals) were inoculated with 106 IFU/mouse (20 times the ID50). In the WT mice, the infection peaked in the second week, and by 42 days p.i., it was cleared. In contrast, most of the SCID mice continued to have positive cultures at 60 days p.i. C. trachomatis-specific antibodies were first detected in WT animals' sera at 21 days p.i. and increased until 42 days p.i. The immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) titers were 32-fold higher than those of IgG1, indicative of a Th1-biased immune response. A lymphoproliferative assay using splenocytes showed a significant cell-mediated immune response in the WT mice. As expected, no humoral or cell-mediated immune responses were observed in the SCID animals. In conclusion, inoculation of WT male mice in the meatus urethra with a human serovar of C. trachomatis resulted in a limited infection mainly localized to the lower genitourinary tract. On the other hand, SCID animals could not clear the infection, suggesting that in male mice, the adaptive immune response is necessary to control an infection with a C. trachomatis human serovar.